IT Pro Verdict

The Tablet P is an intriguing and promising device let down by some awkward functionality and, ultimately, lack of proper support for its unique dual screens. At this price we'd expect far more refined features that take better consideration of user needs.

By Kevin Pocock

Published 3 January 2012 In Reviews

This problem with the gap between the screens isn't a one off. The lack of any bundled productivity apps or security features mean that you may need to venture to the Android Market to acquire them, and there you could have a tough time on your hands. Oddly, the Market app itself only occupies the top screen rather than flowing over both, making navigation a chore. Even If you do manage to progress, you will find that not all apps take kindly to the Tablet P. Whether or not an app takes advantage of, or even works well with the two screens is a hit and miss affair.

The Sony Tablet P doesn't have some of the ports found on other Android tablets, such as HDMI and full-size USB.

The hinges give a reassuring amount of resistance when opening and closing.

This disadvantage could have been balanced out with some additional Sony-developed features, such as using different apps on each display, but sadly these aren't present. Sony's modifications of the standard Android Honeycomb interface are limited to some redundant shortcuts to the web browser and other stock apps on the homescreen and an even more redundant favourites screen that is little better than the standard Android home screens.

The Tablet P does feel sturdy and well built, and the hinges give a reassuring amount of resistance when opening and closing. The outer, matt grey, casing gives very little when we applied some slight pressure, although regrettably it does appear somewhat prone to marks and scratches. This shouldn't be a problem as the grey panels are technically replaceable with differently coloured panels, although these weren't yet available at the time of writing.