ASUS VivoTab ME400c 10.1-inch Tablet - Black (Intel Atom Z2760 1.6GHz Processor, 2GB RAM, 64GB eMMC, WLAN, BT, 2x camera, Windows 8)

Update September 2015: The tablet died after a very short life. I took a refund and invested in the amazing Teclast X98 3G instead. They may not be a household name, but their product is first class in features and very low price. Check it out.I've only owned this fabulous little 'Smart' tablet for a few days but find myself smiling with glee at its wonderful performance, resulting in my inability to put it down. The great low price of £179 for the LTE version helped in my decision-making: I'm so glad I resisted the more expensive competition out there, including both of my original targets, the Surface 2 and the Nokia 2520; I've got myself FULL Windows instead of some pricey curtailed impostor. Yes, I am sure I could get better specifications for more cash, but that would take away the crucial 'value for money factor' for me. I love a quality bargain, and this is one of those, for sure! We can expect lots of cheaper Windows tablets in the near future. Good thinking, Microsoft! This tablet originally started out at £400 for the non-LTE version.I immediately upgraded to Windows 8.1, which took a while to do, but it's now fully implemented and adds considerably to the very pleasing experience of using this tab. As for the hardware, it looks sleek and cute, but I would have been happier with front facing stereo speakers for movies etc. This was easily put right with a cheap bluetooth sound bar which can be attached to the base or on top of the device. (See my other reviews for details) Yes!!! I also bought a snug case and a Bluetooth keyboard, which paired in seconds. I was particularly elated to find that the sole micro USB slot has enough charge for a 1TB hard drive, without the need for additional power. Now, that's impressive! My last accessory is a USB hub, to give me more ports should I need them. The webcam works brilliantly, but I have yet to use the main camera or micro HDMI slot, although I'm expecting to be pleased with those, too. I've inserted a sim card but have yet to use it for broadband on the move, or calls (in theory!).Word, Netflix, You Tube, flash-enabled sites, Flipboard, and even writing on the screen with a capacitive stylus, everything performs really really well. As a result, I decided to put my old Galaxy Note 10.1 up for sale: that was a toy, but this new baby is a very productive toy! My first book, God's Other Children - A London Memoir, is now on sale on this very site, but instead of being a prisoner to my desktop when I write its follow-up, my Smart new friend will give me the freedom to sit in a cafe or a park and remain within the Windows environment.I was previously appalled by Asus and their extremely poor customer support involving a now very dead Transformer tablet, so I made this new purchase with a cautious heart, hoping that I will never have to deal with them again. That said (and never forgotten, Asus!), I cannot recommend the VivoTab Smart highly enough, especially if you can pick it up at a bargain price, as I did. Buy it and enjoy the hell out of it, as you undoubtedly will.Update. The tablet died after a very short life. I took a refund and invested in the Samsung Ativ Tab instead.

This is a basic tablet, although it does all that I want it to do, it does come with Windows 8. After installing all the updates including 8.1 for free there is still room for the other programs that I normally use. Having said that Windows 8.1 is not really made for the touchscreen, hopefully something which Windows 10 will sort out. So navigating around is sometimes very stressful, when your finger is much larger than button that you are trying to press. For the money it really is a decent tablet and you can buy a bluetooth keyboard and mouse if you want to use it like a desktop. Having a MicroSD slot really helps, I have four 128GB MircoSD cards which expand the basic 62GB of memory. It can be slow, starting up normally takes a while and video playback from services like Netflixs, BBC Iplayer and 4OD do work although it often does stop and start. Playing back video files from memory is a little better.My main problem with this device is that the Micro USB port is so easily damaged and I have had to replace it twice, which if you don't have insurance will cost between £50-£80. Plus the argument that you have to have when sending it back because they believe you dropped it. Simply put, this part which is going to break at least once a year even if you are like me and are normally really careful. I would really recommend getting third-party insurance for this device, mine is about £5 a month, so it covers you from having to pay out every time the Micro USB port breaks. Having only one Micro USB port is also a pain, you can't charge and attach anything else that connects via USB. Still overall I am quite happy with this tablet and it does everything that I want it to do. The display is clear although in strong sunlight can be difficult to see. For the money that I paid for the tablet and all the bits to go with it I am quite happy. You get a lot for your money!

So far so good...windows 8 now useable with desktop and start buttons available....seems to have loaded Photoshop, bbc I player, 4OD and itv player OK....hope the small ports stay functional...Update...still pleased with this little tablet, it seems to be up for everything I throw at it and has good sound, screen, keyboard and stylus sensitivity. Could do with more than 1 USB, but a well designed, responsive machine so far...The more I use this little machine, the better I like it! I've just got the tablet, with no keyboard and a magnetic case, and I must say that it does everything, and at a reasonable speed, that my old 4gb netbook was able to do...I use a weave-tip stylus fo things like drawing, note-taking, crosswords and photo editing, and all on a slim tablet no bigger or heavier than my iPad air. Now very pleased with Windows 8.1, seems to be well able to cope with all demands.....also pleased with the fact that I can use software that my iPad won't load. I player, 4od and Itv player all work well through the mini HDMI. Prints quickly via USB or AirPrint, and has a lovely bright screen. Connects quickly and seamlessly with cameras, smart phones, laptops and USB sticks, much more efficiently than the iPad. Overall, a great buy (and a very reasonable price)