Sony Tablet S Preview

William Judd

As you’d expect with an office full of gadget heads, we look forward to a new tablet’s release with a lot of excitement, particularly when it’s Sony’s first move into the tablet game.

The slate’s called the Tablet S, and features an interesting sloped back form factor. The tablet, which is designed to fit in the hand like a folded magazine, comes with the Android tablet essentials – a high resolution 9 inch screen, a quick dual core processor and a customised version of Android version 3.1.

These customisations give the Tablet S a few neat tricks. One’s using the tablet as an (expensive) remote, allowing you to control your television and sound system from one device. Even if your A/V equipment isn’t Sony (or another of the thousands of models that have been pre-configured), the Tablet S can learn how to control it by sniffing out whenever you use a remote next to it. You can also ‘throw’ songs or videos from the tablet onto DNLA-compliant TVs and stereos, allowing you to bypass the tablet’s small internal screen and speakers for the big screen in one fluid motion.

Gamers will also be happy to note that the Slate S is compatible with all PlayStation 1 and PSP games, including emulators for both as well as access to the PSN Store to buy more. The games are controlled with on-screen touch controls, which can be moved and scaled independently. It’s also technically possible you’ll be able to connect a PS3 controller, although whether Sony allows this or not is yet to be seen.

Accessorise

While the tablet releases at the end of September, we’ve already started to stock up on Sony Tablet S accessories.

Gizmodo have already mentioned that the screen seems to scratch more easily than other tablets, so we’ve got a full complement of Sony Tablet S covers and Sony Tablet S cases. As always, it can be a great idea to pair your case with a Sony Tablet S screen protector in order to maximise your protection. For a more comprehensive travel solution, there’s always a Sony Tablet S bag.

Even with a built-in sloped back, the slate will almost need a Sony Tablet S stand in order to rest at a comfortable viewing angle. Another consideration is a Sony Tablet S charger, which will be essential if you’re planning to use this tablet as your go-to media centre control station.

Conclusion

Sony’s got a hard drive ahead of them, but with their wealth of consumer electronic experience they may be one of the few in the world that could take on Apple and win. The prospect of bringing the PlayStation’s strengths, including excellent games, a well stocked online store, and peerless media control, to a slimline tablet is definitely an alluring one. I definitely look forward to playing around with one in the office!

If you have any questions about the Sony Tablet S, including accessory advice, please let us know via the normal social media channels, or leave a comment below. Thanks!