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Sony Tablet S

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Sony Tablet S
DeveloperSony Corporation
ManufacturerFoxconn
Product familySony Tablet
TypeTablet computer
Release dateSeptember 16, 2011 (2011-09-16) (US & Europe), October 25, 2011 (2011-10-25) (Australia)
Operating systemAndroid 3.2 (Honeycomb)
CPUNvidia Tegra 2 (1GHz Dual-Core)
Memory1GB
Storage16GB / 32GB flash memory
Display9.4 in (240 mm) 1280 x 800 pixel (16:10) TruBlack TFT LCD (161 PPI)
GraphicsULP GeForce
InputCapacitive Multi-touch screen
CameraFront: 0.3 MP
Rear: 5.11 MP Exmor for mobile
ConnectivityBluetooth v2.1 + EDR, DLNA, Infrared, Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n
Online servicesAndroid Market, Qriocity, Reader Store, PlayStation Suite
Dimensions241.2 mm (9.50 in) (h)
174.3 mm (6.86 in) (w)
10.1 mm (0.40 in) (d) (thickest point: 20.6mm)
Mass16/32Gb Wifi model:598 g (21.1 oz)
RelatedSony Tablet P
Websitesony.com/tablet

The Tablet S (previously known as the S1) is the first tablet computer released by Sony. Featuring a "unique asymmetric design"[1], the Tablet S runs Google's Android operating system and features a 9.4" multitouch display, 1GHz Nvidia Tegra 2 dual core processor, Wi-Fi capability, front- and rear-facing cameras, Bluetooth, and an Infrared sensor. It is also configured with access to the Sony Entertainment Network and is PlayStation Certified and DLNA compatible.[2]

Design

The main distinguishing feature of the Tablet S is its "unique asymmetric design" that sees the thickness of the device tapering from 20.6 mm (0.81 in) down to 10.1 mm (0.40 in). The "wrap" effect is intended to evoke an "open paperback stuffed into the back pocket, or a magazine folded backward upon itself such that only a single page is visible to read," and reduce the amount of torque while being held. [3] Sony claims that this "off-center of gravity design realizes stability and ease of grip as well as a sense of stability and lightness, offering comfortable use for hours."[4]

Hardware

The Tablet S features a 9.4 inches (240 millimetres), 1280 x 800 pixel resolution, TFT LCD using Sony's proprietary TruBlack Display - the same technology as that used in the company's Bravia range of televisions.[5]

It uses the Nvidia Tegra T20 chipset comprising of a 1GHz ARM Cortex-A9 dual core processor and a ULP GeForce GPU, with 1GB RAM and either 16GB or 32GB internal storage and support for SD memory cards up to 32GB.[6]

Other onboard features include an accelerometer, 3-axis gyroscope, digital compass, GPS, 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth v2.1 + EDR, Infrared, MicroUSB, microphone, 3.5mm headphone jack and 0.3MP front-facing and 5MP rear-facing cameras.[7]

Like other Android devices, the Tablet S does not include any hardware navigation buttons, which are all implemented via persistent on-screen buttons. The only physical buttons present on the device are the power button and volume rocker located in the recessed area on one side.

The tablet uses a proprietary power connector.[8]

Software

The Tablet S was initially launched with Android 3.1 Honeycomb, but a 3.2 update was made available shortly after its release.[9] It uses a customized version of the operating system. Features and applications unique to the Sony device include[10]:

  • A customizable row of most frequently used icons on the top-left of the screen
  • A "Favourites" bar at the top-right
  • A customized version of the Android web browser
  • A universal remote control app for the built-in IR transmitter
  • Apps for accessing Sony Entertainment Network (Music Unlimited and Video Unlimited)
  • An app for Sony Reader eBooks
  • Social Feed Reader - an app that aggregates Facebook and Twitter social media status updates
  • Crash Bandicoot and Pinball Heroes PlayStation Store games

The Sony Tablet S is rumoured to be receiving an upgrade to Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.0).[11]

Reception

Reviewers have largely been positive towards the Sony Tablet S, praising its unique design. Wall Street Journal said that "the Tablet S will appeal to buyers who would like a distinctive tablet from a trusted company that doesn't look like an iPad wannabe"[12] while PC World says Sony "has not lost its design mojo over the years, as this model brings Sony's originality and flair to a tablet market that desperately needs both."[13] Asher Moses from the Sydney Morning Herald called it "best Android tablet yet.""Review: Sony Tablet S". smh.com.au. Retrieved 3 Dec 2011.</ref>

Negative comments are directed at the device's high price and poor build quality. Tech blog Gizmodo called it "plasticky" and pointed out that Sony's use of inferior materials to save on weight led to their unit getting "seriously scratched during a totally routine photo shoot" and commented that it would "smash into a million pieces" if dropped.[14] Time observed that the Tablet S falls short of Sony's aspirations to compete with the iPad, with reviewer Jared Newman quoting Sony CEO Howard Stringer's comments, and saying "if the Tablet S is what Stringer has in mind, I weep for Sony’s future."[15]

Recognition

The Tablet S was an honoree in the Consumer Electronics Association's CES Innovation Design and Engineering Awards 2012, in the "Tablets, E-Readers and Netbooks" category [16].

See also

References

  1. ^ "Sony Announces Market Launch of Sony Tablet". Sony Press Room. 31 August 2011. Retrieved 30 Nov 2011.
  2. ^ "Sony Tablet S - An Android Tablet Like No Other". Retrieved 30 Nov 2011.
  3. ^ "Exclusive: Sony 'S1' PlayStation tablet". Retrieved 1 Dec 2011.
  4. ^ "Sony Announces Optimally Designed "Sony Tablet" with Android 3.0 that Complements Network Services for an Immersive Entertainment Experience". Retrieved 1 Dec 2011.
  5. ^ "Sony Tablet S and the Tablet P Get Officially Unveiled. We Have Specs, Details, and a Preview for You". sonyrumors.net. Retrieved 1 Dec 2011.
  6. ^ "Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 vs Sony Tablet S". knowyourmobile.com. Retrieved 1 Dec 2011.
  7. ^ "Sony Tablet S specifications". phonearena.com. Retrieved 1 Dec 2011.
  8. ^ "Cracking Open the Sony Tablet S". techrepublic.com. Retrieved 1 Dec 2011.
  9. ^ "Sony S tablet receiving Android 3.2 update". notebookcheck.net. Retrieved 2 Dec 2011.
  10. ^ "Sony Designs Tablet That's Not an iPad Wannabe". wsj.com. Retrieved 1 Dec 2011.
  11. ^ "Ice Cream Sandwich - will your Android get a taste?". pocketgamer.co.uk. Retrieved 1 Dec 2011.
  12. ^ "Sony Designs Tablet That's Not an iPad Wannabe". wsj.com. Retrieved 3 Dec 2011.
  13. ^ "Sony Tablet S Review: A Tablet That Goes Beyond Basics". pcworld.com. Retrieved 3 Dec 2011.
  14. ^ "Sony Tablet S Review: It's Good To See You Again, Sony". gizmodo.com. Retrieved 3 Dec 2011.
  15. ^ "Review: With Tablet S, I Worry About Sony". time.com. Retrieved 3 Dec 2011.
  16. ^ "2012 CES: 2012 Innovation Honorees - Tablets, E-Readers & Netbooks". Retrieved 30 Nov 2011.
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