ViewSonic To Sell Android/Windows Dual Boot Tablet


You know you’re doing it wrong when you write this in a press release:

The ViewPad 10Pro is a 10″ professional tablet PC with dual boot functionality, offering a quick switch capability between Windows® 7 Professional for business use and Google Android 2.2 for personal and social entertainment.

That’s right, friends: meet the ViewPad 10Pro, an odd, Frankenstein’s Monster of a pad is like a mullet: Windows business up front, an Android 2.2 party in the back. While I agree with this, in theory, I worry that Viewsonic may be trying a bit too hard to gain traction in the tablet space.

To be fair, this is a way for Viewsonic to hedge their bets and avoids the licensing fees associated with installing an instance of something like Splashtop. However, just because it can be done, doesn’t mean it needs to be done.

Some specs from the press release:

The ViewPad 10Pro is a 10″ professional tablet PC with dual boot functionality, offering a quick switch capability between Windows® 7 Professional for business use and Google Android 2.2 for personal and social entertainment. Dual-boot enables users to access business software that only runs on Windows and investigate Android without switching completely. Many users enjoy the familiarity of Windows but want to get to know Android and configure their preferences before using it more widely. The ViewPad 10Pro is one of the first tablets to have the Intel Oak Trail processor. This, combined with support for flash 10.1 and a new interface provides an excellent navigation experience. It has a 1024×600 LED backlit capacitive multi-touch panel, is fully connected with 3G, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and has at least six hours of battery life.

No pricing or availability, but expect our lads at MWC to check it out.

ViewSonic Europe Targets Prosumer Market With Dual-SIM Android Smartphone and Windows/Android Dual-Boot Tablet Device
Devices to Be Previewed for the First Time in Europe at Mobile World Congress on Stand 2B77 Hall 2
BARCELONA, SPAIN–(Marketwire – Feb. 11, 2011) – Mobile World Congress – ViewSonic Europe, a global provider of computing, consumer electronics and communications solutions, today announced the launch of its new Dual-SIM Android Smartphone, the V350 and its new 10 inch professional tablet PC, the ViewPad 10Pro. Both products have been designed to enable users to easily access both their work and personal life via just one device and will be previewed for the first time in Europe at Mobile World Congress (2B77 Hall 2) on 14 February 2011.
The V350 Smartphone with 3.5 inch display is an active Dual-SIM device running the Android 2.2 Froyo operating system, enabling the use of two network services at the same time. Its Dual-SIM capability is ideal for businesses wishing to provide staff with a mobile device that can offer separate numbers and bills for both personal and business use. This feature also enables travelers to carry just the one phone whilst still be able to take advantage of different pricing plans and network offers for voice and data in various countries. The V350 however does not compromise in other areas, with Android 2.2, a HVGA capacitive touch screen, 5-megapixel auto-focus camera, Micro-SD expansion, Wifi, Bluetooth® 2.1 and assisted GPS navigation.
The ViewPad 10Pro is a 10″ professional tablet PC with dual boot functionality, offering a quick switch capability between Windows® 7 Professional for business use and Google Android 2.2 for personal and social entertainment. Dual-boot enables users to access business software that only runs on Windows and investigate Android without switching completely. Many users enjoy the familiarity of Windows but want to get to know Android and configure their preferences before using it more widely. The ViewPad 10Pro is one of the first tablets to have the Intel Oak Trail processor. This, combined with support for flash 10.1 and a new interface provides an excellent navigation experience. It has a 1024×600 LED backlit capacitive multi-touch panel, is fully connected with 3G, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and has at least six hours of battery life.
“Last month Deloitte predicted, in its annual sector forecast, that UK companies will buy more than 10 million tablet devices in 2011. ViewSonic is well placed to capitalize on this market and offers users the best of both worlds from one device,” said Derek Wright, Product Marketing Manager at ViewSonic Europe.
“Our V350 Smartphone is one of the most functional Dual-SIM phones on the market. With Android GMS for access to more than 200,000 Google applications, it has powerful multimedia capabilities and with both SIM cards active, you can place and receive calls on each at any time. The Dual-SIM proposition is compelling and will generate considerable market uptake this year.” Wright concluded.
For the first time in Europe, ViewSonic will also show its ViewPad 10s 3G. Launched at CES in January, the ViewPad 10s now benefits from 3G functionality that enhances current features that include GPS, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR.