As the ZenPad and EviGroup Wallet are both coming from the same OED (SMiTs) it’s no surprise to hear that both the ZenPad and EviGroup Wallet are available at the same time.
Apparently in-stock now, the 199 Euro (215 Euro for the chrome edged version as seen above) mini-tablet doesn’t come with 3G but does include a good set of accessories.
Charger. Cable USB (+ PC connection charge), Suction mount (car and office), Pair of audio headphones, Car charger.
We’re not expecting this to blow away the competition (Archos 5) but it could make a nice small alternative to the Archos 7. A brief demo video on the specification page (French) shows some of the features but it’s not clear whether it’s coming with Google applications or any navigation software. Previous demo videos clearly showed Gmail and Google Maps.
Our specification page is here (English) and we’re trying to get some of the questions answered along with a review sample.
Lot’s of new info about this device now that it’s shipping: Though the device is essentially a WiFi-only Android MID, it appears as though you can equip it with internal GPS for $25 on top of the starting $155 price. Additionally, it looks like 3G and voice [UMTS/HSDPA/EVDO (850, 1900, 2100 MHz) or GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)] is available on the device through an external micro-USB dongle which is available for purchase at checkout for another $35, putting a GPS and 3G/voice equipped zenPad at a total of $215. Be weary though as the specs page notes that data and voice access is provided by a third-party app which means that zenPad probably has little to no control over that particular experience. One can also choose a matte or chrome finish, which has no impact on the price of the unit. Looks like they are also offering $25 worldwide shipping.
This expandability is interesting because it allows the zenPad to function in a range of usage scenarios. The customer can choose what is right for them at the time of purchase, and if they want they can always come back and add the micro-USB 3G dongle if they shift into a mobile — rather than a home — usage scenario. This also means that the zenPad can compete with a larger range of devices.
Sadly, Enso is pulling the classic MID maneuver — the zenPad ships with Android 1.6, but they promise the following:
Upgrades to Android 2.x will be available within 1 month to our customer on their private section for simple downloading and upgrading. Easy instructions will be provided.
