ViewSonic G Tablet
 G-Tab in recovery mode. | |
| Developer | ViewSonic |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | ViewSonic |
| Type | Tablet |
| Release date | November 1, 2010[1] |
| Discontinued | yes |
| Units sold | 200,000 worldwide. |
| Operating system | Android 2.2 "Froyo" |
| CPU | 1 GHz Nvidia Tegra 2 - Dual-core ARM Cortex-A9 CPU |
| Memory | 512 MB |
| Storage | 16 GB internal Flash memory (expandable up to 32 GB via SD Card) |
| Display | 10.1" TFT-LCD multi touch capacitive screen with LED driver system and 1024x600 resolution |
| Sound | Built-in 2 x 1-watt stereo speakers, microphone, headset jack |
| Input | Multi-touch screen |
| Camera | 1.3 MP AF camera |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n), Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, mini-USB (Host), USB 2.0 (Slave) |
| Power | 3,650 mAh battery |
| Dimensions | 6.8 in (170 mm) (h) 10.5 in (270 mm) (w) 0.54 in (14 mm) (d) |
| Mass | 1.55 lb (700 g) |
| Related | ViewSonic Viewpad 10 |
| Website | web |
The ViewSonic G Tablet is an Android-based tablet produced by ViewSonic Corporation, a manufacturer and provider of visual technology. It first appeared for consumer purchase at Sears on 1 November 2010.
At release, it was equipped with Android 2.2 Froyo.[2]
The tablet also features a 10.1-inch (257 mm) TFT-LCD touchscreen, Wi-Fi capability, a 1.0 GHz Nvidia Tegra 2 dual-core processor and 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera.
Hardware[edit]
The tablet is enclosed in a black plastic body and weighs a total of 700 g (1.55 lb). The capacitive screen has a 1024×600 resolution and supports multi-touch. The device also has a flash internal storage of 16 GB and can be expanded via a microSD card. Moreover, the tablet comes with two USB ports: one is a USB mini-B 5-pin port, used for connecting the tablet to a computer with the included cable for data transfer; the other is a USB A-type port, used for attaching peripheral devices. In addition to its Nvidia Tegra 2 dual-core 1.0 GHz processor, the ViewSonic G Tablet comes with 512 MB of RAM. It does not support haptic feedback or vibrating alerts.
The tablet has a 1.3 MP front-facing camera for video calling and 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR connectivity. It also has a dock port for a future docking station or other accessories. The battery will give it 8 to 10 hours of battery life.[3]
The SMB-A1002 model is manufactured by Malata which is the ODM.
Software[edit]
This tablet comes with Android 2.2 (Froyo) with the custom ViewSonic User Interface overlay (TapNTap).
The tablet does not come with Android Market pre-installed and there is no Adobe Flash support out of the box despite having the Adobe Flash logo on the product packaging. However, a statement on the G Tablet's official product page states that "a version of the Adobe Flash Player Application will be available by December 19, 2010.
"Owners of the G Tablet will receive an automatic notice that the plug-in is available for download to further expand their web access and entertainment."
On 23 December 2010, Viewsonic released a software update that allowed use of the standard Android interface.[4]
On April 18, 2011, an update to the G Tablet's software was sent over the air that added the Adobe Flash Player, as well as enabling support for USB peripherals.[5]
The Viewsonic G Tablet is also capable of running later versions of Android. CyanogenMod is a very popular aftermarket firmware available for the G Tablet, and brings it up to Android 2.3 Gingerbread. Other firmware images available for the G Tablet include Flashback, which run Android 3.0 Honeycomb and TeamDRH ICS, which runs Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. TeamDRH has released their Dirty-Bean ROM, based on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, which is still considered an alpha release.
Critical reception[edit]
The tablet has received largely negative reviews since its release, mainly citing its poor performance on vertical viewing angles and poor user interface.[6][7] However, reviewers also noted that its relatively low price tag may be a draw for consumers. On 23 December 2010, Viewsonic released a software update that allowed use of the standard Android interface.[4]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ "Viewsonic's Tegra 2 tablet on sale now at Sears for $379". androidandme.com. 1 November 2010. Retrieved 20 Dec 2010.
- ^ Evan Selleck (16 September 2010). "ViewSonic G Tablet Features Android 2.2 & NVIDIA Tegra 2". Retrieved 20 Dec 2010.
- ^ "gTablet". Archived from the original on December 12, 2010. Retrieved 20 Dec 2010.
- ^ a b "Meet the ViewSonic gtablet - News". Archived from the original on 3 August 2013. Retrieved 28 May 2013.
- ^ Melanson, Donald. "Viewsonic G Tablet gets firmware update with Flash, USB peripheral support". Engadget.com. Engadget. Retrieved 26 April 2011.
- ^ Avram Piltch (3 Dec 2010). "ViewSonic G Tablet". Retrieved 20 Dec 2010.
- ^ "ViewSonic G Tablet Unboxed and Reviewed". Retrieved 20 Dec 2010.