Brought to you by

Viewsonic ViewPad 7 Coming In January

Gizmodo AU

Almost 12 months after Apple announced the iPad, the tablet competition is still a bit lacking. Aside from the Galaxy Tab and the cheap tablets from the Telcos, there isn’t a lot to get excited about. But one of the better tablets on display at IFA this year has been announced for Australia – the Viewsonic ViewPad 7 will hit shelves in January.

Running a 600MHz Qualcomm processor, running Froyo and with built in HSPA connectivity, the ViewPad 7 will sell for an RRP of $699. Viewsonic are also launching their 10-inch Windows 7 tablet for $799, although there’s no reason why anybody ever should purchase a tablet running Windows.

ViewSonic Australia launches the ViewPad 7 – “It’s All About You!”
A smartphone, computer, game centre and e-book all combined in one device

Sydney, Australia, December 1, 2010 – ViewSonic, global technology provider and renowned worldwide leader of visual display products today revealed the ViewPad 7 – the intelligent communicating tablet PC that transforms today’s digital lifestyle.

Flaunting a slim 11.5 millimetres form factor and light 375 grams load, the ViewPad 7 features a 7” multi-touch screen presenting portability and power in a sleek, yet sturdy package. The ViewPad 7 eliminates the need for additional electronic devices, integrating unique and innovative tasks such as full mobile phone functionality, computing and gaming, along with e-book capabilities. Powered by the latest Google Android 2.2 operating system, work, lifestyle and entertainment needs are met in an amazing all-in-one tablet device with access to over 100,000 applications.

Beyond its exquisite exterior, the ViewPad 7 boasts mighty impressive solutions which allow users to get digitally connected and enjoy unparalleled visual effects that smartphones cannot offer. Value-added services include Android Market, Google Maps, Voice Search, Gmail, YouTube, as well as 3G video calls, GPS navigation, dual 3D speakers, high resolution image support and audio visual entertainment, Documents-to-Go and the list goes on. Through Android Market, users can download a variety of applications to personalise their ViewPad 7.

William Tse, Country Manager at ViewSonic Australia, said, “ViewSonic recognised the rapid growth of mobile internet access and communications demands around the world. The tablet market is on the rise with growth anticipated to at least double within the next 12 months. That is why ViewSonic has launched the new ViewPad 7 tablet. In this cloud computing era, the ViewPad 7 will bring to life the idea of personalised, real-time, convenient network connectivity services to new levels.”

Featuring 3G HSDPA, the ViewPad 7 is a smart work centre that also offers extensive office support. Check emails and browse the web on the go, plus the exclusive Documents-to-Go software package assists with executing daily tasks using Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and PDF software. Dual webcams installed on both sides of the ViewPad 7 complement the built-in communication software. Visual conferences transmit closer and family moments are more intimate. The 3.0 megapixel image quality and auto-focus lens also inspires users to explore directing or professional photography.

The ViewPad 7 also supports microSD card for maximum storage capacity and is equipped with Bluetooth for wireless communication devices. The device can receive spoken commands through advanced voice recognition – email addresses, software, documents and web pages can be promptly and precisely read out aloud. Built-in GPS/AGPS, Google Maps and advanced navigation software helps travellers find the best way to their destination. Furthermore, the ViewPad 7 is light as a book and extensive as a library with its e-book functionality. A multi-touch screen and auto-rotation enriches the reading experience utilising applications and integrated Aliko software.

The ViewSonic ViewPad 7 and ViewPad 10 will be available in Australia from January 2011. RRP: ViewPad 7 – AU$699 inc GST, ViewPad 10 – AU$799 inc GST.

Discuss

(8 Comments)
  • [–]

    olearymo

    Tuesday, December 7, 2010 at 9:33 AM

    600mhz? $700?

    This is getting a little depressing.

  • [–]

    Glenn

    Tuesday, December 7, 2010 at 11:06 AM

    I think your comments about no-one needing a tablet running Windows is a bit harsh. I’m waiting for a Windows 7 tablet so I can actually run the applications I want, not the applications that Apple/Google tell me I can install.

    However if the ViewPad 10 only has the 600mhz processor, I will pass and continue waiting for the Asus eeepad.

  • [–]

    GeoffC

    Tuesday, December 7, 2010 at 12:21 PM

    ‘although there’s no reason why anybody ever should purchase a tablet running Windows’

    Uhh ohh – Sounds like a fanboy ! ! !

    I agree with Glenn – I can’t wait to get a Win7 Tablet that can utelise my existing network Security/Infrastructure and run Windows specific Applications within our Corp environment.

    Much easier than trying to get an iPad or Android device to do the same.

    Having said that, I LOVE my iPad ! Use it daily for the things I dont want a work tool for – Magazines, Apps, Movies, eBooks…

    GC

  • [–]

    Josh

    Tuesday, December 7, 2010 at 12:43 PM

    Wow, 600mhz for that price feels a bit dated for the current market. But after looking at your review I’d like to get my hands on it and have a looksie first hand.

  • [–]

    Wok

    Tuesday, December 7, 2010 at 12:53 PM

    Errr… you can do more on a Windows tablet than an iPad and for that matter you could get one before too.

    • [–]

      Simon Reidy

      Tuesday, December 7, 2010 at 3:22 PM

      Spoken like somebody who has never used one.

      Windows 7 isn’t built for touch. Its a fu#$ing nightmare trying to navigate around it with your fingers. Plus its not in any way optimised for a good tablet experience so the OS needs crazy specs to run well and has woeful battery life.

      If you need Windows 7, use a laptop or netbook. Tablets need software that is specifically designed for them. That’s why the iPad is such a success. Every app available is natively optimised for it’s 1024×768 screen and capacitive touch input.

      • [–]

        ranga

        Tuesday, December 7, 2010 at 5:46 PM

        Well said Simon Reidy.

        Also did anyone else find the comment …”The 3.0 megapixel image quality and auto-focus lens also inspires users to explore directing or professional photography” absolutely hilarious??

  • [–]

    dmag87

    Tuesday, December 7, 2010 at 1:26 PM

    Uh… could you get a worse photo for this thing? It certainly doesn’t look exquisite…

Join The Discussion