Storage Options Scroll 7
With a 1GHz chip and Gingerbread the Scroll has a decent specification but the processor is hemmed in by a lowly 256MB of RAM and the Telechips CPU is the dated ARM11 spec, so Flash video wont play.
The Scroll comes without Google or rather, I should say, it’s supposed to come without Google. After a factory reset prior to returning my unit I had cause to go back to it and discovered by chance that if you open the Scroll applications app then move through Menu to Settings to More Applications, it lets you sign into the Android Market!
Despite the low Quadrant score of 367 the Scroll managed to play 1080p MKV and H.264 video files so it makes a decent enough media player. Internal storage is a reasonable 2GB but there’s only 256MB for system – i.e. apps - storage.
Thanks to it’s aluminium back it’s a pretty hefty and solid device but the action of the physical buttons was a bit too abrupt. If money is tight Scroll will sell you a similar machine running Android 2.1 and with a resistive screen for £95.
Reg Rating 55%
Price £170
More info Storage Options
ViewSonic ViewPad 7
What separates the ViewPad 7 from the herd is the built-in and unlocked 3G modem and GPS chip. The Qualcomm MSM 7227 600MHz processor may be behind the curve but with Android 2.2 and 512MB of RAM a slow CPU isn’t the end of the world, and the ViewPad 7’s UI moves along at a very acceptable rate of knots.
Thanks to the Sim card slot, the ViewPad also works as a genuine, if rather large, mobile blower. Hence it has the unique distinction amongst the devices in this round-up of being capable of functioning as a tablet, a phone and a satnav. The ViewPad is also a nice bit of design, in fact it looks like a big iPhone 4 with it’s squared-off aluminium sides, black back and flush-fitting glass screen.
Where things fall apart a bit is with media playback. Flash isn’t supported and locally hosted HD video is pretty much out of the question too. On the up side ViewSonic does chuck in the Swype keyboard, the full version of Documents to Go, front and back cameras and a very nice carry case.
At just under £200 from the likes of Maplin, the ViewPad 7 is something of a bargain if you want cellular data and GPS rather than media grunt, as it’s easily the cheapest 3G connected tablet currently available. ®
Reg Rating 75%
Price £199
More info Viewsonic
Ten... budget Android tablets
COMMENTS
vegacomb
http://tabletroms.com/forums/vega-rom-development/1923-%5Brom%5D-%5B3-2%5D-vegacomb-3-2-build-7-a.html
Hcomb for Vega a number of months away!! Been around for a couple. Latest build near perfect :-)
Archos
Had the Archos 70 250Gb for a month or so now, it's not for the faint of heart and does require a little monkeying around to get running nicely.....but I'm really pleased with it for the price.
Also got the 11 year old the Archos 101 for her birthday last week and it has literally not left her hands for more than a few seconds.
They're obviously for the slightly nerdy type who doesn't mind getting under the bonnet every now and then, but for the money they're really nice solid gadget toys. If not these I'd have gone for the Hannspad or the Advent Vega.
I'm never going to pay 400-500 quid for a toy, I won't even spend that on my main system. Good to see some companies understanding what they need to do to woo the non Apple buyer, make them reasonably priced and functional rather than aspirational lifestyle products.
But ... Which one runs Linux (Debian)??
My usual question here, all the time. I want one that allows me to install Debian (Ubuntu).
Please, spare me the usual answers of 'Android runs a Linux kernel' and 'you could try in a chroot'.
Or just go to slatedroid
A WM8650 based tablet, Android 2.2 , genuine market + flash, webcam and 800x480 resistive is $75 delivered from HK
Yes it's going to suffer running advanced fluid dynamics simulations but it plays angry birds, does youtube and reads ebooks and PDFs for the price of a night out
wot no archos 101
I have an Archos 101. Only had it a day, so cant comment fully. But it's 10" with a capacative screen and can access the full Android marketplace. First impressions are that it's ok and worth the £150 i paid. Would'nt have paid more though.
Would say more but i'm typing this on the tablet and its rather annoying
