8" Windows 8.1 (Full) Tablet Advice

CyberGenesys on 13/12/2013 - 23:43

I'm looking for a 8" Windows 8.1 (full/non-RT) tablet. So far I can only find 3 models

I don't really know anything about Windows 8 tablets (android user), or even Windows 8 in general but I was just after some advice on pro vs. cons of each or known issues, even personal experience is good to hear.

So far:
Pros

  • Toshiba Encore 8
    — hdmi output
    — 2cell battery
  • Dell Venue 8 Pro
    — 2 cell battery

Cons

  • Lenovo Miix2
    — 1 cell battery
    — no hdmi
  • Dell Venue 8 Pro
    — no hdmi

The 1 cell battery pretty much excludes the Lenovo right off the mark. The (Toshiba's) HDMI out is a nice feature but something I doubt I'll use. The Dell seems to have the nicest build.

Also, each tablet has some sort of stylus; the Toshiba has a crappy 50c looking one, the Dell has a 'Dell Active Stylus' (poor reviews)& the Lenovo is unknown

Computing

Comments

  • wonderboy on 14/12/2013 - 16:18

    I'm in the exact same boat. The Toshiba has the best features, but is also the heaviest and thickest. The Dell looks the most stylish, but less features and the placement of the windows button (on it's side) will just be annoying.

    The stylus isn't really an issue since it's a separate purchase. $40 for the dell pen and doesn't do much besides take short hand notes (based on reviews).

    I will probably end up buying the Toshiba. $379 for the 32GB at Dick Smith and if you buy in store you also get $25 Microsoft Account credit.
    http://www.dicksmith.com.au/tablets-accessories/toshiba-enco…

    Just can't decide whether to buy it now or possible boxing day sale.

    • CyberGenesys on 15/12/2013 - 20:04

      Agreed, I can't even find (m)any places the stock the Venue 8 so it might end up being a decision made for me.

      • wonderboy on 16/12/2013 - 14:45

        I'm now thinking of the Transformer T100. For $120 more you get 64GB, 10inch screen and keyboard cover. Will just wait until Boxing Day.

        • CyberGenesys on 16/12/2013 - 15:14

          I've used 10" tablets before, I find them to be too big, heavy and cumbersome. It's very annoying that a drop in screen size doesn't equal a drop in price :(

  • Bargain-er on 06/01/2014 - 19:15

    Will any of these powerful enough to run adobe lightroom or photoshop? 2gb ram seems small.

  • tds on 09/01/2014 - 10:10

    I have a toshiba and it is pretty good. Although i haven't got photoshop i doubt it will run it very easily.
    It is a bit heavy and large and is not very easy to use just holding it. It is on par with a netbook. I try to keep it minimal with programs and tabs etc or it will slow down. Don't bother with 32gb just get a 64gb.

  • ProspectiveDarkness on 13/01/2014 - 10:41
    +1

    If you're still looking, and don't mind waiting a bit longer, the Asus VivoTab Note 8 and the Lenovo ThinkPad 8 were announced at CES.

    Of the three you have listed, though, I'd probably go with the Dell. You can buy from their website if you have trouble finding it in stores.

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