ViewSonic 22-inch Android VSD220 Smart Display; Coming to US in October for $400

[dgstorm]

If you remember way back during Computex 2012 earlier in the year, we got to see a glimpse of a 22-inch Viewsonic Android Tablet. Obviously, the idea of a giant Android tablet was both ridiculously cool and ridiculously impractical. As it turns out, the concept device didn't actually end up as a tablet. ViewSonic wizened up and ditched the internal battery of the device. Now it is simply the ViewSonic 22-inch Android VSD220 Smart Display, and will be hitting US retail stores in October at a price of $399.99.

This thing is basically just an Android powered monitor, which really takes on a whole different dimension if you think about it. Some future evolution of this beast could basically replace the desktop computer completely. In fact, for some users, this specific device itself could do that already. Here's a spec/feature breakdown followed by a press release:

• 1,920 x 1080 full HD screen that is touch-enabled
• Dual-core 1GHz TI OMAP 4428 processor
• Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich
• 1GB RAM
• 8GB internal storage
• A micro HDMI port
• Three USB ports
• A microSD card slot
• Ethernet
• A 1.2MP webcam with integrated microphone

ViewSonic Revolutionizes the Display Experience

ViewSonic’s brand new VSD220 Smart Display transforms PC computing; pairs full-HD monitor with OMAP™ 4 processor from Texas Instruments, and Android™ 4.0 OS

WALNUT, Calif. – September 11, 2012 – ViewSonic Corp., a leading global provider of computing, consumer electronics and communications solutions, today announced its touch screen desktop display, aimed at changing the way people think about computing. The 22″ (21.5″ Vis.) VSD220 Smart Display pairs a 1920×1080 full-HD resolution monitor with the dual-core, ARM®-based OMAP™ 4 processor from Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) and an Android 4.0 “Ice Cream Sandwich” operating system, resulting in a whole new way to experience the web.

“The VSD220 Smart Display is engineered for today’s cloud connected world,” said Jeff Volpe, president of ViewSonic Americas. “ViewSonic is embracing the post-PC transition with what will be a full range of connected display solutions. For consumers, the VSD220 is perfect for surfing the web, engaging on social networks and enjoying a world of Android apps. For commercial opportunities, the VSD220 serves as a flexible solution that can address the needs of Android compatible vertical market applications such as signage, hospitality, point of information, and kiosk. Whatever the need, our new Smart Displays are the future of connected computing.”

“We are proud to see the leading capabilities of our OMAP 4 processor come to life on ViewSonic’s new VSD220 Smart Display,” said Ketan Malani, business development manager, OMAP platform business unit, TI. “At home, at work and at play, consumers across all levels of the computing market demand full-HD capabilities, rich user interfaces, robust interactivity and other compelling features. With our OMAP 4 processor at its core, the Smart Display delivers all this and more, in a way that revolutionizes how and where people experience the Web.”

The VSD220 provides users a PC-less web connection in an affordable format that is both self-contained and easy to use. With a dual point optical touch screen and an integrated Android operating system with full Google GMS certification, users can enjoy a tablet-like browsing experience, a 22″ touch-enabled Full HD display, and a traditional PC computer all wrapped up into one device.

Powered by TI’s smart multicore OMAP 4 processor, the VSD220 delivers the snappy responsiveness and efficiency ideal for ensuring fast web browsing; smooth, glitch-free video viewing; graphic-rich gaming and app multitasking. For those wishing to use the VSD220 as a traditional PC, the Smart Display is compatible with a wide variety of keyboards and mice, including both USB and wireless models enabling the user to further personalize their experience to fit their individual needs.

For further functionality, the VSD220 offers versatile connectivity options including a Micro HDMI for plugging in a notebook or tablet for an expanded screen space, as well as three USB ports, a Micro SD card and plenty of network connection options including RJ45 Ethernet, 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth® technology. Paired with a built-in 1.2MP webcam with integrated microphone for videoconferencing and photo taking, and integrated SRS Premium Sound speakers, the VSD220 is the complete multimedia package.

ViewSonic’s VSD220 Smart Display will be available in North America in mid-to-late October for an ESP of only $399. For further information, visit ViewSonic.com or follow ViewSonic on the Company blog, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.

 

[strider_mt2k]

Bring those specs up to Tegra 3 or better and you might have something there.

This would lend itself nicely to gaming, and ya needs the horses for gaming.

 

[robinthoms2]

For all you're getting $400 isn't too bad. That's like the price of a high end 10.1 tablet.