The ViewSonic ViewPad Android tablet 7 will launch in Australia in January for $699.
ViewSonic is the latest manufacturer to announce the launch of a new tablet device that will compete with the popular Apple iPad.
Better known for its low priced LCD and LED monitors, ViewSonic will launch the ViewPad 7 Android tablet in Australia "sometime in January", describing the device as "a smartphone, computer, game centre and e-book all combined in one".
The ViewPad 7 ($699) has a 7in, capacitive touchscreen, supports multitouch, and runs the latest 2.2 or "Froyo" version of Google's Android platform.
Like the competing Samsung Galaxy Tab, the ViewSonic ViewPad 7 has mobile phone capabilities and also features dual cameras, meaning it can be used to make videoconference calls across a 3G or wireless network. Unlike the Galaxy Tab, the ViewPad 7 is a 900MHz and 2100MHz 3G device, meaning it won't work with Telstra's Next G network, which runs on the 850MHz network band.
"ViewSonic recognised the rapid growth of mobile internet access and communications demands around the world. The tablet market is on the rise with growth anticipated to at least double within the next 12 months. That is why ViewSonic has launched the new ViewPad 7 tablet," said William Tse, country manager, ViewSonic Australia. "In this cloud computing era, the ViewPad 7 will bring to life the idea of personalised, real-time, convenient network connectivity services to new levels."
ViewSonic will also launch the ViewPad 10 ($899) in January. It has a 10in capacitive touchscreen and dual boots Windows 7 Home Edition and Android 1.6. ViewSonic says it is currently in discussions with operators and retailers, but has not announced any distribution method as yet.
