Best seller Sony SGPT111US/S Wi-Fi Tablet (16GB) Review
Product Description
All our innovations folded into one. All the great things you know
from Sony, now in a tablet. With a comfortable design that fits easily
in your hand, and a vibrant trublack display, enjoy a truly optimized
tablet that's responsive and intuitive. Access playstation games, reader
ebooks, music and new release movies through Sony Entertainment network
or control your living room via the built-in universal IR remote
control. Manufacturer:Sony Corporation: Manufacturer Part
Number:SGPT111US/S. Warranty:standard warranty:1 year limited.
Storage:flash memory capacity:16GBProduct Details
- Amazon Sales Rank: #80 in Personal Computers
- Size: 16 GB
- Color: Black
- Brand: Sony
- Model: SGPT111USS
- Number of items: 1
- Dimensions: 9.50" h x 6.80" w x .30" l, 1.33 pounds
- Memory: 2GB DDR2 SDRAM
- Hard Disk: 16GB
- Processors: 1
- Native resolution: 1280 x 800
- Display size: 9.5
Features
- 1 GB SDRAM
- 9.5 -inch screen
- bluetooth wireless
- bluetooth
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com Product Description
Delivering the perfect combination of
hardware, rich network services, and seamless usability, the Sony Tablet
S offers a high-quality, engaging entertainment experience for your
on-the-go lifestyle. It's all the great things you know from Sony--now
in a tablet. Access PlayStation games, Reader eBooks, music and new
release movies from Music Unlimited and Video Unlimited. And you can
control your living room with the built-in universal IR remote control.
Running
the latest Android Honeycomb operating system, the Tablet S features a
brilliant 9.4-inch LED-backlit TruBlack display for more vibrant colors
and deeper blacks. Its 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. And it's powered by the blazing fast 1.2 GHz
NVIDIA Tegra 2 dual-core processor for seamless multitasking.
You can use the Sony Tablet S's universal remote to control home entertainment devices using its integrated infrared (IR)--everything from turning on your HDTV to changing the channel and adjusting volume. It also comes with integrated DLNA functionality, enabling you to wirelessly stream music, video, and photos to large-screen TVs or home entertainment receivers.
This model of the Sony Tablet S (SGPT111US/S) comes with 16 GB of internal memory. Other features include ultra-fast Wireless-N Wi-Fi, Bluetooth connectivity with stereo music streaming capabilities, and a Sony entertainment pack that includes pre-loaded games and free access to Sony entertainment services (see more below).
Brilliant 9.4-inch LED-backlit Sony TruBlack multi-touch display (see larger image).
Rear and front-facing cameras for still images and video chats (see larger image).
You can use the Sony Tablet S's universal remote to control home entertainment devices using its integrated infrared (IR)--everything from turning on your HDTV to changing the channel and adjusting volume. It also comes with integrated DLNA functionality, enabling you to wirelessly stream music, video, and photos to large-screen TVs or home entertainment receivers.
This model of the Sony Tablet S (SGPT111US/S) comes with 16 GB of internal memory. Other features include ultra-fast Wireless-N Wi-Fi, Bluetooth connectivity with stereo music streaming capabilities, and a Sony entertainment pack that includes pre-loaded games and free access to Sony entertainment services (see more below).
Key Features
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Customize with Android MarketWith access to the Android Market, you can browse through thousands of useful time-saving and entertaining apps. There's also instant access to Google mobile services and applications including 3D maps and easy web search with Google Voice Search. Download what you want and make your Tablet truly yours. | Control the Living RoomHaving difficulty remembering which remote control goes with which device? Let the Sony Tablet S solve that for you! Whether it's your TV, Blu-ray Disc player, stereo or cable box, you can control all of them right from your Sony Tablet S. The built-in universal remote not only controls your Sony products, but lots of other brands as well. Plus, you can share, view, and transfer personal video, photos, and music to your DLNA-compatible PC, TV, or speakers. | Unlimited EntertainmentEntertainment is at your fingertips with Sony Entertainment Network. Using Video Unlimited, you can access tones of hit movies to rent or own. Or tap into millions of songs from every major music label through Music Unlimited. Simply sync to the cloud and enjoy the music you love wherever you are. Plus, take advantage of the Crackle app where you can view full-length Hollywood movies and TV series for free and on demand. |
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Get Your Game OnSony Tablet devices are the first PlayStation® Certified tablets that provide out-of-the-box gaming with included favorites "Crash Bandicoot" and "Pinball Heroes." | Swift and Smooth ExperienceA combination of Sony technologies, Quick view and Quick touch, allow for faster loading of web pages, a highly responsive and fluid touch screen as well as an exceptionally intuitive user interface. The large keys of the virtual keyboard take full advantage of screen real estate while automatically adjusting to the task at hand. A numeric keypad pops up when inputting passwords and word suggestions or auto word complete make email and texting a breeze. | Ergonomic Design to Fit Your HandWith so many things you can do with Sony® Tablet, you need a comfortable and easy design to carry the device for long periods of time. Specially designed to ergonomically fit your hand, this unique form factor shifts the device's weight closer to your palm making it feel lighter and more comfortable while reading a book, or watching a video. In addition, this design provides a more natural angle for typing and browsing when set flat on a table. |
See larger image.
