The Flyer uses Android 2.3.3 for smartphones, rather than the more tablet-friendly Android 3.0.
Two HTC Flyers are currently available a 16GB Wi-Fi only model for 384 ex VAT, and a 32GB Wi-Fi + 3G model for 480 ex VAT. Obviously, both are more expensive than the equivalent, and better-specified, iPad 2, which makes us wonder what HTC is hoping to achieve here. If the Flyer undercut the iPad, it might make a tempting alternative, but even when Android 3.0 does unlock its full tablet potential, it's currently far too expensive.
Verdict
The HTC Flyer is an interesting and largely successful attempt at a 7in Android tablet, but it needs Android 3.0 to unlock its potential. A better-suited operating system and a more responsive stylus won’t fix the bigger problem though - the Flyer really needs to cost less than the iPad 2, not more.
Connectivity: GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900Mhz; 3G 900/AWS/2100MHz (3G model only) Display: 1,024 x 600 pixels, 7in OS: Android 2.3.3 Gingerbread Camera: five megapixels rear-facing, 1.3 megapixels forward-facing GPS: assisted GPS Processor: 1.5GHz single-core RAM: 1GB Bluetooth: 3.0 Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n Storage: 32GB internal Ports: microUSB Slots: microSDHC card Dimensions: 195 x 122 x 13 mm (WxDxH) Weight: 420g Battery: not disclosed BENCHMARKS Quadrant Standard 1952 SunSpider 2357 Battery life (H264) 16h30m
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