ViewSonic Debuts ViewPad 100 Tablet: Dual-Boot Android and Windows 7

The first major tablet wave hit at Computex, shortly after the iPad took the world (and sales numbers) by storm. It seems like Berlin's IFA trade show is where the second wave is coming. ViewSonic, a company you may not expect to be first on the scene with new tablets, is surprising us for sure with a second unit that's arriving shortly after the ViewPad 7. The new ViewPad 100 is a real unique product, hailed as the world's first dual-boot Android and Windows 10" tablet.


In other words, this tablet won't make you choose between Google's mobile OS and Microsoft's full destop OS, Windows 7. Both come loaded on. Windows 7 Home Premium and Android 1.6 will be installed, though we really wish Android 2.2 were there in place of the dated v1.6. Still, having two operating systems to choose from is a huge win in the tablet sector; that's practically impossible to find on any other slate PC.


As for specifications, it will feature a 16GB SSD, Intel's 1.66GHz Atom N455 processor, 1GB of DDR3 memory, a 1024x600 resolution display, built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, a G-sensor, microSD slot, A-GPS, two USB 2.0 ports and a 1.3MP webcam. ViewSonic is not disclosing pricing information yet, nor a release date, but it wouldn't surprise us if more and more tablets arrive with an OS choice. Why would you buy just an Android tablet or just a Windows tablet when one purchase would get you both?

ViewSonic unleash world’s first dual-boot Android and Windows 10” Tablet at IFA

3 September 2010, IFA, Berlin – ViewSonic has announced the launch of the world’s first dual-boot tablet, the ViewPad 100.  With a 10” screen, the ViewPad 100 incorporates both a full version of Windows 7 Home Premium and Google Android 1.6.

The combination of operating systems means that users have the speed and portability of an Android-based OS without sacrificing the power and compatibility of a Windows powered system.  Users can quickly check their emails or browse the internet with Android while still being able to rely on the traditional PC experience that a full Windows environment provides, such as USB connectivity, video output via mini VGA, Adobe Flash support and the ability to create presentations and word documents from scratch.

With a lightweight design, the ViewPad 100 is ideal for anyone who needs a portable computing solution.  It features a built-in 16GB SSD, giving faster boot-up and read/write times than standard HDDs, as well as an energy-efficient Intel Atom N455 1.66Ghz processor with 1GB DDR3 RAM, providing users with longer battery life.

"We want to supply users with a tablet computer that incorporates both Android and Windows as we believe in providing an open approach to mobile technology to users who may not wish to be tied to a specific operating system," says Derek Wright, European Product Marketing Manager. “The ViewPad 100 is aimed at those who want the speed and portability of Android without losing the advantages of having a Windows-based system.  We recognise many users may be transitioning from a netbook but will possibly struggle with the learning curve of a new OS, even for simple tasks as uploading photos or using a VPN. Eventually they may choose to favour one over the other, but they will always have the choice.”

The user experience is further enhanced by a high quality capacitive multi-touch display based on a 10” 1024 x 600 LED panel as well as built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections and a G-sensor that reorients the screen depending on how the device is held.  Additional features include a Micro SD slot for up to 32GB of storage, Assisted GPS for navigation, two USB 2.0 connections and a built in 1.3M webcam.

ViewSonic will be showing the ViewPad 100 at its stand at IFA 2010, in Berlin, Hall 14.1 stand 107.