VERIZON ELLIPSIS 7

Verizon entered the electronics media discussion by way of cellular phone service; its attempt at creating a useful 7” device has resulted in the Ellipsis 7, a tablet which clearly demonstrates the company’s expertise – but that’s not necessarily a good thing. From a marketing perspective, seemingly the same guys who created the hybrid term “phablet” now seek to blur the difference between said combination device and, you know, a regular tablet. Case in point is the Ellipsis.

Designed as a throw-in when getting a new calling plan with Verizon, the Ellipsis contains the minimum in tablets and reflects some strange decision-making. For example, the standard Ellipsis includes 4G compatibility – but not 3G; you’ll need LTE availability to get an internet connection. A back-facing camera is part of the package, but this has no flash.

Remaining specs won’t wow anyone, either. The Ellipsis 7 includes the usual in a budget tablet: An Android 4.2 OS run by an ARM Cortex 7 processor and resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels. This Verizon tablet includes micro SD and SIM card slots as well; these are covered by a cheap-looking plastic flap. Incidentally, the entire tablet is plastic, which isn’t exactly proof positive that this is a sturdy device.

Naturally, the phone functions are good enough but if this is the main selling point of the Ellipsis 7, we’re afraid that all Verizon has produced in this phablet-cum-tablet is one heck of a cheap thrown-in best left in favor of a sharp new smartphone…