Windows iPad Mini Competitor?

We are yet to see an 8 inch or smaller Windows 8 tablet that’s smooth and sexy enough to take on the iPad mini. There’s Acer Iconia W3 but it suffers greatly with its poor display. Encore is Toshiba’s take on this.

Toshiba Encore will ship with Windows 8.1 making Windows desktop apps run on this tablet too. However, there are still some details that put Toshiba Encore at a disadvantage. Meanwhile…

Toshiba Encore: Performance

Demo units of Toshiba Encore during the IFA 2013 were a bit laggy due to driver issues. However, the actual units which are slated to sell starting November 2013 are expected to operate smoothly thanks to its quad core 1.47GHz Intel Atom Z3770 Bay Trail processor, Intel Gen 7 GPU and 2GB of RAM.

Toshiba Encore also offers 32GB of free internal storage with a microSD slot that can accommodate 32GB of additional storage space. That’s more than enough for your files, pictures and movies.

Battery capacity is not yet revealed by said to say alive up to 7 hours.

Toshiba Encore: Design, Display and Camera

Since Toshiba Encore is at the same target market as the iPad Mini, it should match the later in sexiness. But that isn’t happening with its 3.5mm thicker body.

On the positive side, Toshiba Encore has a better display than Acer Iconia W3. It has an IPS display at 162 pixels per inch which so far looks good.

Toshiba also managed to fit an 8 Megapixel camera to the Encore. That gives it an advantage over the 5 Megapixel rear camera of the iPad Mini .

Toshiba Encore: Network and Connectivity Features

Toshiba Encore is a WiFi only tablet but will surely come with free storage on SkyDrive.

For connectivity, you have a micro HDMI port for connecting the tablet’s display to another screen. An example would be using the Toshiba Encore for a product presentation using Powerpoint 2013 which comes free when you buy a unit.

Of course, there’s GPS, Bluetooth, a microUSB port and 3.5mm audio jack.

Toshiba Encore Specs

  • 1.47GHz Quad Core Intel Atom Z3770 Bay Trail Processor
  • Windows 8.1
  • 8 Inch IPS Display at 1024 x 800 Pixel Resolution or 162 PPI
  • Intel Gen 7 GPU
  • 8MP Rear Camera
  • 2MP Front Camera
  • 2GB RAM
  • 32GB or 64GB Internal Storage
  • Expandable up to 32GB via MicroSD
  • WiFi
  • Bluetooth
  • GPS with A-GPS Support
  • micro HDMI
  • micro USB
  • 7 Hours Battery Life
  • $329 ~ Php14,600 SRP