Asus VivoTab RT Review

Introduction:

Microsoft might be leading the cavalry at the moment when it comes to spreading the word about its new tablet-optimized platform in Windows RT, but that doesn’t mean they’re necessarily going to be the class leading contender when it comes to hardware. Certainly, the Surface RT is garnering plenty of attention for the moment, however, we’re now seeing a steady stream of alternative Windows RT tablets coming to market. Case in point, the Asus VivoTab RT, which takes the best design aspects of what we see from their Android slates, but with the backing of the Windows RT experience instead. Knowing its bait and switch routine, will it be enough to make it a complete and compelling offer?

The package contains:

• Proprietary USB cable
• Wall Charger
• USB port adapter
• Microfiber cleaning cloth
• User’s Manual

Design:

Although it’s not entirely new in terms of design, there are still so many lovable elements that make it an appreciated offering. Taking some of it design cues from Asus’ various Android slates, like the Transformer Pad 300 and Transformer Pad Infinity, everything comes together in a neat package with the VivoTab RT. With its brushed metallic casing, which is complemented by a rigid plastic strip, it maintains one very clean appearance that does wonders in repelling smudges and fingerprints. At the same time, this is both razor sleek at 0.33” thin and boasts one balanced figure as it feels so light at 18.87 oz. Overall, it clearly has the attractive package to reel us in from afar.



Naturally, since this is a Windows RT tablet we’re dealing with, the VivoTab RT is sporting the recognizable Start capacitive button below its display, which is unlikely to be accidentally pressed. Who knows why, but its 2-megapixel front-facing camera is positioned just a bit offset from the center area above the display.

Along the left trim, we spot a switch that dislodges the tablet from its optional keyboard dock, a useful microSD slot, and a microHDMI port that’s hidden behind a plastic flap. Meanwhile, the right edge is home to its raised and tactile volume control, and 3.5mm headset jack. Rounding things out, the power button and microphone are positioned on the top trim – while its proprietary charging/data port and docking connectors are laid along the bottom. Although it lacks a full-sized USB port, the VivoTab RT is packaged along with an adapter that connects via its proprietary port.

Turning it over to its rear, the VivoTab RT is packing a higher-than-normal 8-megapixel auto-focus camera, which is complemented by an LED flash and the ability to shoot 1080p videos. Located towards the left and right edges of the rear, microdots come together to make out its left and right speaker grills.


Keyboard dock:

Without question, you’ll want to invest in picking up the optional keyboard dock for the VivoTab RT, mainly due to cool convertible style it has to offer. Aside from the transformation into a versatile netbook-like device, the keyboard dock packs along some useful additions – like its full sized keyboard, multi-touch trackpad, and full sized USB port (you won’t need to lug around the adapter anymore). Indeed, the keyboard layout is a bit cramped, but luckily, the keys are raised and have good travel. However, our palms get in the way with the trackpad, which then causes some annoying jumps with the cursor. Then again, manually shutting it off remedies the problem. Most importantly, it’s tucking along its own separate battery, which is reported to provide up to 16 hours of total battery life to the tablet.



Display:

Although it’s not breaking any new ground per se, it’s still flaunting one attractive display that proves useful in all lighting situations. Donning a 10.1-inch 1366 x 768 Super IPS+ LCD display, it’s quite obvious that it doesn’t deliver the sharpest details upon a close inspection with its 155 ppi pixel density, but nevertheless, it’s sufficient enough to make it more than effective for most things. At the same time, there’s a hint of saturation with its color production, which sprinkles a dose of vibrancy to the entire package. And finally, it simply works outdoors with the sun present, seeing that it’s able to maintain its visibility thanks its strong brightness output and wide viewing angles.

Interface and Functionality:

If there’s one thing we can expect with Windows RT, it has to be clear and straightforward consistency with the experience and interface – much like what we’ve been seeing with Microsoft’s mobile platform in Windows Phone. Well folks, there’s nothing really different with the VivoTab RT, as it’s sporting the spiffy look and feel that’s typical of Windows RT. Just like on the Surface RT, we see the biggest departure with the new Start homescreen, which is littered with all those cool looking dynamic live tiles. Overall, there’s a steep learning curve at the beginning for anyone checking it out for the first time, but once it’s mastered, there are few problems trying to navigate. Still, the overall experience is still lacking in substance over other rival and more mature platforms.


Taking a gander at the tablet’s set of core organizer apps, they offer the same basic functionality we find on other platforms – though, it doesn’t have Android’s deeper and seamless functions. With the email experience, it’s pretty much steering the correct direction with its straightforward approach, while still presenting us with a tablet-optimized layout.

