Aug 31, 2010 12:34 GMT  ·  By

For months, companies have been talking about their plans to join the tablet market, and ViewSonic seems to have finally done so with the ViewPad, a slate of 7 inches that incorporates a variety of features while still sticking to a so-called pocket-sized design.

While the screen size of 7 inches will not make it an exact competitor for the iPad and its rivals, the ViewPad still offers a fairly wide feature set.

For one, it can perform multi-tasking and boasts a familiar, easy-to-use interface, as well as a G-sensor that reorients the screen, depending on how the slate is held.

One of the more important aspects is that the ViewPad runs the Android 2.2 Froyo operating system, which is, according to ViewSonic, a world's first feat for a tablet with cellphone functionality.

Said phone functionality includes a full size SIM card slot and integrated Bluetooth, for instant messaging, text/mms messaging, VOIP and standard voice calls.

The device also has access to Google's Android app store, which offers over 100,000 applications.

Another important fact is that the screen of the ViewPad features capacitive touch technology, unlike competing devices that settle for resistive panels.

The slate comes with two cameras, a VGA camera on the front and a 3MP one on the back.

Other specifications include WiFi, USB connectivity, a micro SD slot for up to 32GB of storage and more advanced elements, such as an office document reader, Assisted GPS and the ability to take handwritten notes.

What's more, the product uses LED backlighting and can act as an e-book reader.

"We are proud to announce another world first at Viewsonic. 3G phone functionality combined with dual cameras gives the ability for use of Android apps to use augmented reality or video calling on the move with the benefit of an excellent 7" screen" says Derek Wright, European Product Marketing Manager.

"The ViewPad 7 is aimed at users who require the 'always on' connectivity they are used to from a mobile phone with a more agreeable screen size for longer term use."

Set to cost £350 in the UK, ViewSonic's ViewPad will be showcased at IFA 2010 in Berlin and will start shipping in October.