New tablet can dual-boot Windows 7 and Android

LG has its glasses-free 3D tablet, the G-Slate, Samsung has its great-selling Galaxy Tab, and Motorola will be the first to have an Android 3.0 tablet, so tablet-making companies have to do something special to catch attention. ViewSonic appears to have done that.

The ViewPad 10Pro was just announced, and if you took just a quick glance at it, it might look like any other generic tablet. However, when you take a closer inspection, it actually is unlike any other tablet out there because it dual-boots with Windows 7 Professional and Android 2.2.

It uses Intel’s brand new Oak Trail platform, offering a lot of power – hence why it can run Windows 7 Professional. It’s a 10-inch display with a 1024 x 600 resolution and 3G connectivity.

We haven’t seen a whole lot of Windows stories in this tablet race, so this announcement is huge. It offers that mobile flexibility for consumers who love Android, but also makes it a bit more useful for professional or business applications thanks to the inclusion of Windows.

With a six hour battery life, this could be the option of choice for business travelers or those who still need to easily access Windows programs, Microsoft Office, and other “PC” functionality.

Other technical specs include a multitouch sensor, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and four buttons on the device.

No word yet on pricing or a release date, but this is certainly one to watch.