Vizio’s decision to drop the price of its tablet to $299 comes as a surprise. In June, reports claimed Wal-Mart would be selling the tablet for $349. Customers looking to get their hands on the device can head over to Sam’s Club, Wal-Mart, Costco, and Amazon, among other retailers.
Vizio has launched its 8-inch tablet at a price that could make it a key player in the Android tablet space. The Android-based device allows users to connect to the Web via Wi-Fi, and download apps from the Android Market.
Unlike most other Android tablets—a notable exception being the HTC Flyer—the Vizio Tablet is running Gingerbread rather than Android 3.0 Honeycomb. Vizio has said it eventually plans an upgrade to Honeycomb, but there are questions as to whether the tablet’s single-core processor can handle the more advanced mobile operating system. The tablet also doubles as universal remote, allowing users to control their home theater devices. It also puts it within striking distance of the Barnes & Noble Nook Color, which comes with a 7-inch display and Android for $249.
