Vizio’s take on the Android tablet isn’t fit to go up against the best of the best in its class or price range, but it certaintly holds its own when viewed from the first-time-tablet-buyer’s standpoint. The Vizio Tablet is definitely not the most advanced Android tablet there is in the market. However, while it may feature entry-level specs, it’s also good for entry-level users, who are perhaps unfamiliar with Android and want to learn what it feels like to use the Android software first-hand.
The highlights include an 8-inch 1024x768 pixel resolution multi-touch color display, built-in VGA camera, 1GHz single-core processor, 4GB of onboard storage, HDMI-out, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, and microSD card support. It certainly does not have the most impressive list of specs, but its hardware features can at least be put to good use with the help of the pre-installed software. Android 2.3 Gingerbread comes pre-loaded on the Vizio Tablet, and it can be modified to your heart’s desire if you have a little knowledge of rooting.
Because of the fact that it uses a single-core processor and doesn’t have battery hungry features such as 4G LTE network support, it manages to last over 10 hours of use per full charge. That’s definitely going to be enough for an entire day of heavy use, with more juice left than necessary to get to a nearby USB port to recharge. And speaking of the USB port, it can function as a host, enabling users to use peripherals like keyboards or even a USB mouse with the tablet on Android 2.3.
It’s easy to see how this Vizio Tablet might be an attractive choice for those who want a no-frills Android mobile computer. And due to the fact that its retail price is in the neighborhood of $200, it offers a lot of bang for the buck. For someone who needs an Android computer that’s as easy to use as it is affordable, this should deliver.
Need To Know: Vizio Tablet
1. Use of single-core processor makes 10+ hour battery life possible. (The Good)
2. Price is very affordable for the overall feature-set. (The Good)
3. Pre-installed software is outdated and can only be upgraded officially up to Android 3.2 Honeycomb. (The Bad)
4. Most of the Vizio Tablet’s hardware features pale in comparison with the specs on some of its similarly-priced competitors. (The Bad)
What the Critics Are Saying...
- William Harrel, Computer ShopperOverall, the Vizio 8" Tablet is an attractive entry-level alternative to the more mainstream Honeycomb tablets, especially compared with what's available today. It's even more attractive when you look at it from the perspective of Vizio's plans to create its own V.I.A. Plus platform and its future i...
- Brent Rose, GizmodoIt's cheap, for an Android tablet. $300! Unfortunately, there's just a lot of better stuff out there. The upcoming Kindle Fire is going to be only $200 and well, it's going to be way better. If you reeeeally wanted a tablet with remote control features, the Sony Tablet S has the same IR blaster but...
- David Pierce, PC MagazineThe Vizio Tablet gets big points for being something different, and for adding functionality—a universal remote—that’s legitimately unique in the tablet space. But the tablet simply doesn’t perform well enough to measure up to its tablet competitors.
- Brian Oliver Bennett , Laptop MagAmong Android tablets, Vizio's 8-Inch Tablet is worth a look if you want a slate that can control your home theater. However, the design and performance of this device leave something to be desired. It's a little more money, but we prefer the Acer Iconia Tab A100, which offers better performance, An...
- Melissa J. Perenson, PCWorldThe Vizio VTAB1008 is neither sleek nor cutting edge, but it is usable. The universal remote feature, while not best implementation I've seen of this feature, is a compelling extra not found on most rival tablets. If you're constrained by a tight budget, like the idea of a universal remote, and want...
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