Tag Archives: tablet

PANTEL launches Penta T-Pad IS709C Tablet for just Rs. 3995/-

PANTEL PENTA IS709C TABLET

Tablet PC provider, Pantel Technologies Pvt. Ltd. has launched a very attractive looking Android 4.0 OS based Tablet, Penta T-Pad IS709C. The Penta T-Pad IS709C Tablet is available from Pantel’s Online Store, Grabthefuture.in and the online retailers, Snapdeal.com and Homeshop18.com for just Rs. 3995/-.

Snapdeal and Homeshop18 are offering the 709c Tablet with Free Shipping across India within 5 days and Payment by Credit/Debit Cards, Net-Banking, Cash on Delivery and EMIs. Pantel’s Shopping Portal Grabthefuture.in is charging Rs. 304/- extra for Bank Charges and Shipping.

With an attractive look in Metallic Silver color,  a rich feature list and low price of just Rs. 3995/- it leaves competing Tablets far behind. With its low price, this Tablet can be a game changer in the Budget Tablet market. A Pouch for is being supplied with the Tablet and a Screen Protector is fixed to its LCD Display.

Other Tablets with similar specifications are priced much higher. The Lava E-Tab Z7H Tablet is priced 38% higher at Rs. 5499/- (without the Pouch), the Croma CRXT1075 Tablet is priced 50% higher at Rs. 5990/- (with a Free Pouch and Screen Protector)  and the HCL ME U1 Tablet is priced 100% higher at Rs. 7999/-.

The Penta T-Pad IS709C is an Android 4.0.4 (ICS) OS based Tablet. It uses the ROCKCHIP RK2906 SOC (Basically a RK2918 SOC without HDMI Output) and has a 7 Inch Multi-touch Capacitive Display.

The RK2918 SOC integrates a Cortex A8 1GHz Processor with support for NEON SIMD, a powerful GC800 Graphics Engine. The RK2918 SOC is the First SOC in the World to support hardware based decoding of full HD Videos at 1080p.

The Tablet has 512 MB RAM (Available Memory may vary depending on software configuration) and an Internal Memory of 4GB. Its Storage is expandable through a TF (Micro SD) Card up to 32 GB. The Tablet is equipped with a 0.3 MP (VGA) Camera for Video Chatting/ Skype Calling, a G-Sensor, a Mini USB (On-the-Go) Port and has a 3000 mAh Battery.

The Tablet offers Wi-Fi compliant wireless connectivity and supports 2G and 3G data connectivity using external USB Dongles (GSM and CDMA). The Penta T-Pad IS709C Tablet is approved by BSNL for use with its Data Services. Pantel has a strategic alliance with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) for bundling its Tablets with BSNL’s 3G Data Services.

Before purchasing this or any other budget Android Tablet you should verify the ‘Maximum Speed’ of its Processor using popular Benchmarking Software like Quadrant and AnTuTu, both available free-of-cost at the Google Play Store. During the last 30 days Quadrant and AnTuTu Benchmarking Software has been individually downloaded 1 – 5 Million times. (Statistics Source: Google Play Store). You may also use other Benchmarking and System Information Applications like Vellamo, Elixir2, Z-Device Test, Passmark Performance Test and Linpack for the same.

The usefulness of these Benchmarking and System Information Applications can be ascertained from the fact that during the last 30 days alone, up to 11.5 Million Users have installed these Applications on their Android Devices. (Statistics Source: Google Play Store).

Luckily for Consumers of Tablet PCs, Pantel has neither over-clocked the Cortex A8 Processor in the Penta T-Pad IS709C to 1.2/1.4/1.5 GHz nor it is falsely advertising the speed of the Cortex A8 Processor as 1.2/1.4/1.5 GHz.

Benefits to you: Without over-clocking, the Tablet is expected to offer Stable Operation as well as Good Performance. You will get no or fewerApplication Not RespondingError Messages in comparison with Tablets having over-clocked Cortex A8 Processors.  Without over-clocking, its SOC’s useful life shall also be extended due to lesser generation of Heat. The Tablet’s run-time on Battery shall also be longer in comparison with Tablets having over-clocked Cortex A8 Processors.

Our Review and Video Review of the PENTA IS709C Tablet is coming soon on this site. Stay tuned in.

The Tablet’s Home, Return and Menu Buttons are mounted on the front panel of the Tablet. Its Power Button is mounted on the Side next to its USB OTG-cum-Charging Port. There are no physical/hard buttons for increasing/reducing the Volume. Volume can be increased/decreased from its on-screen control. Its Microphone also appears to be on the front panel of the Tablet. At its location, the Microphone of the Tablet may offer a higher clarity during video chats/ Skype calls. The Camera of the Tablet is located at the corner of its front panel in an easier-to-hold Portrait Orientation. However, whether a corner mounted Camera would be convenient in actual use or not remains to be tested. The Tablet does not have a Full Size USB Host Port and a HDMI Port. Lava E-Tab Z7H and the  HCL ME U1 also do not offer Full Size Usb Ports. Pantel’s other popular model IS701C, priced at Rs.4999/- is equipped with a Full Size USB Host Port as well as a HDMI Port. The Battery of this Tablet has 7% more capacity than the Battery in the Lava E-Tab Z7H Tablet and 20% less capacity than the HCL ME U1 Tablet.

