Pandigital Novel 7" Android Tablet & eReader Review

The Novel 7-inch Tablet features a lightweight and small form factor that makes it easy to slip into your briefcase or purse. This tablet measures 5.25 x 7.25 x 0.5 inches and weighs just 12 ounces. Its 7-inch screen supports a resolution of 600 x 800. This is a resistive touch display, so it's not quite as smooth or responsive as the capacitive touch displays we've seen on the Xoom or iPad. As is fairly typical of resistive touch display devices, the tablet also comes with a stylus for input and navigation.

A black plastic bezel surrounds the screen on the front of the device. A similar version of this tablet is also available with a white bezel. There are no buttons on the front of the tablet, though you will find a light sensor just above the display. The bezel is a tad on the flimsy side, though it serves its purpose.  The case of the Novel 7-inch Tablet is comprised of plastic, which is to be expected considering the Novel's target market and price point.

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On the left edge of the tablet near the top, you'll find the Power button. The right side of the tablet houses the miniUSB port as well as a DC jack. At the base of the right side, you'll notice the stylus. The top edge of the Novel 7-inch Tablet houses the volume rocker, SD card slot, combination Wi-Fi and low power switch, and a headset jack. The back of the Novel 7-inch Tablet contains the speaker in the upper right corner.

In the box, you'll find a User Guide, Quick Start Guide, AC Adapter, USB Cable, and a cradle. The cradle can be particularly useful for people who want to use the tablet to watch videos, reference something on tablet's screen while also working on a PC, or as a digital photo frame when the Novel 7-inch Tablet is not being used for other purposes.

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Viewing angles with Novel 7 are decent, though they're definitely not as good as we've seen on some other tablets. Generally, we were able to view and read the screen at a 45 degree angle to the screen. Like other tablets, the Novel 7-inch Tablet has an accelerometer that will automatically rotate the screen when you rotate the device. Here again, the accelerometer isn't quite as responsive as other high-end tablets but it gets the job done.