News feeds are constantly shouting about another new achievement of the Android platform. They also provide information about such new products running under the control of this operating system. It is important that there are not so few tablets among them.
Tablets have not appeared in the last few years. But not so long ago, these devices could not meet the basic requirements that guaranteed convenient use: 1. They had to provide long battery life, high performance and the size should be compact. 2. It should be a convenient platform for portable (portable) devices, as well as well thought out in terms of functionality.
All of these characteristics were found by most manufacturers just paired with Android tablets. Initially they relied on small touchscreen devices, it is not very whimsical and it combines a lot of communication options.
Until that time, we hadn't been able to get an Android tablet for a long time. One of the reasons is that most of the manufacturers, which declare their intention to release a similar device, have taken a stand-by position, and have not yet released this tablet to the market. What caused this?
Over time, we received 3 tablet models at different prices and with different levels. We will also share our impressions with you.
Stupid minimum APAD
This is the cheapest model of them we are considering. We do not exclude that in terms of the parameters that it has, it may be the best among the tablets, in general.
This tablet, which was created by a little-known Chinese manufacturer, is just an example of that very device. The price is acceptable, but the name is little recognizable, as well as mysterious possibilities.
In appearance, the model leaves either a pleasant impression or may cause suspicion, it all depends on what you pay your attention to. Firstly, it is impossible not to notice that the device is very compact. It turned out to be small in size in relation to its monitor, the distance between the body and the edge of the monitor is minimized.
It is also impossible not to note the subtlety and low weight. Such a tablet can be held in hand for a long time. The APAD is so large that it can be easily placed in a pocket (for example, a back pocket, but most importantly, do not sit down).
The most negative point is that the manufacturers borrowed the design of this model from the iPad. There is a round button on the front of the panel, the main part is silvery, it is convex in shape, in general, the reproduction of the main details is correct. Unfortunately, this device, which was made by the Chinese, is only a cheap copy.
Apple and APAD tablets are made entirely of plastic. Both the front and back are smooth. This means that tablets have a large risk zone for all kinds of damage, moreover, all over the body (scratches, abrasions, etc.). Also, due to the fact that the plastic is glossy, it is somewhat more difficult to hold the tablet, it will simply slide in your hands. The build quality is poor, not tight build, when the tablet is squeezed, you can hear squeaks.
The display is the most vulnerable spot for shortcomings. That's why its price speaks for itself. After all, when you look at this tablet, you can see with the naked eye what the manufacturer saved on. The matrix is 7 inches diagonal, WVGA resolution, the image is dim, at the maximum backlight level it is not bright (about 40% -50% of the usual screen configuration).
If we translate it to the minimum intensity, the picture is hard to distinguish. This means that it will be impossible to see anything on the display in daylight.But if you look from the other side, then working in an office or at home, when the lighting is dim, such problems will not arise.
There is also one more problem with the screen - its clarity, unfortunately, it is not high. Imagine that the number of pixels is half of its physical size. Thus, in an APAD matrix, the pixels are different. This does not affect the work with text editors, but it is noticeable when viewing images.
Not a very good impression of the screen - it is exacerbated by the sensor. This will remind you what it is like to tap the screen for real. In order for the screen to confirm the press, you need not only to press, but also to hold your finger / stylus for a few seconds, which makes it difficult to control the tablet on such a touch screen. And this is practically the only way to control this device, since neither a trackball nor a navigation key is provided here.
In general, there are not so many physical buttons. There is a central key on the right side of the display itself in the center; it takes you one step back. There is also a camera on the front panel, which helps to make video calls. The next two buttons are located at the top, (at the end - if the tablet is in landscape position), they are made in the form of a paired key (menu / home). It is necessary to get used to this, since it is very difficult to grope this key blindly, since they do not stand out very much.
There are no keys for adjusting the volume. Instead, there are dedicated virtual buttons at the very top of the interface.
Additional connectors are located on the right side of the end. From the very bottom - a connector for a charger, then a 3.5 mm headphone jack, 2 mini USB connectors, a microSD slot (memory card) and, of course, a microphone. The speakers themselves are on the back of the device itself.
C708
As the name suggests. With the 708, or if we can say its absence, it took an intermediate place among the tablets that we are considering, this concerns its price and characteristics.
These tablets are supplied with a hard cover. When the tablet is closed, it can easily be confused with a notepad. A characteristic feature of the design of this model lies precisely in the case. The cover is removable, although it is attached to the body itself with screws (four pieces), but it can only be removed with a screwdriver. This suggests that the tablet is always in this case. In fact, this does not pose a problem or inconvenience, it just takes some time to get used to the case lid, which folds back. From my own experience, I say that it would be best if this cover was thrown behind the so-called "back" of the tablet itself, because if this is not done it will develop like a banner in windy weather. Also, in this model, holes are provided for the cooler so that there is no obstacle to the air supply, in other words, there is ventilation.
