Double the view with ViewPad 7

Models display the newly launched ViewPad 7 yesterday in Beijing. ViewSonic Corp yesterday launched the 7-inch tablet computer that supports two major technological standards used by China Mobile and China Unicom.

ViewSonic Corp yesterday launched a 7-inch tablet computer that supports two major technological standards used by China Mobile and China Unicom.

The new ViewPad 7, which was launched in Beijing, can operate on the GSM standard used by China Mobile and China Unicom's WCDMA.

The ViewPad 7, priced at 3,888 yuan (US$589), also allows users to make phone calls unlike the current iPad model, and features Google's GPS (global positioning system) as well as two cameras. It is expected to challenge Apple's current iPad model and the widely-expected next-generation iPad that is smaller and has added features such as cameras and due to be launched in the first half of the year, media reported.

"The key point is no longer PCs but screens. Pads have replaced laptops, especially notebooks," said James Chu, chairman and chief executive of ViewSonic.

ViewSonic, which has also launched 4-inch and 10-inch screen tablets, and its distribution partner Synnex expect to sell 600,000 ViewSonic-brand tablet computers in China this year.

Over the next several years, tablet computer revenue will account for one-third of ViewSonic's total income as it taps the industry's high growth rate and the relatively high prices of the devices.

In 2010, sales of global tablet computers reached 17 million units and they are expected to hit 70.8 million units in 2012, according to research firm International Data Corp.

Motorola, Samsung and Lenovo have also launched tablets to benefit from the booming sector.