ViewSonic rolls out $200 ViewPad 7e Android tablet
We've already seen it available for pre-order at Amazon and spent a bit of time with it ourselves last month, but ViewSonic's only just now officially getting its ViewPad 7e Android tablet out the door. It'll be available by the end of the month if it hasn't hit retailers already and, as expected, it will set you back an even $200. That unfortunately only buys you Android 2.3 (with an SPB shell on top) and not Honeycomb, but the specs are otherwise somewhat decent for the price, including a 1GHz ARM A8 processor, dual cameras, a "RiteTouch" 7-inch capacitive display, 4GB of storage with a microSD card slot for expansion, and HDMI output. As is often the case with low-end tablets, however, one key omission is official support for the Android Market, but you do at least get access to Amazon's Appstore, as well as plenty of pre-loaded apps including Twitter, Kindle, and TuneIn Radio.
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ViewSonic Introduces New Sub-$200 Android-Based Tablet
ViewPad® 7e with ViewScene™ 3D interface is performance-packed at an irresistible price
Monday, October 24th, 2011
WALNUT, Calif. – ViewSonic Corp., a leading global provider of computing, consumer electronics and communications solutions, today expanded its ViewPad tablet lineup to include the new ViewPad 7e.
Created with the economical consumer in mind, while offering the newest and most in-demand features, the ViewPad 7e is ViewSonic's latest addition to the successful ViewPad tablet lineup. This convenient 7" Android™ 2.3 Gingerbread tablet combines a powerful 1GHz processor that is excellent for flash video and web browsing. The included Amazon Services for Android and Amazon Kindle™ for Android applications create a great tablet and e-reading device. With pre-installed apps like Twitter, TuneIn Radio and WildTangent games, a service for convenient browsing, downloading and purchasing of online and social games, the ViewPad 7e delivers a layered, intuitive experience that is sure to please all ages and wallets.
ViewSonic has further improved the Gingerbread experience with its exclusive ViewScene 3D interface to deliver an intuitive home screen layout with holographic visual effects. With the new ViewSonic user interface, usability and navigation is unparalleled. Users can quickly get up to speed and customize their favorite apps, delivered directly from the Android storefront.
With its RiteTouch technology and multi-touch capability, it's easy to write directly on the ViewPad 7e's 800×600 LED backlit screen. It is perfect for note taking in the classroom, or highlighting excerpts within a novel or textbook. RiteTouch technology makes it easy to swipe across content, zoom in and out, and scroll through emails using either a fingertip or a stylus. Texting couldn't be easier with the built-in Swype™ keyboard, making typing lightening fast right out of the box.
Whether experiencing 1080p video playback via the Micro HDMI connection, enjoying Flash 10.3 based applications, or engaging in video chats or taking photos using the dual cameras (3MP rear, VGA 0.3MP front), the ViewPad 7e delivers a robust yet cost-effective multimedia experience. In addition to 4GB of internal storage, the ViewPad 7e offers up to 32GB of additional storage capacity via the micro SD card slot. Teamed with Wi-Fi® 802.11 g/b/n and Bluetooth® support, consumers are able to stay connected to all their favorite multimedia content wherever they go. For added convenience and functionality, the ViewPad 7e offers ViewSonic's AirSync® technology to ensure that tablet owners will receive over-the-air device updates as they are rolled out, from feature add-ons to software updates.
The ViewPad 7e will be available in North America at the end of October for an ESP of $199.99. Latin America will follow with product availability in November.
