ViewSonic ViewPad 10 VPAD10_AHUS_05 Wi Fi/Bluetooth 10.1-Inch Tablet Computer – Black

While I was wondering about getting the Asus Slate or Iconia w500 a friend of mine bought this before me and told me the store I could get it from would let me try it out for 2 weeks. That was about 3 months ago. This device is awesome and it doesn’t get 5 starts simply because it’s not perfect.

The device seems underpowered when you compare it to the hardware of the Eee Slate, w500 or new Lenovo Slate but the Intel Atom processor is actually quite speedy and the 1 GB of DDR3 surprisingly handles everything well. This system has never bogged down on me even though I have been downloading torrents, web browsing, watching videos, or streaming music all at the same time.

The capacitive touch screen is excellent and works great with Firefox (with Chrome you need extra drivers). You may have to try 2 or 3 times to drag little sliders but you can adjust the sensitivity from being precise to being more generous. After months of usage though, I have no problems interacting with anything on the screen.

The weight of the device is fine for one-handed use in most positions but at first I found that my thumb would often end up touching the bottom of the screen, which will negate any input from your finger. I think I’d prefer the bezel of the Hanvon B16. Currently, however, I no longer have any issues with the bezel.

I can’t really speak about battery life since I normally have it plugged in my car but while in the house I’ve never had an issue with the 5 or so hours it provides. Obviously, you can configure your power options to no end in Control Panel.

The virtual keyboard is almost perfect. I have used a mouse, keyboard and ext DVD drive as well with no issues, and typing slightly lengthy notes with both index fingers is not a big deal. The reason it’s “almost” perfect is because it does not automatically switch to capital letters when starting new paragraphs, etc. Maybe there’ll be an update for that.

Many people complain about the small 16GB SSD, which is valid if you don’t have a microSD, but why on earth wouldn’t you have a dedicated miroSD for your tablet just like you have for most phones? I have a 32GB microSD in mine so I have no issues concerning space. I also have a 16GB flash drive so I have tons of content with me at all times, and I can easily share that content with others with ease. You can’t share anything if you have an iPad.

For internet access on the go I simply tether my android phone with my tablet, which works like a charm.

I would have preferred:
A 32GB or 64GB SSD
SDHC port instead of microSD
Standard HDMI Out
Stereo Speakers (they’re only good in enclosed spaces)
Standard ROMs (I couldn’t delete Android & install Tiny 7 for some reason)

The beauty of the Viewpad 10 is that it is designed well enough and because it has Windows 7 you are free to do ANYTHING. Where Android and Apple devices have limitations, the Viewpad 10 gives you true freedom. Once you get used to the touch screen you may find yourself smiling as you transfer a file from your friend’s flash drive while streaming your favorite shows from Hulu, or you may be downloading some files while browsing actual websites instead of going through apps. Basically, the Viewpad 10 may be the first truly good portable PC tablet.

FYI, I do not use the Android 2.2 OS (Froyo) on this device. What’s the point? When you have the power of a full featured OS like Win7 on a well designed tablet (unlike the w500) iOS and Android become insignificant unless you’re an avid gamer.

I’ve had my Viewpad dual over a month now. I like it. I wanted a replacement for my ageing laptop and I found it.
Using Windows 7 for tablets works just fine. I have upgraded to Android 2.2 and it is OK for some things but is a work in progress. I can use Windows as I have always done and can learn how to use Android on the same device.
Hardware wise, the Viewpad is fast. The Intel processor, DD3 mem, and fast Solid State Device (SDD storage) provides very good performance. However, 16gig SDD is not enough for Windows 7 and Android. There is less that 2gig available for other functions. I have cut out some Windows functions and made available more space. The Android side has one real problem. It thinks the Viewpad is a phone!!! So some APPs I have tries won’t install.
You MUST have a USB keyboard for the Android upgrade. I found a USB keyboard/trackball combo that works great. I also use it for serious typing and internet browsing.
At less that 2 lbs the Viewpad is very very portable. It sits all the time on the kitchen table in it’s little (picture frame) holder. Then I can pick it up and take it anywhere (WiFi availability). Oh, Solitaire on a touch screen works great too.