Windows 8.1 8-inch tablets are experiencing an explosion. Major PC manufacturers are deciding to release models with these features, making use of Microsoft's policy of providing the Office 2013 Home & Student suite for free. From the first model in this category, we have seen a slow evolution in performance until at CES 2014 two models were presented that were out of the ordinary and that we want to put face to face. Here goes one comparison between ASUS VivoTab Note 8 and Lenovo ThinkPad 8.
Design, size and weight
ASUS has opted for a basic design, which does not seek to break with what we have seen so far in format and finish. However, Lenovo has chosen a different size with an 8,3-inch screen and has reduced the thickness to 8,8 mm, marking the first time that it has dropped 1 cm in this category.
They are small tablets although not especially light. We will notice a little more weight in the ThinkPad 8 due to its larger size.
Screen
Again, the spirit is similar to the design section. ASUS has followed the pattern of HD resolution with an IPS panel that we have seen in other similar devices. His rival has decided to bet on a rare size and has surprised us with Full HD resolution and also an IPS panel. This represents an important quality leap.
Performance
Both tablets have a chip from the Intel Atom Bay Trail family with a quad-core processor, although Lenovo's is significantly more powerful. They have the same GPU and RAM. As far as software is concerned, we have the same starting point except for some applications of each brand.
Storage
The idea is similar, giving several internal storage options, although the ThinkPad 8 doubles the capacity starting at 64 GB, for the 32 GB of its rival, and reaching up to 128 GB, for the maximum 64 GB of the ASUS. Obviously, options with more capacity will drive up prices. In any case, we can expand up to 64 GB by micro SD memory.
Connectivity
Lenovo is putting more meat back on the grill. It will release models with connection to mobile networks by LTE bands, something that its rival has not considered. In terms of local connectivity, it has also included a micro HDMI port, something that we really miss in its rival.
Cameras and sound
ASUS has opted for a fair endowment that we find in many 2013 compact tablets. However, the ThinkPad 8 has a more powerful rear camera that comes in at 8 MPX. In addition, it has autofocus and coordinates with the official accessory with which it arrives, the Quick Shot Cover.
The Taiwanese have included their classic SonycMaster technology which has given such good results.
Battery
Neither manufacturer has been very explicit with the capacity of the batteries in their equipment. Lenovo claims that theirs reaches an autonomy of 8 hours.
Accessories
This is where the VivoTab Note 8 has really given something to hold onto comparatively. It has a stylus with Wacom technology with sensitivity for 1.000 pressure levels. With this tool it becomes something similar to a modern notepad in combination with the Microsoft Office OneNote application.
His rival has not opted for the stylus, although they have created an official case, the Quickshot Cover that has a folding corner that uncovers the camera and directly launches the application that controls it.
Prices and conclusions
If we only look at the tablet, we have to conclude that the ThinkPad 8 is more attractive in its value for money. Its starting point in internal memory is more suitable and has a good price. Its technical specifications exceed in all respects those of its rival and will be very evident at the level of experience in terms of connectivity and on the screen. Also in performance, where the power is never enough to move Windows 8.1. Its only drawback would be its weight, but 439 grams were never a problem.
However, ASUS has put something really interesting on the table: the Wacom stylus. This size of tablets offers few productivity options, mainly because touch keyboards are difficult and more so on small screens. Although we could solve it with a Bluetooth keyboard, the difference of having a high-precision stylus could be definitive. In addition, its starting price is lower.
OneNote's handwriting recognition technology would complete the move and ASUS has designed a modern notebook on your computer.
Their prices for Europe have not yet been revealed, but if the proportion with American prices is maintained, we will have a difficult decision to choose between one model or another. We can opt for the best features of Lenovo or to have a differential tool with ASUS.
| Tablet | ASUS VivoTAB Note 8 | Lenovo ThinkPad 8 |
| Size | 220,9 x 133,8 x 10,95 mm | 224,3 x 132 x 8,8 mm |
| Screen | 8 inch IPS LCD | 8.3 inch IPS LCD |
| Decision | 1280 x 280 (189 ppi) | 1920 x 1200 (273 ppi) |
| Thickness | 10,95 mm | 8,8 mm |
| Weight : | 380 grams | 439 grams |
| Operating system | Windows 8.1 | Windows 8.1 |
| Processor | Intel Atom Z3740
CPU: 1,3GHz Silvermont Quad Core GPUs: Intel HD Graphics |
Intel Atom Z3770
CPU: 2,4GHz Silvermont Quad Core GPUs: Intel HD Graphics |
| RAM | 2 GB | 2GB |
| Conference proceedings | 32 GB / 64 GB | 64 GB / 128 GB |
| Extension | MicroSD (64GB) | MicroSD (64GB) |
| Connectivity | Dual Band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 | Dual Band WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, micro HDMI / 3G and 4G LTE options |
| Ports | Micro USB 2.0, 3.5 mm Jack | USB 2.0, 3,5 mm Jack |
| Sound | 2 Rear speakers, SonycMaster technology | Rear speaker |
| Camera | Front 2 MPX (720p) / Rear 5 MPX (1080p video) | Front 2,2 MPX / Rear 8 MPX autofocus LED Flash |
| Accessories | Wacom Stylus | QuickShot Cover |
| Embedded | GPS, accelerometer, gyro, light sensor | GPS, accelerometer, gyroscope, light sensor |
| Battery | 15,5 Whr | 8 hours |
| Price | From $ 299 | From $ 399 |