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Measuring in at 262.5 x 171 x 9.7 mm (WxDxH), Asus' VivoTab Smart features a screen which is 126 mm tall and 224 mm wide. The reflective border that perimeters the 10.1″ IPS screen fits perfectly with the tablet's overall design.
Each edge of the rectangular device's front surface is curved to make a seamless transition into the material used on the rear side. All four corners are also curved to create an appealing style that reflects light from a number of directions.
Asus has decided to construct the rear of the VivoTab Smart out of a grip-enhancing plastic material which, quite frankly, feels cheap. We really like the fact that the grip-coating lessens the likelihood of an accidental slip or drop occurring, and that it makes the ‘one-holding one-touching' handling approach an enforceable input method. But we would prefer a more elegant and attractive approach that fits better with the tablet's appealing front side.
Towards the top-left corner of the VivoTab Smart (top-right in picture) is the area where an NFC file exchange is conducted. Users are advised to touch both devices in this area to ensure that the transfer commences in the correct, hassle free manner.
Along the device's top-edge, directly in the centre, is the 8 Megapixel rear-facing camera and flash. This camera location is ideal as it is clear of areas where a user's hand is likely to cause interference or picture blockage.
Asus positions the VivoTab Smart's stereo speakers below the NFC area, while the company's logo is embossed into the tablet in the form of a metal-like substance.
A pair of stickers outlines the VivoTab Smart's ability to function as a true ‘desktop' device, thanks to its dual-core Intel Atom Z2760 processor and full-blown, 32-bit Windows 8 operating system.
The touch-sensitive Windows button is located in the centre of the VivoTab Smart's lower border. Holding the Windows and volume down buttons will capture a screenshot.
A 2 Megapixel front-facing camera is located slightly to the right of the tablet's central axis, on the upper border. Thanks to its user-facing orientation, this 2 MP camera is perfect for use during Skype conversations or other video calls.
An Asus logo is located directly above the 10.1″ screen's top-left corner.
Asus positions the Micro USB port – which acts up as the charging input – in the bottom-corner of the tablet's left side. This is a good location as it doesn't interfere with one's hands when the tablet is being used whilst charging.
A Micro SD slot can be used to boost the VivoTab Smart's internal storage past 64 Gigabytes, or as a file transfer method. The slot's push-in cover will easily jump 6 feet when projected out of its location, so make sure you know exactly where it's going to land – i.e. not a river, road or train track!
Removing the uppermost cover reveals the VivoTab Smart's micro HDMI port, which allows the tablet to output its video signal to High-Definition TVs, monitors and projectors – ideal for both presentation and entertainment purposes.
The power/lock button is located at the very-left of the device's upper edge. This location puts it in a perfect position to be pressed by a one's index finger, when conforming to the two-handed usage style.
A 3.5 mm 2-in-1 input (microphone) and output (headphones/speakers) jack is located adjacent to the volume button, at the top of the VivoTab Smart's right edge.
Connections:
- 1 x 2-in-1 Audio Jack (Headphone / Mic-in)
- 1 x micro HDMI
- 1 x Micro USB
- 1 x Micro SD Card Reader(SDHC)
Fantastic review Luke, how do you feel it shapes up against the Windows Surface? have you managed to get a hands on with it yet yourself? (as they are both Windows 8 im curious).
This looks great, I had been looking at an android tablet for months, and still cant decide as I liked the Surface in a local store.
Dont know what to get now 🙁
It is not ASUS fault, but Windows 8 APP store is very weak, its put me off moving over from my iPAD, but I dont like Apple or their practices using slave labour in china etc.
Its so hard to get a do it all tablet, but this is a good attempt by ASUS.
I need to get a hands on with this, as I will never pay for the Surface PRO to get access to X86 apps. this is a great move by ASUS considering the ATOM is probably a bit slow. very interested, but need to see one in the flesh. time to hunt this weekend in my local etailers. is it out now?
If I select “View All Pages” I get to a news item titled “All of humanity to own an Android phone one day”.
No apps? I’m running everything from Wireshark (try that on your iPad) to my PLC programs and games such as Age Of Titans. Quit thinking of it as being a Win8 tab and try thinking of it as a Windows PC. After you share your devices from your own PC tower, you’ll also have access to all of them as well so mine sits with my Canon Imagerunner, Pioneer DVDRW and 3TB Seagate External all available. For media I use Plex for video and Itunes for my music.
These true Windows 8 tabs are only hamstrung by their users… PERIOD. I’ve yet to see a reviewer do half of what I do as an actual daily driver of the Vivotab Smart. When compared to either my daughter’s 3rd gen iPad or my own Galaxy tab to my Vivotab Smart, the former are truly little more than really large phones and the latter a fantastically thin PC.
Had one and sent it back.
Its well made a relatively light, the display is really good.
Its slow to boot from cold and the wireless is weak. In desktop mode you need the bluetooth keyboard, i found the onscreen keyboard got in the way of many things when trying to use in desktop mode.
After i installed Windows updates and Firefox the wirelss was lost and nothing i tried could restore it. I rest the tablet to factory default which meant going through the setup process again and once it was all done it refused to accept the new account.
Personally i dont think its worth £400 especially if you wish to add the keyboard, your then looking at a nigh on £500 device and its simply not good enough for that money. At £400 with the keybaord it would be good value.
I had one too and sent it back, it was too slow and very frustrating. Those ATOM processors can barely handle basic tasks. This is a good buy if you must have a full windows 8. I cant believe the guy above said the app store is good and that he can run games on this? I could barely get solitaire to run smoothy.