What's in the BoxSony Tablet S, charger, lanyard, quick start guideSony Entertainment Pack
| Specifications
|
Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews313 of 322 people found the following review helpful.
The Wedge Shaped Design Is A Winner
By socrateos
I have now used this tablet for almost 3 months. I am not a journalist or evaluator of electronic devices (borrowed for short period). I am just a normal user who uses it daily for myself. I do not own any other tablet but have a colleague who uses an iPad, with which I can compare.
CONCLUSION
After one month of use, I found myself loving it. After two moths, I was loving it even more. And after almost 3 months, I cannot live without. I recommend it highly to everyone.
WHY NOT APPLE'S IPAD
I am an Apple fan. I have been a Mac user for last 20 years. I bought at least 4 iPods in the past. And I currently use iPhone. So naturally I liked iPad when my colleague showed me one.
Then why I did not buy Apple's tablet (iPad)? That's because I am an iPhone user! More and more I learned about iPad, it became clear to me that it is a "big iPhone without phone". I already have most of the features of iPad in my iPhone.
In other words, If I buy an iPad, I gain little while paying twice for the same things. But If I buy an android tablet, my selection of features and apps gets doubled, as I gain an access to Android Market in addition to Apple's App store.
This was one of decisive reasons why I chose Sony Tablet over Apple's iPad.
HOW I USE IT
I use Sony Tablet both at home and at work, daily.
At work, I use it for emailing, web browsing, scheduling, and note taking.
At home, in addition to what I do at work, I use it as e-reader (Kindle), video/movie watching. I use it as a universal controller for everything in living room (TV, CABLE, BD/DVD Player, AV Receiver). I also sometimes listen to music (Music Unlimited) in bed.
On weekends, I take it with me when going out. I use it to take pictures and videos. I use it as e-reader (Kindle) at cafeteria while listening to music (Music Unlimited). My wife uses it to watch movies in the car when we go out for a long drive.
I charge it during night and I do not carry power cable at all during a day because I have plenty of juice left at end of the day.
WHAT I LIKE
A. Superb Design - Beautifully curved design with a wedge shaped body is a winner.
I found that its physical design is not just gorgeous but significantly useful.
(1) When holding it on your hand, it feels lighter than flat type because the center of gravity is closer to your holding hand.
(This is true even when holding it horizontally with both hands if you hold the upper half of the device. And it feels secure because the wedge shape on upper side works as a slip-stopper.)
(2) It is much safer and easier to carry it around room to room without fear of dropping it because the wedge shaped side works as a slip-stopper between your fingers that hold it.
(3) The screen is easier to view with less glare, and its virtual keyboard is easier to type when placed on the desk because the wedge gives a comfortable elevation on upper side. You do not need a special carrier case to do that like all other flat shaped tablets.
(4) This is the only tablet that you can gently put on the desk and comfortably pick it up without fear of dropping it because the wedge shape with hollowed sides gives you a convenient handle to hold it securely.
Sony is the first company that realized that thiner is not necessarily better. Thiner and flatter the device, the more difficult to gently put it on a hard surface of desk because your fingers are not on the sides but underneath, and you have to pull your fingers from beneath at some point. And thiner and flatter the device, the more difficult it is to pick up. (Just imagine about picking up an unbending flat thin plastic plate from a desk!)
(5) It is simply gorgeous to look at both when held in hand and placed on the desktop (you don't need ugly case to elevate the upper side).
B. Light Weight - Use of special plastics make this tablet light and strong.
(1) This tablet is lightest among all tablets in its size-class. It is essential for mobile device to be light. Lighter the better; therefore, it is the best in its class in this regard.
