ViewSonic ViewPad 10e has a 10-inch IPS screen to show off Gingerbread

In its latest entry into the tablet market, ViewSonic seems to be doing everything right. The ViewPad 10e (an update to the previous model) has a 9.7-inch, 1024 x 768 IPS display that should please just about everybody, a 1GHz processor, ample expansion jacks including HDMI, MicroSD and a standard MicroUSB port. It’s got a 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera for video chat, and if ViewSonic’s previous Android tablets are anything to go by, the Wi-Fi slate should be priced to move as well.


But wait, why does a Honeycomb tablet need capacitive buttons on the front? Oh, right. The ViewPad 10e is running Gingerbread, much like other non-Google-blessed Android tablets out there. That means you won’t get access to the Android Market or apps like Gmail and YouTube, either. ViewSonic is nice enough to include the Amazon Kindle app, their custom ViewScene 3D user interface and the 1Mobile Apps Store for your software needs.

Other specs include a spacious 5400 mAh battery, 4GB of on-board storage, a microphone (not always a given) and  Bluetooth 3.0. The tablet will be able to output 720p video, but that might put the single-core processor and 512Mb of memory to the test. ViewSonic is claiming an impressive 200 hours of standby battery life from the 9.1mm device, which should make e-readers happy. No pricing or availability has been announced, but expect it in Europe soon with a possible North American release to follow.

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ViewSonic ViewPad 7x hits the FCC

The folks over at the FCC are most probably enjoying themselves with the kinds of job they have – checking out devices even before they’re ready for a mass market release. Among the devices that saw action at the FCC recently would be the Viewsonic ViewPad 7x tablet device that picked up nods of approval for its Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities.
The kind of hardware that the ViewPad 7x packs is pretty ordinary- – we’re talking about a simple 7″ form factor at 1,024 x 600 resolution, Android 3.2 Honeycomb (at least that takes care of any form of future operating system updates, a dual-core 1GHz Nvidia Tegra 2 processor, a 2-megapixel camera at the front and a higher resolution 5-megapixel camera behind, not to mention 8GB of internal memory.
The slated $379 price point is far from what the $199 Kindle Fire offers, so it would be interesting to see this mid-range tablet fit into the grand scheme of things as it is released later this month.

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ViewSonic V430 Android smartphone appears in Russia

ViewSonic is back today with another Android handset spotted in Russia. You might not remember many Android phones from ViewSonic but they had the V350 and then the scary ViewPad 4. Today we have the V430 Android 2.2 FroYo smartphone — Yes sadly we said Froyo but we have hopes it might get a boost to some Gingerbread.

This time around it appears ViewSonic learned their lesson after the atrocious ViewPad 4 because the V430 is thin, sleek, and looks quite nice from first impressions. It has a slick design that is similar to most, all while differing enough to be its own device. The name says it all (V430) and this will be rocking a 4.3″ display but resolution and type remains unknown.

Unfortunately like we mentioned above it seems ViewSonic for some unknown reason is going with the old and outdated Android 2.2 FroYo with the V430 rather than the latest 2.3 Gingerbread we’ve all been enjoying for a while now. We hope to hear more details and possibly see an updated version. Along with the 4.3″ screen we have a 1.0 Ghz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, a 5 MP camera around the rear and VGA front, then the usual Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and sensors like most smartphones these days. So, Android 2.2 should have a neat user interface over the top to keep things simple and fresh. The V430 is set to debut in Russia although our Russian spies have no further details on other markets planned, or a price at the moment but we will keep digging.
[via Unwired View]

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ViewSonic ViewPad 10pro Hands-On [Video]

We’ve all seen the ViewSonic ViewPad 7x and ViewPad 7e – and now we have some special hands-on treatment for the ViewPad 10pro. We previously believed the 10pro would be dual booting Android 2.2 and Windows 7. However, what makes this slate special is that it doesn’t natively run Android OS. Through the help of BlueStacks, Android applications run seamlessly over Windows 7. Take a closer look below to view the BlueStacks integration as well as some recent UI enhancements made for the 7e and 7x.

