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Are 8 inches Windows tablets a good idea?

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I've been using the Venue 8 Pro for a few days now and I personally think the 8 inches form factor is just perfect for Windows 8.1.

Then I read a review from the Verge on it which I think was, in my opinion, a bit too harsh: https://www.theverge.com/2013/11/20/5121634/dell-venue-8-pro-review

Although they seemed to like it a lot, their final conclusion was:

"At just $299 the Dell Venue 8 Pro is certainly the best Windows-based 8-inch tablet I’ve used so far, but with Lenovo and Toshiba already offering similar competition I suspect there will be even more on the way shortly. I want a small Windows tablet to replace my iPad mini Retina, and I’m convinced it’s a good idea, but for now it’s hard to switch fully. Dell’s Venue 8 Pro might not replace my iPad mini, but it’s certainly good enough to sit alongside it in my bag. I’ll await more Windows 8 apps and a better display until I fully make the switch."

 

So it appears that they don't think this device competes with other tablets with supposedly "more apps". Well, let me share my desktop right now with you:

 

 

Basically I've plugged my Venue 8 Pro's Micro USB on a Targus DisplayLink, then used a big touch screen monitor, a keyboard, a USB headset, a wireless mouse and a few other devices, all at the same time. Then after configuring Outlook, SkyDrive and my VPN to work I decided to also install Visual Studio 2013 on it. That's right, I even used Visual Studio while playing a movie on Netflix on the second screen! Now let's think about that for a moment:: Second screen, multiple apps at the same time, visual studio, desktop PC, outlook running at the same time as well without any lags.

So here's my humble opinion, The Verge: While you think we're lacking apps for our platform I personally would like to see an iPad that could do half of the things I'm doing right now on this $300 8 inches tablet. Not only I can even run SQL Server and Visual Studio on it, plus the other millions of Windows applications that we love and need on a daily basis (which is why most people who use tablets just play games on them).

So is this a competitor for other tablets? No, not really...

Comments

  • Anonymous
    November 20, 2013
    Hows the pen / digitiizer ?

  • Anonymous
    November 20, 2013
    Penny, the initial impression of the stylus wasn't great, but Dell released a firmware update a couple of days ago that made it much better. The stylus is pressure sensitive and I use it with Lync and OneNote a lot.

  • Anonymous
    November 20, 2013
    The comment has been removed

  • Anonymous
    November 21, 2013
    M3Pro, although I agree that having GPS in there would be great, there are other 8 inches Windows tablets that offer that. Besides, nothing stops me of buying a USB GPS or even a Bluetooth one and use with the Dell as well. The beauty of Windows is that we can do all of that :)

  • Anonymous
    November 21, 2013
    If someone would just offer a broadband option in an 8-inch device, I probably would buy it.

  • Anonymous
    November 21, 2013
    The truth is this is a miniature computer that does everything you could do on your desktop with uber portability.  forget "apps" you have full desktop software at your disposal.  Is it ideal to edit spreadsheets in such a small factor?  No!  but if you have to on the fly this can do it.  This quite literally takes your desktop with you in an ultra small form factor.  It shouldn't be considered a "media" machine as much as a productivity enhancement product for the professional or student on the go.  Can it play videos and games? yes it can.   The app store is still a disappointment, but I personally have what I need!  

  • Anonymous
    December 25, 2013
    very interesting and useful

  • Anonymous
    June 20, 2014
    Hear, hear. I just installed SQL Server 2012 express and Visual studio 2012 and I have to say I am absolutely blown away by the fact that I could!