(2) Sony achieves this lightness by using plastics. However, not all plastics are made equal. Sony fortified its device by using very sturdy special plastics (as opposed to cheep ones used in Samsung's). In other words, it is high quality plastic that is strong, very strong.
C. Large Storage Capacity (External SD card and USB drive)
(1) I bought one with 32GB. I also bought a 32GB external SD card. Together, my Sony Tablet has 64GB at all times. That's plenty for many videos and movies and other data. (Compare with Kindle Fire which has only 8GB)
(2) In addition, with a USB connector ($17), I can also connect to my 500GB USB pocket drive if I need it. (iPad does not have USB connector.)
D. High Quality Camera and Video Recorder and Crisp Video Replay
One of the things that my friends envy about my Sony Tablet is quality of pictures and videos it can record. You take video in front of them and replay immediately in beautiful resolution. And watch their reaction :). It's fun.
E. Universal Media Controller
I use it as universal media controller in my living room. I have now one device to control my TV,Cable, BD/DVD, and AV Receiver.
F. EReader Apps
I have all with Sony Tablet: Kindle app, Nook app, and Sony EReader app in this one device. I use Kindle app to read, well, Amazon books. I use Sony Reader app to read books from local libraries.
G. Music Unlimited
My music life has changed drastically after I became a Sony Music Unlimited subscriber. My music life was centered around Apple's iTune, in which case I was listening to same music over and over again because I had to buy every songs that I want to listen. And I can buy only so many. However, if you become a subscriber to the Music Unlimited, millions of songs become available to you. Suddenly my music world became drastically widened. I now listen to more music that I have never listened before. My favorite songs no longer become boring due to overly repeated listening. And I can listen to Music Unlimited at any place (not just Sony Tablet but any networked device such as PC, PS3, BD/DVD, etc).
H. Wide Screen
Unlike iPad or iPad-wannabe tablets, Sony Tablet has a wider screen. That gives Sony Tablet at least two major advantages. First, it is much more suitable as a movie viewer. If you intend to use tablet for movie viewing, this is an important consideration. Second, it gives Sony Tablet a comfortable space for a virtual keyboard that includes numeric keypad, just like a normal keyboard. I really hate iPad virtual keyboard because I have to keep switching in order to type a number. Another good thing resulted from Sony not followling Apple.
RECOMENDATIONS
1. You do not need to buy a carrying case specifically made for a tablet if you already have a laptop case. I did not buy one because the wedge shaped Sony Tablet does not need one. I simply wrap my tablet with a soft cloth and put it in a case I had for my old laptop. In a cafeteria, I proudly pull out my Sony Tablet and place it naked on a table and look at a guy at next table, who is typing into his iPad submerged inside an ugly case that he has to use in order to give it an angle.
2. You need some kind of screen wiper. I bought "Monitor Wipes" from Staples. I carry several wet sheets in a small plastic bag, which I refill once a week.
3. You do not need to worry about power plug that some evaluators seem to complain. It works just fine.
4. You do not have to buy Kindle or Nook devices to enjoy Amazon or B&N e-books. You can get a free Kindle app or Nook app as well as Sony EReader for Sony Tablet.
5. You need headphones if you intend to use it for music or movies in public (such as cafeteria). I bought Sony Ultra Lightweight MDR-W08L ($7) from Amazon. It's very light and easy on your ears.
6. Configure system so that you can have your virtual keyboard with numeric key pad. It is so much easy to type things if number keys are available without switching keyboard.
150 of 166 people found the following review helpful.