We tested Pantel’s Customer Care by calling them on phone (0120-480-5200). The number was answered at all times when we called with our queries. The Customer Care Staff was polite during all calls. However, some of the queries which could not be answered on phone were not responded by email, as assured.

Pantel offers many other models of fully featured Android Tablets.  Unlike many small Importers of Tablet PCs, Electronic and IT products, Pantel has multiple certifications on Quality and Compliance viz. :

  • ISO 9001:2008 (Certification for Quality)
  • ISO 14001:2004 (Certification for Environment Management)
  • RoHS (Certification of reduction of hazardous substances)
  • CE (Certificate of Compliance)

Update: 15 October 2012: Issues with PANTEL-Penta T-Pad IS709C Tablet: The pre-installed Facebook Application does not work. Gives Log-in Error. The Facebook Application cannot be updated from the Google Play Store as the Downloaded Update requires the pre-installed Application to be uninstalled and reinstalled. The pre-installed Application cannot be uninstalled as Root level Permissions are not provided to the User. Disabling and Enabling the Application again also does not help. It seems the pre-installed Application is corrupt or has a compatibility issue. We communicated the above mentioned issue to Pantel Customer Care on 15 October 2012 and are awaiting their resolution for the same.  Till a resolution for the issue is received, the User can access Facebook from the Tablet’s Browser. It will not give the same speed/user experience, but something is better than nothing. We also noticed minor and hairline scratches in Two out of Three Sealed Units received by us. Although the scratches are minor, these are present in new units, seems like yet another case of Quantity taking over Quality. The scratches on the 709c Tablets also reminded us of the scratches found and reported by many Owners of the recently launched iPhone 5.

Update: 17 October 2012. Issues with PANTEL-Penta T-Pad IS709C Tablet: Google‘s Chrome Browser and Friendcaster for Facebook also cannot be installed on the 709C Tablet. Both these Applications are not compatible with the current version of the IS709C Tablet’s Software. Also upon connecting a USB Dongle, a notification stating that the ‘Storage is Corrupted‘ appears. We have communicated these issues to Pantel Customer Care and have been informed that a ‘New Software’ for the IS709C Tablet shall be available soon.

Update: 18 October 2012. Issues with PANTEL-Penta T-Pad IS709C Tablet: External Power Speakers  (2.0/2.1) DO NOT WORK with the 709C Tablet when connected to its 3.5mm Audio Out Socket. They work fine when connected to other Budget as well as High End Tablets. For Music Lovers, this is a big shortcoming as all popular Mobile Phones, MP3 Players and Media Players work fine, when connected to External Speakers for a better listening experience.

Update: 29 October 2012. Software UpgradePANTEL-Penta T-Pad IS709C Tablet: We are testing a new Software Upgrade (Pre-Release version) for the 709c Tablet.  Its Partial Test Results are:

  • Pre-installed Facebook Application:  Works (did not work in the originally pre-installed software)
  • Tata Photon – Huawei EC 156 USB Data Card: Works (did not work in the originally pre-installed software)
  • Overall Performance and Stability: Good

Update: 3 November 2012. Highly Recommended PANTEL-Penta T-Pad IS709C Tablet:  We have completed testing of the new Software Upgrade for the 709c Tablet. “Facebook Log-in Error” was one of the major issues with this Tablet. After the new Software Upgrade, the Facebook Application works flawlessly. Another issue with this Tablet was that it did not support the Tata Photon Huawei EC156 USB Data Card. After the new Software Upgrade, this issue has also been resolved. With its new Software Upgrade, we highly recommend the Pantel-Penta IS709c Tablet. It has Good Performance, Stable Operation and offers Great Value-for-Money at a very reasonable price of Rs.3995/-. A detailed review of the 709c Tablet with its new Software Upgrade and the Download Link (URL) for its Software Upgrade shall be published on this Page soon.

Update: 5 November 2012. More USB Data Cards/Dongles are now supported with the New Software Upgrade The PANTEL-Penta T-Pad IS709c Tablet now supports Ten USB Data Cards/Dongles instead of Six USB Dongles supported earlier. The USB Data Cards/Dongles supported with the new Software Upgrade are:

  1. BSNL 3G – LW272 – WCDMA
  2. BSNL 3G – LW273 (White) – WCDMA
  3. Tera 3G – T3G72A – WCDMA
  4. BSNL 3G – ZTE – MF180 – WCDMA
  5. Tata Photon+ – Huawei(EVDO) – Ec156 – CDMA
  6. Airtel  Huawei – E1731 – WCDMA
  7. Idea Huawei – E1732 – WCDMA
  8. Reliance – ZTE – MF190 – WCDMA
  9. Huawei – E173 – WCDMA
  10. Huawei – E1550 -WCDMA

The USB Data Cards/Dongles not supported by the new Software Upgrade are:

  1. Micromax – MMX – 353G – WCDMA
  2. Micromax – MMX – 352G – WCDMA
  3. Reliance – ZTE(EVDO )-  AC2737 – CDMA
  4. MTS ZTE (EVDO) – AC2746 – CDMA
  5. MTS ZTE (EVDO) – AC2747 – CDMA
  6. Visiontek – 82G – WCDMA

Update: 6 November 2012. External Low Power 2.0 PC Speakers are supported We tested GENIUS SP-Q06S 2.0 PC Speakers (2*0.5W) with the 709c Tablet after performing its Software Upgrade. The Speakers worked fine at all Volume levels. The Equalizer and Sound Effects also worked fine on the Tablet. However, CREATIVE-XFREE – 2.1 Speakers (2*10W) tested by us were supported only up to approx. 40% Output of the Tablet. F&D  3000U 5.1 Speakers did not work in any mode (2.1/4.1/5.1) with the Tablet. It seems that the Output Power of the Tablet’s Audio chip is less than that required by 2.1/ 4.1/ 5.1 Speakers.

