ViewSonic has today revealed its upcoming tablet device will hit Australian shores in January 2011.
ViewSonic's ViewPad will hit Australian shores in January 2011 (Credit; ViewSonic Australia)
The device, which comes in two sizes — 7 inches or 10 inches — will rival new tablets to the Australian market including Apple’s popular iPad and Telstra’s new T-Touch Tab device when it hits the market early next year.
Features of ViewSonic’s ViewPad include a 800 x 480 screen, two cameras: a 3-megapixel rear camera and VGA-quality front camera, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi compatability and an in-built GPS. In contrast to rivals such as the iPad, the ViewPad will also include a MiniUSB and MicroSD slot in-built to the device and will run the latest version of Google’s Android mobile operating system, 2.2.
And while many may discount the ViewPad for its high pricing — $699 for the 7″ version and $799 for the 10″ ViewPad compared to the iPad’s $629 — the 10 inch ViewPad has a unique feature that allows it to run and dual-boot Android and Windows 7 Home Premium, making it potentially useful for those intending to use the device for business purposes and needing to use Windows for software such as Office.
Apps-wise, and ViewSonic has confirmed the Android Market will work on both iterations of the device making more than 100,000 apps available to ViewPad owners. The ViewPad will come with Documents to Go pre-installed allowing for the editing and viewing of Office documents in Android, as well as Aldiko which will let users read e-books on the tablet device.
Although the device is smaller in width, height and depth than the iPad, it doesn’t appear to have the same modern and streamlined look to it — instead looking chunkier and thicker. Still, it’s yet another viable competitor soon to become available in the Australian market, and you can register your interest for the device here.
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