[Sony Tablet S] dberladyn:
Hi,

I bought this Sony Tablet S last weekend with the idea that I would try it and return it. I also bought a Motorola Xoom with the same intentions. I wasn't really able to try the Tablet S because everytime I picked up the device in the store the anti-theft alarm would sound. The salesperson reluctantly admitted I could take it back if I didn't like it, I usually don't this kind of thing as I prefer to wait and buy online cheaper.

Anyways it's been a week. My heart was set on getting an Xoom, I like Motorola but the screen quality... I don't want one even though I found two used for $300 with accessories.

So on to the Tablet S... I kept going back and forth on it. My biggest gripe is that this will be worth $200 in a year and it may even be completely out of date as Tablets mature.

The things I like about it:

- Durable! I plan on having this in my bedroom, I can fall asleep with it in the bed and I highly doubt I'd break it. Same for carrying it around the house, it doesn't need any kind of case.

- The Shape. It is decent to hold and it really does work well at a table. The angle makes viewing and typing a lot better.

- It's a Sony. I like Sony, I just hope they actually support this device unlike that piece of junk Sony Dash I foolishly bought last year.

- The remote feature. It's not near as advanced as I would like but the software is "Version 1.0". I'm hoping it progresses and becomes more advanced with "activities". I don't mind the layout at all, I think the buttons look good. The one thing I find is that it could be faster in switching between devices.

- The screen. I like that it's 9.4" as this gives you more pixels per inch than a 10.1" display resulting in a sharper image. The viewing angles are good, but I have to admit.. I do wish Sony put an even better quality screen in. I don't think I would want to read a book on this device. By the way the 9.4" screen is easier to reach with your fingers but it's less appealing to the eyes, that extra 1/2" does make a difference in screen "real estate".

- I like the charge system. I don't have a dock yet, it's ordered but I like the fact it just drops in and easily lifts out. I could see all the other tablets docks requiring more effort to align and slide in/out of their respective docks.

- The Sony tweaks to the Android OS. I like them, I just hope it's not a drawback... waiting for Sony each time a new version is available.

- The Sony games. I don't game much anymore but it's a welcome addition for me.

- The HD Remote. Man, I wish I waited six more months before buying my XBR-LX900. This years models seem to have a better integration with this tablet.

- I like the fact that it's user serviceable. The battery can be changed and a 3G/4G card can be inserted.

What I don't like:

- The screen. Another 1/2" would be more visually appealing. The colors could pop more and I wish it was better on the eyes for reading. One day I suppose, for now I'll be keeping my Sony eReader.

- It's looks. At times I like the way it looks, at other times... I think it looks / feels cheap. But mind you, it's very durable the way it is. I wouldn't hesitate to allow a child to play with it.

- The price. Way over-priced for what it is! I suppose all tablets are though, but at least Motorola has style. I like the looks and feel of the Motorola build much better.

- Weight... it is a touch heavy even though this is suppose to be one of the lighter tablets. Just imagine in five years the tablets we will have?

- The charge cord. If you don't use a dock (which should come with it!!!) that charge cord is going to break.

- And again lastly.. this isn't really a knock on Sony but I honestly feel it's too early to spend this kind of money on this types of hardware. Tablets are in their infancy, none of them are worth what we are paying for them. Honestly I think most tablets really should be priced at $199 or $299 for what they are. $499 is just.... too much money for what it is.

Anyways for me, I've decided to keep the Tablet S even though I know I will regret it in six months. I need a new alarm clock, I'd like to be able to convienantly check things from my bedroom and I would like to experiment with Android... so here I am.

I see the Tablet S as having a long life with me for it's simple durability. I don't have to baby it, it'll serve well for what it is. A portable household browser / email device. I don't think of this Tablet as something you would take out with you. For that I will mostly likely get a second or third generation Motorola.