Update: 7 November 2012. New Software Upgrade Available – Users of the 709c Tablet can resolve major issues faced by them with its new Software Upgrade. To get its Download Link and Software Upgrade Instructions click here. The Download Link (URL) for the new Software is mentioned in the Software Upgrade Instructions.

Update: 17 December 2012. New Software Upgrade Available Users of the 709c Tablet can resolve any issues faced by them with its new Software Upgrade. To get its Download Link and Software Upgrade Instructions click here. The Download Link (URL) for the new Software is mentioned in the Software Upgrade Instructions.

The Technical Specifications of the Penta T-Pad IS709C Tablet are :

  • Operating System            Android 4.0.4
  • SOC                                     Rockchip RK2906 (Basically a RK2918 SOC without HDMI Output)
  • Processor                           Cortex A8 1.0 GHz
  • GPU                                    Vivante GC800 Graphics Engine
  • RAM                                   512MB  (~323MB Available)
  • Internal Memory             4GB  (~2.04GB Available)
  • External Memory            Expandable up to 32 GB with a TF (Micro SD) Card
  • Display Type                     LCD
  • Display Size                      7 Inch
  • Touch Type                      Multi-touch Capacitive
  • Sensors
    •                                             Accelerometer (MMA8452Q – Present and Active/Enabled),
    •                                             Light Sensor (AL3006 – Present but Inactive/Disabled),
    •                                             Magnetic Field Sensor (AK8975 – Present but Inactive/Disabled),
    •                                             Orientation Sensor (AL3006 – Present but Inactive/Disabled)
    •                                             Proximity Sensor (AL3006 – Present but Inactive/Disabled)
  • Camera                              0.3 MP
  • Speakers                            Stereo Speakers
  • Battery Capacity              3000 mAh
  • USB Port                           Mini USB (On-the-Go)
  • Wireless Connectivity    Wi-Fi IEEE 802.11 b/g/n
  • Connectivity                     Supports 2G and 3G USB Dongles (GSM and CDMA)
  • Supported Dongles         (A Software Upgrade may be required by existing Users for support for all 10 Dongles. Originally the Tablet supported 6 Dongles)
    • BSNL 3G – LW272 – WCDMA
    • BSNL 3G – LW273 (White) – WCDMA
    • Tera 3G – T3G72A – WCDMA
    • BSNL 3G – ZTE – MF180 – WCDMA
    • Tata Photon+ – Huawei(EVDO) – Ec156 – CDMA
    • Airtel  Huawei – E1731 – WCDMA
    • Idea Huawei – E1732 – WCDMA
    • Reliance – ZTE – MF190 – WCDMA
    • Airtel Huawei – E173 BU-1 – WCDMA
    • Huawei – E1550 -WCDMA
  • Audio Jack                        3.5mm
  • Supported Video Formats   AVI(H.264, DIVX, XVID, rm, rmvb, MKV(H.264, DIVX, DIVX, XVID), WMV, MOV, MP4
  • Supported Audio Formats  MP3,WMA,MP2,OGG,AAC,M4A,MA4,FLAC,APE,3GP,WAV
  • Supported Document Formats  EPUB, MS-WORD, MS-EXCEL, MS-POWERPOINT, PDF, TXT
  • Quality & Compliance    FCC Approval, CE and ROHS
  • Warranty                           1 year
  • Package Contents            Tablet, Pouch, Charger, USB Charging-cum-PC Connectivity Cable, Mini USB to USB Converter Cable (for Dongles/Pen Drives), User Guide, Product Literature

Important Note: The Product Specifications have been updated by us on the basis of 3 Nos. IS709c Tablets evaluated by us on 13 October 2012. The Product Specifications on the Pantel and Snapdeal websites are different. Please check the exact Product Specifications with your Retailer/Pantel before placing your Order..

Image Credit: http://snapdeal.com

You may also like to read:

Updated: 17 December 2012 10:06PM. Software Update.

Update: 29 November 2012. SOC Rockchip RK2906 (Basically a RK2918 SOC without HDMI Output)

Update: 7 November 2012. Download Link for Software Upgrade.

Updated: 6 November 2012. External Low Power 2.0 PC Speakers are supported.

Updated: 5 November 2012 6:54PM. More USB Data Cards/Dongles are now supported with the New Software Upgrade.

Updated: 3 November 2012 8:46PM. Highly Recommended – PANTEL-Penta T-Pad IS709C Tablet and Software Update.

Updated: 29 October 2012 4:45 PM. Homeshop18, New Software Update, Benchmarking Software and Sepcifications: Facebook Application Works, Tata Photon EC156 Works. Vellamo Benchmarking Software. Active/Inactive Sensors.

Updated: 26 October 2012 1:45 PM. Specifications: Active/Inactive Sensors.

Updated: 18 October 2012 1:45 PM. Issue: External Power Speakers  (2.0/2.1) DO NOT WORK with the 709C Tablet.

Updated 17 October 8:17 PM. Issue: Google Chrome Browser, Friendcaster for Facebook Applications are not compatible with the 709c Tablet. USB Dongle Notification Issue. Pantel Software Update Coming Soon.