The best tablet out there and can only get better....hopefully with next software update
By Ashley D
UPDATE AFTER ALMOST 5 MONTHS OF USE
With the latest Sony firmware update (middle of December) and after extensive testing, all battery drain issues have disappeared. it is now on a par, if not better, at keeping charge in standby mode, than any other tablet apart from the IPAD. Also I have remedied the wi-fi connection issue, but had to upgrade my cable HISPEED internet-now paying about $60.00 per month. The Sony S Tablet id not play nice with my former speeds-though 3-4 MBPS is not exactly slow. Now that I have almost doubled or tripled this, I do not get ANY dropped wifi connections after 2 minutes. I do have to say that my reason for changing to a more expensive internet plan was affected by my girlfriend's two teen boys who have a voracious online gaming habits of course (don't they all now?) Otherwise I would not have upgraded. I must mention, that this is more a recent development, and my previous testing of the wifi connection was done sans teenagers. Because of this I can still only give it 4 stars. I am very disappointed that there has not been more integration with the Playstaion store and more games available. I am also disappointed in the limited usability of the SD card. No matter which file browser is used it ids a pain in the rear to load and transfer movies to free up space in main tablet storage. Also, no matter what, finding the movies is an issue since the ones stored on the SD card do NOT show up in Sony's video application along with other videos purchased from Sony Video Unlimited. I have yet to find a File viewer that can show the files on the sd card and tablet in one view, from which you can also seamlessly play all files and have all the other features of regular video players that most other tablets have-recognizing and showing the movie names that I established for my ripped files on the desktop. Transferring video files to the sd card should not require me to transfer and then delete the original file from the Tablet. Transfer should mean just that-not copy instead. for that reason I upgrade my review 3.5 stars stars(if i could give half stars), since these problems still exist, though there have been improvements such as battery life.
UPDATE AFTER 1 MONTH OF USE: (PREVIOUS POSITIVE BATTERY LIFE COMMENTS FROM INITIAL REVIEW HAVE NOT HELD UP)
Due to the severe battery drain when on standby, I have stopped using this device for the time being. I am going to wait until a software update comes out to solve this issue, and until the Official Skinny Case from Sony arrives. That way I do not have to remove the tablet from a pouch and not worry that the battery will be down to 20 % after 8 hours of standby and with only 4 hours of use(reading, browsing and playing Fish Tycoon). My new Galaxy Tab 8.9 has a M-Edge case that does this and gives me 60% battery life at the end of the day(under the same usage) rather than just 20%-big difference. I love the heft and feel of the Sony, but cannot justify using it because of the battery drain issue. My initial review of battery life was good, but having installed exactly the same apps as on my other test tablets, the battery life and drain have worsened significantly. It is definitely something specific to the Sony Tablet/software.
I am also somewhat pessimistic now, since Sony has delayed shipping on the case 6 times in 6 weeks. Also, as of now there is no news on a Software update release. That's fairly understandable though, since the tablet is still within 60 days of initial release. I would definitely NOT recommend this tablet to anyone who is going to be out and about-not unless you completely switch it off each time. This becomes annoying, since the Sony is not the fastest tablet to boot up. Oh and another annoying thing, is that any video which you transfer to the Tab, skips and stutters when screen orientation is changed. If you are just going to use this to browse the web and read ebooks-and are willing to shut the tablet down completely after each use, then this is the best tablet out there. IMHO however if you can wait a couple of months to see how Sony handles these issues with a software update, then go ahead. Sony has the potential to be the best tablet period(unless you like having hundreds of thousands of useless apps,no decent way to organize or close them, no widgets, no true multitasking and being tied into a proprietary ecosystem that makes converting movies a nightmare if virtually impracticable with lousy music and video quality).
UPDATE AFTER 2 WEEKS WORTH OF USE:
I regrettably have to drop my rating to 3 stars from 5. This is not just because the Video Unlimited or Music Unlimited apps are not ready or working properly-the Sony is new and that is expected. The problem I am seeing, and which other colleagues are experiencing, is severe battery drain when left on standby.About 3% drain per hour. This is unacceptable when not in use. It should not be happening since the specs are pretty identical to other similar Tegra driven tablets, so it most be a software leak. Where, I cannot say exactly, but bearing in mind that Sony has included dozens of proprietary programs, not on other tablets, including Crash Bandicoot and Pinball, as well as the Sony Video and Reader Apps, then I have to say that some of these may be poorly coded for the tablet, causing a battery drain, even when the programs are supposedly shut down. This CAN be fixed with a software update however. The other issue I have had is streaming and downloading of video. It just times out after about a couple of minutes and I have to keep refreshing the download-what should be a 45 min download can take hours as a result. Forget about streaming a movie of course. Before anyone says it is my wifi connection-since I have an abundance of various tablets at any given time, I know this issue is not specific to my wifi connection of course. I did contact Sony Customer support, but their only advice was to do what I already had, factory reset and update Adobe Flash. Again, I think that this issue could also be fixed with a software upgrade, but that had better happen very quickly, or else folks have many other avenues where they can channel hard earned cash. Especially in the next couple of months. I hope I can come back to you soon and go back to a 5 star rating. Sony, are you listening?
