Mini Review: The Samsung ATIV Smart PC 500T Tablet

Since we're heading off into the weekend we figured we'd leave off with our quick impression of the Samsung ATIV Smart PC 500T Tablet. Whew, that Samsung does not mind a long proper noun, for sure.

And then why are nosotros doing this? Same reasons as ever (1) I bought 1 this week (2) many Windows Phone users are also shopping around for tablets/hybrids and PCs. Allow us exist the guinea grunter to test 'em out for ya.

Head by the break for some photos and our hands on video tour of the device, including our thoughts.

The Samsung ATIV Tablet did not initially impress me when information technology was first released late concluding year. But walking into my local Microsoft Shop (the just place I'll buy Windows 8 hardware due to their Signature treatment aka no bloatware) I was immediate wowed by the all-white version, which I did not know existed. Indeed, I think only the Microsoft Store and in Korea is the white option available as opposed to the greyness/gun metallic color which I find so drab.

Features

The ATIV Tablet features some impressive specs:

• Windows viii (full)
• Intel Atom 1.8 GHz CPU
• 11.vi in SuperBright Plus LED (1366 x 768), 5-finger multi-touch on support
• Wacom digitizer and S-Pen
• Dual front-facing speakers (ane.6W)
• 64GB Storage (~30GB available due to full OS backup); microSD expansion
• HDMI out
• Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver
• 1 USB ii.0
• 2 MP front, 8 MP rear cameras
• Effectually nine hours battery life
• Optional full keyboard with 2 extra USB ports
• Windows Experience Index: three.two

The white version currently goes for $599 plus an extra $124 for the keyboard, though on Amazon y'all tin can order the grey version with keyboard for just $620 (DEAL ALERT).

Impressions

I've accept/had the Acer W510 and Surface RT to compare this device also and while each has their advantages, the Samsung ATIV Smart PC tablet is quite impressive. Look, Samsung knows how to make hardware and while this device is very "plastic" it's also a very comfortable 1.65lbs. It's well built, doesn't creak and fifty-fifty has plugs for the keyboard dock holes to keep the device smoother looking.

The cameras are decent, the CPU handles Windows 8 only fine (for everyday tasks), you lot have plenty of storage (relatively), GPS and NFC and did I mention the kickass Wacom digitizer and S-Pen for handwriting?

That handwriting addition makes the keyboard…less of import to accept. Sure, if I were writing out a long article, email or newspaper I'd adopt a keyboard simply for light data entry? The Due south-Pen is quite fun to use and allows you to use this as "just a tablet". Because as presently as you add a keyboard, the dynamics of the device change: yous now human activity like this is a laptop and things feel a bit slower when you apply it similar that. Sure you can, merely if you're employ to an Ultrabook running Photoshop, you lot may get frustrated.

The speakers are dual, front end facing with 1.6W of power and while they're not listen bravado, they're certainly ameliorate than most other Windows 8 tablets we've tried (and your hands don't block them when in use).

The ATIV Smart PC Tablet is a solid, well-built tablet. I like the size, the price, the operation and especially the Southward-Pen for note taking (I don't remember I'll always buy a tablet without one again).

Samsung may be common cold on Windows Phone, but they can even so brand a compelling Windows viii tablet (even if information technology looks like a big Focus ii).

Only wait…

At that place is one thing that bugged me: Samsung's stupid "update" software. They accept their own proprietary update service that in theory, is a practiced idea. Information technology checks for updates for everything: the Os, drivers, BIOS, etc. Thing is, I literally had about 1GB in updates to exercise and on an ATOM processor, that'southward an eternity.

Information technology probably took upwards of 3 hours to update the whole device and that was after I ran into issues with the Os non wanting to update itself. For instance, I skipped Samsung'southward update utility (didn't know it was there) and dived right into the Windows Update. Information technology establish 34 patches and when information technology went to install, it would but hang. I have no thought why simply it was only by going through Samsung's updater that I got it all to work.

Frustrating.

Of form now that I'thou over that annoying hump, everything is just peachy and I've been enjoying the device then much I virtually forgot about that incident.

We may earn a committee for purchases using our links. Learn more.

Oh Beloved

New report reveals Microsoft's future AR strategy; HoloLens three is dead

Concern Insider has today published a follow-up study with more details most Microsoft'southward canceled HoloLens 3 augmented reality headset. The partnership with Samsung is said to include a headset with a gear up of screens inside, powered past a Samsung phone in your pocket.

Keeping it affordable

Review: Surface Laptop SE is the new standard for G-8 Windows PCs

Starting at merely $250, Microsoft's first foray into affordable laptops for the pedagogy market place is a winner. With a gorgeous pattern, splendid thermals, and a fantastic typing feel, Microsoft would do right to sell this directly to consumers as well. Let's just promise Intel tin brand a better CPU.

Source: https://www.windowscentral.com/mini-review-samsung-ativ-smart-pc-500t-tablet

Posted by: skillernwidee1984.blogspot.com

Share this post