if you want a Viewsonic g-Tablet, GET IT NOW!!

**SolidOrange** · 12-18-2010, 06:24 PM

according to several online sources, Sears and Staples will no longer be carrying the Viewsonic g-Tablet because of "high return rates due to lack of Flash and Android Market support". while both of these issues can easily be fixed through rooting, it looks like gTabs are about to become a lot harder to find. why Viewsonic even bothered to create Tap'N'Touch instead of using a vanilla Android OS is still beyond me, but the fact remains that, out of the box, the gTablet is terrible. it also doesn't help that they advertise both Flash and the Marketplace on the box. rooted and running any of the 4 custom ROMs, it is simply awesome, but you cannot expect the average consumer to have that ability.

it seems that sears.com still has a few in stock (10, per their webpage), and some sellers on Amazon are still offering it as well. it has already been removed from staples.com, and i am sure that brick and mortar stores will not be ordering any more once the current supply is exhausted. if you are considering the purchase, GET YOUR HANDS ON ONE NOW!!

**SolidOrange** · 12-19-2010, 09:14 AM

i talked to Viewsonic customer service on this issue to determine if i needed to return my tablet, and their position is that a hard recall has absolutely not been issued. sears and staples have apparently decided to remove the g-Tab from inventory on their own accord, but Viewsonic is not preventing other websites/stores from selling them or recalling any previously sold units. i was also told that should be a software update coming sometime this week that will fix the out of the box issues with Flash, among other things.

**patrixl** · 12-19-2010, 08:06 PM

Or, seeing all the issues and fiddling needed to get it to work, and how android and Apps are yet to be adapted for tablets, maybe it's a good thing and better hold off on buying it... imo anyway.

Sent from my SH-03C

**highwayman1224** · 12-19-2010, 08:37 PM

Originally Posted by patrixl

Or, seeing all the issues and fiddling needed to get it to work, and how android and Apps are yet to be adapted for tablets, maybe it's a good thing and better hold off on buying it... imo anyway.

Sent from my SH-03C

Hmmm, all my apps "adapt" fine on my galaxy tab.

**MoCoTerp** · 12-19-2010, 10:15 PM

Yeah. My local Sears is refusing to sell them eventhough they are in stock!

Via TapaTalk on Nook Tablet

**sniffs** · 12-20-2010, 11:16 AM

i have this tab,running vegam b3b, new market, flash, everything works and im totally happy with this tab..it really does havd the best hardware out..

**Prof-KOS** · 12-22-2010, 01:07 PM

I really want this tablet, but unless I drive across the border I can't get it. Amazon sellers won't ship to Canada. Hopefully, if Viewsonic does end up holding a bunch of them, they'll pass them on to TigerDirect to sell in Canada.

**igotsanevo4g** · 12-22-2010, 05:37 PM

I would get it if it was cheaper.

**sniffs** · 12-22-2010, 05:47 PM

!!!

It's a Tegra2, dualcore, sd card slot, usb port, dock, mini usb.. it's "THE" best Android tab on the market right now. It's NAND is unlocked, bootloader is unlocked.. it's basically the most hackable tablet out!!

And, when Honecomb comes out, it'll be even better! The Gtab is future proof.

**igotsanevo4g** · 12-22-2010, 07:28 PM

Originally Posted by sniffs

!!!

It's a Tegra2, dualcore, sd card slot, usb port, dock, mini usb.. it's "THE" best Android tab on the market right now. It's NAND is unlocked, bootloader is unlocked.. it's basically the most hackable tablet out!!

And, when Honecomb comes out, it'll be even better! The Gtab is future proof.

Youre right, and im really tempted. If only it was cheaper.

My evo can do all of those things. Minus the processor of course.

**thekarens** · 12-22-2010, 07:55 PM

Most of the reviews of this tablet are really bad and a good portion of the customers seem to agree. This tablet has a lot of potential, at least on paper, and if they ever get the kinks worked out it could be a very good tablet.

**sniffs** · 12-22-2010, 09:24 PM

Reviews are using the stock ui ...mod this thing and it turns into a different beast

**smithe68** · 12-23-2010, 08:26 PM

I went looking for a G Tab, Staples has pulled it for recalls, which I believe stem from people not understanding the limitations of the stock OS build, and everyone else said they had none in stock, no reason given.

