ViewSonic ViewPad 7 Review 2010

With the exception of the Samsung Galaxy Tab, most Andoid tablets we've tested have been marred by poor design, a lack of apps, lackluster performance, or all of the above. The Viewsonic ViewPad 7 ($459 starting in mid-December) is a cut above those also-rans. This device not only looks attractive, it has full access to the Android Market, lasts more than 7 hours on a charge, and can even be used to make calls--when you plug in a SIM card. However, compared to Samsung's slate, you'll have to make some sacrifices. Is the ViewPad 7 worth it or should you just spring for the Tab or iPad?

Editor's note: We've updated this review as of November 23, to reflect further 3G testing and additional information Viewsonic made available about video chat capabilities and Swype.

Design

While many tablets have been likened to oversized iPhones, the ViewPad 7 probably comes the closest to imitating Apple's design. But is that a good thing? Like the iPhone 4, both the front and back of the ViewPad 7 are glossy black, and the edges are bordered in a silvery plastic. While the overall look is somewhat sleek, it picks up and shows fingerprints fairly easily.

Overall, the 7.1 x 4.3 x 0.45-inch ViewPad 7 is about the same size and weight (13.2 ounces) as the Samsung Galaxy Tabs, but where the Tabs have a slightly rounded underside, the ViewPad 7's is flat, making the edges somewhat sharp, a la the iPhone 4. Still, it's comfortable to hold.

To the right of the display (in landscape mode) are the Android icons: Back, Search, Home, and Settings. Home is not the standard icon, which confused us initially. On the two short sides are small speaker grilles; next to one of them is the power button. The top of the ViewPad 7 has volume controls, as well as a plastic cover that protects the miniSD card and the SIM card slots. The bottom has a combo mic/headphone jack and a miniUSB port.

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