The "1-Minute" Review
Verdict
While in many ways the Optimus Pad is just another tablet, the 3D capabilities featured in this model make it stand out just enough from the competition to be noticed.However, for users not interested in such features, its relatively high price may be enough to cause many to shy away.What's good
- The LCD screen is perfect for watching movies thanks to the wide aspect ratio and brilliant colors
- While the LCD is good for movies, web browsing can be awkward due to the size and shape of the Optimus Pad
What's bad
- Impressive hardware makes the Optimus Pad a treat to use. It is extremely fast and responsive all-around
- The Android Marketplace does not currently have many Android 3.0 apps
The LG Optimus Pad is a brand new tablet that runs on Android 3.0 and features dual cameras which allow 3D video to be shot. The design of the tablet is very wide and can be awkward to use if you are used to more traditionally shaped tablets. The device is also really large to hold in your hand due to its size and overall thickness.
Hardware specs are good with a powerful processor, 1GB of RAM and 32GB of storage space. Android 3.0 was designed specifically for tablets and it shows. The operating system runs beautifully with apps opening quickly and not having any slow downs to speak of even when several apps are open at the same time.
While the LCD screen might be rather awkward for web browsing, it excels at video playback. The 15:9 aspect ratio is much like the HDTV you have at home, so movies can play without having to be stretched across the screen. The screen's colors are bright and vibrant. Text is easy to read as well thanks to the high-resolution of the screen. Like most tablets, the screen is not legible in direct sunlight or other extremely bright conditions.
As far as apps go, there are not too many out there for Android 3.0 yet. This will change in the future as more and more tablets are released but now the marketplace looks rather empty. Thankfully, the Optimus Pad does include Polaris Office for those who need productivity software.
What the Critics Are Saying...
- Andrew Fisher, 148AppsIs it fun? The answer is a resounding yes. Though not action-packed, the dice-rolling mechanic adds a great bit of tension to each play and the unpredictability of those dice brings some great moments of triumph and anguish as your team struggles to make big plays and stop your opponent. Even for fo...
- GSMArena Team, GSMArenaThe 3D stuff aside, the Optimus Pad is pretty much like the lot: unskinned Android Honeycomb, 32GB of internal storage, Tegra 2 chipset and rich connectivity options. We’re less than impressed with the screen, but it’s got nothing to do with the resolution or size. In fact, at 8.9”...
- Barry de la Rosa, Expert ReviewsAt £750, it's extraordinarily expensive even for a tablet than can shoot 3D video. The most expensive iPad 2, with 64GB of storage and 3G, is £659 direct from Apple. If the Pad's 3D capture was effective enough, LG might be justified in adding a price premium, but it isn't. The excellent...
- Josh Smith, GottaBeMobileAfter spending a month with the G-Slate I came to appreciate the form factor, display and 4G connectivity. Sadly, the positives I found in the hardware couldn’t overcome the limitations in Android 3.0. We are closer than we were 6 months ago, but the G-Slate still takes a hit due to the Androi...
- Victor H., PhoneArenaBack at when the LG Optimus Pad was revealed at MWC this February, things looked bright for LG. 3D was picking pace and the iPad 2 was still an unreal product of the distant future. In that context, the LG Optimus Pad looks almost adequate, but given the current reality of things it falls short in j...
Prices (Where to Buy)
Resources
Manuals / User Guides
- LG Optimus Pad Manual (PDF)
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