This is UMPCPortal, the site that’s been covering handheld Windows PCs since 2006 and as you might imagine we’ve been quite excited about the return of the small-form-factor Windows PC. The Acer Iconia W3 piqued our interest earlier in the year but the sector has now been completely re-born through products that combine Intel’s Baytrail platform with Windows 8.1. The Dell Venue 8 Pro is one of five or six devices already on the market and it will be joining us soon but we’ve already bought the Toshiba Encore WT8 and our full review is here. There are additional videos on our YouTube channel and even more detail coming soon.
I’ve tested a number of Baytrail devices and, as always with a new platform, there’s potentially a difference between the over-excited experience at the launch event and real-life usage; Sometimes it’s disappointing. In this case, I’m extremely excited because the experience is better than I thought. I’ve just received the Toshiba Encore WT8 (bought for UMPCPortal) and spent 2 hours unboxing and testing in front of cameras. My first impressions in blog-form will take a few days but if you’ve got time to watch through this 40 minute testing video, you’ll see why I’m excited. That’s all I’m saying for now. Your questions are, as always, welcome.
The ASUS Vivotab Note 8 is coming. Spotted in a number of places around the net, including the ASUS website, it’s pretty much confirmed. Mobilegeeks have chased down the specifications of this Windows 8.1 Baytrail tablet that will start at $299. The Wacom digitizer stands out.
Display: 8-inch IPS. 1280×800 resolution
Touchscreen: 10-finger capacitive, Wacom-Digitizer with Stylus (Possible option)
OS: Windows 8.1 with Microsoft Office 2013 Home & Student
Processor: 1.33 – 1,86GHz Intel Atom Z3740
RAM: 2 GB
Internal storage: 32 or 64 Gigabyte
Connectivity: MicroSD, MicroUSB, 3.5mm audio.
Wireless: WLAN a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS
Camera: 5Mp rear, 1,2 Mp rear
Other:: Stereo speakers and mic.
Battery: 3950mAh, 15Wh
Colour: Black
Size: 220,9 x 133,8 x 10,95 mm.
Weight: 380 g
With price, weight and specifications the same as most of the 8-inch tablets one wonders why ASUS are coming so late to the market but the Wacom digitizer will be a big attraction for many. Apart from that it’s down to quality, availability, accessories and offers.
Based on the content that ASUS have prepared, one can expect the ASUS Vivotab Note 8 very soon.
Lenovo today officially announced its entry into the rapidly expanding 8-inch Windows tablet category with the official announcement of its previously teased Miix2 8-inch tablet.
I’ve managed to get a video close-up of the Dell Venue Window 8, 8-inch tablet. Watch the video and you’ll here the product manager give some new information. I had hands-on too and it feels absolutely great, a real quality tablet. 400gm in weight is amazing.
The locals out in Taipei got early hands-on with the Acer Iconia W3 and the video is available below. You’ll see the Bluetooth keyboard and tablet ‘dock’ demonstrated along with Windows desktop and a look around the ports. Pricing in Europe is said to be €329 for the 32GB version and €379 for a 64GB version. We assume the keyboard is not included but can’t imagine it will cost too much extra as it’s only a Bluetooth accessory. Update: The keyboard costs 69 Euro.
Rumors started in April about this 8-inch Windows tablet but today we’re pretty happy to see it in a reputable retail channel in the UK. The Acer Iconia W3-810 is listed with 2GB RAM, 64GB storage in silver for £469 which, after removing tax, is the equivalent of about the same in dollars. Littlewoods, the online supplier, say they can deliver this by 17 June.
A full specifications list is not available yet but from the images it appears to be the tablet only and not including the interesting docking keyboard.
A 32GB version of the Acer Iconia W3 had shortly appeared on Amazon.com for $379 until it was removed.
Acer Iconia W3-810 Specifications, based on leaked info are as follows:
CPU: Intel Clovertrail Z2670 (2×1.8Ghz)
RAM: 2GB
Storage: 32GB or 64GB
Screen: 1280×800
Camera: Rear-2MP, Front-2MP
Micro SD Slot
HDMI out (we suspect micro HDMI)
micro USB (host capability unknown)
802.11a/b/g/n Wireless, Bluetooth 4.0+EDR
2-Cell Li-Polymer (3500 mAh) Battery (25Wh)
Size: 218.9 mm x 134.8 mm x 11.43 mm
Weight: 500 grams
Click to see large images
We’re expecting this to launch at Computex in a few hours after this posting so check back at UMPCPortal for more info.
