Sony’s Tablet S has a funky groove. Literally.
While the overwhelming bulk of the tablet market seems to fear deviating from the tried and tested slate design, Sony, ever the contrarian, estimate a wedge is the optimum template for the tablet computer.
And they’re right on the money!
The inexplicably named S shrewdly bestows a much needed slant for those flat surfaces. Strange how a mere 45 degrees can make all the difference! And at a mere 598g it’s not exactly burdensome to grip single handed. In fact the wedge mimics the sensation of a folded magazine. Intentional or not, this is a nice touch.
So, Sony finally enters the Tablet race with a revolutionary design. I don’t know about you but I’m stunned*!
Mercifully the function matches the form. Powered by a 1 GHz Dual Core NVIDIA Tegra2 processor, the S executes the majority of tasks instantaneously. Connectivity also impresses as a full SD port compliments the 32MB storage. Meanwhile a mini USB jack is a tidy acceptable alternative to a full USB 2.0 port.
And despite smaller dimensions (241.2 x 174.3 x 10.1mm) the S’s screen is both responsive and crisp. Unfortunately at 9.4” it’s noticeably smaller than other high end tablets.
Now I’m not suggesting Bigger automatically means better. I’m just saying it don’t hurt!
The Sony Tablet S is an intuitive machine. The clue there was ‘Sony’ in title. The onboard Android 3.2 UI is just that bit sleeker than the competition, while its underside keys are easily identified by pips and grooves. The only thing awkward about the S is, well, its name.
A purchase of distilled convenience, the S is a joy for browsing, reading and, of course, gaming. Its Playstation Certification will score points with younger users. Meanwhile, older ones with a flair for nostalgia should be content.
Failing this, its Universal Remote application makes slaves of your superfluous media devices, ruling them like a wedge shaped overlord.
Unfortunately, while the S features All Mod Cons such as a gyroscope, accelerometer and digital compass, the restriction to 720p video is a constraint that should irk consumers.
But as a slice of technological innovation, the Sony Tablet S outstrips most while securing a unique flavour. If you’re a fan of trying unusual delicacies, though also prize taste, you can literally have your cake and eat it too.
Camera: 5MP AF, 0.3MP VGA
Video: 720p HD @30fps
Memory: 32GB
Connectivity: USB 2.0, Bluetooth 2.1, WiFi 802.11 (b/g/n)
Battery: 5000mAh
Screen: 9.4” 1280x800 TFT
*Heavy doses of sarcasm here.