A huge plus in this solution is that the case is well protected. When you carry the tablet, most of its case is hidden, and on the back it is closed. The build quality is good, manufacturers use metal at the ends, which resembles a frame in its appearance.
In all the above advantages, there is also a negative side, this is the weight, which has increased and became tangible, as well as the dimensions are not so small. Of course, this does not complicate the operation of the tablet, but you can no longer put it in your pocket. He already needs a bag.
On the front of the panel, on the right side of the screen, there are three touch buttons, (BACK / MENU / HOME). But the sensitivity of these keys is not enough, the press was not perceived the first time. Also on the left end there are connectors, this is a mini USB - for headphones with a diameter of 3.5 mm, a mini HDMI connector and, of course, a USB port. Along the edge is a launch button. At the bottom there is an SD slot for a memory card.
The display, which is installed in this tablet, is identical in technical characteristics to the APAD, but in terms of quality it is much better than the matrix that we described above, and in all senses and parameters. Here, the color reproduction, viewing angle, as well as the brightness of the backlight itself are better. But despite all this, in comparison with other models of screens that are used for portable devices, the display in the C708 model looks pale.
Although the sensitivity of this tablet on the touchscreen is greater, you still need to make an effort to recognize the press.
OlivePad
Officially, this tablet was announced recently, it happened on September 18th. Although this model has not yet been released for free sale, it can be purchased by Indian residents by order, we still had such an opportunity to get acquainted with this model.
The status of this sample is still designated as engineering, but this tablet gives the impression of a product ready for sale. During the time that we tested it, there were no unexpected software errors.
The smallest of all the tablets that we are considering turned out to be exactly the tablet of this company OlivePad. Its dimensions are about the same as that of the APAD. In thickness, the frame around the screen is minimal for reasonable purposes, so that you can pick up the tablet without touching the display.
The body is made of plastic (glossy), which shimmers in the light. This increases the soiling of the device, which is certainly not surprising on the front side, but what about the back? The decision is controversial. No matter how carefully you treat the tablet, stains and fingerprints will still be visible, which is also a high probability on the surface, and all scratches.
On the right side of the display there are four buttons that are typical for an Android tablet with assignments (BACK / SEARCH / HOME). In the upper part of the end there are two keys - this is the volume control and to the left of it the SIM-card and microSD slots closed with a cap. Thanks to such support as SIM-cards, it significantly expands the communication capability.
In addition to what we have described, there are a few more additional elements. There are stereo speakers on the sides, the volume is moderate. On the left side, under the speaker, there is a launch button. At the bottom of the end there is a 3.5 mm microphone jack and, of course, a mini USB port.
High-quality assembly, which naturally cannot but rejoice, the tablet does not creak at the ends. The OlivePad is by far the most sophisticated we've tested, even from a visual point of view.
The screen is much better than the previous two models. Of course, it cannot be characterized as EXCELLENT, but the color rendition, as well as the viewing angle, is much better. Also, touch use is very sensitive, it is sensitive to commands and has multitouch support.
Problems getting used to the Android tablet
Each of the tablet models that we reviewed above has its own version of the operating system. The APAD version runs under the strict guidance of 1.5. System 2.1 is installed in the C708 model. OlivePad has the latest operating system 2.2 (Froyo) installed. We were lucky to make a comparison on how the platform is successfully adapted not to the communicator, but to the tablet itself.
It is necessary to understand that Google has not yet presented its version of the operating system, which could be compatible with all tablets. We expect support to arrive in Android 3.0. But so far, the solution to this compatibility problem is either user or manufacturer problem. How do these tablets behave?
Since the APAD model is equipped with one of the oldest versions of the operating system, it shows us, for example, how it should not be. This tablet demonstrates vivid representations of the tablet problems that Android uses:
1. Programs are incompatible. Most of the downloads of the utilities available from the Market are installed successfully, but unfortunately they cannot be opened.An error message is displayed, this is the only thing that the user sees. A big problem arises with a resource-intensive application such as games. Correct work, or rather a greater likelihood that it can be with the launch of puzzles. Games with accelerometer control may not start. But applications with text editors work flawlessly.
2. The system is not stable. If the application is launched, this does not mean that it will work correctly. The tablet can turn off in any program, and it can turn off completely. This can result in the loss of all data that cannot always be recovered.
3. The work speed is very slow. After the user configures and installs all compatible programs, they will have to come to terms with poor performance. Delays occur during very simple operations (for example, scrolling or navigating through menu items).
Combining these disadvantages creates a very bad impression of such a device.
The best result was demonstrated by the operating system on S708 ... If you focus on all the indicated disadvantages that we described above, then the following should be highlighted:
1. Incompatible programs, or rather, their number has decreased significantly, but games that use an accelerometer still do not start, moreover, there is a sensor by location.
