The Sony Tablet P has been talked about since August, of last year, and was shown off during yesterday’s Sony press conference at CES; it’s a fresh outing for Sony in many ways. To start off, it’s the only fold-able Android device out there and it’s currently running Android 3.2 Honeycomb, which seems an odd choice since Ice Cream Sandwich has been out for a while. Though perhaps that’s for the best, since I don’t have an Android device. The Tablet P sports two 5.5″ displays with a resolution of 1024×480 which gives more than enough pixel room to do everything you’d need to on a tablet.
Although, I think the idea of a fold-able device is great, I don’t think it is practical as most games and apps would require the entire screen, though they would have to be developed specifically for the device, otherwise it would limit them to a single screen. Like most mobile devices at CES this year, the Tablet P is going to be sold exclusively through AT&T and when I asked the rep about a WiFi only version he was uncertain if that was going to be an option or not.
Another downside of this device is the lack of internal memory, as currently you can only get a 4gb version and I’m not sure that it is expandable either. On a good note, both screens are very clear and responsive, the device will easily fit in your pocket or purse and it is Android so of course you get access to the Android marketplace and download everything your little heart desires. Unless the tablet is under $249 I don’t see anyone rushing to buy it, if the HP and Blackberry tablet outings are any indication at least.
Sony also seemed to have forgotten that people generally like flipping their tablets around and viewing things in different ways. This tablet has a stable environment, meaning that the screen won’t move or turn when you do.
It’s a good device if you want something that seems more like a book maybe, but for general tablet related uses, I would pass.
