The Coby Kyros MID7015 Internet Touchscreen Tablet ($199 list) is an Android 2.1-based device with a 7-inch screen. Not only is it using a version of Android not intended for tablets, but its resistive touch screen isn't a multi-touch display like the Apple iPad's, so there's no pinching and expanding for quick zooming. The MID7015 performs adequately at best. It's not as graceful as the Samsung Galaxy Tab (starts at $399, 3 stars), not quite as useful as the also sub-par Dell Streak 7 ($199.99, 2.5 stars), and not even in the same ballpark as the much-more-expensive ($499-$829) iPad. If you can wait, the tablet-focused Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) should usher in a better era for tablets in the coming months.
Specifications
Operating System
Google Android 2.3 or earlier
Screen Size
7 inches
Storage Capacity (as Tested)
4 GB
Dimensions
7.5 x 4.75 x 0.48 inches
Networking Options
802.11b, 802.11g
Measuring 7.5 by 0.5 by 4.8 inches with a 7-inch, 800-by-400-pixel resistive touch screen, the MID7015 is a mid-size tablet—decidedly smaller than the iPad and on a size par with the Samsung Galaxy Tab. Coby announced more Kyros tablets at CES, most with multi-touch screens instead of the less-desirable resistive touch featured on the MID7015, but they're not yet available. The black, plastic MID7015 comes with a case that doubles as a stand—a nice add-on considering the price and that the iPad's case, which is essential, is an extra accessory. The MID7015 also comes with earphones, unlike the iPad, along with a power adapter, a screen-cleaning cloth, and a mini-USB sync cable.
MoreA stylus is tucked into the corner of the upper right panel; it isn't necessary to operate the screen, but can be helpful when trying to select small text on a Web page—a scenario that, unfortunately, comes up often. A Home/Menu switch rests below the stylus on the right panel, and the bottom panel houses a mini-USB connection, HDMI out, a microSD slot, power adapter input, and an oddly placed Power button—awkward because it's very close to a strap on the case, which occasionally pressed the button by accident. Also, during my testing, the Power button jammed on occasion, making turning the device on or off difficult. The button below the screen is not a Home button (as is traditionally the case), but a backwards navigation button, which isn't intuitive.
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