HTC EVO View 4G Pro Reviews

The HTC EVO View 4G isn’t straying too far from the HTC Flyer, and for good reason. Ushering in 4G capabilities, this 7–inch device looks to only update an already popular tablet instead of messing with a formula that was already working pretty well. Aided with a fun, although limited HTC Scribe, this tablet delivers a fine Android–plus–Sense–UI experience while introducing some new apps such as Netflix in the process. Unfortunately, early adopters will have to bear with the smartphone designed Gingerbread Operating System while they wait for a Honeycomb update, if it ever comes, and throw caution to the wind while relying on a spotty and inconsistent 4G Network.

By and large, the EVO View 4G is the same product as the Flyer. It’s a 7-inch tablet that doesn’t yet run Honeycomb, but has a very unique integrated stylus experience and some interesting optimized software. Like the Flyer, it also has some large flaws, including a sometimes-sluggish software experience, lack of a stylus holder, and no support for other third party pen-based apps. The addition of mobile broadband surely makes this tablet more mobile, but ultimately, I feel the same way as I did the first time around. The EVO View is a solid device with some interesting features, but at $399 plus a minimum $45 monthly plan (which is at least $1,080 for data over two years), it’s an expensive investment. And considering it’s already running outdated software and packing a single-core CPU, I’m not sure it’s one that has much longevity.

Even when you throw WiMAX into the mix, sizing up the HTC EVO View 4G presents almost the same mental balancing act as the 3G Flyer. When we think about what made our week with the View so enjoyable, we keep coming back to the well-tooled ergonomics, bright display, and long battery life -- all things that warmed us to the Flyer. For a lot of people, Sprint's consistently fast (but hardly ubiquitous) 4G network will be a boon, but perhaps not a compelling enough feature to seal their buying decision. Moreover, the addition of WiMAX isn't enough to soften our criticisms of the Flyer -- even if you prefer the comfort of Gingerbread, this thing still needs more apps that are optimized to take advantage of that bright 7-inch display.

What you’ve got here is a note-taking machine. You’re able to use the Notes app in so many different ways that we’re surprised an iteration of this device hasn’t been called the HTC Scribbler. You’ve got to keep an eye on the pen, unless of course you’ve got a custom case, which you almost certainly will, and it’ll be your best friend and NEARLY an indispensable addition to this already super tablet. It’s a 7-inch tablet running a single-core 1.5GHz processor, and by all means that’s all it should need to get all of your note-taking done.

The HTC EVO View 4G is a very well built tablet with an amazing user interface. The 7” slap of glass and aluminum is more portable than the larger tablets on the market and the battery life was good enough to get us through two days of pretty heavy usage. Always innovating, HTC’s Scribe technology brings a unique and very useful element to the tablet market. When this is paired with Sprint’s 4G network it’s hard to deny the value and versatility of the EVO View 4G, however the tablet is at a disadvantage by not running Google’s tablet-optimized software like the rest of its competitors. This isn’t a deal-breaker for potential buyers, but until HTC can push out a Honeycomb update it will likely keep some away.

At first glance, the HTC EVO View 4G has a lot going for it: unique pen input, blazing 4G speeds, and HTC's gorgeous Sense UI. The tablet's main problem is that, with the current software build and microphone, it largely fails as a note-taking device. The minute a student takes the EVO View 4G into a classroom and looks down to find out he's lost his work because he leaned on the bezel is the minute he'll want to return it. If you're interested in a 7-inch consumer tablet and note-taking is not a priority for you, the HTC EVO View 4G is definitely worth a look, though you may want to save money by purchasing the Wi-Fi-only HTC Flyer or opting for the less-expensive Samsung Galaxy Tab ($199).

The HTC EVO View 4G for Sprint adds a fast 4G connection to the HTC Flyer, an already capable tablet with excellent pen input options. But unless you really want the pen experience, Android tablets running Google's Honeycomb OS are a better choice.

The HTC Evo View 4G puts a new spin on the 7-inch Android tablet, but its high price and smartphone-style OS are a tough sell next to its bigger, cheaper Honeycomb kin.