Updated 15 October 11:52 AM. Issue: Pre-installed Facebook Application does not work. Gives Log-in Error.

Updated 13 October 6:11 PM. Product Price Comparison and Product Specifications.

Lava E-Tab Z7H Tablet Review

Consumer Alert: Lava E-Tab Z7H Tablet

Indian mobile handset vendor, LAVA International Ltd. is misleading and cheating Consumers of Tablet PCs by falsely communicating and wrongly advertising the Processor Speed of its Lava E-Tab Z7H Tablet as 1.2 GHz whereas actually it is just 1 GHz.

Lava has printed a wrong and misleading Processor Speed on the E-Tab Z7H Tablet’s Retail Packaging, in its Downloadable User Guide and its website.

Check-out the following Picture of the Retail Packaging of the LAVA E-Tab Z7H Tablet with a wrong and misleading Processor Speed printed on it:

LAVA E-TAB Z7H TABLET

(Click on the Image above for Enlarged View)

The wrong and misleading Processor Speed of the Lava E-Tab Z7H Tablet has also been specified on the Lava website:

(Click on the Image above for Enlarged View)

We tested the Lava E-Tab Z7H Tablet for its Processor Speed using Quadrant Standard, Antutu, CPU Master and Four other Benchmarking and System Information Applications.

To our utmost surprise, with all 6 Benchmarking and System Information Applications, we found the Processor Speed of the Lava E-Tab Z7H Tablet to be  just 1 GHz and not 1.2 GHz as falsely communicated by Lava and its online Retailers. The Benchmarking and System Information Test Results of the Lava E-Tab Z7H Tablet are shown in Pictures below:

LAVA Z7H TABLET

(Click on the Image above for Enlarged View)

 

LAVA Z7H TABLET

(Click on the Image above for Enlarged View)

Before purchasing any unbranded or re-branded Android Tablet you should verify the ‘Maximum Speed’ of its Processor using popular Benchmarking Software like Quadrant and AnTuTu, both available free-of-cost at the Google Play Store. During the last 30 days Quadrant and AnTuTu Benchmarking Software has been individually downloaded 1 – 5 Million times. (Statistics Source: Google Play Store). You may also use other Benchmarking and System Information Applications like Elixir2, Z-Device Test, Passmark Performance Test, CPU/RAM/Device Identifier (version 5.2.0+) and Linpack for the same.

The usefulness of these Benchmarking and System Information Applications can be ascertained from the fact that during the last 30 days alone, up to 11.5 Million Users have installed these Applications on their Android Devices. (Statistics Source: Google Play Store).

The Lava E-Tab Z7H Tablet uses an Allwinner – A13 SOC (System-on-Chip). A Cortex A8 Processor with a Speed of 1 GHz is built inside every A13 SOC.

The following Description and Table from the ARM website clearly shows that the Maximum Speed of the Cortex A8 Processor used in the Lava E-Tab Z7H Tablet is 1 GHz and not 1.2 GHz:

From the Description and Table above, it becomes clear that ARM has designed the Cortex A8 Processor for a speed up to 1 GHz. It also becomes absolutely clear that Lava is misleading Consumers of Tablet PCs by wrongly specifying a Processor Speed of 1.2 GHz in its E-Tab Z7H Tablet.

It is relevant to note that other vendors of Tablet PCs like BSNL-PANTEL and TATA-CROMA, who are also using the Cortex A8 Processor in their Tablet PCs are correctly mentioning its Speed as 1 GHz.

PANTEL correctly mentions the Speed of the Cortex A8 Processor used in its Penta T-Pad IS701C, IS703C, IS801C, WS802C and WS704C Tablet PCs as 1 GHz.

TATA-CROMA also correctly mentions the Speed of the Cortex A8 Processor used in its CRXT1075 Tablet PC as 1 GHz.

PANTEL is offering its BSNL approved PENTA T-Pad IS709C Tablet with Features and Specifications similar to the Lava E-tab Z7H for just Rs. 3995/-. The Penta T-Pad IS709C is 37% cheaper than the Lava E-Tab Z7H at its current online price of Rs. 5499/-.

PANTEL is also offering its BSNL approved PENTA T-PAD IS701C Tablet with a full size USB Host Port, a HDMI Port for LCD TV/Projector connectivity and other Features and Specifications similar to the Lava E-tab Z7H Tablet for Rs. 4946/-. The Penta T-Pad IS709C is 11% cheaper than the Lava E-Tab Z7H at its current online price of Rs. 5499/-.

TATA-CROMA  is offering its CRXT1075 Tablet PC with the latest Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) OS. The CRXT1075 Tablet PC comes with a Screen Guard and a Pouch. It is priced at Rs. 5990/-. The Screen Guard and Pouch are not provided with the Lava E-Tab Z7H Tablet. The CRXT1075 Tablet is available in easy EMIs and a 15 days Money-back Guarantee  from cromaretail.com. The Croma CRXT1075 Tablet PC is also available at Croma and Croma-Zip Stores all over India. Croma service for its house brand ‘Croma’ is said to be good.

In the Lava E-Tab Z7H Tablet, Popular Browsers like Firefox and Chrome for Android DO NOT work properly. While using Firefox typed characters are not visible in the Tablet. While using Chrome its Touchscreen becomes non-responsive on the edges.