UPDATE AFTER 1 WEEK OF INTENSIVE USE:
Still a great device. I have been trying out the video and movie applications. The best way to play video is definitely through the gallery function. Though the movie files are not fully labeled as they would be in a custom Video Playing app, the files run smoothly and transition well when orientation changes. Using the built in video player...that needs some work-it is great until you decide to switch orientation or move the device by accident-then it either freezes or you have to restart. Not a dealbreaker since I know that the Video app will be updated.Crackle..free movies etc....sucks and I reported it...my wifi connection is broadband based and great for any other device, but not good for watching movies. It is another free app so i do not feel as though I am losing out too much, especially since i never planned to watch feature length movies streaming from wifi.Too much battery drain for ANY device, and they, of course, cannot let you download. Sony's Video Unlimited Store-which is not up and running as of yesterday yet-had better be a lot more wifi friendly for downloading. That is an interesting topic actually, since my HTC Flyer with the HTC Movie store(very limited on choice though) can be set to not have the screen go to sleep, then downloads are not interrupted with wifi cutting out-just leave it plugged in overnight is all. The Sony Tablet does not give you an option for"never turn screen off': just keep on for max of 30 mins. That is not good if the Sony Unlimited Video store app cannot download content if screen goes to sleep. That really would be an issue. Of course you could hook up to the laptop/desktop via a micro usb(provide your own) and download from saved files on your computer....However you have to download from the Sony site first then wait and then download to the tablet. So I much prefer the other option directly to tablet. We will see if Sony respond to this issue rapidly. The Sony Bookstore is great, let us see if the Video and Music Store, when fully operational, can match it.
Apart from that no other issues of note: The Playstation games-pinball and Bandicoot are superb...cannot wait for the full Playstation experience and access to thousands, or at least hundreds of other titles initially! Also, cannot wait to get a proper portfolio case, so I can make the device more portable....really guys...don't spend 70 or 100 bucks on the Sony leather slip pouch...not worth it trust me. Just go for a generic tablet pouch for 10 bucks or so, until the STM Skinny for Sony Tablet S comes out-custom case so you can use/charge while protecting etc. It's a $500 piece of kit, so I do not want to keep taking it out of a case all the time to use it. You cannot get an Amazon yet, so order from the Sony Store-back ordered and mine will ship on the 14th of Oct...hopefully. Will keep you posted on developments!
INITIAL IMPRESSIONS AFTER 2-3 DAYS
I test tablets and write about them as a hobby. The money, from the reviews I write, pretty much indulges my geeky hobby.
I currently own 10 different tablets and have just sold 4 this year. These 14 tablets cover virtually every reputable tablet out there. Creative Ziio,Samsung 7 and 10 inch, Acer 7 and 10 inch, iPad 1 and 2,HTC Flyer Toshiba Thrive(weighs a tonne), Motorola Zoom(given to my GF),HP Touchpad, Vizio 8 inch, Blackberry Playbook and now the Sony S Tablet. Asus Transformer just was a pointless proposition since I was not interested in a full keyboard-just Tablets and Portability.Same thing goes for the Slider really.
I look for portability,battery life, raw power,great screen,great layout/icons, compatability with Video/audio codecs reliability, great cases and accessories,sturdiness, large # of apps and a decent price bearing these attributes in mind.
Apple has battery life, raw power, sturdiness, large number of apps, great accessories and a decent price.It has awful screen resolution,video looks crappy on it when compared to others. Proprietary formatting through iTunes. iTunes itself is great for the masses, but not if you want things your way. Cannot even have your icons where you want them on your screen and space them conveniently! horrible sound quality through speakers as well-low volume output. It does have every App known to man on it however and you can watch any video ever made on it. The quality and sound, for those of us who actually notice and care, is horrible.
The Acer 7 inch has a horrible battery life,spotty wi-fi connection, few case options but everything else is really great.
the Thrive has a lot going for it, but seriously it weighs a tonne and not that great looking either. Screen is not that fantastic compared to others too. Decent price though.The Vizio...is unfinished, but a great eBook reader-better than Nook Color and will rival anything that the Kindle eggheads will come up with...unless Amazon can design a better color screen version,max out battery life to about 20 hours and price it for $250 or under. i am pretty sure this will happen in the next 2 months or so.
The HTC Flyer is the best 7 inch in my opinion since it can do pretty much everything and has really good battery life. The other closest 7 inch is the Galaxy tab-both pretty comparable, but i find Flyer gives me better battery life for reading and browsing-which is pretty much what I do on a 7 inch tablet.
