GADGET WATCH: Sony Tablet S

It’s been about 18 months since Apple first released the iPad, and only now is the competition really starting to heat up.

This time around Sony has unleashed a competitor with the Tablet S, a device that is marketed as a more powerful alternative to the Apple gadget. But does it have the ability to stand up to the market leader?

Hardware and features

The Tablet S features a 9.4 inch touch screen, in 1280 x 800 resolution, with 1GB of RAM and memory of either 16GB or 32GB. The Android-powered device will run on 3.2, although 4.0 was just released last week.

The device is powered by an Nvidia Tegra 2 processor, and is powered by a Li-on battery boasting 8.35 hours of usage, although that will greatly depend on what the user is doing with the device.

Front and rear cameras are included, with 1080p capture and playback.

The Sony S also features Wi-Fi, 3G, Bluetooth, an SD card slot and Sony’s Qriocity service, along with access to the PlayStation Suite, and also has infrared technology that can be used for the device to act as a remote control for AV devices. Users can display content from the Sony tablet onto a Sony television using a wireless network.

What’s the consensus?

There’s a lot to like about the Tablet S. TechRadar has praised the device’s construction, with its curved back making it comfortable to hold, and its weight identical to the iPad 2. The publication said the plastic finish doesn’t feel cheap, and noted the textured back.

Gizmodo also said the screen was of quite good construction, but also said it was a bit dim and got “seriously scratched”. It also took a different view to the build, saying that while it didn’t feel cheap, “the build quality doesn’t seem up to snuff”.

“Even the screen has a lot of flex to it if you give it a little pressure. They used some sort of thinner, cheaper glass to save on weight, but it felt like if you dropped this thing it would smash into a million pieces.”

Software-wise, Slashgear said the use of preloaded apps was passable, and that the use of Sony’s own services made things easy to use.

But Gizmodo said while some of these services are useful, “they aren’t all winners”, and said the actual design of the app drawer was badly designed, with the white screen making it harder to read.

“Speed on the Tab S is a mixed bag. When you first boot it up it’s easily among the fastest of the Android tablets. Scrolling is smooth, and even complex HD games play very nicely. But once it’s been running for awhile and you’ve opened a bunch of applications, things really start slowing down.”

However, PCWorld said the on-screen keyboard was well designed and comfortable to type on. It also praised the ability to switch between apps seamlessly.

“For example, with the tablet’s built-in IR blaster app and Sony’s well-designed remote control app, I had no trouble turning the Tablet S into a universal remote for controlling my home theatre components, including multiple DVD recorders, Blu-ray players, and televisions, regardless of the manufacturer or age of each component.”

TechRadar also said the homescreen Honeycomb interface was “more intuitive” than other tablets, but noted that a lot of media playback was disappointing, despite a positive web browsing experience.

However, Slashgear also pointed out that when it comes to tablet-specific apps, the Android Market is coming up short.

“Sony has begun a new site, called Select App, to guide new users toward key software, split across various categories like home, lifestyle and entertainment. It’s sparse on information – just a short blurb about each app – and there’s no way for Tablet S owners to leave their own reviews or suggestions, but it’s better than nothing.”

Who’s it for?

Reviewers have praised the Tablet S for its clever use of the Honeycomb software, along with a satisfying web browsing experience. But the lack of tablet-specific apps and a clunky interface have let it down.

If you’re set on Android, then the Sony S is worth a look, but if you’re deciding between Sony and Apple, then the iPad 2 is probably a better buy.