By now, regular readers know that I bought a Viewsonic GTablet, as I couldn't wait for the Xoom's introduction last week. No, Virginia, iPad wasn't on the decision tree. Too closed of a system, too few connection capabilities, and too expensive at $599 and up. After the Xoom coming in at $599 to $799 last week, my choice of the $399 GTablet has become a good choice.However, don't buy the GTablet unless you are willing to read the developer pages, and figure out how to root it, and install a ROM that removes the bad interface (or call me up, and I will walk you through it :-). Under the hood, however, it has the same Tegra dual core processor as the Xoom; and, unless the iPad2 has a similar fast processor when it comes out later this year, they both beat the iPad in the hardware race. The killer feature on the GTablet, for me, is the full USB port. Neither of the others has one, and I plug in a USB keyboard, a USB mouse, and USB drives with a lot of file storage, among other peripherals). The best feature of the Xoom is a rear camera and a GPS. If you want a real comparison of the outside of the GTablet and Xoom, here is a good one:
Nice review, Rick. But, you convinced me a while back to buy a Dell Inspiron. Well, I did do independent research, too. It's not getting very good reviews, but I disagree with them and agree with a theme running through your reviews -- i.e., to be useful, you need a keyboard to input to a tablet. The Dell is a clunky tablet, but is just fine for reading newspapers, and you can immediately switch to the keyboard mode, as I did with this comment. Took it traveling last week, and using it in the motel in both modes -- keyboard for work and tablet for newspapers -- confirmed my decision.
Posted by: Charles Fincher | February 28, 2011 at 07:12 AM
But, Charlie, I am the FutureLawyer! I have to buy all the gadgets and test them. :-) I still use my Dell Duo for work; but, the GTablet is nice for on the go browsing and email, and it makes a great mobile TV. And, I can read news on it too.
Posted by: Rick Georges | February 28, 2011 at 11:49 AM
I'm leaning toward the GTablet. But: sluggish software? bad screen angle? no apps market? If I'm reading that right.
Posted by: Philip D. Cave | February 28, 2011 at 12:01 PM
You have to root it Philip. Then you have to download and flash the Rom. Then you have to fiddle with the settings and enable the market. You need to be a geek or know one. If you take me with you onyour next trip I will do it for you!
Posted by: rick georges | February 28, 2011 at 12:17 PM
"...I am the Future Lawyer..." Nice, Rick. I now envision you with cape and mask.
Posted by: Charles Fincher | February 28, 2011 at 02:33 PM
Yes, of course. But, and I cannot say this strongly enough, NO TIGHTS!
Posted by: Rick Georges | February 28, 2011 at 02:58 PM
Tights?! Egad! The thought never crossed my mind. This IS NOT the Lucha Libre.
Posted by: Charles Fincher | March 01, 2011 at 05:18 AM