Corner Geeks 34: Asus Vivo Tab 8 & Nokia XL

ASUS VivoTab Note 8

ASUS VivoTab Note 8

  • ASUS website
  • As an alternative to the Surface Pro 3 more for drawing stuff due to stylus
  • 8" screen (1280x800)
  • iPad mini sized but full Windows 8.1
  • US$250 (32GB)
  • Charges via micro USB
  • No full USB port:
    • only has 1 micro USB port
    • requires USB OTG cable (similar to phones) to provide full USB port
  • Atom processor can be a bit slow (not as bad as previous netbooks) but good value for full fledge device

Nokia XL

  • Specs on GSM Arena on  Nokia XL
  • Nokia website: Nokia XL
  • Low end Android with a custom skin including Nokia software (e.g offline Here maps)
  • Plasticky but nice

Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 with 3G

Galaxy Tab 2 7.0

A budget 7" tablet with 3G capabilities, it serves as a good all in one device but is a bit sluggish. Small and mobile, yet provides good real estate for reading and browsing the web. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktcPF4tJ5QA (YouTube video link)

The Good

  • Great battery life especially if Samsung’s power savings enabled. With 3G on all day will leave the office with 60+% at 5+
  • All in one device having dual cameras for typical photo/video taking (rear camera) as well as video calling (front camera)
  • microSD card slot and USB-OTG for added expandability and capabilities
  • Phone calls can be taken privately by holding the tablet up to your ear (without the need for a headset)
  • Tablet UI allows more information to be displayed on screen
  • Flash is supported in the Samsung browser

The Bad

  • Fix focus rear camera (macro shots not possible). Also no camera flash
  • Screenshot button that is too easily pressed (can be fixed if rooted)
  • Proprietary connector
  • A big sluggish and not a totally smooth experience

The Ugly

  • 1 GHz Dual core with 1GB of RAM isn’t enough to run the Android 4.0 smoothly (at least with TouchWiz on top)

Links

Specifications

  • 1 GHz Dual-Core Processor
  • 7” WSVGA (600X1024) screen
  • Android™ 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich)
  • Main (Rear) : 3 Megapixel Camera (fixed focus)
  • Sub (Front) : VGA for Video Call
  • 8 / 16 / 32GB User memory + 1GB (RAM)
  • microSD (up to 32GB)
  • 4000mAh Battery
  • Proprietary Samsung connector
  • USB OTG support (USB drives, mouse, keyboard)
  • HSPA+ 21Mbps 850/900/1900/2100
  • Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 3.0
  • Size : 193.7 x 122.4 x 10.5 mm
  • Weight : 345g