In the hype of Android applications development, Windows world has reliability only for business users. After releases lined up for Android-based, iOS-based, and RIM-based tablets, people were hands-on-the-heart to check what’s going to be for Windows, next. With looks similar to just released ViewSonic ViewPad 10, TEGA V2 is more of a netbook that has lost its keyboard. Again the 10.1 inch display working on 1024 x 600 resolutions gives user a complete feel of working on a touch screen netbook. Its main hardware features include an Intel Atom N455 processor, 2GB of RAM, and a 32GB SSD that boots Windows 7 Home Premium. What makes it portable is its 0.5-inch / 1.9-pound slate that sets itself apart by being one of the thinnest and lightest out there.
Its elegant combination of Black front and aluminum back, gives a closer feeling to the iPad than any other plastic tablets. Talking about its sleek look, it is only 0.02-inches thicker than the iPad, and a noticeable 0.2-inches thinner than the 2goPad and the Nav9. Due to its sleekness, there is no room for Ethernet port, however, it compensates with two USB sockets, a microSD slot, a mini-VGA, as well as a combo headphone / mic jack.
Hardware specifications:
- CPU: Intel Atom N455, 1.6 GHz (single core) + GMA 3150 Graphics card
- RAM: 2 GB + DDR3
- Storage: 32 GB SSD
- Screen: 10.1-inch, wide-angle, 1024×600
- OS: Windows 7 Premium / Android
- Slots/ ports: 2-USB, Mini VGA, microSD, audio, SIM (3G)
- Battery: integrated, 3,500 mAh, 3.5 – 4 hour real-world battery life
- Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, 3G (GSM)
- Webcam: 1.3 MP
- Dimensions: 10.8 x 6.7 x 0.63 inches, 1.9 lbs.
Windows and the touch compatibility
Apart from hardware features, you would be surely expecting the review on its touch screen sensitivity. Let me assure you, it has just the right sensitivity. Windows 7 works with touch better than you might expect. Light taps on the display are all it takes to make selections and gentle swipes are enough to scroll down the page or browse through pictures. The accelerometer is used for auto-rotating the display to the desired orientation, and as this feature is incorporated internally to work very well with only a slight delay observed in the process. While the capacitive screen does make it easier to get around with a finger and type on the on-screen keyboard, we wish there would have been an active digitizer to recognize handwriting making it easier for stylus input.
The fast SSD leads to good Windows Performance. The problem with all windows touch tablet is that Windows 7 is touch capable but not touch-centric. All Windows programs can handle touch operation, however, only a few are written for touch screens.
Still, there are programs that cannot handle touch operations and for them you need to use external keyword and mouse. No wonder, why keyboard and mouse attachment options are provided. For those facing situations where running Windows programs is mandatory, TEGA v2 is a perfect fit. Much like Droid, Tegatech has included Back, Home, and Power buttons. Hitting ‘Home’ button would take you to the Windows desktop minimizing all your open applications. Since it’s a toggle, tapping again will bring you back to where you were opening back the minimized applications.
Running Android
Did I tell you that TEGA v2 dual boots into Android 1.6? Tegatech is working on 2.2 version currently as the older version doesn’t support newer Android applications and the apps that work on older version cannot adjust to the 10.1 inch screen. Moreover, for some reason, Wi-Fi doesn’t work with Google O/S whereas it works fine with Windows 7. Hope, Tegatech would soon release drivers for Wi-Fi to work on Android application development. Till then, Dual boot is much of a novelty than something useful. Also, TEGA v2 has an Intel processor which is why open source version of Droid is being used.
Conclusion
TEGA v2 is a solid device as a whole, mainly manufactured for people who cannot work without Windows. While iPad 2 is a super cool device, TEGA v2 will likely create a product that will meet most business needs. Try out this great tablet ordering one from Tegatech website and availing special discounts as their promotional offer.
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