Application-Not-Responding‘ messages appear in plenty while using the E-Tab Z7H Tablet. The E-Tab Z7H Tablet’s compatibility with popular Android software is absolutely untested and the user is left frustrated using this Tablet.

Switching the Equalizer On/Off is a Difficult Task and it is simply Not Possible to adjust the Bass Boost and 3D Effects in the E-Tab Z7H Tablet.

The Low Brightness and Poor Quality Microphone of this Tablet leave a lot to be desired. The Low Brightness and Poor Quality of the Microphone of this Tablet become prominently noticeable during daytime Video Playback and Skype Calls using this Tablet.

We found the wireless connectivity of the E-Tab Z7H Tablet to be good over WiFi compliant Routers.

The Lava E-Tab Z7H Tablet is prone to scratches and within 4 weeks of usage with reasonable care, the back side of our E-Tab Z7H Tablet has got noticeable scratches.

The Battery Charger of the Lava E-Tab Z7H Tablet warms up considerably and does not have a single Safety Approval. Check-out the Battery Charger of any Samsung/Apple/Nokia/LG/Blackberry/Motorola/Sony/Acer or other reputed brand of Tablet or Mobile Phone or Laptop. You will see many Safety Approvals on each every Battery Charger. The ‘Safety‘ and ‘Maximum Current Handling Capability‘ of the Battery Charger of this Tablet is questionable.

Its bundled ‘Moon+’ Ebook Reader is convenient. Moon+ and many other good Ebook Reader applications can be downloaded along with Thousands of Ebooks, free-of-cost from the Google Play Store. I found at Two Ebooks bundled with the E-Tab Z7H Tablet to be good.

The bundled ‘Merit Nation‘ and ‘Tata Photon‘ Coupons may be useful for some. With 6-7 months left for children’s exams, the Merit Nation Subscriber may have to pay a full year’s subscription. The Tata Photon Data Card is available free-of-cost in many Circles upon prepayment of 2 months subscription. So both these Offers may not be the most attractive offerings for customers.

I rate the rest of the bundled content as Bloatwareunnecessarily using the E-Tab Z7H Tablet’s Resources. The bundled content has been preloaded on the Internal Storage/ROM of the E-Tab Z7H Tablet, so everything (including the unwanted content) shows up again, every time the Tablet is restored to its Default Settings.

The Lava E-Tab Z7H tablet does not come with a User Manual. Its User Manual has to be downloaded from the Lava website. The ‘Connectivity’ Page on the Lava website provides a Software Update for the E-Tab Z7H Tablet but does not inform its purpose i.e. whether it is for the USB Data Cards or otherwise.

Significantly, we found that the Lava E-Tab Z7H Tablet has Poor Build Quality.

The Battery inside the E-Tab Z7H Tablet is neither held in any ‘Battery Slot’ nor with any ‘Battery Retention Mechanism’. The Battery has been fixed inside the Tablet using cheap Cello Tape! The Poor Build Quality of the Lava E-Tab Z7H Tablet is shown in the Picture below:

LAVA E-TAB Z7H TABLET POOR BUILD QUALITY

(Click on the Image above for Enlarged View)

Battery Charging and Long Duration Usage of the E-Tab Z7H Tablet causes “Temperature Rise” inside the Tablet. Due to the temperature rise and over a period of time, the cello tape may loosen and come-off. Consequently, the loosely fitted Battery inside the Tablet may cause:

  1. a “Short Circuit” inside the Tablet and “Permanent Damage” to other Components inside the Tablet such as its Camera, Main Board, LCD Panel, Processor, RAM, Storage Devices, Connecting Cables, Connectors, etc.
  2. Injury to the User of the Tablet“. (More likely if the Unit is on-charge at the time of short-circuit inside the Tablet. A Lithium-Ion Battery can explode in case of a Short Circuit.)
  3. Noise from inside the Tablet” upon moving the Tablet.

Please note in the Picture above that there is No UL or equivalent Battery Safety/Compliance Approval or Safe Disposal  Instruction/Graphic on the Battery nor is its Brand or Capacity mentioned. Check-out the Battery of any Samsung/Nokia/LG/Blackberry/Motorola/Sony or other reputed brand of Mobile Phone or Laptops or the Tablets shown below. You will find many Safety Approvals and relevant details on every Battery.

To say the least, such Poor Build Quality is not expected from any Vendor of Tablet PCs.

The following Pictures will give you a clear idea about the Build Quality and Battery Fitment in popular global brands of Tablet PCs:

(Click on the Image above for Enlarged View)

(Click on the Image above for Enlarged View)

(Click on the Image above for Enlarged View)

(Click on the Image above for Enlarged View)

We communicated all our findings to Lava for their clarifications about the same. Lava did not deny our findings and wanted that we ‘do not publish’ our findings/review about the E-Tab Z7H Tablet on this site. We were also told that a Tablet ‘E-Tab Z7H+’ similar in appearance to the ‘E-Tab 7ZH’ Tablet shall be launched during the end of this month. For the Z7H+ Tablet to be worthy, we hope that it has a faster Processor, a higher capacity Battery, a Standard USB Host Port, HDMI Port and a safer method to hold the Battery inside the Tablet.