2. The tablet has never spontaneously turned off or rebooted.
3. The productivity has increased, but the interface robot can hardly be called smooth. When you work on the virtual keyboard, you can clearly see the delay in displaying characters on the screen.
For the sake of fairness, we decided to note that, despite all their shortcomings, these two tablets also have advantages. They have full compatibility with Google services, as well as with the Market stores application. These two tablets have a Wi-Fi module, which makes it easier to connect to the Internet. Also one of the advantages of these tablets is the reinstalled video player program, which supports a wide selection of files, but Android does not have such an opportunity.
It should be noted that another interesting functional element is the ability to connect external devices via USB and HDMI interfaces. This connection is carried out either directly (model C708), or through the mini USB adapter itself (model APAD). It is not possible to connect a keyboard or mouse, but a hard drive (external) or USB stick are perceived as storage devices. It turned out to be very useful that in the field you can recharge your player or phone via the USB port.
Tablet model C708 can broadcast images to a large screen, which is located on the outside. The resolution of such a screen can be 720p or 1080p directly by HDMI. You just need to connect the cable and select the resolution in the settings, nothing else needs to be done. While the image is being fed to the screen, it is also displayed on the screen of the tablet itself. This, of course, is logical and very necessary, because it is at least strange to move your fingers across the turned off screen.
In terms of functions from the Chinese, such a tablet as the OlivePad has significantly surged ahead. Here, of course, one feels that it was developed more carefully and in detail than with the Chinese manufacturers noname.
It cannot be stressed enough that the newest modification of Froyo influenced the positiveness of the system. Working with this tablet does not raise any high-speed complaints. It works without delays, you can run several applications at the same time, as well as navigate through the menu (alternately switching between windows does not close them, but leaves them in the background).
With the help of Android 2.2 - the functional device has increased, now, for example, an animated gallery and desktop wallpaper are supported.
The only tablet we reviewed that offered a manufacturer's add-on was the OlivePad tablet.It looks like this - the side tray consists of four icons, it contains work with various messages, such as: RSS, e-mail and SMS. Also, multimedia files, office documents, a browser with which you can track those pages that are most often visited or they are bookmarked.
Another advantage is the telephony functionality. This is what the OlivePad has to offer. After you have installed the SIM card and configured the Internet parameters, you can carry out telephone conversations, do everything that an ordinary Android smartphone can do. The only difference is that the call is made on a speakerphone, the speaker and microphone are built into the body, since the tablet is not a phone and you cannot bring it to your ear.
Good audibility for the participants in communication will be in the room, be it an office or an apartment, the distance should be 30-40 centimeters. The microphone has very good sensitivity, so there is no need to raise your voice. But since this tablet is seven inches, it is impossible to carry it in your pocket, and also it cannot serve as a phone. Thanks to the SIM card slot in the OlivePad, data is transferred to mobile networks.
Unlike communicators, tablets have a completely different stand-alone mode. Due to the fact that wireless communication is not needed, it was simply turned off, since you may not turn on the device for a whole day. This is not a telephone and therefore does not need to be addressed every minute. To see the call was not missed and how long. It is used for more serious things like updating mail or news. Therefore, since the load is not large, it will need to be charged once every two, or even three days.
If you use the tablet to the maximum, then it will be enough, for example: you can listen to music for eight to nine hours, watch a video, enough to watch 2 films. If the 3G module or WLAN is always turned on, the battery is discharged quickly.
Output
Among all the models that we tested, the OlivePad tablet is the most functional, thoughtful and convenient, but also its price is more expensive than the others. The price is the only barrier in relation to the Indian tablet, they want 25 thousand rupees for it, this is about 560 dollars.
Compared to Chinese tablets, it looks flawless. The model has the maximum number of wireless modules (3G, Bluetooth, GPS, WLAN). It also provided features such as a light sensor and a digital compass. The program content is also impressive on the positive side, because it is the freshest in the industry today.
The opposite of this model is the APAD tablet. Its advantage is the price that is acceptable to the buyer. We don't know how true, but they say such a tablet costs less than $ 200, while it has WLAN support, an Android operating system and a touch screen. If you decide to buy a tablet from this company, then you need to understand that the operation of the device will not bring pleasure to use all the time. This model is for people who do not want to pay big money for another device. They need to know - in order for the tablet to work with higher performance or have a larger volume in terms of functionality, it is necessary to do the setting with your own hands.
The middle variant is the C708 model. When properly configured, the tablet performs well. Due to the fact that the version of Android 2.1 is installed, you should not expect a large number of incompatible programs. The only thing that the user will not be able to do is that he will not be able to transfer the control buttons that are located on the display. At the moment, the price is not known, which is likely to increase the popularity of this tablet.
