| Tablet Computer Review - Acer Iconia Tab W500 |
It has a AMD Fusion C-50 processor which is a decent enough processor to ensure that you can watch high-definition video, play Windows games, watch Flash web videos and browse websites quickly.
The Acer Aspire Iconia Tab W500 also has 2 cameras (front- and rear-facing 1.3MP cameras) for video chat and taking video/stills. Furthermore you have a number of ports between the tablet itself and the keyboard dock - USB ports, HDMI output and an SD card slot.
There's the option to buy a 3G version of the tablet which means you can hook it up to the 3G mobile network. If you don't want to pay the extra, you'll still be able to get online via a Wi-Fi connection.
Although there's a lot of good things with this ASUS tablet, it's let down as Windows doesn't work well on a tablet format. Windows 7 is touch-optimised so you can navigate it on a touchscreen but the operating system hasn't been designed for this format of PC. That means menus are hard to tap with a finger tip as they're too small and icons are not over sized as they are on other tablet-optimised operating systems - e.g. Android or iOS on the iPad. For more details on these slates check out the tablet reviews by clicking here .
The advantage of having Windows on your tablet is that you can use any of your desktop applications and download any of the millions of applications and games available on the Internet. Although, again these won't be optimised for the format.
There's a few performance issues with the Acer Iconia Tab W500 as it can stutter along sometimes. This is because the processor is dealing with a full operating system so there can be a delay as apps load. Also, expect a long boot-up time as you would get with any Windows machine.
The keyboard dock allows you to improve the experience by giving you a physical keyboard to write documents rather than tapping away at an on-screen virtual keyboard. Be wary though that the keyboard dock isn't particularly well made. It's also not designed to shut like a netbook so can be easily broken.
Most Windows tablets also struggle with battery life as they're running a full-spec operating system. The Acer Iconia Tab W500 is no exception and delivers roughly 4 hours of continuous high-definition video playback on a single charge - not ideal if you're on a long journey.
Overall the tablet delivers an acceptable performance for a Windows tablet that's at a price that's cheaper than most other Windows tablets. It's just a bit more expensive than you'd be paying for an iPad or Android tablet.
Tablet Computer Review - ASUS Eee Slate EP121
There are compromises with selecting the Windows operating system on a tablet PC but many consumers are familiar with it and want it on their slate. If you're one of these consumers then the Eee Slate EP121 is likely to meet your requirements.
When comparing tablets, be wary that Android tablets and the iPad are very different to Windows tablets. The iPad/Android tablets are designed to do simple tasks really well and so you can quickly consume content. Windows gives you a full operating sytems to create content as well.
This ASUS Eee Slate EP121 slate offers a 12.1-inch screen that is responsive and bright. It has a very powerful processor and plenty of storage space for files.
It's a heavy tablet due to it's size and components but it is lighter than if you were carrying a netbook or laptop.
Windows 7 is provided on the ASUS Eee Slate and it delivers as smooth a Windows performance as can be hoped for on a tablet. This is due to the high-powered components utilised which also mean this tablet is expensive.
Windows on a tablet means you have numerous games and applications to choose from. Your videos will play in most fomats too.
Windows menus and icons are difficult to hit with a finger on a tablet so it can be frustrating. The EP121 has a strong spec though that means it ensures Windows runs as smoothly as possible.