The playbook-well it has the potential to be the best of them all...but RIM has just messed this product up and even with the 2.0 OS being promised forever, I think that the ship has sailed. IF they do bring out 2.0 and Android market compatability with native email-then it will be the best portable tablet out there. Until then........Sony,has it just right with even greater potential for the future.
The Sony S tablet is the only tablet that you can hold in your hands, even one handed and browse for hours as you could a paperback. Only you can do one heck of a lot more with this Android tablet than a paperback....
Sony got the right sized tablet for browsing AND playing Playstation games. Screen quality is great and so is the battery life. You feel you are holding a 7 inch tablet when in fact you are holding one about 40% bigger. The ergonomically weighted design is a genius of an idea. The screen icons look 10 times better than the regular Android icons and the battery life rivals the ipad quite easily. Close enough and within 10% anyway. I will take that for fantastic video and sound quality in exchange..
Other reviewers have complained about the SD card and plastic feel and what happens if you drop it. Well, what happens if you drop ANY tablet eh? It is not good. Drop the steel and glass iPad: sturdy in hand = increased downforce and hence more damage. The Sony is light-very light in your hands. Even though the the actual weight is comparable to the iPad. It is the easiest tablet to hold, hence the least likely to be dropped. End of that particular topic. The SD card... works perfectly, just download another video and music player from Android Market. Sony will provide support in the future no doubt for their own Media players.
You can play awesome looking Playstation games on the Sony S. 2 are included and they take you into a different world of gaming on a tablet that is the perfect size. Thousands of more games are only a few weeks/months away at most. No other tablet can do that.
The Sony eReader is the best implemented digital reader implemented on the tablet. Sony tablet, Sony ebook store-just like Amazon and Kindle.....but in color/backlit of course. Kobo and RIM Playbook combination sucks and all other Android devices have various degrees of success with font and formatting issues ref Kindle/Nook. But Sony has it virtually perfect out of the box. Always room for improvement though...better font choices,border spacing etc.
All of this i have discovered in just 2 days. I will keep you posted as time goes on, but hope this helps any potential seekers of tablets.
256 of 287 people found the following review helpful.
Sony has still got it
By zemes
First, a disclaimer: this is not a full review. It is based on less than one hour hands-on experience. I am buying one.
IN SHORT, I am very positively impressed by Sony S1 and think it is one of the best, if not the best, Android tablets made so far. My other favorite Android tablet is Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1. I would not regret to own either of them, but I now prefer Sony S1 for its unique handholding ergonomics (see detailed discussions below).
Running a comparison among the top tablets including iPad 2, Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 and this one (Sony S1) makes me feel we consumers are really spoiled. These products are all so good for what they are. It is like comparing different flavors of ice cream, and one might end up wanting to eat all of them. But still, the Sony S1 manages to somehow stand out with a few quite significant unique features.
On the other hand, even the best iPads and Android tablets cannot replace my Windows-based laptop computer. Like many, I do work on my computer. In fact I can't work without my computer. As much as I like the convenience of the current tablets, none of them comes even close to giving me the whole spectrum of business software applications and the ecosystem. This is not a complaint against a computing device that costs less than $500. It is just a statement of reality.
To name a few of PC software and system tools that lack a reasonable substitute on either iOS or Android: (1) sophisticated file system management (local, LAN and cloud), (2) the Office system (beyond Word, including PowerPoint, Excel), (3) NaturallySpeaking Pro (business-grade full-text speech recognition), (4) image editing and other multimedia creation and editing programs (such as Photoshop), (5) OneNote, (6) Microsoft's unmatched handwriting recognition, (7) Visio (vector drawing software), and (8) CRM, QuickBooks, business databases and other professional software. To me, a computer for work has to have almost all of these capabilities. I'm waiting for the Windows 8 tablet to come out to replace my laptop for this purpose (more about this at the end of this review).
But this review is not a fight between Windows and iOS/Android (which are frankly entirely different leagues serving different purposes). It's just some thoughts of a happy consumer with regard to a good product.
In the following, I will list and comment on some major aspects of Sony S1, starting with the ones that distinguish Sony S1 from the crowd the most, and ones that I personally think are more important.
1. THE DESIGN & ERGONOMICS:
Of the numerous tablets I have handled, Sony S1 feels the best in hands, noticeably better than both iPad 2 and Samsung galaxy 10.1, or any other tablets for that matter. This is largely because of its asymmetrical shape. I would not be surprised that a large number of people will feel the same way.