We were live at the official launch at Pepcom’s Holiday Spectacular 2011 to see these three tablets up close and personal. Earlier this year at Mobile World Congress 2011, we were able to catch a glimpse of the ViewPad 10pro, but mistook BlueStacks integration for dual-booting. Though these launched internationally on the first of September, Chris Burns appears in the the US launch clip below.



As you can see, the 10pro can switch from Android to Windows 7 extremely quickly. BlueStacks was previously explained in great detail earlier this year, and from the looks of it we’ll be seeing this software implemented into future Windows 7 slates. Android applications seem to run great on the ViewPad 10pro’s Intel Atom Z670. Remember, 2GB of RAM were included in this tab so it shouldn’t be too sluggish when multitasking.

The two 7″ ViewPad 7x and 7e were both running the SPB Shell 3D homescreen replacement application in the video demonstration; if this home replacement looks like something you would want running on your own device, it has been available for download in the Android Market. Though the 7x and 7e are not yet available in the US, they will be very soon.

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Viewsonic ViewPad 7e Tab $199 Pre-Order available at Amazon

ViewSonic recently showed us their new budget Android tablet offering the ViewPad 7e, and today it is available for pre-order over at amazon.com already.


It may not be the best tablet offering around, or come with Honeycomb but for $199 it will more than get the job done. What you get is a 7″ 1024 x 600 resolution display, Android 2.3 Gingerbread, 1 Ghz cpu with 512MB of RAM, 4GB internal storage and a few cameras. We also have micro USB and mini HDMI-out is there too for those in need. Overall this is a good for those that don’t need the best but would like a tablet.
Currently listed for pre-order at $199 on Amazon but they don’t give any indication of a shipping or release date. We haven’t heard anything else regarding this tablet from Viewsonic but from what we heard at IFA it would be available “next month” so it should be shipping soon enough.
[via Amazon]

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ViewSonic ViewPad 7x Android 3.2 Tab Hands-on [Video]

ViewSonic is bringing their own 7″ Android 3.2 Tab to the market and we have some details for you. Hanging out at IFA 2011 the team was able to get some hands-on video with the device as well as all the juicy details. We mentioned the ViewPad 7x earlier today but now we have pictures and video for you to check out after the break.

I must warn you the video has a bit of background noise as it was an extremely busy event over in Berlin, Germany, today so you’ll have to bear with us but the details are audible. What we have in the ViewSonic ViewPad 7x is an Android 3.2 Honeycomb tab with an NVIDIA Tegra 2 dual-core CPU at 1.0 Ghz, 1GB of RAM and comes with an 8GB and 16GB flavor. We have a 7″ 1024 x 600 resolution display, a rear facing 5 mp camera with LED flash (720p video) with 2 MP front for video chat.

For connectivity, we have micro-HDMI for 1080p video out, micro USB, stereo speakers, and a micro SD slot to expand storage all neatly on the bottom of the device. ViewSonic has said it will offer a Wi-Fi only model first but they do plan to bring a 3G HSPA+ model to market soon. I really like the Viewscene 3D UI they’ve added, it looks quite spiffy and you can check it out with the video and pictures below.



Sadly they still mention that extremely steep 349 Euros price tag which is around $499 USD, a price that should absolutely be lower for a 7″ Tablet. We should see the ViewSonic ViewPad 7x Android 3.2 Tab hit the streets in late September.
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ViewSonic Launches ViewPad 10pro and 7x Tablets

ViewSonic has a few Android tablets up their sleve and have been teasing us with them over the past month or so, but today they are a bit more official at IFA 2011. We have both the dual-boot Android 2.3 and Win 7 ViewPad 10pro, and the 7″ ViewPiad 7x Android 3.2 Tablet. We confirmed these back in May and they are headed to the shelves soon.