Update: 11 October 2012. Lava has launched its Z7H+ Tablet. On its website Lava states the speed of the Cortex A8 Processor in the Z7H+ Tablet as 1GHz. The Z7H+ Tablet is equipped with Stereo Speakers. Lava website states that the Z7H+ Tablet supports Airtel E1731, Idea E1732, Reliance 3G MF190, MTS Mblaze AC2746 EVDO and Reliance EC150 EVDO USB Data Dongles. There is no mention of support for Tata Photon EC156 and EC1261 USB Data Dongles. Both these Tata Photon Dongles are supported in the Lava Z7H Tablet. The Tata Photon Offer is also not available with the Z7H+ Tablet. The Z7H+ Tablet may be using a different SOC. The HDMI Port and a Full Size USB Host Port are also not available on the Lava Z7H+ Tablet. The 512MB RAM, 4GB ROM and 2800 mAh Battery Capacity in both the Lava Tablets remain the same.

 A “Detailed Performance Review” and a “Video Review” of the Lava E-Tab Z7H Tablet is coming soon on this site. Do check them out.

Due to the above mentioned facts, I do not recommend the Lava E-Tab Z7H Tablet. With all its deficiencies, the Lava E-Tab Z7H Tablet is also expensive. Brands like BSNL-PANTEL and TATA-CROMA in particular offer better Tablet PCs which offer superior performance and much better value for your money.

For immediate purchase, you should consider the Penta T-Pad IS709C, Penta T-Pad IS701C or the Croma CRXT1075 Tablet PC. You can also wait for the new Akash II/ Ubislate 7C Tablet. It has Mobile Phone Capabilities (SIM Slot), a 1 GHz Cortex A8 Processor and other specifications similar to the Lava E-Tab Z7H Tablet. The new Akash II/Ubislate 7C Tablet has won rave pre-launch reviews outside India. It is expected to be launched in October 2012 at approx. Rs. 4500/-.

Some Comments about the Lava E-Tab Z7H Tablet by Flipkart Buyers are:

(Click on the Image above for Enlarged View)

Our findings of the Actual Processor Speed of the Lava E-Tab Z7H Tablet have also been confirmed by Tech2.in in in their independent review of the Lava E-Tab Z7H Tablet dated 28 September 2012:

(Click on the Image above for Enlarged View)

Lava is also making false communications while advertising its E-Tab Z7H Tablet through online retailers like Flipkart, Ezoneonline, Snapdeal, Infibeam, etc. Consequently, Lava is also spoiling the trust of Consumers in these Online Retailers. Check-out the following Pictures with the wrong and misleading Processor Speed of the LAVA E-Tab Z7H Tablet in the Advertisements and Offers of Flipkart, SnapDeal and Ezoneonline. 

With false and misleading communications, poor build quality and unfair trade practices Lava would lose Customers sooner than later. If you own a LAVA E-Tab Z7H, ask your Retailer for a Refund.

LAVA ETAB Z7H TABLET(Click on the Image above for Enlarged View)

LAVA ETAB Z7H TABLET

(Click on the Image above for Enlarged View)

LAVA ETAB Z7H TABLET

(Click on the Image above for Enlarged View)

 

You may also like to read :

PANTEL launches Penta T-Pad IS709C Tablet for just Rs. 3995/- and

Helpful Tips on Buying Electronic Gadgets

Last Updated on 11 October 2012. Correction: The User Guide of the Lava E-Tab Z7H Tablet does not accurately describe the function of the Second Button of the Tablet, located just below its Power/Lock Button. As a result on 8 October 2012,  in our update to this Post the Second Button of the Tablet got incorrectly described. The Second Button from the Top does not function for Power On/Off purpose but takes the User back to the Home Screen of the Tablet from a running Application or from the Application/Widget Menus. However, if this Button is pressed while the Home Screen is being displayed, it has ‘No Function’ (as described by us on 8 October 2012). The error is regretted.

Updated on 8 October 2012 with Comments/Reviews by Certified Buyers of Flipkart for the Lava E-Tab Z7H Tablet of and a Screenshot of the review of Lava E-Tab Z7H Tablet dated  28 September 2012 on Tech2.in.

Updated on 4 October 2012 with Download Links to Android based Benchmarking and System Information Software, Cortex A8 Processor Data from ARM Limited Website, Images of Build Quality of Popular Tablet PCs and a brief Product Safety and Performance Review of the Lava E-Tab Z7H Tablet.

MTNL and TERACOM launch Android 4.0 Tablets

 

MTNL (Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited), New Delhi in association with  Teracom Limited, Noida has launched Three models of 7” Android based Tablets in the brand name “Lofty”.

All the three Tablets run on the Android 4.0 – ICS (Ice Cream Sandwich) platform and offer Wireless Connectivity using a Wi-Fi Router and select 3G USB Devices.

The Lofty – TZ100 is equipped with a class leading Cortex A9 – 1GHz Processor, a SIM Slot for making Voice/3G Data Calls and a Capacitive Touch Screen. It is priced at Rs.10,999/- (MRP).

The Lofty – TZ200 is equipped with a Cortex A8 – 1.2GHz Processor and a Capacitive Touch Screen. It is priced at Rs.6,499/- (MRP).

The Lofty – TZ300 is also equipped with a ‘Cortex A8 – 1.2GHz’ but has a ‘Resistive Touch Screen’. It is priced at Rs.3,999/- (MRP).

At this time, there is no information available on the Graphics Capability/ the GPUs used in any of the above mentioned Lofty Tablets.

MTNL is offering 10GB of Free Data Usage on its 3G Network during the first 2 months upon purchase of these Tablets. MTNL claims to have extensively tested these Tablets on its Network. These Tablets will be available in the MTNL Sanchar Haats, Teracom Stores and Dealers.