**slopokdave** · 12-23-2010, 08:47 PM

There is nothing software-wise that could save this tablet given the horrible screen quality; the viewing angles are atrocious. If it were a 7" tablet and easier to hold at the proper viewing angle, it may be better.

The color quality is also very bad; banding in pictures, it looks like its 8,000 colors or something? You will also notice the screens cross hatch in the background from time to time.

I had one for 2 weeks, then returned it; I had every intention of returning it when I bought it. The INTERNAL hardware almost made me keep it, it really is fast. But the screen... just so bad.

**sniffs** · 12-23-2010, 10:10 PM

I consider that a feature. I fly often and don't want people being super nosy and looking at what I'm doing.

The color banding? I dont notice it.. I'm running VEGan ROM beta4.. it actually produces some pretty great skin tones.. looks good overall.

I love this thing. yes the screen COULD be better, but with the Tegra2 proc and extremely hackable, it'll always be updated.

**mizilk** · 12-24-2010, 08:56 AM

I got mine at Electronic Express for $364.72!!!

their website is electronicexpress.com

**slopokdave** · 12-24-2010, 09:53 AM

Originally Posted by sniffs

I consider that a feature. I fly often and don't want people being super nosy and looking at what I'm doing.

The color banding? I dont notice it.. I'm running VEGan ROM beta4.. it actually produces some pretty great skin tones.. looks good overall.

I love this thing. yes the screen COULD be better, but with the Tegra2 proc and extremely hackable, it'll always be updated.

I believe thats the same ROM I was running? I remember seeing the lack of color quality mostly on my background images and just images when browsing through the browser. I was using a few different browsers, maybe the browser was reducing the color quality.

*shrugs*

**Clak** · 12-24-2010, 04:57 PM

I've read a few reviews that have said the update from Viewsonic fixed a lot of things. Still thinking of getting one, would probably end up rooting it and installing another rom anyway, but it's nice to see Viewsonic take an active approach to problems.

**hkklife** · 12-26-2010, 04:49 PM

Does anyone here have any experience with both the Gtab and the Archos 101/70? I currently have the 101 because I figured it was the lesser of two evils vs. the Gtablet in its earlier ROM state (plus it's cheaper and thinner/lighter). However, I am surely tempted to return the Archos due to its horrible viewing angles, weak build quality, and plastic screen.

I am still tempted by the GTablet's powerful internals and superior build quality (and the 512mb RAM). My question is if the Viewsonic's LCD is any better at all as far as viewing angles (especially in portrait mode) comapred to the Archos. Otherwise, I'll likely sell or return my Archos and wait to see what is unveiled at CES...even though I'd love to have a nice Tegra2-based tablet NOW.

FWIW, the Archos screen reminds me of the screen quality on a cheap no-name digital picture frame we got my mother-in-law last year: bright, good detail, but terrible blacks and horrible viewing angles.

I fondled a Gtablet in Office Depot today and I have to admit that from my limited time with it the screen DID appear to be a tad better than the Archos in both responsiveness, color saturation and viewing angle.

**Clak** · 12-27-2010, 10:54 AM

Office Depot is kinda ridiculous with tablets. They had them locked onto the shelve with plastic pegs. Couldn't test the viewing angle because I couldn't pick it up.

**jayhawkfan18** · 12-27-2010, 11:21 AM

I am really considering this tablet. Sears has 10 left in stock and a floor model so I'm going to head over there and check it out. Some buddies of mine keep telling me to wait to see what drops early next year but I'm not very good at waiting and this things seems like it will fit my needs.

Anyone know what some of the tablets coming out will have over the G Tab?? Will there be any that are as fairly priced as this?

**sniffs** · 12-27-2010, 11:45 AM

all of the tablets coming out will be dual core tegra2 tablets, just like the gtab.

you might find better quality screens, but that's about it. spec wise, not much should change.. maybe they might add a little more ram?

this thing is a beast.. tegra2 dual core, 16gb storage, 512ram, usb slot, microsd card slot, front facing camera, dock, stereo speakers..

it's a great tablet(minus the viewing angles that polarize)

**jayhawkfan18** · 12-27-2010, 01:39 PM

are the viewing angles really that bad? I watched a YouTube video and it was pretty hard to see at times... none of the videos (that I found) show it being used in portrait mode, does that work well?