We first heard about the ViewPad 7x way back in early May then saw a press photo later showing just how thin they plan this device to be. The ViewPad 7x is a dual-core NVIDIA Tegra 2 powered Android 3.2 Honeycomb tablet on a 7″ display. They were planning to offer the first 7″ Honeycomb Tab but Acer beat em to it with the A100 Tab. The ViewPad 7x sports the custom 3D ViewScene skin UI over Honeycomb and will come in an 8GB version, sadly rumors suggest a $499 price tag but hopefully they’ve rethought out pricing or it might not sell too well.
Next up we have the ViewPad 10pro, while we’ve heard plenty about this already lets recap. This is a dual-boot Android 2.3 Gingerbread and Windows 7 tablet with the Intel Atom based 1.5 Ghz single-core processor. Sadly no Honeycomb here but the dual-boot properties should make more than a few users happy. It comes with 2GB of DDR2 RAM, 16 and 32GB flavors and a 10.1″ 1024×600 resolution display. Along with Android the 32GB ViewPad 10pro will be offered with Windows 7 Professional and run an EST $699 while the 16GB model will operate under Win 7 Home Premium and will cost slightly less at $599.

We should be seeing more soon on both of these tablets so stay tuned. We also are hearing about a 7e budget friendly tablet that will come later in Q4.

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ViewSonic ViewPad 7x will debut in late September for €349

The ViewSonic ViewPad 7x was shown back in May at computex, and it looks like it will finally make its debut in late September for €349 which equates to £310 based on today’s exchange rate.
It will come with Android 3.2, a 7-inch (1024 x 600) screen, dual cameras, and include the full version of the LogMeIn Ignition remote desktop app. ViewSonic is making a big deal on the fact that they are using “injection moulding” for extra durability.
What are your thoughts? A lot of people are digging the 7-inch form factor so this one could be popular.

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ViewSonic ViewPad 10 Finally Gets 2.2, Making Dual-Boot Worthwhile

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On paper, the ViewPad 10 was a really cool device, bringing dual-booting to those people that needed (or just wanted) both some Android and some Windows 7 features. It was like a software peanut butter and jelly sandwich. In practice, the problem came with the fact that the tablet came with Android 1.6, an outdated version of the software that was lacking some pretty big features. Well, anyone toting the ViewPad will be happy to know that the tablet will be receiving an update to 2.2, making that Android boot a lot more useful. The downside here is that in order to install the update, you need to upload it to a thumb drive and then plug in that thumb drive and a USB keyboard into the tablet. But that’s a small challenge for a big upgrade, right? Full press release after the break.

ViewSonic Updates Android OS for ViewPad® 10 Tablet
The Best of Both Worlds Just Got Better With Windows® 7 and Google AndroidTM 2.2
WALNUT, CA–(Marketwire – May 3, 2011) – Following its recent North American availability announcement for the ViewPad 10, ViewSonic Corp., a leading global provider of computing, consumer electronics and communications solutions, today released details on how ViewPad 10 users can update their system to Android 2.2.
The 10.1″ ViewPad 10 gives users a choice between Windows 7 and Google Android within the same device, making this tablet ideal for business users looking to maximize productivity while simultaneously enjoying the device for entertainment purposes.
“The ViewPad 10 allows business users to take their desktops with them, running the same Windows-based apps they are used to on a tablet form factor,” said Adam Hanin, vice president of marketing for ViewSonic Americas. “We responded to customer feedback and made available a free and easy-to-install Android 2.2 update. As additional supported code is available, we will share further updates to continue delivering on our promise of offering the best of both worlds.”
Packed with a high speed Intel® Atom™ 1.66GHz processor and integrated 2GB of memory, the ViewPad 10 is a mobile computing powerhouse. Designed for today’s business applications, the ViewPad 10 enables users to take Windows on the road, allowing access to Flash-based content and programs like Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Adobe Acrobat. With the Android 2.2 platform just a switch away, the ViewPad 10 is the perfect companion for those looking to work, play and share on the go. Paired with convenient features such as expandable memory, built-in Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR and 1.3 megapixel built-in front camera, this dual-OS device is sure to grow with each user’s professional and personal needs.
The dual-OS ViewPad 10 now ships with Android 2.2 and either Windows 7 Home Premium (with a 16GB SSD hard drive) or Windows 7 Professional (with a 32GB SSD hard drive) for respective ESPs of $599 and $679. For full instructions on updating your ViewPad 10, visit http://www.viewsonic.com/assets/113/21936.pdf or call 800-888-8583.
For more information on ViewSonic’s products, please visit ViewSonic.com or follow ViewSonic on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

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