Tablets Reviews
iPad Pro 9.7'' Review
by Mikael Romo - April 14, 2016
Review
In 2015, Apple introduced something quite big (pun intended) with the advent of the iPad Pro. But for some, big doesn't necessarily mean useful. Some of us, including this writer, appreciate true mobility in our devices to keep up with our need to sit and type here, pack up, move there, draw, pack up--you get the idea. That's why I bought a gold-white iPad Pro 9.7, as well as to bring you a hands-on review.
Physically, the iPad Pro 9.7 resembles the iPad Air 2, the main differences being: no more mute button, additional speakers on top of iPad, slight relocation of back camera, and Smart Connector. The next thing you should know about the new iPad Pro is that it can do most of the things the larger one can. It's got a smart connector on the left-hand side, so you can pair it up with a Smart Keyboard that complements its size. Along with the keyboard, this new iPad works with Apple Pencil, so you can draw, paint, sign, and precision-touch your way around iPad.
Internally, the 9.7 has an A9X chip with M9 coprocessor, delivering more efficient CPU performance than the iPad Air 2, for a more streamlined work and gaming experience. Although it's 2GB of RAM doesn't commit to performance as well as the bigger iPad Pro's 4GB, the 9.7 still benefits from split-screen capability for multitasking. For example, I appreciate the way I can read from Apple's website on Safari and write this review on Pages while I'm at it, all on a 10 hour battery life. One thing I did wish was faster was the TouchID, which is not quite as fast as the iPhone 6S'.
While the bigger iPad Pro model has an 8 megapixel camera, this one sports a 12 megapixel iSight camera which can record 4K video and take Live Photos, while its 5 megapixel front camera enhances video calling and selfie-taking. And of course, True Tone flash on both cameras makes colors and skin tones more life-like.
All things considered, the iPad Pro 9.7 is a beautiful, powerful tablet you can work and play on. Enjoy.
Highlights
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Smaller version of original iPad Pro
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Smart Connector with Apple Keyboard
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Apple Pencil compatibility
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Split screen capability
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A9X chip & M9 coprocessor
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2 GB of RAM
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10 hour battery life
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12 megapixel rear camera
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5 megapixel front camera
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Touch ID
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Apple Pay
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iOS 9
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Retina Display 2048×1536 resolution
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True Tone display adapts the color and intensity of the screen to match the light in your environment, aiding readability
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4K video recording
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Take Live Photos
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4 Speaker Audio
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Pad colors: rose gold, gold, silver, and classic space gray
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1 year manufacturer's warranty
Pros
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Capable of 4K video recording & live photo
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Improved 5 Megapixel front camera
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Split screen capability enables multitasking
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Compatible with Apple Keyboard and Pencil
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Better sound with 4 speakers
Score
9.5
Cons
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Lacks 3D Touch
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Outward design not original
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2 GB of RAM not as good for multitasking as original iPad Pro
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1st generation TouchID not as quick as iPhone 6S'
HP Elite x2 1012 Tablet Review
by Mikael Romo - March 8, 2016
Review
Today, choosing a tablet is no easy task. Just like laptops, each manufacturer has its own version of what a tablet should be for personal or business use. The HP Elite x2 1012 is business portable hybrid of a PC and touchscreen tablet, featuring a detachable keyboard and a stylus. Made to travel, the Elite is a lightweight device at only 1.85 lb. and .3 inches thin, or .5 inches when attached to its keyboard.
To withstand long term use, the Elite is encased in sturdy aluminum capable of taking falls and bumps, while Gorilla Glass makes up its 12 inch display. What makes it a hybrid device is how the tablet works when paired with a back-lit keyboard, seeking to rival the typing utility of standard notebooks but without the commitment of undetachable hardware. When you have to sit down and work, just unhinge the kickstand attached to the back of the tablet, set your keyboard, and type away. You can even precision-touch your on-screen experience with a full-size Wacom pen and digitizer.
There are several versions of the Elite you could consider, including Wi-Fi only and Wi-Fi + 4G LTE versions. For memory capacity, you have options for 4GB (with 128GB M.2 SSD) and 8GB (with 256GB M.2 SSD) RAM storage. As far as internal capacities, the Elite is powered by a 1.1 GHz Intel® Core™ that can go up to 2.GHz with Intel's Turbo Boost 2.0 technology. In other words, you can expect to work efficiently and multitask across apps without lag. Other features include Bluetooth 4.2, 802.11ac Wi-Fi capability, a USB 3.0 port, Thunderbolt 3 via USB Type-C port, Bang & Olufsen stereo speakers, and dual built-in microphones.
