[mjothi]

I love iPad - but the not the price

So, what's next? The next super kid in the town is Android.

I have been looking for a Android Tablet in market for a while. Most feedback was suggesting to look for Samsung. But, when I thought about what-I-do-with-that, its was mostly browsing net, reading, music or movies. And ofcourse a bit of games.

Samsung, yes. Good, but was expensive for me. So, was flipkart-ing for Tablet and found this BSNL Penta tablet. Initially I never even bothered to look Tablet in the south of 10K, not sure what took me to this page, but reading the review was really helpful. I saw 90% of the review to be very positive.

And most were boasting the touch feature. Yes, this is an important point because, I get annoyed when you need to sit on the screen to do some gestures.

The price was one factor, that you can never go wrong with this. Without any further thinking, immediately booked one in Flipkart. Spent the next 2 days in anxiety waiting for the guy the arrive.

Finally here he is - Penta IS701C

As usual the flipkart package reached safe and sound. But this time the delivery guy made me go crazy. Without even visiting the house he updated the tracking details onsite saying door locked. When I asked him the next day, he coolly answers saying, he could not find the house, bla bla bla etc.

Anyway, once I have him, you know what's next.

The package


First dharsan


Unlock by Pattern


Pre-Installed Apps


HD Video Player - iRobot @ 888kbps


He made me SWEAR


You-Tube


THAANDAVAM Trailor


Accelerometer - Not bad


MicroSD + USD storage


The first web site i tried to login was no bodies guess - Yes Team-BHP.

It informed to get Android apps for the device, next screen asked for the google account. Logged in, and that's the beginning of the story. He pulled in all my contacts, calender, mails etc.

Tried to log out but no buttons or settings found in the mail application. Finally managed to switch off the Sync.

One side, it was seamless integration. Now I get my messages from GTalk in laptop, blackberry & tablet. Good & Bad.

Internet connection:
My first download from google play was Angry Bird, Space. The wifi connection is good and solid did not face any issues.

Connected to You tube, and watched the videos. The clarity and also the accelerometer works fine. The accelerometer gives good result when you keep the tables perpendicular to the floor, but not practical. Need to get used a little bit.

Touch Screen:
I really liked the capacitive touch screen. It makes me surprise for the cost of the tablet. Pantel have really done a value for money package - infact - more value for the Money. Even the pinch and zoom is very responsive.

External Storage:
Plugged in USB stick and browsed for the movie.
The USB recognizes the USB stick, but not the external harddisk type of storage. Need to figure out, if it could be some setup or some restrictions based on the size of harddisk. Mine was 500GB.

Videos/Movies:
Viewed the iROBOT in HD from the USB stick, and the resolution was fantastic. Sound is also good, but I would say its more of sound than music. Less clarity. Probably due to the plastic cover in back, not sure.

As per spec, it reads almost every format. Haven't checked with .mkv or .divx. Will check and update later.

Camera:
The camera is a big let down, and it has only the front camera. So, forget taking pics. Probably only for skype or other chat.

Positives:
1. Ofcourse, the PRICE : Rs. 4999/- on Flipkart
2. A8, 1GHz.
3. Android 4 - ICS.
4. Super responsive Touchscreen
5. 7" display with good Resolution
6. Connectivity - WiFi, USB (normal & OTG), mini-HDMI port
7. Sound clarity
8. 4GB Internal, but supports 32GB with the external MicroSD


Negatives:
1. My kid said he received a shock when charging it. Remember reading it in one review too.
2. No SIM card. (Use the USB dongle for on the go internet)
3. 512MB RAM
4. Heavier/Thicker than most tablet.
5. Only front Camera (Assume its not present)
6. Battery

And if I consider the price, most of the cons will be justified(except first one).

Feedback: I would definitely recommend this for some one who are looking for some basic Android device.

[Lukeskywalker]

I get annoyed when you need to sit on the screen to do some gestures.

Why would you want to do that?

My kid said he received a shock when charging it. Remember reading it in one review too.

Isn't that dangerous or do you see it as a child proof lock?

[sun]

Cool tab.

Does this have gps ?

[ghpk]

Originally Posted by Lukeskywalker

Why would you want to do that?



Isn't that dangerous or do you see it as a child proof lock?

