Michelle Mastin

It's pushing things to be calling a 4" device a "tablet," but there was a crowd around the bigger tablets, and this thing was free, so I played with it and I like what I saw.



The ViewPad 4 is a PDA sized Android tablet running 2.2 on a 4.1" (800x480) capacitive multitouch screen. The "tablet" will be driven by a 1GHz Qualcomm processor, making it more of a mid-range performer against all the Tegra 2 phones coming out. And yes, as it turns out, it will have the capability to make voice calls when it comes out in mid 2011. Pricing will be up to the carriers according to ViewSonic.



It's a solidly built device that felt really sturdy, although a little heavy. It will come with both a front facing camera for video chatting and a rear facing 5MP camera for photos/video. A nice bonus that comes with full phone functionality is full access to the Google experience, which includes the app store.



On it's own this is a neat little device. As an android based iPod touch competitor, it's a neat device as it would only be competing against the Archos 43. But as an Android based smartphone, it would have to be very well priced to have a chance.