The Elite operates on Windows 10 Pro, which allows users to take advantage of multi-touch gesture. It features Cortana, whom you can talk to as a personal assistant, as well as Microsoft Edge, which replaces Explorer as web browser. The Elite is well serviceable and repairable. Broken screens and expired batteries can be changed either by a well-qualified owner or one of HP's partners, who can provide onsite, same day repairs. Tech support is also available 24/7.
Considering its utility and specs, the HP Elite x2 1012 can be an asset to the mobile, productive professional. The Elite x2 improves the good looks of its consumer grade model with the durability, security and extra connectivity needed for business use.
Highlights
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Start, work, and transition between modes easily with Window 10 Pro
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Dual stereo speakers and audio by Bang & Olufsen
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2x2 Dual Band WLAN ac/b/g/nx with Bluetooth® 4.2
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Charge devices, transfer data quickly, and connect to 4k devices with the USB-C™ port with Thunderbolt™ technology
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Durable stainless steel kickstand rotates 150 degrees to adjust smoothly to any viewing angle
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Efficient performance and long battery life let you work, surf, and connect with colleagues
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Utilize the full-size Wacom pen and digitizer. The preferred choice of creative professionals around the world.
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Travel keyboard
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10 hour battery life
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1920 x 1280 HD screen resolution
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Standard commercial 1 year warranty with extended service available
Pros
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Durable, attractive and sturdy design
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Sturdy aluminum kickstand
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Bright display
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Back-lit travel keyboard included
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Highly serviceable and repairable
Score
9.6
Cons
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Heavier than average tablet-laptop hybrids
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Speakers - More base would be nice
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Tactile feedback missing from touchpad
iPad Pro Review
by Priya Modi - November 24, 2015
Review
Ever wanted a tablet that has desktop performance without all the bulk? Apple’s iPad Pro may just be the solution to your needs. It’s not quite a laptop but compared to other iPads is mainly larger and offers much higher overall performance. The Pro is the ultimate multimedia experience that enables you to enjoy movies, music, or surfing the web.
The performance is convincing and it is extremely fast compared to other Apple iPads. The advantage of the Pro is its ability to multi-task. You can watch a movie, work on an Excel spreadsheet, and browse the web—all at the same time. The unbeatable resolution allows you to view vivid pictures, videos and adds realistic visual effects to gaming. For the professionals, the camera captures slow motion such as athletes running or gymnastics. The built-in speakers generate robust sound. However, you have to rely on Apple Music since Spotify cannot be used. Battery life is just under 10 hours so portability is relative.
Living without the accessories is just not the same, especially the stylus. Apple Pencil might as well be a magic wand. Retouch photos using Photoshop or view a 3D model of a car design in AutoCAD 360. To top it off, there is just enough friction from the screen to make it feel like you are writing on paper. The pencil comes handy for students as well. They can highlight their readings like there is no tomorrow. It's a shame that the stylus and the Smart Keyboard are sold separately.
The target audience is unclear. Is it for business people, artists, architects, or people in the medical field? There is no definite answer except your own, but for the Apple enthusiast the iPad Pro is certainly an excellent piece of technology to have.
Highlights
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Expansive 12.9-inch Retina display
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Nearly double the CPU performance of iPad Air 2
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Refined Multi-Touch technology
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New A9X third-generation chip with 64-bit desktop-class architecture
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Slim and light design — just 6.9 mm thin and 1.57 pounds
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Four new high-fidelity speakers create an audio experience as big as its display
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Two 8MP iSight cameras to capture time-lapse and slo-mo video in 720p HD
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Fingerprint-resistant and antireflective oleophobic coating
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1 Year Limited Warranty
Pros
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Laptop like processing power
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Split-view function
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Exceptional quality for multimedia users
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Smart keyboard registers well
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Powerful speakers
Score
9.4
Cons
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Not as portable as other tablets
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Absence of the USB Type-C port
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iOS 9 problems
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Nowhere to store the Pencil
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Accessories are not included
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 Review
By Zion Moonstone - September 29, 2015
Review
The newest Galaxy Tab from Samsung is the S2. This model comes with an entirely different style from last year’s S tablet. The 9.7” model is slightly below a pound while the 8.0” model is about half a pound. The S2 slim and lightweight features do not come at the price of performance though. Both versions come with excellent processing power as well as a high-quality screen for which Samsung is renowned for.