Its dangerous, if the wall charger is 3 PIN, check earthing on the wall Socket, If it can be charged with USB, It should not SHOCK anybody if it does, you should be very careful using this in-built feature....

Originally Posted by sun

Cool tab.

Does this have gps ?

Not A-GPS but Google Maps would work with wifi/3G Dongle.

[mjothi]

Originally Posted by sun

Cool tab.

Does this have gps ?

No GPS.

Originally Posted by ghpk

Its dangerous, if the wall charger is 3 PIN, check earthing on the wall Socket, If it can be charged with USB, It should not SHOCK anybody if it does, you should be very careful using this in-built feature....

Its a 12V socket and 2 pin adapter. I tried and it seems to be ok. Anyway, will keep an eye.

[aks_karthik]

Did you check with 3G DataCard (other than BSNL) for Internet?
Can we store Apps in the external MicroSD?
Is it upgradable to Jelly Bean or future OS?
Please try all video formats (espcially .MKV) and let us know.

[kannan666]

Nice review, does the device also come with LAN support so that it can be connected onto the network for internet access ?

[mjothi]

Originally Posted by aks_karthik

Did you check with 3G DataCard (other than BSNL) for Internet?
Can we store Apps in the external MicroSD?
Is it upgradable to Jelly Bean or future OS?
Please try all video formats (espcially .MKV) and let us know.

1. Not checked, but no plan to buy or got for 3G dongles. But their site mentions the recommended options. http://www.pantel.in/tablet/t-pad-is701c-41.html

Working Dongle list for IS701C

Tata Photon +(EVDO) EC156
Reliance -ZTE MF190
AIRTEL HUAWEI E1731 (E173Bu-1)
Idea -Huawei E1732
Huawei E173
Huawei E1550

2. I think yes, there was a option to move apps or something like that.
3. I am very new to Android so, not sure how to check this options. Any pointers or link?
4. Sure. Will check the formats and update.

[aks_karthik]

Originally Posted by mjothi

1. Not checked, but no plan to buy or got for 3G dongles. But their site mentions the recommended options. http://www.pantel.in/tablet/t-pad-is701c-41.html
2. I think yes, there was a option to move apps or something like that.
3. I am very new to Android so, not sure how to check this options. Any pointers or link?
4. Sure. Will check the formats and update.

Thanx, I too checked in their Website. But Details are very limited.
I too pre booked both T-Pad IS703C & T-Pad IS801C. will buy any one depends on that time. T-Pad IS801C has good sepcifications though.
For upgradation part, Manufacturer has to tell us. I'll contact them and let you know.

[svsantosh]

you didnt mention how much is it?

[mjothi]

Originally Posted by svsantosh

you didnt mention how much is it?

Oops. I clearly missed it

Its Rs.4999 on flipkart. There are some other sites with very marginal price difference (~ Rs.100).

Originally Posted by svsantosh

ok, thx for the 5K.

next question - is it Rooted when delivered or is the solution ready?

Not sure I got your question. But, when I received the tablet, I booted it and started using. just need to connect the WiFi.

Hope that answers.

[anujmishra]

I feel Micromax Funbook 7" is better option with better form factor than this Pantel tablet.

Compare features of Micromax Funbook and this one. It comes at the price of 6499 only.

[svsantosh]

ok, thx for the 5K.

next question - is it Rooted when delivered or is the solution ready?

[aks_karthik]

Originally Posted by anujmishra

I feel Micromax Funbook 7" is better option with better form factor than this Pantel tablet.

Compare features of Micromax Funbook and this one. It comes at the price of 6499 only.

But it will not support 3G Datacard other than Tata Photon +.
Penta also has a model as same as Micromax Funbook.
http://www.pantel.in/tablet/t-pad-is703c-40.html

[anujmishra]

Originally Posted by aks_karthik

But it will not support 3G Datacard other than Tata Photon +.
Penta also has a model as same as Micromax Funbook.
http://www.pantel.in/tablet/t-pad-is703c-40.html

Additional benefit:

1. 1.2 GHz Arm Cortex A8
2. 2 MALI GPU in Micromax FB.

How does it matter whether it supports only Tata Photon+ ? If it is only used at home. I think, I read somewhere that Micromax works with other dongles as well. There is manual setting available for dongle.