ViewSonic ViewPad 7
Manufacturer: ViewSonic Corp. Part number: VIEWPAD7
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Accessories
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The ViewPad 7 offers a solid platform for Android 2.2, but it comes off as an oversize, overpriced smartphone--not a Netbook alternative.
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CNET editors' review
ViewSonic ViewPad 7 price range: $249.95 - $699.00
- Reviewed by: Donald Bell
- Reviewed on: 12/09/2010
- Released on: 12/13/2010
The good: The ViewSonic ViewPad 7 delivers Android 2.2 on a 7-inch screen, with a powerful processor and rear- and front- facing cameras.
The bad: The ViewPad 7 is a doppelganger for the Samsung Galaxy Tab and shares many of its shortcomings, including a frustrating keyboard and awkward size. Lacks camera flash. Bring your own memory card.
The bottom line: The ViewPad 7 offers a solid platform for Android 2.2, but it comes off as an oversize, overpriced smartphone--not a Netbook alternative.
The ViewSonic ViewPad 7 is a 7-inch Android tablet that answers the call for a carrier-agnostic alternative to the Samsung Galaxy Tab. Priced around $450, the ViewPad 7 offers an impressive spec sheet, Android Market access, and all the accoutrements of Android 2.2. It isn't an iPad killer, but its accessible SIM and memory card make it one of the most flexible high-end Android tablets available.
Design
The ViewPad 7 is a bit of a brick, with its squared-off edges and paperback dimensions. A few editors remarked on how the silver plastic bezel that wraps around the edge makes it look like a giant iPhone 4. Measuring 4.3 inches tall, 7 inches wide, and .5 inch thick, the ViewPad 7 is slightly more pocketable than the Galaxy Tab, and takes up less than half the space of an iPad.
The screen sports an 800x480 resolution, and is covered with scratch-resistant glass. Like on most Android products, there are four touch-sensitive buttons that run along the screen, providing keys for Home, Menu, Search, and Back. We think ViewSonic's home button looks more like a mushroom cloud than a house, but maybe that says more about us than the product.
A front-facing 0.3-megapixel camera is squeezed into the top left corner of the screen, and is compatible with video chat applications such as Fring. On the back, a 3-megapixel camera sits near the center, but lacks the camera flash found on similar Android tablets, such as the Dell Streak and Galaxy Tab. Still, two cameras are better than none--which is what you'd get on the iPad.
The bottom of the ViewPad 7 includes ports for USB (data/charge) and headphones. A nice headset is included with multiple ear-tip fittings, remote button, and microphone (for voice calls and voice search). Slim speaker grilles are found on the left and right edges, along with a power button on the left that doubles as a sleep/wake control. Across the top you'll find volume buttons and a covered port for a microSD memory card and cellular SIM card.
Overall, the hardware design is solid and well-executed, if a bit forgettable, like many tablets. Unfortunately, once you boot it up, the bloom comes off the rose. A minimum of effort seems to have gone into applying the user interface of the Android 2.2 OS to the ViewPad's 7-inch screen. For example, the dock positions a call button as a primary feature. Granted, the ViewPad's voice-calling feature works well (provided you supply your own SIM card), but it seems an unlikely primary use.
The lack of interface polish really rears its head when you use the onscreen keyboard. There are three keyboard layouts available: QWERTY, 12-key (with letters grouped three per button, as on a feature phone), and CooTek T+. You can switch between keyboard layouts by swiping left and right (a fact not immediately apparent), but the end result is an unnecessary kludge of mobile phone keyboards on a device that really deserves one great QWERTY. Instead, you get a QWERTY that lacks multitouch support and hides common characters such as exclamation marks. With e-mail and messaging being such a big part of why people are drawn to tablets, a half-baked keyboard is a big negative.
Features
The ViewPad 7 offers the full, undiluted Android 2.2 experience, and includes the official Android Market for all the latest and greatest apps. We've seen other Android tablets this same size, but so far only the Galaxy Tab can match the ViewPad's support for Android 2.2 with Android Market.