But I think there is something more than just a feel. In my particular case, there's a very significant practical benefit, in fact a health-related benefit. Due to longtime use of Windows-based convertible tablet computers (yes they do exist, and not to be confused with the tablets we talk about here), the skin of my fingers got a slowly-burnt condition which is very sensitive to any heat (I suspect it is radiation related, but I don't know for sure). Sony S1 gives me a cool handle to hold it, and I immediately know it is healthier, not just more comfortable. I would buy Sony S1 for this reason alone. I can't speak for others however.
In addition, the way Sony designed this tablet beems with quality and even pride. Once you have seen and held a Sony S1, a rare gleam of hope arises: finally a tablet that is not just trying to emulate the iPads. I don't hate iPads. I just want to see some freedom to break away from the "Apple Way" and good choices other than Apple products. So a tablet like Sony S1 gives me a bit of extra satisfaction other than its just being a good product. Call me biased. But I'm entitled to my opinion.
2. UNIQUE FUNCTIONALITIES:
Although the Sony S1 tablet is based on Android Honeycomb, Sony introduced a few very unique features. The first interesting one is that the tablet works as a universal remote control, not only to Sony TVs but also electronics of other brands. I haven't tried this yet, but in theory, once they have that infrared sensor built in, they could make it work as a truly powerful universal control with good software implementation.
Another feature is that the Sony S1 has DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) for streaming contents directly to a DLNA capable TV. Considering that newer TVs and many other home electronics are increasingly becoming "DLNA certified" as a matter of standard now, this is a good thing.
In addition, Sony is pitching its tablet as a PlayStation-certified tablet. I really don't know how much it means in terms of its integration with the PlayStation gaming system as I'm not a gamer. But one can expect better gaming performance than other Android tablets.
These unique features reflect Sony's expertise in entertainment. They are capable of making a particularly strong showing in the area of multimedia entertainment. The Sony S1 is a convincing proof. This could be a differentiator for Sony tablets.
3. THE DISPLAY:
The Sony uses a very high quality 9.4 inch IPS screen with 1280x800 pixels. The resolution matches the resolution of Galaxy Tab 10.1, and betters the 1028x768 of iPad 2.
However, the displays of these tablets all disappoint me in terms of resolution. One of things that I do often on a tablet is to read documents in a vertical (portrait) orientation. If you have done that a lot, you might have noticed that a minimum 900 pixels are absolutely necessary to read a full page document (especially a PDF document) without zooming and horizontal scrolling. Unlike vertical scrolling which you do only once after reading a whole page, horizontal scrolling has to be done every single line when it is necessary. This difference has a huge impact on work efficiency and reading comfortableness, yet none of these manufacturers are paying attention to this. I guess they're just too much focused on the entertaining part.
I may be asking too much, considering that 1366x800 seems to be the present maximum resolution of laptops under 13.1 inches. But once the tablets have created the freedom of vertical viewing (especially reading documents in portrait orientation), the need for more than 900 pixels in the width (when viewed vertically) became very prominent. For other purposes, the difference between 900 and 800 pixels is only a bit over 10%, but for vertical viewing of documents, reaching 900 pixels and beyond makes a qualitatively critical difference. It is a different class. Anything less than 900 pixels really no longer matters that much because you are required to do horizontal scrolling anyway.
If you set the document viewing at 90% zooming, 800 pixels would work for full-width page viewing. So in this respect, Sony S1 and Galaxy Tab 10.1 are better than iPad 2, but not class-changing.
4. THE PROCESSOR & RAM:
Sony S1 uses Nvidia Tegra 2 dual-core processor 1 Ghz, comparable to iPad 2 and seems identical to Galaxy Tab 10.1. Sony S1 has 1G RAM, same as Galaxy Tab 10.1, double the iPad. But I doubt you can tell any difference in practical terms during operation. Nothing stands out here.
5. THE MEMORY:
Sony has 16G and 32G options. I did not see a 64G option listed. I personally don't need more than 16G, because I don't see myself installing a ton of apps. Ironically, of the hundreds of thousands apps, I could find no more than a dozen apps that are really useful to me. Besides, for media files which tend to be the most memory hungry, the external SD memory card would work just fine (see below).
However, I don't understand why 32G costs $100 more than 16G. The retail price of solid-state memory in SSD has come down close to $1/G. The component cost for the tablet manufacturers would be certainly below $1/G. So how is the $100 for a 16G memory difference justified? But everyone seems to be doing this, so I can't blame Sony for doing it.
