Zenithink ZT-180

Review is for the Zenithink ZT-180 (Version 1, 256mb RAM, 2GB hard drive, 10 inch screen)

These are shipping with better and better firmware versions which are more stable and offer better functionality etc. Epads like this offer a budget version of an ipad, using the google android operating system. mine shipped with andoid 2.2 and was less than £75.

Worth looking at several reviews of this device before buying as its not for everyone.

. There is a version 2 available now which has 512MB memory and 4GB Hard drive. Screen is whats called resistive technology, which means you use a stylus or your finger to click on buttons, but you cannot " pinch to zoom" like you can with the capacitive screen like that found on the ipad or the HTc phones.

Its great to use the android market place to download free apps to use on the Zenithink to enable you to do most things the more expensive units do. Bear in mind that the speed of response of the screen and speed of scrolling and some internet functions are not very fast.

Supplied charger is poor and has a 2 pin to 3 pin adapter piece on it, but works fine, I have since purchased a UK spec charger of the same rating. Note that if you need a case, the ipad cases Do NOT fit (ipad is smaller than the Zenithink)

Online, there are several websites with lots of information on the Zenithink ZT-180, including a "wiki".

Probably not suited to younger children, as build quality is not exactly robust!

GOOD:

*plays most video files, up to 720 well (some 1080 formats work to varying degrees)

* View images well

* plays MP3 music well, although sound volume is low

* google marketplace access, 1000,s of great free apps!- including kingle, utube, IMDb, news, weather,adobe reader, facebook etc.

* looks good, ipad copy.

* USB port, so you can plug in USB flash drive with content on it.

* Micro SD port, so you can use (up to 16Gb I think) card for extra content.

* Plays angry birds!

POOR:

* Build quality not so good

* Wifi range poor in some units (mine was fine)

* Battery life is short- couple of hours usually.

in conclusion, if you want a cheap ipad clone that browses the net and plays all of your media files, and has access to facebook, news, weather etc, and also works like a kindle, this could be for you- but just be prepared to put a little time into getting the best from it- and if you have used an ipad, bear in mind the cost differences when comparing performance!

The Zenithink ZT-180 Android Tablet features a 10" resistive touch screen interface and runs the Android Operating System v2.1. The hardware is stated as - ZT-180 ARM 11 1Ghz processor with 256MB RAM DDR2, Nandflash internal drive at 2GB though needs additional MicroSD card (up to 16GB) to support most functionality. The tablet includes Wifi 802.11b/g with Ethernet, Mini USB & 'std' USB ports, Microphone, headphone socket and 1W speakers.

Features present - Web browsing, email, adio and video playback, downloading, Calender, Time and Document functions. It claims 1080P video in a variety of formats including AVI and MPEG as well plays MP3s, WMAs and a number of others.

Android rev 2.1 Operating System fine. Does not come with 'Android Market' (the major Android Apps store) but other Android app download sites are out there and the major one, SlideMe is already installed.

LCD Resistive screen - not capacitive, responds OK once you get the knack of point selection / dragging with your finger nails, easy to leave things behind though. Would drive a familiar IPAD user nuts however!

1080p High Def LCD resolution seems a tall claim. I have not yet truly assessed this at HD video level. Screen resolution on normal computer function is very good.

The main body is not Aluminium. It is ABS plastic.

Battery life - Around 3 hours in typical continual use I make it. You can manage to some extent by killing background processes.

Internet runs fine and stable on Wifi BUT next to the router. The major issue with the pad is a ridiculous small Wifi range. Get more than 5 yards from the router, line of sight, and it's gone - no auto re-connect either. However a software fix and power setting change has been found - TX Powerfix on the web. I have not applied this yet but forums show good!

There is no flashplayer. Adobe is not compatible Android 2.1. Dynamic web pages are not accomodated.

Streaming - Some streams work, some don't. Those with integral viewers usually OK.

There is a third party application called Skyfire version 2.2 or greater that can be downloaded and will play videos embedded in webpages e.g. BBC News & Youtube.

Video & Audio playback - Android Youtube app with integral viewer usually no problem, although HD level streams may seize or not load at all, only sound.

General stored Audio and Video files no problem on installed players.

General Playback - 1 Watt integral speakers obviously limited and volume not great. Improved on headphones on both counts.

Not managed to get the microphone operational so far with apps installed.

Compare this to an Apple IPAD and they are not in the same league however I paid 20% the cost of one straight out of a well known China trading website and at that money, clever people are out there doing software improvements all the time and firmware improvements are to be had. I think it's a good buy.