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Most inexpensive Windows 8 tablets on the market right now are powered by Intel Atom processors. But if you’re looking for a model with a little more oomph, there’s a new 11.6 inch Windows 8 tablet with a 1.8 GHz Intel Celeron 1037U dual-core processor.
That’s the same chip that recently started showing up in low-cost mini-desktop computers.
The new tablet seems to be a Chinese model, and it’s kind of tough to tell who the actual manufacturer is. But if that doesn’t scare you off, you can pick one up for $440 and up from AliExpress or about $500 from eBay.
The eBay model seems to have 4GB of RAM and 32GB of storage and comes with a keyboard, while the AliExpress version has 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage and the keyboard for that model is an optional accessory which adds $40 to the price.
Both models feature 11.6 inch, 1366 x 768 pixel displays with 140 degree viewing angles, 10-point capacitive multitouch input, 802.11b/g/n WiFi, and Bluetooth 4.0.
There’s a 2MP camera on the back and a 1MP camera on the front and an 8000mAh battery which is said to last for 4 to 5 hours of run time. Around the sides of the tablet you’ll find 2 USB 3.0 ports, a mini HDMI port, and a microSD card slot. There’s also a kickstand on the back.
Note that the eBay seller has less-than-perfect feedback, so proceed with caution.
Interestingly, it looks like ViewSonic is releasing a remarkably similar tablet, with the same processor, screen size, and even a kickstand. That doesn’t necessarily mean ViewSonic is the manufacturer of this tablet, but it’s likely that the company is ordering from the same supplier.
There are a few cosmetic differences between the ViewSonic ViewPad 116i S2 and the other models, but the biggest difference is that the ViewSonic model has a 64GB solid state drive.
thanks Nathan!
Interesting how it has taken the Atom processor for us to attach words like “oomph” to the word Celeron.
Interesting thing, but screen angle is so-so. An old TFT panel.
Second one question is could it run Ubuntu or another Linux distro and will it work properly (especially peripherials such as wi-fi, BT, touchscreen etc)?