The Comparative Specifications of the Lofty Tablets and Answers to Frequently Asked Questions are as under:

Note: A lower end specification is mentioned in Red color. A better specification is mentioned in Bold in Blue color. The best specification is mentioned in Bold in Green color.

Operating system

  • Android 4.0 ICS (Ice-Cream Sandwich) in all Models

(This version of Android is Current and Stable. It is recommended for use with Processors with clock speeds above 1 GHz.)

Display Size

  • 7” in all Models

(This is a Popular Display Size in Tablets.)

Processor

  • TZ100                    1 GHz Cortex A9 Processor
  • TZ200                    1.2 GHz Cortex A8 Processor
  • TZ100                    1.2 GHz Cortex A8 Processor

(The Faster the Processor, the Better it is, specially for applications which use more ‘Processor Resources’ and during ‘Multi-Tasking’. Implementations of Cortex A8 Processors are also used in popular Apple products. Processors (CPUs) inside most Tablets and Smartphones are built inside Multi-Function/Multi-Processor (CPU+GPU+VPU+DPU+CIS +TPC) Packages also known as ‘System-on-Chip or SOC. Before purchasing any Chinese re-branded or unbranded Android Tablet or Smartphone, you should verify the ‘Maximum Speed’ of its Processor using popular Benchmarking Software like Quadrant and AnTuTu, available free-of-cost at the Google Play Store.)

Important Consumer Alert: Importers like LAVA International Ltd. are misleading Consumers of Tablets by misrepresenting and wrongly advertising the Processor Speed of their E-Tab Z7H Tablet as 1.2GHz whereas it is actually just 1GHz. Lava has not only printed the wrong and misleading Processor Speed of its E-Tab Z7H Tablet on the Tablet’s Retail Box Packaging and its Downloadable User Manual, but is also wrongly advertising and selling it on the websites of online retailers like Flipkart, Ezoneonline, Snapdeal, Infibeam, etc.

Check-out the following wrong and misleading Processor Specifications and Advertisements/Offers of the LAVA E-Tab Z7H Tablet. All these Advertisements/Offers carry a wrong and misleading Processor Speed. The Actual Processor Speed of 1GHz of the Lava E-Tab Z7H Tablet is also shown below. If you own a LAVA E-Tab Z7H, ask your Retailer for a Refund. A “Detailed Product Review” and “Video Review” of the Lava E-Tab Z7H Tablet is coming soon on this Site, stay tuned.

Click on Pictures above for an enlarged view.

(PANTEL uses a 1 GHz Cortex A8 Processor in the T-Pad IS-701C and is available for Rs.4999/-)

Screen and Touch Screen Type

  • TZ100                    7”LCD Multi-Touch Capacitive Touch Screen
  • TZ200                    7”LCD Multi-Touch Capacitive Touch Screen
  • TZ300                    7”LCD Resistive Touch Screen

(A multi-touch Capacitive Touch Screen offers a better ‘Touch’ and ‘User Experience’ in comparison to a Resistive Touch Screen.)

Screen Resolution

  • TZ100                    1024*600
  • TZ200                    800*480
  • TZ300                    800*480

(The Higher the Resolution the Better it is, with low resolution displays, tiny grains are visible in pictures. 800*480 is the resolution in most entry-level Tablets. Don’t expect the Display Quality of a Samsung Tab 2 or an iPad in any brand of low cost Tablets.)

Camera

  • TZ100                    Front Camera: 0.3MP for Video Call. Rear Camera: 3MP
  • TZ200                    Front Camera: 0.3MP for Video Call, Rear Camera: Not Available
  • TZ300                    Front Camera: 0.3MP for Video Call, Rear Camera: Not Available

(Don’t expect a very good quality picture/video quality from a 0.3MP Camera in any Tablet. Your Mobile phone’s Camera would take better Pictures than most Tablets.)

Battery

  • TZ100                    4200 mAh
  • TZ200                    3000 mAh
  • TZ300                    3000 mAh

(The Higher the capacity of the Battery in mAh or mili-ampere-hours, the more run time you will get from your Tablet. Batteries of 3000 mAh or up to 15% lower capacity are found in most entry-level Tablets.)

GSM/EDGE/WCDMA/HSDPA/HSUPA CONNECTIVITY AND SIM SLOT

  • TZ100                    Yes. Also with Wi-Fi and 3G USB Dongle Support. SIM locked to MTNL Network.
  • TZ200                    Not Provided. Wi-Fi and 3G USB Dongle Support
  • TZ300                    Not Provided. Wi-Fi and 3G USB Dongle Support

(A SIM slot is not provided in Wi-Fi only Tablets. Being MTNL branded Tablets, SIMs of other Mobile Operators will not work with the TZ100 Tablet.)

WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY

  • TZ100                    IEEE 802.11 b/ g/ n compliant
  • TZ200                    IEEE 802.11 b/ g/ n compliant
  • TZ300                    IEEE 802.11 b/ g/ n compliant

(Almost all Wireless Tablets are IEEE compliant today. However, some Tablets and other Devices may not be compatible to your existing Wireless Router.)

BLUETOOTH

  • TZ100                    Yes. Version 2.1
  • TZ200                    Not Provided
  • TZ300                    Not Provided

(Bluetooth is not provided in entry level 7” Wi-Fi only Tablets.)