6. THE EXTERNAL MEMORY CARD:
The good news is that Sony S1 has a standard (full-size) SD card memory slot. Neither iPad 2 nor Galaxy Tab 10.1 has this. Motorola Xoom has a microSD card expansion, which is not nearly as good, economic and convenient, but better than nothing. The standard SD memory cards are probably the most efficient and least expensive portable memory one can get today. Thankfully, Sony did not push its proprietary memory stick. It would be absolutely foolish if they did that.
However, there is a limitation to the usefulness of the SD memory card. It seems that the SD card memory can be used for media exchange only, and not as an extension of the internal memory. It means the memory on the SD card is good for storing and transferring files, but not as system memory for installing apps. This seems to be an issue with the operating system, but I'm not sure.
I personally don't see the above limitation to be a problem, because I don't think I will be installing many apps to exceed the 16G capacity. For media files which tend to be the most memory hungry, the external SD memory card would work just fine.
7. THE CONNECTIVITY:
Nothing stands out here. The Sony S1 models that are available now have only Wi-Fi. I believe they will have models with 3G/4G cellular network capability in the near future. As a workaround, you may buy an external WCDMA card for Android operating system to get 3G cellular network connection for the Wi-Fi model or even try to tether the tablet to your smart phone to share the cellular connection. But if you do need 3G/4G, it is a good idea to get a model that has built-in capability.
In terms of other connections, a mini USB and a headphone/microphone socket are all you have. You will need an extension base to get other connections such as HDMI for a TV or external computer screen.
8. BATTERY LIFE:
I didn't get a chance to test. Reportedly Sony S1 is even slightly better than iPad 2 (8.5 hours versus 7.5 hours), but slightly worse than Galaxy Tab 10.1 (9.5 hours). If it can give me more than six hours, I am satisfied. To me, once it's beyond six hours, there is very little difference, unless it then reaches days and weeks like E-Ink (electronic paper) displays used in Amazon Kindle. This is because it is a daily life management issue. If it is shorter than six hours, you might have to do a midday recharge which is inconvenient. But if it is beyond six hours, most of the time you will be doing a daily overnight charge only. This is the case whether it's seven, eight or nine hours. But if the device requires a charge only once for several days, even a week or longer, that would be a different story.
9. THE WEIGHT & DIMENSIONS:
Sony S1 is light (21 oz or 1.31 pounds, even slightly lighter than iPad 2), but why are people obsessed with this? Will an oz or two kill you? I think people are just psyched into this with no practical benefit to them. The same goes with how thick the tablet is.
10. SOME ADDITIONAL PERSPECTIVE
OVERALL, I really like the Sony S1. I don't expect it to have dramatically better performance than other top Android tablets. In fact I can live with any of them as long as it is not an iPad : But the excellent ergonomics with the unique and healthy hand-holding characteristic and several unique functions mark the Sony S1 apart from others.
At the same time, I'm waiting for the Windows 8 tablet to come out to replace my laptop which I am getting tired of carrying. Just a year ago, I never thought I would complain about carrying around a laptop computer. I blame these tablets for this change. They spoiled me.
In other words, I see the current tablets as only transitional products to my personal needs. Once the Windows 8 tablet comes out, I will nearly certainly switch, unless they make a huge mess in terms of form factor, heat and battery life. I have no choice because I need to work. I will still use an e-reader based on the e-ink technology to supplement my Windows tablet because such an e-reader offers a unique reading advantage. I don't see any big benefit of having both a Windows tablet and an iPad or Android tablet.
But that's just me. I don't believe the current tablets are going to be replaced by Windows tablets in landslide scales. The current tablets are mostly sufficient for a vast majority of people. This is because most people are information consumers instead of information producers. The fact is that iPads and Android tablets have got good enough to deliver information for consumption, and they're likely to beat Windows tablets in price and portability.
Besides, there is another important type of applications that is within the comfortable territory of current tablets, namely the multimedia entertainment. In this area, I find it hard to think of anything that a Windows tablet can do but an Android tablet can't. (Perhaps Intel might come up with a killer low-power processor with graphics powerful enough to support high-end games which the ARM processors can't? I don't know. This should work out for Sony tablets particularly well. With Sony's expertise in entertainment, they are capable to make a strong showing in multimedia entertainment. The Sony S1 is a convincing proof. Too see the price
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