Viewsonic ViewPad 7e Android Tablet Priced to Compete with Kindle Fire at $200

[dgstorm]

The Viewsonic ViewPad 7e Android tablet will be coming out later this month, and will be very competitively priced at the same $199.99 price as the Amazon Kindle Fire, even before the Amazon tablet is even launched. It's specs are even pretty decent for an "entry-level" device and actually offer some things that the Kindle Fire does not. Here's a quick breakdown:

• 3D UI designed by the same developer who created the SPB Shell 3D Android launcher
• Android 2.3 Gingerbread
• 1GHz single-core processor
• 7″ display
• microHDMI port that transfers 1080p quality video
• 3mp camera on back with a 0.3 mp camera up front
• Storage memory is 4GB with a microSD card slot that supports up to 32GB of storage.
• New “AirSync” program that will keep the device up to date via OTA upgrades via the built in Wi-Fi connectivity

Those are some pretty tempting specs for the price, and ViewSonic typically makes quality hardware. It's about time someone started getting serious about a competitively priced Android tablet. Does this seem like a bargain to you guys?

Here's 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.

 

[marckarasek]

After their total debacle with the GTablet, my only comment would be buyer beware!

Specs look good, but will prob be locked into 2.3, no ICS. (Based on Viewsonic Track Record)

 

[Lectruck]

If anyone else was putting this out, it sounds like a winner. But the competition is already on see Kobo Vox 7" Tablet coming October 28 for $199

Kobo Vox eReader

Looks like a Kindle Fire with MicroSD card and with a good screen.

Don

 

[ktackel]

Seems like the Vizio tablet may still be the best deal. $234 at Costco/Sam's 8" screen, GPS, HDMI, etc.

 

[Yodaman]

Keep the 7” coming and increase the competition. However, this could be hit or miss with Viewsonic. Seems like the $199 to $299 price point is popular for a 7” tablet.