Price and specifications of Sony Tablet P 3G advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Overview of Sony Tablet P 3G

The Sony Tablet P 3G is a unique device released in 2011 that stands out due to its distinctive clamshell design with dual screens. This article delves into the detailed specifications and features of the device, exploring its functionality, design, performance, and more.

Design and Build

The Sony Tablet P 3G features a striking design with its dual-screen setup, making it reminiscent of a Nintendo DS. When open, its dimensions are 180 x 158 x 14 mm, and when closed, they are 180 x 79 x 28 mm. This design allows for portability and compact storage. The device weighs 372 grams, which is lightweight enough for on-the-go use. It comes in a sleek Silver/Black color scheme.

Display

The Tablet P has a dual TFT screen setup, each measuring 5.5 inches with a combined resolution of 1024 x 480 pixels. This results in a pixel density of roughly 206 PPI. While the screen-to-body ratio is about 26.4%, the dual-screen design allows for flexible app usage and multi-tasking. The screens are suitable for basic media consumption and internet browsing.

Performance

The device is powered by the Nvidia Tegra 2 T20 chipset, which includes a dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 CPU and an ULP GeForce GPU. Equipped with 1GB of RAM, the Tablet P was aimed at handling moderate computing tasks. Upon its release, it ran on Android 3.2 (Honeycomb) which was upgradable to Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich), providing users with improved features and functionality.

Storage and Memory

The Sony Tablet P offers 4GB of internal storage and includes a microSDHC card slot for expandability. Additionally, the device initially comes with a 2GB microSD card. The 1GB RAM provided is adequate for its multitasking needs given the period of its release but limits extensive usage of applications, especially those requiring more processing power and memory.

Camera Capabilities

On the rear, the Tablet P houses a 5 MP autofocus camera capable of recording 720p videos at 30fps. This camera meets basic photography needs. The front-facing VGA camera allows for video calls, though not in high quality. The camera setup was standard for tablets of that era, making it more suited for casual snaps and video communication.

Battery Life

The non-removable Li-Ion 3080 mAh battery provides a decent battery life for regular tasks. It offers up to 120 hours of standby time and up to 17 hours of music playback. While these figures are reflective of moderate usage, the battery life can vary based on the operations being performed, such as internet browsing or gaming.

Connectivity Options

The Tablet P supports GSM/HSPA/LTE networks and features a Mini-SIM slot. Its wireless connectivity includes Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and DLNA for media sharing. Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP is available for connecting peripherals or exchanging files. The GPS ensures functionality in location-based applications. Connectivity is further supported by a microUSB 2.0 port for data transfer and charging.

Audio and Multimedia

The device is equipped with stereo speakers and a 3.5mm audio jack. These features provide a satisfactory audio output for media consumption. Its sound capabilities support its use as a multimedia device despite its compact nature.

Sensors and Additional Features

This device is fitted with an accelerometer, gyro, and compass, which enhance its usability in applications that rely on motion sensing. These sensors enable various interactive functions and improve user experience in games and other apps that utilize these inputs.

Market Position and Price

Released in November 2011 and discontinued later, the Sony Tablet P 3G entered the market at approximately 180 EUR. Its unique design and Sony's branding positioned it as a lifestyle gadget rather than a mainstream tablet. While it offered novelty and specific practical advantages, the competition with more conventional tablets offered by other brands may have influenced its limited lifespan in the market.

Conclusion

The Sony Tablet P 3G remains a fascinating piece of technology due to its dual-screen clamshell design. While it did not revolutionize the tablet market, it provided a unique alternative to traditional slate-style tablets. Its hardware and software were commendable at the time of release, though perhaps not robust enough to compete over the long term. Today, it is remembered as an innovative attempt by Sony to introduce versatility in tablet design.