It's fair to say that we weren't impressed with the first Viewsonic tablet we reviewed. Running Windows 7 and Android, we felt as though the ViewPad 10 was hampered by being forced to run both operating systems. In particular, Android 1.6 meant that the tablet couldn't do half the things we've come to expect of Google's operating system.
With the ViewPad 7, Viewsonic could well make up for the shortcomings of its first tablet. Running Android 2.2 and with a 7in touchscreen it looks, on paper at least, as though it could well compete with the Samsung Galaxy Tab. It's worth pointing out that this is actually an OEM product of the Linx Commtiva N700 .
In terms of price, it looks a more attractive proposition, costing almost £100 less than Samsung's tablet first went on sale for. From a first look, it doesn't even appear as though Viewsonic has cut any corners to get this lower price: there's a SIM-card slot for 3G access, GPS, Bluetooth and 802.11b/g wireless networking.
Build quality is also very good. A glossy plastic back and brushed-metal-style surround makes the ViewPad 7 look a little like a large Apple iPhone 4 . It feels tough, and can easily be held in one hand leaving one hand free to operate the touchscreen. Its square edges are a little sharp and we slightly prefer the rounded edges of the Galaxy Tab, but it's a close-run thing.
There's even a leatherette carry case included in the box, so you can carry the tablet everywhere without getting it scratched. Cleverly, the case folds in half acting as a stand, should you want to use the tablet as a media player.
