ViewSonic ViewPad 7: Tablet and Phone, With No Contract

The ViewPad 7 marks the ViewSonic's very first foray into the tablet arena. The gadget packs a fair variety of features into its squared-off 7-inch frame--most notably the capability to take care of 3G data along with the capability to double like a cellphone (should you pay for the voice program and insert a SIM card to the slot). Regrettably, the ViewPad seven disappoints in other respects, which includes screen quality, button navigation, and battery daily life. And you will pay out dearly with the contract-free flexibility of the ViewPad, which can be priced at $430 as of January 31, 2011.

The unit runs Android two.two (Froyo), equally as the Dell Streak 7 does, but Its configuration isn't as beefy; the ViewPad seven carries 512MB of internal memory, a 600MHz Qualcomm MSM7227 ARM11CPU, and 512MB of user-accessible flash memory (upgradable to 32GB by way of the microSD Card slot). Between its other features really are a 3G radio, 802.11b/g Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connectivity.

The ViewPad 7 incorporates a 7-inch capacitive multitouch LCD screen, with 800-by-480-pixel resolution--lower compared to resolution from the Samsung Galaxy Tab. I found the LCD display as well brilliant for studying textbooks and documents for in excess of about ten minutes. Text looked pixelated, together with the dots in the letters distractingly simple to see.

The tablet's photograph good quality and video good quality ended up much better. Colors looked brilliant and vivid, and I discovered pixelation only although viewing the tablet's dwell wallpaper. However, the colours lacked the vibrancy of people around the Samsung Galaxy Tab.

The ViewPad 7 also features a mini-USB connector, for attaching a data/charging cable in your Personal computer. Not like some tablets--including the Galaxy Tab along with the Barnes & Noble Nook Color--ViewSonic's tablet can charge off a USB port.

ViewSonic claims that the lithium-polymer rechargeable battery will last for 4 to 6 hours of continuous use and for 60 hours of standby time, but in my testing the battery lasted for only about 2 hours of continuous use.

The ViewPad 7's overall design--which capabilities a flat back and rounded edges--is pleasing, though it's not especially streamlined or sexy. The tablet is a hair thinner compared to Galaxy Tab as well as the Apple iPad, in at 0.45 inch thic, and it weighs 14 ounces--1 ounce more than the Galaxy Tab. Four navigational buttons occupy the bottom of the machine (when you hold it vertically): one each for menu, settings, Web search, and back.

The ViewPad comes loaded with a largely stock version of Android two.two, albeit one that includes such Google mobile services as Android Market and Maps navigation. Integration with your Gmail and other Google apps is quick and simple, thanks to the Google support. The one obvious variation is the vaguely three-dimensional scrolling effect of the apps menu.

Accessing my e-mail within the tablet was quick, and typing around the ViewPad7's on-screen Android keyboard was a pleasure thanks to the screen's responsiveness as well as the pop-up letters that appeared as I typed. I had no trouble downloading apps and games, either; Angry Birds took less than a minute to download and run about the machine.

Preloaded apps include Paperwork to Go and Aldiko's impressive eReader app (which supports TXT, HTML, E-PUB and PDF, and has an on-board library and bookstore to keep your collection growing).

ViewSonic threw in a leatherette protective case for your ViewPad 7. Though aesthetically pleasing, the case proved to be something of a hindrance because it blocked access to some in the ports and volume buttons.

The ViewPad 7 follows the dual-camera trend by providing both a front-facing camera and a rear-facing camera, though neither was particularly impressive. The front-facing camera is a skimpy 0.3-megapixel unit, along with the back-facing camera is a 3-megapixel version with auto-focus but no flash. Though image top quality was marginal, I appreciated the movie chat capabilities; you may need to download an app to take advantage of movie chat.

Making phone calls within the ViewPad seven was a bit awkward due to the tablet's size: It's as well large to use as a traditional phone. But for conducting calls via speakerphone or for video clip chatting, it's comfortable and works well.

The biggest dings against this device are its menu navigation, slow speed, poor battery lifestyle, and bulky design. At $430, it's one from the better contract-free Android 2.2 tablets, but that's small consolation given the caveats.