ViewSonic VSD220 Pro Reviews

It's possible that the VSD220 will come across as too weird a concept to be widely accepted as a general-purpose multifunctional desktop computer. This would be a shame. It might be a weird concept but a 22in desktop all-in-one Android computer with essential wired and wireless connectivity, while doubling as a second full-HD monitor on demand, and yet costs barely more than an iPad 2, surely has plenty of potential in the big wide world.

An ambitious idea, but this Android-powered all-in-one PC fails to make an impression

The Viewsonic VSD220 Smart Display has an awful lot going for it. £330 might be a lot for a 22-inch PC monitor. But when you factor in the Android functionality along with support for Windows 8 touch, it's a compelling package. At least it is on paper. In practice, performance in Android mode is often painfully slow. It's just not a remotely pleasant device to use for web browsing or frankly much else. It's not an ideal touchscreen for use with Windows 8, either. We really want to like the Viewsonic VSD220 Smart Display. It's a great concept that promises a lot and just occasionally delivers. But it needs a faster processor and an upgrade to Android Jelly Bean at the bear minimum before we can fully recommend it. The wait, therefore, continues for the ideal touch-enabled desktop device.

If you’re willing to abandon Windows or Mac OS and conduct your day-to-day work on a mega-size Android tablet, the ViewSonic VSD220 is a classy take on what may well be a new desktop genre. If you expect to work on it with more than occasional typing, though, we’d strongly suggest a separate keyboard and mouse, or your arms will really ache.

The Viewsonic VSD220 is a unique 22-inch monitor that doubles as a standalone Android-powered All-In-One. It does a decent job in both roles but is not without flaws.