By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla
The mini tablet space has blossomed of late and now offers comparative specs in smaller, cheaper form factors. Here are some outstanding 8-inch tablets that have gotten our attention this year.
The 8-inch tablet form-factor is the best compromise for power and portability. There are dozens of Android-powered tablets in this category but most leave much to be desired, feel cheap and have limited appeal except for low pricing. The iPad mini still reigns supreme in terms of build-quality, versatility and sheer number of applications built for tablets. There are choices for Windows users as well as various flagship Android devices that are also worth considering. My advice to any tablet buyer is to go out and get your hands on the devices, see how they feel and work for you and you’re certain to find the perfect device for your needs.
Dell Venue 8 Pro
For $299, Dell’s Venue 8 Pro is a heck of a good deal. This is a portable and powerful 8-inch Windows 8.1 device that runs traditional Windows applications, yet is surprisingly portable. Dell didn’t scrimp on the specs. Featuring a new Intel Atom quad-core processor, 2 GB of RAM, 32 GB of storage, microSD card expansion, an HD display with 1280 x 800 resolution and is complemented by a keyboard and stylus accessory. Microsoft’s own Surface 2 costs more and runs a less than desirable version of Windows. The Dell Venue 8 Pro might very well be the 8-inch device to bring Windows 8 to the mobile masses.
Asus Nexus 7
The sophomore Nexus 7 improves on last year’s popular model by upping up the specs, software and slimming down the profile. It is every inch Nexus device and quite versatile with 16GB, 32GB WiFi versions available as well as a 32 GB unlocked version with 4G-LTE connectivity for ultimate mobility. You can now launch queries with your voice thanks to a new and improved Google Now search feature. The Nexus 7 has the latest version of the Android OS, 4.4 KitKat, is freely available to Nexus devices, it is also one of devices that showcases the best mobile software Google has to offer. Starting at $229, the Nexus 7 (2013) is a compelling device to consider.
Apple iPad mini with Retina Display
The new iPad mini with Retina Display is a technological marvel. It squeezes the essence, all the features, and power of the larger iPad Air into an incredibly small footprint. The result is an 8-inch tablet that has the potential to run applications that years ago could only run on 64-bit desktop workstations. The iPad mini can effortless run CAD (Computer Aided Design) applications with ease and even edit complex 1080p HD video. It is also the most versatile line with capacities ranging fro 16 GB to 128 GB and in both WiFi as well as WiFi plus cellular variants. But for most users it is just the most connected and easy to use tablet out there right now. It is also one of the best-built devices in the market today.
Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 8.0
This has become our favourite Samsung Tab yet, it is slightly larger than the entry-level Tab 3 7.0 but feels better built and truly improves on the small Samsung form factor. The Tab 3 8.0 is thin, powerful, versatile and somewhat still affordable.
It also has the ability to work as a universal remote for TVs, cable boxes and Blu-Ray and DVD players. With 11-hours battery life, it’s an ideal device to watch videos on, specially with its 1280×800 pixel resolution. Seen by some as Samsung’s middle-child between the established Tab 3 7.0 and the larger Tab 3 10.1, the slim and powerful Tab 3.0 8-inch could very well be the best of both worlds.