Samsung’s Super AMOLED multi-touch display provides the S2 Tab with an aspect ratio of 4:3. The original S Tab had a 16:10 cinematic aspect ratio, which while remarkable, was impractical. Oddly enough, the total resolution quality of the S2 has been decreased when compared to the older model, although not enough to notice.
Samsung’s OLED technology continues to deliver sharp images with brilliant colors and deep contrasts. The Adaptive Display adjusts to your surroundings and use making images and videos pop while making text more readable.The tablet is build to be lightweight, yet sturdy. With a metal trim and matte finish, the S2 Tab delivers a solid, but comfortable feel. The weight comes at the expense of battery life. The battery life averages a day of typical use before requiring a charge.
The front and rear cameras are certainly not bad by a tablet’s standards but are not particularly great. Both cameras perform well in low-light conditions. The S2 also features a fingerprint reader in the home button for additional security options, a hardware function which isn't new, but will be a source of software innovation down the road.
On the whole, Samsung has taken one step in the right direction with the new Galaxy Tab S2. By providing practical, everyday uses and still delivering powerful hardware as well as a lightweight model.
Highlights
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Vivid Super AMOLED screen
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32GB (with up to additional 128 GB with microSD) to store your favorite content
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2048 x 1536 native resolution and 4x3 aspect ratio
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Octa-core processor
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3GB RAM
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8-megapixel rear and 2.1-megapixel front cameras
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Fingerprint reader for added security
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Android 5.0 Lollipop
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5.6 mm thick
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Weighs 389g (9.7”) 263g (8.0”
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Super-slim 5.6mm profile
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Lightweight
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Great multitasking features
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MicroSD slot for additional memory
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Quick-connect capability with TVs
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Powerful processor
Pros
Score
9.1
Cons
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No camera flash
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Low-quality pictures in low lighting
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Battery is not user replaceable
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Lots of bloatware
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Average battery life
Highlights
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The tablet that can replace your laptop
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Larger screen, lighter form
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Write naturally with stylus
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2160 x 1440 resolution display
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10-finger multi-touch support
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4th generation Intel® Core™ processor family (i3, i5, i7)
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SB 3.0, microSD™ card reader, and Mini DisplayPort
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Comes with Windows 8.1
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Upgradeable to Windows 10
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1.76 pounds and .36 inches thick
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Thin and light
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Greatly improved kickstand
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High-resolution screen
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Large screen
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Comfortable 3:2 proportions (Legal pad size and shape)
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Natural feeling pen
Pros
9.5
Score
Cons
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Battery Life
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Essential add-ons sold separately
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Kickstand sometimes uncomfortable
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Flexible keyboard may feel too flimsy
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May become noisy and overheat during gameplay
Microsoft Surface Pro 3
Review
by Sarah Gruenewald - August 2015
The new Surface Pro 3 is in a category of its own. With a stunning 12” display in a sleek magnesium frame, Surface Pro 3 has all the power and performance of a laptop in an incredibly lightweight, versatile form. It may just be the ultimate device.
Microsoft’s new tablet edges on the once-clear border between tablets and ultrabooks. Designed to handle rigorous and everyday tasks, the Surface Pro 3 towers above its predecessors, the Surface Pro and Surface Pro 2, with a 12” Full HD Plus screen, a fully-functional add-on keyboard, as well as a multi-position kickstand, along with the same collection of ports.
The Integrated kickstand features a wide array of positions, stretching to up to 150 degrees, to work comfortably on the plane, at your desk, or in front of the television. Weighing only 1.76 pounds and only .36 inches thin, the Surface Pro 3 is the most conveniently mobile laptop replacement.
With a vivid touchscreen, stereo speakers with Dolby® audio, and two 5MP HD 1080p cameras, the Surface Pro 3 surpasses expectations of video conferencing, movie watching, and video playback. The device rides the line between laptops and tablets providing up to 9 hours of web browsing or just over 7 hours of video.
Use up to three apps or Windows 8.1 Pro programs side-by-side simultaneously with the snap feature and upgrade to Windows 10 as soon as it hits the market. The tablet is also multi-user friendly. Family members can each personalize their own account. Parents can utilize the Family Safety features to protect their children when they get online.
Write, sketch, and annotate with Microsoft’s Surface Pen that feels exactly like a pen gliding across paper. Clicking the pen automatically wakes the tablet to a blank OneNote document, bypassing the lockscreen and password for quick note-taking.
