ViewSonic has launched a 7-inch tablet computer that supports two major technological standards used by China Mobile and China Unicom.
That is, it can operate on the GSM standard used by China Mobile and China Unicom’s WCDMA.
The ViewPad 7, priced at US$589, also allows users to make phone calls and has Google’s global positioning system as well as two cameras.
It is expected to challenge Apple’s current iPad model but, even more likely, the widely-expected next-generation iPad that is smaller and has added features such as cameras and due to be launched in the first half of the year.
James Chu, chairman and chief executive of ViewSonic, said, “The key point is no longer PCs but screens. Pads have replaced laptops, especially notebooks.”
English.Eastday.com reports that in 2010, sales of global tablet computers reached 17 million units and are expected to hit 70.8 million units in 2012.