ViewSonic ViewPad 10 finally gets updated from Android 1.6 to 2.2

Users of the dual-boot 10.1-inch tablet can now update to Android 2.2 via a USB boot drive

Allen Ngo, Published 05/04/2011

ViewSonic is proving that it’s better late than never by upgrading its Android 1.6-equipped ViewPad 10 tablet to Android 2.2.

The more up to date Android Froyo is expected to greatly enhance the usability of the ViewPad 10, including a faster browser, better energy management, voice search, and wider app support in the Android Market. Unfortunately, according to Electronista, Flash 10.2 support could be missing in the update for the tablet.

Oddly enough, ViewSonic requires users to follow specific instructions in order to update their tablets. A simple OTA or computer sync update will not do, as the upgrade will require the use of a USB boot drive, a USB keyboard, and some messing around with the actual tablet. The full instructions can be viewed in the PDF file here.

In a report a couple of months ago, we complained about the fact that the 10.1-inch ViewPad 10 launched with the dreadfully outdated Android 1.6 software, so the Froyo compatibility should be a relief for all owners of the tablet. The ViewPad 10 is a unique dual-boot Android and Windows 7 tablet with a single-core Pine Trail Atom 1.66GHz CPU, 2GB DDR3 RAM, and up to 32GB SSD. Of course, the Intel processor will prevent this tablet from updating any further to Android 3.0, but that could all change later this year. The ViewPad 10 is available now starting at $599.

Source(s)

http://www.electronista.com/articles/11/05/03/viewsonic.viewpad.10.upgraded.to.android.22/

http://photos.macnn.com/news/1103/viewsonic_viewpad10_inline.jpg

+ Show Press Release

Press Release

ViewSonic Updates Android OS for ViewPad® 10 Tablet

The Best of Both Worlds Just Got Better With Windows® 7 and Google AndroidTM 2.2

WALNUT, CA--(Marketwire - May 3, 2011) - Following its recent North American availability announcement for the ViewPad 10, ViewSonic Corp., a leading global provider of computing, consumer electronics and communications solutions, today released details on how ViewPad 10 users can update their system to Android 2.2.

The 10.1" ViewPad 10 gives users a choice between Windows 7 and Google Android within the same device, making this tablet ideal for business users looking to maximize productivity while simultaneously enjoying the device for entertainment purposes.

"The ViewPad 10 allows business users to take their desktops with them, running the same Windows-based apps they are used to on a tablet form factor," said Adam Hanin, vice president of marketing for ViewSonic Americas. "We responded to customer feedback and made available a free and easy-to-install Android 2.2 update. As additional supported code is available, we will share further updates to continue delivering on our promise of offering the best of both worlds."

Packed with a high speed Intel® Atom™ 1.66GHz processor and integrated 2GB of memory, the ViewPad 10 is a mobile computing powerhouse. Designed for today's business applications, the ViewPad 10 enables users to take Windows on the road, allowing access to Flash-based content and programs like Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Adobe Acrobat. With the Android 2.2 platform just a switch away, the ViewPad 10 is the perfect companion for those looking to work, play and share on the go. Paired with convenient features such as expandable memory, built-in Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR and 1.3 megapixel built-in front camera, this dual-OS device is sure to grow with each user's professional and personal needs.

The dual-OS ViewPad 10 now ships with Android 2.2 and either Windows 7 Home Premium (with a 16GB SSD hard drive) or Windows 7 Professional (with a 32GB SSD hard drive) for respective ESPs of $599 and $679. For full instructions on updating your ViewPad 10, visit http://www.viewsonic.com/assets/113/21936.pdf or call 800-888-8583.

For more information on ViewSonic's products, please visit ViewSonic.com or follow ViewSonic on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

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Allen Ngo - Lead Editor U.S. - 5190 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2011

After graduating with a B.S. in environmental hydrodynamics from the University of California, I studied reactor physics to become licensed by the U.S. NRC to operate nuclear reactors. There's a striking level of appreciation you gain for everyday consumer electronics after working with modern nuclear reactivity systems astonishingly powered by computers from the 80s. When I'm not managing day-to-day activities and US review articles on Notebookcheck, you can catch me following the eSports scene and the latest gaming news.

contact me via: @AllenNgoNBC

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Allen Ngo, 2011-05- 4 (Update: 2012-05-26)

ViewSonic ViewPad 10 finally gets updated from Android 1.6 to 2.2

Source(s)

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