Who needs an iMac? ViewSonic puts Android in your PC monitor
Meet the ViewSonic VSD220 Smart Display, a new monitor from the American firm. But it’s no ordinary PC screen: it’s got Android built in for instant boot up, and no extra boxes and cables necessary.
The 22-inch ViewSonic VSD220 Smart Display can act like any regular monitor: the full HD 1080p resolution display has a HDMI input so you can hook up a desktop PC to it. But it’s also got a separate system built inside its chassis: Google’s Android OS.
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If you don’t want to wait for Windows to load – or if you don’t have anything to plug into it – the ViewSonic VSD220 Smart Display can simply load up Android 4.0 instead. It’s running on a dual-core OMAP processor built inside the frame, and it has access to the full suite of Google apps including the Play app download store. It’s touchscreen too, of course, and you can plug in an Ethernet cable for internet, as well as three USB gizmos at once.
The ViewSonic VSD220 Smart Display is out in October, priced at £359. Is this the sort of Android PC you want, or has your MacBook got nothing to worry about? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments.
User comments (5)
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K Atherton12 September 2012
Nice! I always wondered why this hasn't happened much sooner. Google didn't officially support the x86 PC architecture and so windows has remained pretty much dominant. that's despite Android having a huge market share for mobile and tablet devices, it just makes more sense for people to switch to it for their main PC or laptop. It's much more intuitive and easier to pickup for the average PC user, and they're already used to it from their phones. Let's see what Windows 8 has instore, but after a quick trial I'm not convinced it can take on IOS or Android if they make the full switch to laptop/desktops (I think that's the way it's heading)
Report as inappropriateJon12 September 2012
It's very pricey for what it is. Also- ethernet ONLY??? Really? Give it WiFi and it may be a little more useful.
Report as inappropriateDennis12 September 2012
I think the idea is great but it's over priced and with today's technology it should had wifi and the screen should been a little bigger and higher resolution for the money they asking.
Report as inappropriateWayne J12 September 2012
Ok i will admit the wifi thing is a little silly, however saying its overpriced for 1080p touch screen monitor with a OS built in................................hmmm no. I mean come on £400+ for an ipad. Ok you can fit it on your bag but its different horses for different courses as you wouldn't buy this if you wanted a mobile device to take on the go with you on the bus etc. However price I think it’s great as your talking £200 + for a decent 22” 1080P touch screen monitor. If you already have a PC then paying the extra for this instead of a new monitor is a win win. If you ened your PC you can still access it however if you want a decent screen and just want to access something quickly i.e internet or a game etc then boot up the OS only. Great idea.
Report as inappropriateRichard Holt25 October 2012
Simply brilliant. Just bought one for the office and it's amazing. We run Citrix here and installing the Android client means we can run a full Windows desktop without the need to plug a PC into it. Attached a wireless keyboard and mouse and these worked with no configuration whatsoever! Highly recommended.
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