We wrote yesterday about the Viliv S7 convertible tablet with a 7 inch screen and in past we’ve mentioned its bigger brother, the Viliv S10 Blade, now it’s time to see how it fares in real life as it was already tested by some sites including UMPC portal and JKK Mobile.

    Of course they tested the high end model, with a 2 GHz Atom CPU and 64 GB SSD drive, which helps move things a lot faster than the 1.3 GHz of the Viliv S7 Atom Z CPU.

    Let’s begin by enumerating the models of Viliv S10 Blade available for sale on Dynamism’s website which will start pre-order on March 25th and begin shipping April 22nd:

    • Atom Z530 1.6GHz/60GB HDD/Win XP – $699
    • Atom Z530 1.6GHz/32GB SSD/Win 7 – $797
    • Atom Z530 1.6GHz/64GB SSD/Win 7 – $857
    • Atom Z530 1.6GHz/32GB SSD/Win 7/HSPA modem – $889
    • Atom Z530 1.6GHz/64GB SSD/Win 7/HSPA modem – $949
    • Atom Z550 2.0GHz/64GB SSD/Win 7 – $1057
    • Atom Z550 2.0GHz/64GB SSD/Win 7/HSPA modem – $1,149

    Some of those models are available with a special promotion: 180 $ savings consisting on a free battery valued at 110$ and a 70$ rebate.

    But enough about prices and let’s take a look at the specs of Viliv S10 Blade:

    • Intel Atom Z CPU (Z530 or Z550)
    • 1 GB RAM
    • 60 GB HDD or 32/64 GB SSD
    • WiFi 802.11n, Bluetooth, optional HSPA modem
    • 10.1 inch resistive Multitouch screen with 1366 x 768 pixels resolution
    • 42 Wh battery that will last up to 10 hours of continuous use and 7 hours movie playback
    • Windows XP or Windows 7 Home Premium
    • 2.67 lbs (1.21 kg) weight
    • stylus and 3G antenna for better signal reception
    Viliv S10 Blade on dark background

    Viliv S10 Blade on dark background

    Now, let’s get to the actual review and see if this is the netbook convertible tablet to buy, or we’re better off with the Asus EEE PC T101MT or the Lenovo S10-3t. First and foremost, the name Blade comes from the fact that the Viliv S10 is a really thin device compared to other convertible tablets and even netbook tablets. The key here seems to be the Atom Z CPU, one of the CPUs with the lowest TDP (Typical Dissipated Power) which doesn’t need a very advanced cooling system (or bulky for that matter).

    Overall the build quality seems on par with more expensive models. Besides the back of the screen which is glossy black, the rest of the case is mate black with a very nice touch feel. Interesting is the choice of including one miniUSB port alongside two other full size USB ports. We have the usual array of SVideo, D-Sub, card reader (SDHC compatible) ports with no option for HDMI, but you don’t need that anyway as you won’t play Full HD videos on this device, even if some low bit rate 720p videos can be played without dropped frames. Also as construction goes, the 3G card SIM slot is accessible only if you remove the battery. The SSD/HDD drive is accessible for upgrading by removing one plate on the bottom of the case, so you can buy the low price version and upgrade letter for a better user experience.

    Tablet mode

    Tablet mode

    The 10.1 inch screen is resistive in nature, so not the best accuracy when using three fingers input, but things are adequately right for two fingers gestures and excellent when using just one finger. The 1366 x 768 pixels resolution is more than enough for web browsing and even some light office tasks. The keyboard is excellent, featuring Page Up and Page Down buttons right next to the directional arrows. The Synaptics touchpad is very sensitive, but it’s pretty small. Installing the right drivers you’ll be able to do multi touch gestures.

    On the performance front it’s obvious that the same general slowness of the Atom platform awaits you at any corner, the 2 GHz CPU does  manage to speed things up a little, but don’t expect miracles. No active cooling is needed for the Viliv S10 Blade, so expect silent operation with reasonable heat levels. Battery life it’s not near the advertised 10 hours, but in practice reviews showed over 7.5 hours with WiFi on and screen brightness at about 70%, which is more than satisfactory for today’s standards.

    ...and notebook mode

    ...and notebook mode

    Below there are two videos of the Viliv S10 Blade in action that confirm what I wrote above. Till now this is the best convertible netbook tablet on market, too bad that the beefed up version goes way over 1000 $ mark, where CULV tablets like the Acer 1820PT are found.