Of course, for the $150 or so you'd save by choosing the ViewPad 7 over a contract-free Galaxy Tab, you're making a number of sacrifices. For example, at the time of this review, the ViewPad 7 does not support Adobe Flash (though support is said to be coming). The ViewPad 7 also doesn't benefit from the tablet optimizations Samsung made to common utilities such as calendar, notes, contacts, and e-mail. Nor does the ViewPad 7 include Samsung's video download and rental service, Media Hub. Unlike for the Tab, there are no accessories for video output support, and the rear camera does not include a flash. Some of these differences can be bridged with software updates, but many are baked into the hardware.
You're also going to need to spend some money on a microSD card for the ViewPad 7, because the limited amount of integrated memory is reserved just for the system. Sure, microSD cards are fairly inexpensive these days, but it's a disappointing corner for ViewSonic to cut. You get the product out of the box and connect it to your computer expecting to transfer over your music, photos, and videos, but instead you're stuck making a run for a memory card.
Bluetooth 2.1 support is included, though, offering wireless audio streaming along with device support. There's also GPS support that works nicely with the included Navigation app. The Wi-Fi receiver is limited to 802.11 b/g, so it's not going to smoke an iPad or Tab running on an 802.11 n network--if that's how you roll.
As far as app support goes, we make the same complaints here as with the Tab, Streak, and Archos devices. The fact is, most third-party Android apps just aren't designed (yet) for the larger screens of tablets. With all the extra room, some apps stretch unnaturally to fill the space (Pandora), whereas others appear like large-print versions of their original smartphone incarnations. Until Google commits to the tablet form and offers developers and consumers a way to distinguish tablet-optimized apps from smartphone apps, this is going to be a recurring headache for everyone.
If productivity is your thing, you'll be happy to know that the ViewPad's calendar and e-mail apps readily took to our Gmail and Exchange accounts. We were also pleased to see the ThinkFree Office app preinstalled, which allowed us to view and edit Microsoft Office documents. That said, for serious document editing, it makes more sense to spend the same amount on a Netbook with a larger screen, reliable keyboard, and peripheral support.
Performance
For audio and video, the ViewPad disappoints. The lack of integrated memory for user content is strike one. For audio, the timid maximum volume level is a letdown. As for video, we experienced a dramatically poor viewing angle when tilting the screen upward and were unable to play any files beyond standard-definition fare.
As a Web browser, the ViewPad 7 isn't shabby, but the current lack of Adobe Flash support puts it behind the Galaxy Tab. The browser does support pinch zoom, which is an advantage over many of the budget tablets we've seen from Archos and others. Compared with the Apple iPad, you're getting half the screen real estate, which makes for a browsing experience closer to a smartphone than a laptop.
We tested the Viewsonic ViewPad 7's battery life at full screen with a720p video. See below for results.
| Video battery life (in hours) | Maximum brightness (in cd/m2) | Default brightness (in cd/m2) | Contrast ratio | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viewsonic ViewPad 7 | 6.2 | 257 | 120 | 988:1 |
User reviews
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Only US Froyo, 7" phone, less than iPad2 & Galaxy.
by notinterestedparty on March 12, 2011
Pros: Very stable smartphone, way better than my Dell Streak Mini5. Only 7inch, Froyo phone option to date. Display is high quality. Case w/ kick stand. USB port. AT&T or T-mobile sim card slot. Micro SD card slot. Most deficits can be overcome with apps.
Cons: Very little internal memory limits the number of apps you can install since many apps out there are internal-only installs. CPU is under powered for multi-tasking. Slow CPU will never allow Flash 10.1 and Honeycomb to ever work most likely.
Summary: It makes calls and runs Froyo at a time when nothing else does and costs less then its "tablet-only" competitors. It is cheper than smaller devices like the Dell Streak. ...
