Sunday, August 3, 2014

Toshiba Encore 2 8 Windows 8.1 Tablet PC Review


                                                                                   
Toshiba Encore 2 8 Stain Gold
 

The Toshiba Encore 2 8 and 10.1 were announced on May 27th.   A couple weeks ago the Encore 2 8 was released.  Now the 10.1 inch is available today.  These are the latest Windows tablets available for Toshiba.  They both have full function of a desktop and a tablet.  You can work hard and play hard with both of these devices.  They also include one year subscription of Office 365 for free! Yes, you can use Microsoft Office 365 for one year free. They are the powered by Intel Inside. They are the most affordable Microsoft Windows 8.1 tablets available now. Below will the specs and features and final thoughts on the Encore 2.


DISPLAY:

 For the Encore 2 8, the display looks pretty good within its price range (8in 199.99) and it very clear on videos and gaming and reading and browsing the web.  It only has resolution of 800x1280 when there are other tablets on the market with higher density.  You have a 5MP back camera that allows recording in 1080p! You also will get a front facing camera for Skyping and Google Hangouts.  But wouldn't recommending posing for a selfie with only 1.2MP.  The color in day light sometimes wash out and there is a lot of glare on screen in direct sunlight.  Overall you will be able to watch your Netflix, Hulu, and Crackle in HD. Gaming will be very comfortable and reading and browsing will pleasing.

MEMORY:

In the Encore 2 8 you only have 1GB of RAM on board and 32GB bit internal memory. 1GB RAM is only to just do basic things.  Not enough to do hard core gaming on this device like playing Call of Duty.  But with an Micro SD card slot that will allow you to expand to a 128GB card, youll be able to save a lot of photos, music, movies and docs.  

HARDWARE:

The design on the Toshiba Encore 2 is very slim and thin.  It is almost as thin as a iPad Air and iPad Mini.  It has stain gold all around it.  The device has a micro USB 2.0 port, headphone jack, volume rockers, speakers on the back and a windows button on the side, and also a Micro SD card slot. 

OS:

With this device you get thMicrosoft's Windows 8.1 Operating System.  A full functional PC in the palm of your hands.  Much more improved than the Windows 8. You have more customization in tablet mode. Resizing the tiles from small to large.  You can even name each tile section differently. 

SOFTWARE:

The software is unlimited to what you can install and download.  Since this has a full desktop mode, if you are crazy about photos, you can install photoshop.  You like iTunes? You can install iTunes. Also to those that like Chrome, you can even use the chrome browser on this device as well. Along with the Windows apps, you can have facebook, twitter and Pintrest. 

FEATURES:

The features aren't so bad on this device.  You have 4.0 Bluetooth, Dolby Digital Speakers and Stereo. It has WiFi built in.  It includes a Micro SD card slot.  Also with great pre-installed software.

BATTERY LIFE:

On the Encore 2 8, the battery life on heavy usage will usually last around 7-8 hours. Which is not bad if you are using it for school and work.  But in the 10inch form factor, the battery life will last up to 12 hours on heavy usage.  So its give or take here guys. 

CONCLUSION: 

All and all with the specs and features mentioned above and for the price tags of $199.99 for the 8inch and $269.99 for the 10inch, you won't find any Windows tablets in the market cheaper than these 2 devices.  Now if you not looking for a low cost or budget tablet, then maybe the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 would be your fit which cost $799.99 for the low end version.  I would recommend the Toshiba Encore 2 8 and 10 to those who need something fast and quick for school and work and for casual gaming like fruit ninja and anrybirds. 




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