ViewSonic announced on Monday that its ViewPad 7e Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) tablet will be available in North America by the end of October for $199.99. The ViewPad 7e offers a 7-inch display with an 800 x 600-pixel resolution, a user interface with 3D “holographic visual effects,” a 1GHz processor, 4GB of storage, a micro-HDMI port, a 3-megapixel camera, a 0.3-megapixel front-facing camera for video chats and a microSD card slot for adding up to 32GB of additional storage. On paper, its $200 price point certainly sounds like a bargain compared to more expensive tablets such as the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1. The ViewPad 7e runs the Android 2.3 Gingerbread smartphone operating system with somewhat outdated specs, however, which means most users will probably seek out the more powerful Amazon Kindle Fire, which also costs $200. The ViewPad 7e supports 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi networks and it remains unclear if ViewSonic will also launch a 3G version with U.S. carriers. Read on for the full press release.
ViewSonic Introduces New Sub-$200 Android-Based Tablet
ViewPad® 7e with ViewScene™ 3D interface is performance-packed at an irresistible price
WALNUT, Calif. – October 24, 2011 – 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.
“Our ViewPad tablet line offers a robust assortment of solutions designed to meet every individual’s mobile computing needs – spanning from business to entertainment,” said Michael Holstein, vice president of business development, ViewSonic. “The ViewPad 7e extends our quality commitment to consumers that want an excellent mobile multimedia experience, at a very aggressive price point.”
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.