Summary: It makes calls and runs Froyo at a time when nothing else does and costs less then its "tablet-only" competitors. It is cheper than smaller devices like the Dell Streak. It is unlocked and works great with my AT&T sim card. If you are ok with only a few apps or mostly SD card apps, this Tablet is perfect for you. If you are addicted to alot of apps this will not work for you at all. The internal-memory only apps add up quickly and all the SD card memory in the world can't save you from that. The Viewpad 7 does everything the IPAD2 does plus makes calls and more. For less than the price of an iPad2 under contract. The Viewpad has no contract commitment and unlocked, but you don't get all of this without some trade-offs. Many of this tablet's shortcomings can be minimized by a good collection of system utility apps. Here's what you'll need. A good task killer can free up CPU and memory. You'll need it. I would not recommend running a lot of widgets in combination with a live wallpaper before launching large apps as an example of slowing performance. Any subsequent apps you open would be slow at best. If you are not currently using an app much you might consider uninstalling it for the moment as internal memory only apps fill up the tiny internal memory very quickly. You can always reinstall them later. You'll also need an app that moves all moveable apps to the SD card. You'll need skyfire browser for a little Flash 10.1 support, but not many sites will play video even with skyfire. Also it is low on video codecs so you'll need and app for that. Now you should be good for everyday use as long as you don't fall in love with installing a bunch of internal-memory only apps or running more than a couple of apps at one time. If you assume that Flash will not work than you will be right most often. Occasionally Skyfire will play one or 2 videos on a site, but not often. The tablet comes with a YouTube app that works great so you won't need flash for that content, but any links for instance that direct you to YouTube.com it will fail to play that video in a browser. On the whole tho, if you use this device primarily as a phone, mp3, video player, and messaging smartphone you will have a no problem with this device. Too many productivity apps, gaming apps and you'll wish that you had opted for tab with more CPU power and more internal memory. Currently, all more powerful options have had their phone functionality disable by US cell phone carriers so they can force you to have to buy a separate phone from them in addition to a tablet. If you prefer to carry a separate phone and tablet then you could do better then this device of the tablet selection, but the Viewpad 7 is an awesome large screen smart phone however. As for the Details, the case that comes with it doubles as a kickstand. What you all want know of course is, "Can I have a Facebook widget a Twitter widget, a Koi Pond live wallpaper, and Angry Birds all running at the same time?" Yes. All will run simultaneously with no performance problems. I would recommend this product to replace the Dell Steak Mini 5. I did. The Streak is unstable, the speaker is distorded at best and the video on the Viewpad 7 is just as good as the Streak and bigger. The stereo speakers on the Viewpad 7 are far superior. The Gorilla glass of the Dell Streak actually makes the LCD underneath more prone to accidental breaks and Dell's less than responsive support will not fix them or send out replacement parts. The 7 inch Viewpad 7 still fits in your pocket. And when you pull it out of your pocket the screen will still be in one piece. The Viewpad 7 is mores stable and more rugged. I only wish I had discovered it before I bought the Dell Streak Mini 5. Hope my experience helps you all make more informed purchases. The only Improvements I would make to this device if it were mine would be a CPU capable of Flashplayer 10.1, and alot more internal memory. This combination would allow more multitasking and more installed apps. Otherwise this is an awesome over-sized smartphone. Some reviewers call anything with a bigger than 4.3 inch screen as a "glorified smartphone." I disagree. A large screen does not make it a smartphone "glorified" it only makes it large screen and possibly more legible. In short the Viewpad 7 is an awesome large screen smartphone running the same OS as an HTC EVo 4G or Droid X, but so much bigger without sacrificing video quality. Viewsonic leverages their video experience to keep the resolution that Android approved devices require while still keeping the display quality sharp. I highly recommend it.
3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Cumbersome as replacement for phone, but more useful
by vabiro on March 1, 2011
Pros: Great screen, removable/expandable SD, integrated 3G/WiFi/BT, Portable HotSpot, More flexible development options so more interesting applications and real multitasking.
Cons: Unable to root the OS using existing tools, and as a result it is difficult to work around rough edges. I am confident that as install base increases this may change. One thing that will not though is the poor location of the pwr button.
Summary: If you're looking for a direct replacement for a phone this is not the tool. It is significantly more flexible than any of the iOS platforms, and the result ...
Summary: If you're looking for a direct replacement for a phone this is not the tool. It is significantly more flexible than any of the iOS platforms, and the result is that there is a strong hacking/developer community.
One thing that has driven me to distraction is the inability to easily access the power button. This may sound trivial, but when trying to use this as a phone in the car it is infruiating.
For example, the process to make a call is this:
- locate device
- locate the correct corner. They all look the same when the screen is blank and you are in a car at night
- hit the power button
- VERY QUICKLY - because it blanks out - find the spot on the screen that you need to sweep your finger across to turn it on. This can only be don on one 2cm diameter spot
- if you do manage to get the correct spot, pray you are on the correct screen, because if you're not, then you have to navigate using the unlit buttons on the side (Remember you're trying to drive). Understand it isn't that these buttons aren't backlit, it is that they don't seem to turn on when needed!
