Quick overview:
iOS, Android - and Windows 8.1: if Microsoft has its way, the time of the inexpensive Windows tablets has now arrived. They can also be used to run conventional programs for the PC version of the operating system, which should make a laptop superfluous in many situations. Here are three interesting representatives: the Dell Venue 8, Asus VivoTab Note 8 and Asus VivoTab Smart.
Dell Venue 8 Pro - the solid 200-euro Windows tablet
All the tablets mentioned have Intel processors in common: Like the Seattle-based software company, Intel had long underestimated the importance of CPUs for mobile devices.
However, convincing technical solutions are now being offered. The Dell Venue 8 Pro (currently available for just under 200 euros) with the Atom Z3740D, which is probably also due to the lower hardware requirements of Windows 8.1.
The dual-core operates at a clock speed of 1.33 GHz, but can be run at 1.83 GHz for short periods thanks to Turbo Boost. With 2 GB of RAM, it also seems to be well equipped for most tasks such as surfing or word processing.
The display offers a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels, which provides sufficient, but by no means impressive sharpness. The good illumination, which predestines the Dell tablet for outdoor use, was much better.
However, the lack of an HDMI port is likely to be a drawback: With the option of connecting a large monitor, the Venue could certainly replace a PC for less computing-intensive tasks. This is because the mouse and keyboard can be easily connected via Bluetooth.
Asus VivoTab Note 8 - the note-taking tablet with battery power
Unfortunately, the Asus VivoTab Note 8 also stumbles at the same point: connectivity to external screens is also almost non-existent here. The technology is similar to the Dell in many respects; the same processor is installed. The size and resolution of the display are also on a par with the competition.
However, the Asus tablet rightly bears the word "Note" in its name. A powerful digitizer ensures that notes can be taken with extreme precision on the 8-inch tablet. It is also currently available for a reasonable 280 euros.
Compared to the Dell Venue 8, the higher sales price is therefore justified, especially as the Asus tablet even comes with a Microsoft Office license. The device also scores with a decent battery life.
Asus VivoTab Smart ME400C - this 10-inch is a good replacement for a laptop
If a larger Windows tablet is required, the Asus VivoTab Smart ME400C could also be of interest. The screen has a diagonal of 10.1 inches with a resolution of 1,366 x 768 pixels. This means that the pixel density is slightly lower than the 8-inch models, but most users are likely to keep their eyes further away due to the larger diagonal.
The dual-core Z2760 processor is already a little old, but solves most tasks with a clock frequency of 1.8 GHz.
Only starting larger applications can be a game of patience. In addition, Windows can only be used in the 32-bit version. At least the Windows tablet offers an HDMI connection, which further increases the range of applications.
In their review of the Asus VivoTab Smart ME400C notes the "PCWelt.de" editorial team"It is light, has a good screen and comes with more ports and more memory than the iPad and Android competition at the same price."
Windows tablets - a question of the intended use
Can a Windows tablet replace a fully-fledged computer? In the case of 8-inch devices, this question can only be answered in the affirmative to a limited extent. But this applies to almost all flat computers on the market - very few of which support Windows software. And let's not forget the low price of Windows tablets.
Its high performance is just as impressive as the unrestricted use of widespread Windows software. However, the display is a little small for productive work, which in turn makes it easier to use on the go. Perfect: The Asus VivoTab Smart ME400C can be upgraded to a laptop with the optional keyboard dock.
Article image above: Dell Inc.
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