Finally, Sony decides to make a tablet that
is placed within the Xperia family. It is indeed the perfect time to meet the
biggest Xperia of them all the Sony Xperia Tablet S. Before you read on, here
is a simple disclaimer: what we have here is a prototype unit. There may be
changes made when it is launched. Now, we would also like to say a big thank
you to Sony for letting us tinker with its first Xperia tablet. The only thing
that matters now is whether the Xperia Tablet S will be a game changer.
The
Sony Tablet S was one of the more impressive Android tablets when it debuted in
2011
Folds like a book
No, not lip-the-table-anger you see on the
internet. It is the design of the Xperia Tablet S. The folded-over-magazine-page
makes a comeback. Is it eye-popping? Definitely! Ever since the introduction of
its predecessor, there is nothing but praises about how it is different and
practical at the same time. With this new tablet, I will give it similar praises
too and even more. Despite making the tablet slimmer, it still provides that
comfort when I hold it. The grip on the tablet is very cosy too.
Strong like a bull
Furthermore, the solid feel of the tablet
gives the Xperia Tablet S an overall premium status. Yes, even with the plastic
materials used, I like how sturdy the tablet is. Of course, the use of aluminum
materials is preferred. Also, this tablet is rated as splash proof. Sure, it is
not water resistant but during the rainy seasons, this tablet can take a few
hits from those pesky raindrops. I really wish Sony will retain the feature in
more of their future devices. This will be a good area for Sony to excel in.
With
a 1.3GHz quad-core Tegra 3 processor it should be pretty powerful too
Black as night
Next thing on the list is Xperia Tablet S'
1280 x 800 pixels TFT LCD display. When compared with other tablets, there are
more details and less pixels. One contributing factor is the 9.4in display,
which increases the pixel per-inch. However, as a whole, the display is
undeniably better than most of the tablets out there. The color and contrast
are very close to the real thing making it a pleasant to look at. It has really
deep blacks and this means watching movies will be heavenly here. On the other
hand, the brightness is the display’s weakest link because it is not bright
enough to be used outdoors. I can only see my own reflection when using it
outside of the office.
Flow like a river
Sony has skinned its tablet a little. When
turned on, I am happy to see the cool Xperia wallpaper. The skin on top of
Android 4.0 isn’t too heavy, so its operations are ensured to be lag-free. As
part of the Sony customization, the first two rows of apps on the home screen
are filled with Sony related apps. From Social Life, Album and all the way to
Movies, it is up to the users whether they want to jump into Sony suite apps or
stick to Google’s. Personally, I believe people won’t be abandoning all of
Google’s services but I think some will love the Album app. It is like Android’s
photo Gallery but is more reined with a pinch to zoom feature that works
splendidly when viewing in grid mode as it has great low and works seamlessly
on the Xperia Tablet S.
Viewed
front-on it doesn't do quite as much to stand out, because it's basically just
a black rectangle
Easy as pie
This feature, known as the Guest Mode,
certainly deserves its own section. Indeed, this is Sony's smartest addition.
Google needs to take note of this and make it compulsory for future Android
devices. I can easily set up a second (or third, or fourth) user account for my
device. Once done, I would have total control of what apps will function and
what apps will not on each account. My friends’ itchy fingers won’t be able to
see my notification or hijack my Facebook when they fiddle with this device.
So, again, please take this feature into consideration, Google!
Fast like a sports car
Powering the Xperia Tablet S is NVIDIA
Tegra 3. Now I have seen my share of Tegra 3 tablets and generally those
tablets are fast and smooth. Sony is no exception. Scrolling through webpages
is exceptionally smooth, the apps open faster, and somehow the games run better
while animations look nicer too. Even with several apps open in the background,
the Xperia Tablet S runs well. The only limitation is the OS. I agree, Ice
Cream Sandwich is polished but with Jelly Bean, things look more reined. So,
what users can hope for now is an over-the-air update to Android 4.1 for Sony’s
tablet.
On
the other hand, the fold has a mottled feel to it that both makes it pleasant
to hold and leaves it feeling secure in your hand
Conclude like a boss
Everyone deserves a second chance. Whether
or not they throw it away is their choice. Thankfully, Sony did not waste it.
However, being a prototype, I can’t use some of the preloaded apps like Social Life.
It looks visually pleasing but there is no way for me to test it out.
Nonetheless, I really like what Sony has done with the Xperia Tablet S. My only
gripe with it is the resolution it uses. At this time and age where a 10.1in
tablet can house 1900 x 1200 pixels, Sony decides to play it safe. To truly
rise up stronger and better, there are still changes that can be made. Until
then, great job Sony. This tablet deserves a congratulatory pat at the back.
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Specifications
§ Price:
$399
§ Dimensions
(HxWxD): 239.8 x 174.4 x 8.8 mm
§ Weight:
570 g
§ Processor:
Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A9, NVIDIA Tegra 3
§ Memory:
1GB RAM
§ Storage:
16/32/64 GB
§ Operating
System: Android 4.0.3 ICS
§ Display:
9.4in LED-backlit LCD, 1280 x 800 pixels
§ Graphics:
ULP GeForce
§ Connectivity:
Bluetooth v3.0, Wi-Fi a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi hotspot, infrared, USB 2.0
§ Ports:
SD card slot, 3.5mm earphone jack
§ Expansion:
up to 32GB
§ Battery
capacity: 6000mAh
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