- Find the telephone icon and press it
- hope that you default to the dial pad or favourites if your destination call is a favourite. If you are in any other screen you are going to have to navigate to the correct screen.
You haven't dialled your number yet, but you have probably realised that there is no flat surfaces in the interior of your car and that this can't be done with one hand, unless you're also an NBA player.
This is not a phone. It may think it is, but it is not.
If you're using it for just about anything else however, it is BRILLIANT! Literally and figuratively.
The screen is large enough at 7" as well as being nice and bright. Replace your GPS unit with this and you will not regret it. The combination of Google's Navigation Beta and the 3G connection gives great navigation and real-time traffic information. You can overlay street view, satellite, or layers from your Google account maps. That is very cool for the map geeks.
Some of these problems may be opportunities for Viewsonic and Google to enhance their product through updates, but you can't update the size and location of that power button.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Non-functional out of the box
by esterer on July 6, 2011
Pros: Gets good reviews
Cons: Doesn't work
Summary: I ordered one of these from the Viewsonic store and was delivered promply. When I opened the box I noticed that some had obviously opened it before because the bags ...
Summary: I ordered one of these from the Viewsonic store and was delivered promply. When I opened the box I noticed that some had obviously opened it before because the bags were ripped open and the cardboard was bent. The wi-fi would not turn on and only gives you a clue on what is going on by saying "error". After tracking down a customer service phone number (not on website - you have to phone the main number and it's on a recording) and going through some resets with their tech, they gave me a RMA. I'm sure it was returned previously because... the wi-fi didn't work. I left a note in the box for the next sucker.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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I love this phone
by Dieygoo on March 24, 2012
Pros: everything is nice
Cons: except the touch print, the 2.2 android witch you will never update it and the 150MB built in memo to install programs and if you have less than 15MB left it will not read any received SMS
Summary: i have it and i like it upon everything
Summary: i have it and i like it upon everything
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Good value for the price of 169 euro (in my case)
by broeze on September 28, 2011
Pros: Recently I bought a ViewPad 7. I believe the type must be at least one year old so that means really old in terms of tables. When I wanted to charge the battery, it didn't work at all. Viewsonic gave a great service though and they sent me a new one.
- BCons: When I wanted to charge the battery, it didn't work at all. Viewsonic gave a great service though and they offered me a new one.
- Quality of screen, speakers, microphone, camera are weak. But they work. You can connect the audio to external devices thouSummary: It is a great personal assistent and gadget to get an opinion of what an Android tablet brings compared to an ipad.
Summary: It is a great personal assistent and gadget to get an opinion of what an Android tablet brings compared to an ipad.
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ViewSonic Viewpad7 is a reasonable & easy to use tablet
by jordan909 on August 4, 2011
Pros: Android 2.2 ,Phone, 3.5G modem +WiFi
A great alternative to the Samsung Galaxy Tab
3.0 MP camera
There is an excellent leather case includedCons: Not as good as an iPad
Front Camera quality is bad
No HDMI or AV output
the sound from the speakers is sometimes tinny.
not much inbuilt storage
every time you change the SIM card your market acount has an error
Prices are in some places inflated anSummary: The VIewpad7 is a great tablet pc, but there are some problems :
1.sometimes the software crashes
2.average processor built in
3.software isnt upgradeable unless youre a genius ...Summary: The VIewpad7 is a great tablet pc, but there are some problems :
1.sometimes the software crashes
2.average processor built in
3.software isnt upgradeable unless youre a genius
4.front camera is blurred.
apart from these, it is quite alright,it doesnt overheat too quickly,and you can trust it if youve bought another product fron Viewsonic that satisfied you.No matter if you havent.It is like any other smartphone.Touchscreen and with Android on it.Unlike an iPad, it has a phone on it and it doesnt require any additional software to connect to the computer.All you have to do with the Viewpad is plug it in to your computer and turn usb storage on the tablet on.It comes with a instruction manual and it weighs just 375 grams.Something that could be improved with the Viewpad is that the next version of the Viewpad7 should be thinner as it is 11mm thick and obviously the iPad is thinner by a longshot.But,if you want a tablet pc in the price range below AUD$500.00 overseas or online,then this tablet pc is for you. -
i love it...
by janrizal on July 25, 2011
Pros: 7 inci, got 3G. android froyo
Cons: Since day one get fault unit. 2 week repair until now i cannot get back my tab. Bad service provide!!
