Pandigital Novel 7" Android Tablet & eReader Review

Conclusion

Considering the Novel 7-inch Tablet's price of less than $200, one has to figure that you're not going to get the same functionality as you would get on a $500+ tablet such as the Apple iPad or Motorola Xoom. With that said, you get what you pay for with this tablet. The Novel 7-inch Tablet isn't quite as responsive as other more expensive tablets, but for the price, you come to expect a little less from it. Also, because of the price differences, the Novel 7-inch Tablet is destined for a different target market than the iPad or Xoom.

The Novel 7-inch Tablet was first designed to be an eReader. After Pandigital issued a firmware update, the device received tablet functionality with various applications and a custom app store that enables users to expand the Novel's capabilities even further. Not only do you get the ability to shop and access content from Barnes & Noble’s NOOKbook Store, but you also get key apps such as a calendar, contact management app, calculator, email app, and web browser. Although we wish Pandigital would have enabled the Android Marketplace on the Novel 7-inch Tablet, we appreciate that the company did include its own version of an app store via the SlideME application.

 

For users who want an ultra-affordable tablet with basic personal information management functionality as well as the ability to carry and read eBooks, the Pandigital Novel 7-inch Tablet may be a good fit.  Just set your expectations proportional to its price tag.

     
  • Affordable price tag
  • Ability to install applications
  • Full-size SD card slot for added storage capacity
  • Lacks Android Marketplace
  • Resistive touch screen
  • Sometimes slow to respond

 


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