Hands-on with the HTC Flyer with magic pen (photos)

Android tablets have become a dime a dozen, but HTC’s foray into the space has some major distinctions from the pack. The HTC Flyer has the more portable 7-inch form factor, and is running Android Gingerbread instead of the tablet-optimized Honeycomb. HTC has also added the ability to take notes on the screen with a digital pen, a first for an Android tablet.
I just received the Flyer so I can only share my first impressions of the tablet. The HTC Flyer will be available at Best Buy this Sunday, so until then take a look at the photo gallery below to get a look at it. The gallery has photos comparing the Flyer to a couple of 7-inch tablets on the market, the Samsung Galaxy Tab and the BlackBerry PlayBook.
01 HTC Flyer Best Buy packaging.jpg
02 Lock Screen.jpg19 Back of unit compared to pen.jpg24 Cover removed, microSD slot (card not included).jpg27 HTC Flyer left, Samsung Galaxy Tab right.jpg32 Top-bottom, Galaxy Tab, Flyer, PlayBook.jpg11 Pen on Flyer.jpg

Hardware specs:




  • CPU: Snapdragon 1.5 GHz (single core)
  • OS: Android Gingerbread (2.3) with HTC Sense 3.0
  • Storage: 16GB internal, 1GB RAM
  • Display: 7-inch (1024×600) capacitive with active digitizer for optional pen input
  • Connections: 3.5mm audio jack, microUSB (charging, connection to PC)
  • Camera: front- 1.3MP; rear- 5MP
  • Connectivity: WiFi (b/g/n); Bluetooth 3.0
  • Sensors: Ambient light, G-sensor, digital compass
  • Dimensions: 7.7″ x 4.8″ x 0.52″; 14.82 ounces
I will be posting a full review next week, but after an hour’s use of the Flyer can offer up these quick impressions.
Pros:
Nice aluminum and plastic construction
Fits nicely in the hand, especially in portrait orientation
HTC Sense 3.0 provides useful widgets and makes the transition from portrait to landscape well
Cons:
A bit heavy in the hand (almost a pound)
Thicker than other 7-inch tablets
Only special screen controls can be tapped with the pen, making it necessary to constantly shift between pen and finger control
No place to store the pen without buying carrying case

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