Highlights
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10.1" Wideview IPS Display
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9 hours of continuous WiFi usage
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Dolby® Digital Plus with Dual Stereo Speakers
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Quad Core Processing
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Dual Cameras
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Satellite GPS
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Lenovo DOit Apps
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No HDMI or video output
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Volume buttons can sometimes become stuck
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The camera lacks autofocus and flash
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Thin and lightweight
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Good system performance
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Great visibility outdoors
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Large 10.1inch IPS display
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Excellent sound
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Above average battery life
Pros
Cons
9.3
Score
Lenovo A10 Tablet
Review
by Michael Lee - March 2, 2015
Your leisure time will never be the same with the Lenovo TAB A10's blend of performance and features. The 10.1-inch wide-view HD display gives you lots of viewing space for your movies and videos, while the Dolby-enhanced dual front speakers make your entertainment pop. The quad-core CPU and long battery life keep you going longer and stronger in the office, at home or on the road.
The A10's HD multitouch display offers a clear and colorful viewing experience whether indoors or outside. The in-plane switching (IPS) screen delivers a wide viewing angle, perfect for sharing content with friends.
The A10 is good for 9 hours of continuous WiFi usage through its big 6340 mAh battery, giving you freedom from charging for day trips and journeys.
Dolby® audio enhancement allows louder, more natural, distortion-free sound – whether you’re listening through headphones or the A10’s dual stereo speakers.
Quad core processing enables better multitasking, delivers a smoother Android experience and eliminates stutter when playing games or HD video.
The A10 takes great photos with the 5 megapixel rear camera, and super selfies from the 2 megapixel front camera, which is also great for web chat with your friends.
The A10's optional Bluetooth keyboard enhances your productivity, let's you enjoy hands-free viewing, and protects your tablet when you’re on the move. Also, never get lost with built in satellite GPS that works offline.
Lenovo's new DOit series of apps let you and your device do more including sharing data with other Android devices without requiring a network, preventing viruses and malware, and backing up your contacts and sms log.
Micro USB for charging and connecting peripherals, plus a micro SD card slot for convenience and easy storage expandability make the A10 one of the best tablets for the concious end consumer.
Highlights
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Five color choices
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Web, email, and more
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Designed for entertainment
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Take it to work or school
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New Fire OS 4 features
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Amazon FreeTime for kids
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Share your screen
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Buy once, enjoy everywhere
Pros
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Bright and colorful display with wide viewing angles
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Long battery life
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Loud speakers
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Competitive price
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Fast 4G LTE speeds
9.1
Score
Cons
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No memory expansion
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You have to pay to remove ads from lock screen
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Power adapter sold separately
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Slow web performance
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Some features not currently available
Fire HD 6 Tablet
Review
by David Priede - January 32, 2015
The Fire HD 6 goes anywhere with its pocketable design–featuring a beautiful 6" HD display, 2x faster quad-core processor, and unsurpassed reliability in its class.
The new quad-core processor consists of two high-performance 1.5 GHz cores and two lower-power 1.2 GHz cores running simultaneously for optimal load balancing and power efficiency. With over 2x the speed and over 3x the graphics performance of the previous generation Fire HD, the new quad-core processor ensures faster app launch times, smooth games and videos, and better overall performance.
Fire HD 6 is the ultimate pocket-sized tablet with a smaller profile, thinner bezel, and lighter weight design than the previous generation Fire HD.
Fire HD 6 features a 1280x800 high definition LCD display with over a million pixels (252 ppi) and a brighter display for vibrant colors and whiter whites. Enjoy a great viewing experience at all angles through an innovative combination of IPS (in-plane switching) technology, an advanced polarizing filter, and anti-glare technology.
Fire HD features a Gorilla Glass display, reliable design, and unsurpassed reliability in its class. Fire HD features a 2MP rear-facing camera that allows for high-resolution photos and 1080p HD video. The updated camera app also includes photo editing features and a new camera mode with film strip.
Fire HD includes a front-facing camera that is perfect for Skype video calls and taking selfies to share via Facebook or email. The beautifully designed photo app makes it easy to view your albums or watch personal videos. Sharing your photos couldn't be easier—simply tap on individual images to email them to anyone you like.
No more worrying about storage space. Get free, unlimited storage in Amazon Cloud Drive for all photos taken with your Fire devices, plus free storage for all Amazon content. Unique profiles for each family member. With Profiles, create unique profiles for up to 2 adults and 4 children so family members can share a tablet and still keep personalized settings like email and social accounts, home screen carousel, and games.
Amazon FreeTime allows parents to create a profile for each of their children and choose what books, apps, games, and videos they want to give their kids access to. Also, it's easy to set daily limits for tablet use, or restrict certain categories—like games and video—while leaving unlimited time for reading.
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