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Runs averagely smooth
by aaronsosa on July 20, 2011
Pros: un-locked (supports both t-mobile and att sim)
pretty stable
can be used as phone (dialing and messaging without the high data plan)Cons: screen is a little odd to navigate, if you are sweaty, the screen goes crazy, if you blow hot air onto the screen, it selects that area. Works well with a stylous however
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Excellent!
by catch9 on May 27, 2011
Pros: 7" form factor is perfect. Finally found ONE gadget to replace phone, PDA, paper organizer, portable DVD player, and potentially GPS and laptop. Runs great. Screen size is perfect. carry easily. I had a HTC HD2 but it was buggy and lacked aps. This is per
Cons: none found yet
Summary: Great product!
Summary: Great product!
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Its Perfect for Journeys
by theonlykinyua on April 27, 2011
Pros: I got it and itd ok... Used it for travels and currently a using it for as a wifi hotspot,,, It serves the purpose...
It really works and being unlocked and being on the move you can get any sim card and it works perfectly.. Am in kenya and it works perfeCons: little memory that seems to feel faster..
Summary: Not a bad bargain...
Summary: Not a bad bargain...
Specifications
- Manufacturer: ViewSonic Corp.
- Part number: VIEWPAD7
- Description: The Android 2.2 ViewPad 7 combines a powerful processor with 3.5G capable data technology in a lightweight, pocket-sized 7" form factor. With an 800 x 480 WVGA LCD screen, this device is one of the only 7" tablet solutions with Android Google Mobile Services (GMS). As a result, consumers can connect to a selection of more than 100,000 apps and games along with Gmail, YouTube and more for a superior and convenient entertainment solution that fits today's mobile lifestyle. With its wireless 802.11b/g and Bluetooth connectivity the ViewPad 7 supports instant messaging, VoIP, and all the web browsing and USB connectivity functions of a capacitive multi-touch device. The ViewPad 7 features 2 built-in cameras: a 3-megapixel, auto focus camera in the rear and a 0.3-megapixel camera in the front. The result is the ultimate device for connected fun and multitasking - in a compact size easier to carry than a netbook and with better media performance than a smartphone.
General
- Product Type Tablet
- Operating System Android 2.2
Display
- Type 7 in TFT active matrix
- Display Resolution 800 x 480
- Touchscreen Yes
Memory
- Flash Memory 512 MB
- RAM 512 MB
- Supported Flash Memory Cards microSD
Processor
- Processor QUALCOMM ARM11
- Processor Clock Speed 600 MHz
Camera
- Rear-facing Camera 3 megapixels
- Focus Adjustment Automatic
- Front-facing Camera 0.3 Megapixel
Communications
- Wireless Connectivity 802.11b/g,
Bluetooth 2.1 EDR Location
- GPS Navigation A-GPS receiver
- Software Included Google Maps
Multimedia
- Audio Microphone , Speaker
- Supported Digital Audio Formats MP3
EBook Reader
- Supported Text Formats EPUB,
HTML,
PDF,
TXT Input Device
- Type Touch-screen
Expansion and Connectivity
- Expansion Slot(s) 1 x SIM card,
1 x microSD - Interfaces 1 x Headphones - Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm,
1 x USB Battery
- Installed Qty (Max Supported) 1
- Technology / Form Factor Lithium polymer
- Capacity 3240 mAh
- Run Time (Up To) 4 hour(s)
- Standby Time 600 h
Miscellaneous
- Color Silver
- Features Front camera ,
GPS ,
Bluetooth ,
Expandable memory ,
Rear camera - Included Accessories Power adapter , Headphones,
Protective cover - Cables Included 1 x USB cable
Dimensions & Weight
- Width 7 in
- Depth 0.5 in
- Height 4.3 in
- Weight 0.8 lbs
Accessories
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse ViewSonic Corp. products on Shopper.com
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- Manufacturer:ViewSonic Corp.
- Address:
381 Brea Canyon Road, Walnut, CA 91789-0708 - Phone: 1-800-688-6688
