Toshiba has launched second generation updates to its Encore Windows based tablets. The new Toshiba Encore 2 range is available with screen sizes of 8-inches or 10.1-inches and 32GB or 64GB of built-in storage. They are both powered by an Intel quad-core Atom processor. While the tablet's hardware specs are rather unexciting, the devices do break new ground in that they are the fist to be launched with Microsoft's new Windows 8.1 with Bing OS installed.
Compared with the previous Encore tablets Toshiba's new offerings present a thinner, lighter design. Toshiba says that the pair "come equipped with stunning visuals, superior sound and preloaded with apps like Xbox Music and Video, Kindle Reader, Skype," so are great for fun and media consumption. Also buyers get "a one year subscription to Office 365," so they can be productive right out of the box.
Philip Osako, senior director of product marketing, Toshiba America said that "Our Encore 2 tablets are the perfect complement to a customer’s arsenal of devices, giving them the familiarity and common functionality of Windows for a more seamless computing experience, whether they’re editing or creating documents, enjoying movies and games or staying in touch with friends and family".
The Toshiba Encore 2 tablets share the following common specifications:
- Processor: Intel quad-core Atom Z3735F
- RAM: 1GB or 2GB depends on model
- Storage: 32 or 64GB + microSDXC card up to 128GB
- Display: 1280 x 800 pixels with multi-touch
- Cameras: 5MP rear camera, HD webcam
- Sound: Stereo speakers with Dolby Digital Plus
- Battery: 10 hours stamina in general use, 8 hours video playback
- Connectivity: 802.11n Wi-Fi, micro USB 2.0 port, built-in Micro HDMI port, wireless display support
- OS: Windows 8.1 with Bing
Where the tablets differ is in the screen sizes (but not pixel resolution), the RAM installed and in size and weight. PCWorld reports that the cheapest version of either tablet packs just 1GB of RAM but both are available in expanded models with 2GB of RAM and more storage. This is interesting as the official press release doesn't mention such a difference. We have however heard previously that Microsoft put some efforts into making Windows 8.1 Update 1 more nimble upon lower spec devices.
The 10.1-inch Toshiba Encore 2 back and side view
So did using Windows 8.1 with Bing and its lower RAM requirement produce some great entry level Windows tablet prices? The range of tablets and prices, again via PCWorld, are as follows:
- 8-inch Encore 2, 1GB RAM, 32GB storage - $199
- 8-inch Encore 2, 2GB RAM, 32GB storage - $249
- 8-inch Encore 2, 2GB RAM, 64GB storage - $279
- 10.1-inch Encore 2, 1GB RAM, 32GB storage - $269
- 10.1-inch Encore 2, 1GB RAM, 32GB storage, keyboard cover - $299
- 10.1-inch Encore 2, 2GB RAM, 64GB storage - $329
Both tablets are expected to become available in retail at the beginning of July. We don't have any UK availability or pricing at this time.
