Vizio, a leading producer of consumer electronics in the US, has released its tablet for pre-orders and shipping has started from 18th July. Currently available with Wi-Fi Bundle, a custom-fit folio case and a 16GB MicroSD card, the Vizio tablet Bundle costs $399.99 exclusive of tax. While we like this tablet after going through it, we can’t say if the Vizio tablet is worth the price.
One of the main features of the tablet is the ability to control your home theater with it. Since it has a built-in IR blaster and a universal remote control app, the Vizio tablet can communicate with and manage most of the home theater devices. Moreover, the tablet lets you make a profile of each room in the house and control all of them as you move around the location. The tablet also has an ability to output HD videos to an HDTV.
Three speakers strategically placed around the tablet give it a leg up in the competition. Two of the three speakers will be used at any given time and as you change the Vizio’s orientation, the sound gets transferred to the other ones to produce enhanced stereo audio.
Since Wi-Fi comes in the bundle’s name, it would be obvious to point out that the Vizio tablet has a built-in 802.11n Wi-Fi. Bluetooth is also included, as it is a standard for smartphones and tablet devices these days. There’s nothing out of the ordinary here.
A built-in GPS is also included. This can operate without the need of a Wi-Fi or 4G so you can always check which way to go if you’re on the move.
Other ordinary features include 4GB internal memory with a 16GB MicroSD in the bundle to divert your mind from the insufficient built-in storage. The bundle also includes a case that protects the tablet when you’re mobile.
Perhaps the most disappointing thing of all is the use of outdated Android 2.3 OS when other tablets in the market have already adopted the 3.0 Honeycomb. This puts its competitors quite ahead of the Vizio – instantly. Not many would like to spend $400 on a tablet that’s obsolete to begin with.
Overall, the Vizio tablet contains good features and many critics have liked it, if not professed their undying love for the tablet. But we believe that at $400 its competitive edge is lost as it doesn’t remain a budget tablet anymore. Tablets like the Archos G9 offer better specifications at the same price, while the ASUS TF101-A1 dominates this price range. Vizio has serious competition and it needs to lower its price if it wants to sell its newest tablet.
Below is a list of specifications for the tablet:
Vizio 8″ WiFi Tablet
- 1GHz V.I.A Plus Processor
- 4GB On-board Storage Memory with 2GB User Availablity & SD Card slot for up 32GB of storage
- 8″ Color Touchscreen supporting 1024×768 resolution, Capacitive Touch & Multi Touch technology.
- Virtual keyboard, Ambient Light Sensor & Accelerometer
- Built-in 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, IR Blaster for Universal AV Remote Functionality, Bluetooth & GPS.
Additional Vizio Tablet Features:
- Front Facing VGA Webcam (30Fps).
- Micro SD Card Slot, Micro HDMI for HD Tv Support (cable not included), Micro USB Connector and Headphone Out.
- SRS True Media Sound
- Play Licensed media from your Tablet to you TV
- Supports English, French and Spanish Languages
- Up to 10 hours of run time, & Weighs 1.2Lbs
Software & Applications:
- Android 2.3 Operating System with V.I.A Plus Interface
- Google Andorid Marketplace, Maps, Youtube, Instant Message and Gmail
- Supports Adobe Flash Player, sites and video along with all popular picture formats.
What’s in the box:
Tablet, USB Power Adapter, USB Cord and Cleaning Cloth
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