Will Sony Tablet S Set itself Apart from iPad Wannabes?
By Rob Scott
September 19, 2011
September 19, 2011
- Walt Mossberg suggests that one reason Apple’s iPad dominates the market is that most other tablet offerings come across as imitations that do not ultimately provide the same superior experience.
- Sony aspires to change that perception with the release of its 9.4-inch Sony Tablet S, which Mossberg describes as a “handsome tablet with an unusual, asymmetrical design and some software tweaks and content services it hopes can set it apart from the pack.”
- Sony’s new device, launched over the weekend, uses Google’s Android OS and costs the same as the Wi-Fi-only iPads ($500 for the 16GB version and $600 for the 32GB model).
- The Tablet S has no cellular data option and tested weaker than the iPad in terms of battery life, but has a design like no other competitor: “One of the long sides of its rectangular, plastic body has a thick, rounded edge that makes the device look like a folded-back magazine.”
- Mossberg sees this as a positive, even suggesting the device feels lighter than the iPad (it isn’t), based on how the weight rests on your palm. “While this design makes the Tablet S much thicker than many competitors, it has several advantages. When you hold the device one-handed in portrait, or vertical, mode, it feels much more comfortable and balanced than any other tablet I’ve tested. When you lay it on a flat surface in landscape, or horizontal, mode, the rounded edge creates a natural angle for typing, without a case or stand.”
- Additionally setting it apart is an SD memory card slot (useful for transferring media), a customizable row of frequently used app icons, a Favorites feature (ideal for recently accessed media and Web bookmarks), and a universal remote control app with built-in infrared transmitter. “Sony also is bundling services for buying music, TV shows and movies, e-books and games to create a content ecosystem like Apple’s,” writes Mossberg.
- We’ll see if these new features and unique design will be enough to attract consumers. If not, another tablet is on its way: “Sony is planning a second, even more radical tablet for later this fall, called the Tablet P. It’s a much smaller and lighter device that has no visible screen until you unfold it to reveal twin 5.5-inch displays that can either be used as one large screen or can have separate content in each.”
6 Comments
Thanks for the tip, Dominic. I’m curious about the ergonomics of this design, which looks intriguing in a horizontal position but may sacrifice the necessary width for practical screen space in a vertical position. Has anyone played with this yet?
Hey Rob, I picked one up myself and actually compared it to an iPad 2. The screen is only slightly narrower than the iPad 2 when held in the vertical position. I’ve used it to read several news sites on the web (i.e. nytimes.com latimes.com) as well as a few eBooks. It works well for this (although the built in Sony eBook reader is a little buggy). As promised the perceived weight difference between it and the iPad is notable though not dramatic. But it’s enough to make the pad feel very light when carrying it from room to room.
Thanks for the tip, Dominic. I’m curious about the ergonomics of this design, which looks intriguing in a horizontal position but may sacrifice the necessary width for practical screen space in a vertical position. Has anyone played with this yet?
Hey Rob, I picked one up myself and actually compared it to an iPad 2. The screen is only slightly narrower than the iPad 2 when held in the vertical position. I’ve used it to read several news sites on the web (i.e. nytimes.com latimes.com) as well as a few eBooks. It works well for this (although the built in Sony eBook reader is a little buggy). As promised the perceived weight difference between it and the iPad is notable though not dramatic. But it’s enough to make the pad feel very light when carrying it from room to room.
Interesting… I’m looking forward to a test drive. Thanks for the hands-on review.
Interesting… I’m looking forward to a test drive. Thanks for the hands-on review.
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