TAIPEI: It's not exactly a tablet. But it's not really a desktop computer either. VCD 22 is a unique device. It is a low-power, all-in-one device with a 22-inch touchscreen. It runs on Android 4.0 aka Ice Cream Sandwich! At Computex 2012 we had a chance to use the device briefly. As a concept, the VCD 22 doesn't make any sense. After using it, we can say it looks even worse of a folly than what it appears on paper.
There is virtually nothing right about VCD 22. In terms of hardware, it is a daringly low-powered device. As far as design is concerned, it looks just like any other regular monitor, complete with a TN (Twisted Nematic) panel screen with a resolution of 1920 X 1080 pixels and poor viewing angles that most monitors have. Under the hood there is a 1Ghz dual-core processor and 1GB RAM.
During our use, we found the user experience to be poor. The 1Ghz dual-core processor struggled to provide smooth experience. There was lag while switching between tasks and browsing apps. The bigger issue was the Android on a 22-inch screen. The operating software is just not meant for large screens. The scaling of user interface to a full HD resolution made it look blurry. When the apps designed for mobile phones were used on the big screen, not only they looked ugly but also functionally wrong.
The VCD22 we used had a number of educational apps preloaded on it. Like there was an app that showed anatomy of human body. This hints that Viewsonic may sell the device only in schools or colleges. If that is the case, the device may work though Viewsonic will have to sort out the performance part. But in the current state VCD22 is definitely not for mainstream users and homes.