**hkklife** · 12-27-2010, 04:34 PM

As I already own an Archos 101 and am rather disappointed in it, I spent quite a bit of time the past few days trying to track down a working Gtablet to spend some serious hands-on time with. My secondary goal was to install the latest Viewsonic update to see firsthand how it improves performance since I cannot find any detailed reviews or Youtube videos of a freshly-updated Gtablet. All of the review I've seen are from the original ROM version or a modded TnT Lite ROM.

Sears Outlet had nothing even remotely close to a tablet in stock. Regular Sears had 'em in stock but no demo model on display. Both Staples I visited were unsurprisingly devoid of any tablets other than the usual Sony e-readers and Kindle. That left Office Depot as the only place selling Gtablets...and I'm not sure how much longer that will last. I hit 4 local ODs in total. One had a non-functioning display model and the other had a functioning display model but was sold out and not expected to restock them. In all, I was able to play with 3 demo models. One had a flaky, slow wi-fi connection but the other two I was able to update to the latest official ROM. My Archos really is pitiful when used in portrait mode and that's something I have not been able to test on the Viewsonic...but standing to the side and tilting my head, it still didn't appear as bad as my Archos in portrait mode.

I have to admit, last week's update makes a world of difference. I switched off that horrible launcher and went to the (mostly) stock Android launcher. It was lightning-fast, even faster than my Droid X. The web browser was still kinda lame but I would put Dolphin HD on there immediately.

Remember, I'm comparing a bolted-down GTab to my Archos 101, but the Viewsonic *DID* appear to have slightly better viewing angles and better brightness over the Archos but at the expense of more washed-out colors. Performance-wise, there is no comparison between the two. The Viewsonic is a beast! Angry Birds is now part of the standard software bundle with the latest update and it was smooth as silk with the Tegra 2. I did everything I possible could considering the limitations of the in-store demo unit to make the thing lock up or become sluggish and it took everything I could throw at it.

While I am still concerned about the lack of Android Market/Google apps, my remaining issues with the GTab are mostly hardware-related as well as the usual pricing/support/availability concerns. It's a bit chunky and heavy and I am not a fan of the non-backlit buttons or the miniUSB port...and why do all of these Android tablets require a bulky AC adapter? I want to travel light and share a single microUSB adapter between my table and my smartphone! Also, the lack of any location-based services on the Viewsonic is a bit worrying, especially for their asking price. With a $100 price drop, the GTablet would be the most awesome thing out there.
Also, if you compare apples to apples (GTab vs 16gb Archos), you're only looking at a $50 price difference for much better build quality, performance and 2x the RAM on the Viewsonic.

I am probably going to return or sell my Archos and wait to see what is unveiled at CES. But if I had to buy a new today *today*, it'd definitely be the GTablet. Kudos to Viewsonic (or whoever their OEM partner is) for quickly cranking out a solid ROM update on the heels of the sadly overblown Staples recall story.

You'd almost that Apple and the various wireless carriers are doing everything in their power to keep the tablet market limited to the iPad and the hideously overpriced Galaxy Tab. Hmmmm......

**grlla** · 12-28-2010, 10:10 AM

Just say no to the viewsonic tab. I bought mine from Staples on 11/1 with the liberal 14 day/no restocking fee and bought into the 'on the box' Flash availability date (came and went, now extended to 'EO Jan '11').

I updated the tab with their two updates, the 2nd allowing swerve from the god awful UI to android screen and popped launcher on the stupid thing.

While viewsonic's mkt pointer had a variety of free and available apps to purchase, I'm a droid x user and nothing beats the android mkt. I was able to load the latest Flash 10.n (surprisingly), but found out what hw/sw certification means the hard way.

Sure you can hack your way around and expend many hours getting stuff to "work"...but it's not seamless, and I tired quickly of dinking with stuff. I definitely wasn't going to root the tab w/in the 2 weeks.

When this site and engadget shared rebate options I jumped and received my $$ back. Lesson learned - the bleeding edge will cut, I'm waiting for the galaxy tab wi-fi only version. Then I'll figure out how to tether with my verizon droid x and be a happy camper. Enjoy!