The ViewPad 100 from ViewSonic is the latest Windows CE-based Web tablet to hit the market. It provides business professionals with wireless access to the Internet, email, and server-based applications.

The ViewPad also includes multimedia features that allow users to play MP3 and WMA files, record voice notes, and read books. ViewSonic has partnered with GoAmerica to offer CDPD or Ricochet wireless service for the ViewPad, which is available in metro markets throughout the US.

The ViewPad measures 8.4 x 11.3 x 0.9 inches and weighs slightly less than 2.5 pounds. It features a 10-inch touch resistive, high luminance TFT display with a resolution of 800 x 600 pixels. An external display is also supported through its mini-VGA port. The ViewPad incorporates handwriting recognition and software keyboard, along with its touch screen. The device has a built-in microphone and single speaker that generates 18-bit stereo audio.

On the inside, the device is powered with a 200 MHz Intel StrongARM SA-1110 processor, and includes 64 MB SDRAM, and 32MB Flash. It has a USB port, IrDA port, USB synchronization 16-pin connector, and supports both CompactFlash and PC Card expansion options. With the optional cradle, users can synchronize their ViewPad with their PC, or connect to common peripheral through the cradle's numerous ports including: USB x 3, PS/2 x 2, Audio jack, or RJ-45 Ethernet. It runs on rechargeable Lithium ion batteries.

The ViewPad offers a complete software package for mobile computing including Internet Explorer 4.0, Pocket Word, Ptab Spreadsheet (Excel compatible), Pocket-On-Schedule (Outlook Compatible), and Pocket Inbox. Citrix ICA Client and MicroSoft RDP software facilitate remote access to server based applications. Multimedia applications -- MP3 Player, Microsoft Media Player, and Voice Recorder -- are also included.

Pricing and Availability

The ViewSonic ViewPad will be available in mid-July, 2001 for approximately $1000.

(For access to more than 4,500 other hands-on product reviews on all variety of wired and wireless appliance and consumer devices, go to the iAppliance Web Portal Page. )