I saw this "iPad alternative" and I wondered if any other forum members had any experience or opinion of this device.
The link is
http://www.oo.com.au/Pioneer_Computers_DreamBook_eP_P37391.cfm?cm_mmc=newsletter--20100714--null-_-null
iPad Alternative?
Snibbo on 14/07/2010 - 12:37
Comments
I don't know anything about Pioneer Computers. Can I ask, Mikinoz, in what way is it scary?
There is a 10"version on the Pioneer Computers website ( http://www.pioneercomputers.com.au/products/products.asp?c1=… ) and they have a 10" version, atom based version starting at A$599 comiong soon
Starting at $599???? Sounds like Ipad pricing in play here it starts at $629
It's not the same company as Pioneer Electronics (ie Car Stereo, Plasma, Amplifiers etc) apparently
http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=1393090#r…
In other words, this is a cheap Chinese iPad knock-off with a Pioneer badge on it. Surely the photos give that away though?Worryingly slow CPU… the VIA-8505 is an ARM based CPU just like all the Android phones use.
As a general rule, you really want a 1GHz CPU to run Android nicely.
RAM is a bit light on for my liking. 512Mb is preferable
Very few Android Apps designed for slate/ipad type devices because there is so much variability in screen size.Dealextreme might be a better option if you just want something to play with..
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.42070
Similar spec and looking device (only obvious difference is the lack of that ugly DreamBook logo) for $US107.70 delivered for example
They also have the M001 for $US95.50Here's a review of a similarly specced Android tablet
http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/26/ekens-100-android-mid-rev…The fact they've had to speed up the video while it loads stuff shows how slow the CPU is!
Put simply, this is an iPad Alternative in appearance only.. Comparing it in any other fashion is non-sensical.
The iPad is by far more usable and the reason there are no genuine alternatives is probably due to the fact the iPad is actually a pretty darn good price!
There was a LOT of surprise at the price point (from other manufacturers) when it was launched.
Gee there are heaps of those 7" Android tablet reviews on Shanzai.com, and you can buy them for cheap ($100-$200) from Deals Extreme and eBay.
Dont get confused with 7" vs 10" there is a big difference
You know 5" touch screens are even cheaper… and 3" even more so ….
Pioneer making ipad/netbooks scary !
Although if this was 10" i would be seriously considering it
Processor: VIA-8505 CPU, Up to 533Mhz
Display: 17.7cm (7") WVXGA (800 x 480) TFT LCD Display
Graphics: Integrated VIA Graphics
Nand Flash Disk: 2GB Nand Flash Disk plus 8GB MicroSD Card
Expandable Storage: Up to 32G MicroSD Card for storage (8BG MicroSD card is included)
Memory: 256MB
Built-in Battery: 24400mAh
802.11 b/g Wireless
Operating System: Google Android 1.6 operating system
Weight: 400g
Dimensions: (W) 20cm x (D) 1cm x (H) 13cm
Brand: Pioneer Computers