Even though we prefer using the keyboard dock for all our typing needs, the on-screen keyboard is also a good alternative. Not only are we given a spacious layout, but it’s complemented by its speedy response, accuracy, and tertiary layouts. Specifically, it also features a split-style layout and a hand writing recognition service.



Processor and Memory:

Complementing its razor sharp looks, the VivoTab RT is powered by the venerable quad-core 1.3GHz NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor coupled with 2GB of RAM. As a whole, the tablet performs smoothly, as expected, especially considering that Windows RT is a stable platform. Of course, we’re greeted with fluid operations with nearly everything, but it still exhibits just a pinch of sluggishness whenever it’s trying to juggle an assortment of apps simultaneously.

Surely, its 32GB of internal storage might not seem as exorbitant as some laptop hard drives, but it’s enough to appease multimedia conscious users to store their content on the tablet. Even better, the microSD card slot and USB attachment port can expand its tally.

Internet and Connectivity:

Seriously, it’s like heaven when it comes to surfing the web on the VivoTab RT! For starters, its performance is characteristic of any high-end beast, as it’s able to produce buttery smooth navigational controls, fast page loads, and proper rendering with Internet Explorer. Alternatively, we can get the full IE10 experience by getting into the desktop mode, which essentially dishes up that likable desktop-like experience we’re so accustomed to seeing on PCs.


At the moment, this is available in Wi-Fi only form, or In AT&T-friendly 4G LTE version. Not surprisingly, it’s packing all the usual characters of connectivity features that are commonly expected – such as aGPS, Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi, and NFC.

Camera:

Surprisingly, we see Asus making its presence known in the platform in a separate camera app that supplements the native one for Windows RT. Between the two, Asus’ offering is undeniably the preferred choice, mainly because it’s offering us more manual controls and photo features. In terms of image quality with its 8-megapixel snapper, the results are clearly good for a tablet, which is a welcomed relief considering the Surface RT scarred us. Even in low lighting situations, the VivoTab RT manages to handle dynamic range well – while still brightening up the shot to draw out details. And of course, the flash works well to compensate some things in low lighting, but it casts a noticeable cooler color production.



Also, its 1080p video recording quality is decent enough to accept – though, it’s not without its own set of flaws. Strangely enough, it pumps out a lower capture rate in settings with insufficient lighting. At the same time, the visuals are noticeably grainy looking with some distinguishable evidence of artifacting while panning.

Asus VivoTab RT Sample Video:



Multimedia:

Checking out the music player, the interface is typical Windows RT, which means it has that distinctive dynamic look that’s commonly employed by the platform. With its stereo speakers, they’re ample enough to deliver loud tones with minimal distortion.


Not surprisingly, the tablet is more than equipped for watching high-definition videos, thanks primarily to the high contrast of its display combined with its vibrant color production. In addition to playing videos with minimal performance flaws, it hosts support for a wide array of codecs consisting of things such as DivX, H.264, MPEG-4, and Xvid.

Battery:

Like we said folks, it’s imperative for you to pick up the keyboard dock with this one! So much so that we’re able to get by close to three whole days of heavy usage with the combined batteries of the tablet and its keyboard dock. Therefore, it’s more than equipped to soundly keep you mobile on the go for an extensive amount of time.

Conclusion:

Before we get into the nitty gritty, we’d like to point out that Asus is offering a special promotion on the VivoTab RT, which enables any buyer of the tablet to get the keyboard dock for free. Yes folks, you heard that right! If you pick up the tablet before the end of the year (December 31st, 2012), you’ll be able to nab it au gratis! All in all, it’s really giving the Surface RT a good run for its money.

Heck, the more we think about it, at the same price that Microsoft is selling its Surface RT tablet with its touch cover, we actually find more value in Asus’ offering. Not only are you getting a versatile netbook replacement, but the extra battery power is significant in making it a true portable powerhouse. At the same time, the sleek figure of the VivoTab RT works well in keeping it manageable to carry around. And lastly, it’s packing a much better camera than the Surface RT as well

When it comes down to it, the VivoTab RT merely goes to show that Asus can always stand tall in the face of competition – even if it’s from the direct source. If you’re considering picking up a Windows RT tablet, this is surely going to be one you’ll want to check out. Frankly, there’s a fair amount of value seen in this $599.99 tablet, which again, is bundled with the keyboard dock.

Asus VivoTab RT Video Review: