Laptop Thoughts: ViewSonic ViewPad 10 With Windows and Android Coming Soon

"Today we had more hands-on time with ViewSonic's other exciting new tablet, the ViewPad 10. That's the dual Windows 7/Android slate I mentioned yesterday. For a Windows slate it has some pretty impressive specs. And just as with the ViewPad 7, ViewSonic avoids the mistakes that hindered other similar devices we've seen this past year. But is it awesome enough to compete with the iPad or Toshiba's Folio 100?"

The ViewPad 10 (10-inch screen) seems to be destined to be one of several 'business-class' tablets soon to be appearing on the scene. Details are a bit sketchy at this point, but the demo system was running Windows Home Premium 32, with full touch capabilities, and the Android version is 1.6, apparently the latest version supported by Intel. The tablet uses an Intel Atom N455 processor with a 16GB SSD, so performance promises to be at least equal to a comparably equipped netbook. Weight is 1.6 kg (3.5 pounds) so this is no lightweight tablet, but the form factor should allow it to be easily carried. Availability is 'soon' for Europe, and 'unknown' this side of the Atlantic, and price is estimated to be 549 Euros.