HDMI

  • TZ100                    Yes
  • TZ200                    Yes
  • TZ300                    Not Provided

(Port Type Information Not Available)

(Useful for viewing High Definition Multimedia Content a TV equipped with a HDMI Port. Practical utility varies from user-to-user. Can be used only if your TV is equipped with an HDMI Port.)

SENSORS

  • TZ100                    GPS, Digital Compass and 3-D Gravity Sensor
  • TZ200                    3-D Gravity Sensor
  • TZ300                    3-D Gravity Sensor

(GPS and Digital Compass are not provided in entry level 7” Wi-Fi only Tablets. Useful for Travelers and for Geo-tagging.)

USB Connectivity

  • TZ100                    Yes. USB 2.0
  • TZ200                    Yes. USB 2.0
  • TZ300                    Yes. USB 2.0

(Port Type Information Not Available)

(Very Useful Interface for connecting 3G Dongles, Pen Drives, Mini Keyboards, Webcams, Card-readers, etc.)

[PANTEL offers a Full Size USB Port in T-Pad IS701C.]

Multimedia Support

  • RM/RMVB, MPEG, MKV, AVI, FLV, VP8, file format up to 1080P in All Models

(The more is the type/number of File Formats supported by the Manufacturer, the better it is for Cross-Platform Multimedia Playback. Otherwise, you will have to download and install CODEC packs from the Google Play Store)

[PANTEL offers support for playback of more Multimedia File Formats in T-Pad IS701C.]

Memory

  • RAM                                      512 MB in all Models
  • Internal Memory                4 GB in all Models
  • External Memory               Up to 32 GB using a Micro SD Card in all Models

(The more the RAM, Internal Memory and External Memory, the better it is. The above mentioned Memory Specifications are common in most entry-level Tablets in the price range of over Rs.5,000/-.)

Dimensions

  • TZ100                                    190*120.5*10.8 mm
  • TZ200                                    195.8*122.8*12.6 mm
  • TZ300                                    192*121*12.37 mm

Are these Products Current?

  • TZ100                                    Yes
  • TZ200                                    Yes
  • TZ300                                    The Resistive Touchscreen is a let down.

Do these Products offer Good Value?

  • TZ100                                     Yes
  • TZ200                                    No. The Price is on the Higher Side
  • TZ300                                    No. The Resistive Touchscreen is a let down.

Pre-Sales, Technical and After-Sales Support?

Too early to comment.

Build Quality and Performance Review

Have not tested or reviewed these Tablets yet.

Price Prediction

To successfully compete with entry-level Tablets of other brands like PANTEL, MICROMAX, KARBONN, ZYNC, etc. the prices of TZ200 and TZ300 may come down soon.

Is this the right time to buy these Tablets?

Prices of entry level 7” Wi-Fi only Tablets are dropping every day due to growing demand and competition. Buy a 7” Capacitive Touch Screen based Branded Tablet in the price range of Rs.4,000/- to Rs.5,000/-. Don’t consider unbranded Chinese Tablets with Resistive Touch available in the market for Rs.2,000/- to Rs.3,500/-.

Before purchasing any budget Android Tablet you should verify the ‘Maximum Speed’ of its Processor using popular Benchmarking Software like Quadrant and AnTuTu, both available free-of-cost at the Google Play Store. During the last 30 days Quadrant and AnTuTu Benchmarking Software has been individually downloaded 1 – 5 Million times. (Statistics Source: Google Play Store). You may also use other Benchmarking and System Information Applications like Elixir2, Z-Device Test, Passmark Performance Test, CPU/RAM/Device Identifier and Linpack for the same.

For more informartion on TERACOM-MTNL Tablets

Visit http://teracomstore.in

Featured Image: MTNL-TERACOM Tablet TZ100. Image Credit: Teracom website

Coming Soon, Detailed Reviews of :

LAVA ETAB Z7H Tablet, LG Optimus 4x HD Smartphone and LAVA XOLO Smartphone

You may also like: Helpful Tips on Buying Electronic Gadgets


3G variants for Motorola XOOM 2 and Motorola XOOM 2 Media Edition launched in the UK

3G variants for Motorola XOOM 2 and Motorola XOOM 2 Media Edition launched in the UK

Motorola Mobility has introduced two new 3G variants for the Motorola XOOM 2 and XOOM 2 Media Edition. The Wi-Fi only and 3G + Wi-Fi versions for the device can be ordered via Carphone Warehouse. The XOOM 2 3G + Wi-Fi version comes at a price tag of £449.99, while the XOOM 2 Media Edition is priced at £399.99. Tablets are and trending like anything, beat it for students, kids, moms or professionals. The XOOM 2 series by Motorola exhibits great specs carrying forward the legacy of the original Motorola XOOM series, being lighter, faster and sleek. The only key hindrance that may lie towards the newly launched tablets may include Android Honeycomb as the OS that goes pre-loaded with it. As everybody is moving towards the Android ICS 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) buzz, tablets with equal or better specs with ICS on it range in the same price band. For people who just love the XOOM 2 can still consider it as an option, the Wi-Fi only versions for both the aforesaid models still exist and start at £299.99. E-commerce comes in very hand for everyone at this point with the option to compare, review, and buy. Hence, while you plan to buy a tablet or any device, the web is the best place to explore and then order.

Motorola XOOM 2 complete specifications can be found on this link.

Carphone Warehouse individual links for 3G + Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi only versions: