Zenpad 7 : Android tablet for Rs. 13,999

H T Impex, which usually sells computer peripherals under the brand name “Zen the Master” has entered the tablet segment with Zenpad 7. The tablet costs Rs. 13999, runs Android 2.1 and comes with 8 GB memory card. Zenpad 7 joins ten odd Android tablets which are already launched in India.

Specifications

Zenpad 7 has a 1 GHz processor, 256 MB RAM and runs Android 2.1 (Eclair). There is USB port onboard. HDMI port is available and the package comes with the HDMI cable which is useful to connect to TV.

Zenpad 7 has a 7-inch resistive touch screen with 800×480 pixel resolution. There is a 0.3 megapixel VGA camera, speakers, video recording and Wi-Fi.

Strengths

1 GHz processor on Zenpad is one of the fastest available on the current crop of tablets. HDMI out is another added attraction which is generally not found in tablets in this price range.

Missing

Zenpad 7 isn’t 3G enabled and it doesn’t have Bluetooth (at least from the specs available). It has a 0.3 megapixel VGA camera which is not of much value. Cheaper cell phones have digital cameras. Though higher megapixel camera doesn’t necessarily mean better pictures, a VGA camera is not in vogue.

Resistive touch screen is difficult to operate. I did not have much luck with resistive touch screen. It depends on how responsive the touch screen on Zenpad is. May be it should be sold with a stylus.

Comparison

At the price point of Rs.13999, it is competing with Infibeam Phi. Every other tablet launched in India are either priced below 10K or above 20K and 30K. It is not fair to compare Zenpad 7 against an Olivepad or Samsung Galaxy Tab.

Comparing Zenpad 7 with Infibeam Phi, Zenpad has better specs. Infibeam has 600 MHz processor and no camera or video out. Zenpad has a faster processor, 0.3 megapixel camera ( though this is not of much value) and HDMI out.

For the similar money though, if someone can bring it to you from the US, Nook Color ($250) looks like a better buy. Though unjust comparison, Nook Color has a capacitive touch screen and is a perfect eReading device – if that’s your intention.

If you can’t get a Nook Color, Zenpad 7 is a decent buy.