The Pendo Pad Android 7" tablet from Dodo was the first android tablet that made me start thinking and investigating tablets for use in an educational environment.
As it turns out, this particular offering probably doesn't tick the right boxes for us. But depending on how you invsage using such a device - this could be the one for you!
At first glance the tablet was very compact, light, and easy to hold in one hand. The screen surface was quite reflective, but once powered on and held at right angles to you the display was clear and easy to read.
The touch display was something different that we hadn't experienced before. We found that we had to press much harder than that of our own phone screens to perform actions. But once we were used to this, getting around the screens and applications was quite easy.
Weighing in at only 360grams the device is very light and not a problem to hold for longer periods of time. Dimension specs:
Screen animations were too slow in our opinion and would be better left off. We found that when viewing the properties of an image for example the options menu came up in a stuttering slush that didn't appeal to our eyes.
Pre-Installed applications were quite limited, but a visit to the Android Market would quickly resolve that issue!
Wireless was detected quickly, however we didn't test it out. Based on other reviews, this works fine.
For ourselves we can't really see a good use for this device. We didn't feel that we couldn't be without a 7" pad. We did compare it to a 10" screen for a size up, and felt that the 7" is a great size for portability and quick use. If this device was connected up to google apps, integrating Gmail, Documents, Calendar it would be a very easy and portable communications device.
As an educational device - I don't think it cuts the mustard. It was too sluggish, and while it would be hard to damage/deface, I feel that there are many better tablets available in this price bracket to fill the need.
As a freebie, fantastic, give it to the kids, let them listen to tunes, youtube, and play Angry Birds on it. After all, what's an Android Device if it doesn't have Angry Birds?
As it turns out, this particular offering probably doesn't tick the right boxes for us. But depending on how you invsage using such a device - this could be the one for you!
Dodo are giving away the Pendo Pad when new users sign up to any of their plans for 24 months. The Pendo Pad can also be purchased from the Online Retailer Back of the Truck for AU$199.
The touch display was something different that we hadn't experienced before. We found that we had to press much harder than that of our own phone screens to perform actions. But once we were used to this, getting around the screens and applications was quite easy.
Weighing in at only 360grams the device is very light and not a problem to hold for longer periods of time. Dimension specs:
- Thickness: 12mm
- Height: 190mm
- Width: 120mm
The pad has a RockChip 1Ghz processor, 2GB Flash, and 256MB of RAM. Other pluses are the inclusion of 2x micro USB ports(1x USB2.0 and 1x USB1.1). Screen resolution is 800x480 which appeared ample.
The built in speakers produced clear audio playback and at times, and was able to produce quite loud noises. We found that at full volume the camera shutter sound was very loud indeed!
WIth only a front facing camera there wasn't much to test. We could create video's of ourselves, or take self portraits but this didn't amuse us for very long so we moved on. We did find that the light sensors were a little slow to adjust to the brightness of the environment around us. Focus was sharp enough and video was simple. This would be great for kids to take a video diary of an event or holiday!
Screen animations were too slow in our opinion and would be better left off. We found that when viewing the properties of an image for example the options menu came up in a stuttering slush that didn't appeal to our eyes.
Pre-Installed applications were quite limited, but a visit to the Android Market would quickly resolve that issue!
Wireless was detected quickly, however we didn't test it out. Based on other reviews, this works fine.
For ourselves we can't really see a good use for this device. We didn't feel that we couldn't be without a 7" pad. We did compare it to a 10" screen for a size up, and felt that the 7" is a great size for portability and quick use. If this device was connected up to google apps, integrating Gmail, Documents, Calendar it would be a very easy and portable communications device.
As an educational device - I don't think it cuts the mustard. It was too sluggish, and while it would be hard to damage/deface, I feel that there are many better tablets available in this price bracket to fill the need.
As a freebie, fantastic, give it to the kids, let them listen to tunes, youtube, and play Angry Birds on it. After all, what's an Android Device if it doesn't have Angry Birds?