Quick off the blocks
Display giant ViewSonic has beaten many more established device-makers to the punch with the launch of its own Android tablet. This is a seven inch model running the latest version of Android - 2.2, otherwise known as Froyo - and includes full phone functionality.
ViewSonic has been dabbling in the system-builder game for a couple of years now, but previously all its products has a bit of a ‘me too' feel to them, such as netbooks a year after everyone else. With this launch, called the ViewPad 7, Viewsonic is showing it's capable of being among the trailblazers.
The ViewPad 7 is designed with video calling in mind - featuring back and forward facing cameras. It also has a capacitive multi-touch screen, GPS, e-reader and a Micro SD slot.
"We are proud to announce another world first at Viewsonic," said Derek Wright, European product marketing manager. "3G phone functionality combined with dual cameras gives the ability for use of Android apps to use augmented reality or video calling on the move with the benefit of an excellent 7" screen. The ViewPad 7 is aimed at users who require the ‘always on' connectivity they are used to from a mobile phone with a more agreeable screen size for longer term use."
The pricing and availability are pretty competitive too. Viewsonic expects the ViewPad 7 to have a stand-alone price of no more than £350 and will be available to buy by the middle of October.