Viewsonic G Tablet

“The ViewSonic G Tablet carves out a unique niche among Android tablets, breaking away from the smartphone to become a type of domestic dashboard. Unfortunately, many key benefits of the Android OS are lost along the way. Adapting the smartphone OS to such a large screen requires many custom interface tweaks that fall short. Lack of official Google mobile services and Android Market limits potential. Many third-party apps don't work as expected.The ViewSonic G Tablet is the first name-brand tablet we've seen step up to the challenge of adapting Android for a 10-inch screen. The result isn't an iPad-killer, and doesn't live up to the best of what Android can offer--but it stands out as a unique alternative.”

“The Viewsonic G Tablet has a few things going for it. We like the long battery life, access to popular apps through Handango, and relatively low price. However, it's hard to recommend this slate because of its uninspired design and downright annoying Tap & Tap software that permeates every layer of the user experience. Turning on Classic Mode doesn't provide a pure Android experience, either. We have heard about users hacking the device and installing regular Android 2.2 with good results. If you're up for that, you can turn the G Tablet into a better slate, but you shouldn't have to root a device just to make it usable.”

“Lion Pig may not do much to transcend the platformers it emulates, but it’s still an okay enough throwback.”

“I have no doubt that this tablet will eventually have Honeycomb on it, whether it’s official or done by developers. The G Tablet is reasonably priced, and those who are into modding their devices will find a healthy community supporting all your hacking needs. If you’re not into hacking your devices, then maybe the G tablet isn’t for you, although you still have other options – like home replacements. Basically, it boils down to this: if you’re looking for a solid experience the first time you turn on a tablet, then the GT may not be for you. You’re better off waiting until we see what CES 2011 brings us. But for the price, and the power you can actually get out of this device, it shouldn’t be something to brush off immediately. If ViewSonic can get their act together and provide some decent software, then the device may be in for the long haul. If not, it’ll remain a hacker’s toy, both of which is fine by me.”