Sony Tablet S review

Product Sony Tablet S
Website www.sony.co.uk
Specifications Nvidia 1GHz Tegra 2 dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, 9.4in 1280x800 screen, 16/32GB storage, 5MP rear camera, 0.3MP front camera, Android 3.2 Honeycomb, 241x174x20-10mm, 598g
Price From £399 for WiFi only

JAPANESE HARDWARE OUTFIT Sony has taken its time launching its first tablet, which it believes means it has 'got it right'. So we've got hold of the Sony Tablet S to see if it's right or wrong.

We're not bowled over by the name 'Tablet S' but we do like the unique wedge shape that Sony has clearly taken its time over, although going by initial reactions it seems to be a love it or hate it type scenario. Rather than just going for a flat and thin design, the Tablet S is reminiscent of a magazine with the front page folded around. This makes it ergonomically easier to hold in portrait mode and tilts the screen slightly when laid flat.

We really like this refreshing rethink and it's one of the best things about it. We found it comfortable to hold with a shape that tapers from 20mm down to 10mm, and with the textured back that provides extra grip.

This was the case when we held the tablet in portrait mode, at least. When we held it in landscape mode, as Android Honeycomb is designed for, we found that the corner of the tablet dug into the palm of our hand meaning that we had to put the device down.

The 598g weight helps to make it easier to hold and is about on par with the Ipad 2 at 601g. When on a flat surface the screen tilt makes it a lot easier to see and type compared to flat tablets.

The power button, volume button, headphone socket, full size SD card slot, microUSB port and stereo speakers are hidden away on either side of the tablet in small recesses. This not only looks cool but is a handy placement for these things. For some strange reason this is also where the notification light is, so you never see it.

Sony has opted for a 9.4in touchscreen for the Tablet S, a little smaller than the display on the Ipad 2 and other large tablets that are generally 10.1in. However, the screen still has the 1280x800 resolution found on pretty much every other 10.1in tablet.

The slightly higher pixel density wasn't that noticeable but the screen is decent quality and a good feature. A negative for the screen is a lack of brightness. We found that we needed to set it at the upper end of the scale before we were satisfied.