13 Reasons why VivoTab Smart is better than Surface RT
Introduction
It has been more than half a year since the launch of Windows 8 Operating System, but the number of Windows 8 tablets reaching Singapore is surprisingly slow. Only in recent weeks has Microsoft make Surface RT available here. While more Windows 8 tablet PCs swim to our shores, let’s take a look a two Windows 8 tablet devices – ASUS VivoTab Smart and Microsoft Surface RT.
I bought my Surface RT in Hong Kong in December last year and just recently got my hands on a ASUS Vivotab Smart. In fact, I’m already neglecting Surface RT and am using VivoTab Smart for most of my work ever since. The experience on VivoTab Smart is simply fascinating. It stands out so much in terms of computing performance and usability when put up against Surface RT.
I realised that many people actually bought Surface RT because it was the latest and greatest gadget from Microsoft and did not have much consideration when buying it. However, if you are careful with your purchase, this article will try to let you understand the limitations of the ARM based Surface RT device as compared to a full fledged Windows 8 tablet device. Hopefully, you can make a better choice when purchasing your new Windows 8 device.
Specifications
ASUS VivoTab Smart
Operating System
Windows 8
CPU / Modem
Intel® Atom™ Z2760 @ 1.8GHz
Dual-core processor with Intel® Burst Technology and Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator @ 533MHz
Size / Weight
265.5 x 171 x 9.7mm / 580g
Memory / Storage
RAM: onboard 2GB LPDDR2
Storage: 64GB EMMC, and 32GB of ASUS WebStorage free for 3 years
Connectivity / Network
802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi
Bluetooth 4.0 (with EDR and A2DP)
Display
10.1” IPS Panel (1366 x 768) with 178° viewing angle, LED backlight
Scratch-resistant Cover Glass
Capacitive 5-point multi-touch
Camera
Rear: 8MP auto-focus with LED flash
Front: 2MP with LED indicator
1080p HD video recording
Interface
2-in-1 audio jack (headphone/mic)
1x Micro HDMI
1x MicroSD card reader (SDXC)
1x MicroUSB
Battery
Tablet only: 25Wh Li-polymer for up to 9.5 hours use
450mAh Li-Polymer for up to 3 weeks on a single charge
Size / Weight
259.00 x 167.00 x 5.10 (H)mm / 235g
Power
Input rating: 3.7V, 10mA
Support OS
Windows RT / Windows 8
First Looks
VivoTab Smart is a very unique offer from ASUS. It is coupled with optional accessories to supersize the tablet device. A complete set of VivoTab Smart includes the Transleeve Cover and Keyboard.
The Transleeve cover is a protective cover for the VivoTab Smart. What’s innovative about the cover is that it can be folded into a stand to place the tablet device in a nice upright viewing angle.
Transleeve is attached to VivoTab Smart by magnets. The ledge from the cover will be attracted to the magnets at the bottom of the tablet, securing both items together.
On the other hand, the Transleeve keyboard is a Bluetooth enabled wireless keyboard. In fact, it can be used on any bluetooth enabled device. The Bluetooth keyboard can be attached to Transleeve cover by magnets and attached to the tablet as shown above.
Strong magnets attaches Transleeve to VivoTab Smart Tablet
Reasons
1. Ability to install Desktop Applications
One of the most frustrating experience on my Microsoft Surface RT is probably the inability of it to install standard desktop applications, despite having a full Desktop experience UI built into it. This also means that if you are on Windows RT, the applications that can be used in desktop mode is extremely limited. These includes the special edition Office RT, as well as other basic applications such as paint and calculator. If you want other applications such as Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Visual Studio, WinZip/WinRAR/7Zip you can forget about Surface RT or any other Windows RT variants. An x86 architecture based PC is what you need.
It’s the usual Windows Desktop environment that makes every user of Surface RT to have the urge to install desktop applications. However, when you realise that you are stuck with nothing to expand the capabilities of your machine, you can’t help but feel pissed off.
ASUS VivoTab Smart shines with Intel’s Clover Trail platform. It has a full fledged Windows 8 Operating System like any other machine on the market, as compared to a tweaked version for the ARM architecture.
ASUS VivoTab Smart will be THE machine for a full Windows 8 experience, and not a incomplete machine running Windows RT.
2. Better typing experience on Vivo Tab Smart’s Keyboard
Some may argue that Vivo Tab Smart is not as cool as Microsoft Surface RT’s Touch Cover. I have to agree that Touch Cover is defintely a great invention from Microsoft and it is the best hybrid keyboard device cum protective cover on the market. However, even though Touch Cover shines in terms of innovative values, it simply does not provide the optimal experience and performance of a actual physical key keyboard.
It is not easily to adapt and get used to Touch Cover. Even after getting used to the feel of Touch Cover, typing on the pad will still error prone. It could probably be the lack of touch feedback from Touch Cover resulting in inaccuracies when typing. Or to put it simply, it doesn’t feel like one is actually typing when using Touch Cover. So now you realise why Microsoft also came out with Type Cover? It is to cover up their physical inabilities of Touch Cover.
Vivo Tab Smart on the other hand provides a full bluetooth enabled keyboard for the tablet. It is a standard keyboard, similar to those found on any other laptops. The track pad is much more sensitive as compared to Touch Cover and is able to detect multi finger gestures quickly and accurately. The track pad on Vivo Tab Smart has decent space for navigation as opposed to the Touch Cover. In fact, I feel a similarity in the trackpad experience between the bluetooth keyboard and the Apple MacBook Pro keyboard. Even without VivoTab Smart, the bluetooth keyboard should be a good alternative as a full fledged mobile typing accessory for any computational device with bluetooth technology enabled.
VivoTab Smart’s Bluetooth keyboard provides the optimal typing experience on a tablet device, while Touch Cover can be said as just another cool tablet cover with typing capabilities, much inferior to the former.
Meanwhile in digital designing world, someone is comparing the current latest Photoshop CS6 to a new version of MS Paint, Paint 2.0.
3. Better Speakers
ASUS engineers worked with Bang & Olufsen a few years back to come out with a new audio technology for all ASUS branded notebooks and tablets. From then on, because of many positive feedback from consumers, ASUS has continued to provide the same audio technology up to this date. Named ASUS SonicMaster, the technology aims to give users better audio experiences from their device, giving deeper bass and clearer sound. This is made possible by both hardware and software.
Of course, ASUS VivoTab Smart is also equipped with this high grade audio technology.
Video Demonstration taken from VR-ZONETV
Based on our test between both ASUS VivoTab Smart and Surface RT, we noticed significant difference between audio coming out from both device. By playing a standard music video from YouTube, we came to realise that ASUS VivoTab Smart’s speakers gave much better clarity as compared to Surface RT’s. However, Surface RT’s speakers were louder when both devices’ volume were tuned up to 100%.
Usually, manufacturers tend to forget about speaker qualities and user’s overall audio experience. I am glad that the speakers on the VivoTab Smart is decent, giving me delighting audio experience. On the other hand, Surface RT was shown to be more amplitude oriented, providing louder sound but with only average clarity.
ASUS VivoTab Smart is able to produce crystal clear audio from its speakers, which makes it a good contender for the ultimate portable entertainment machine.
4. Smoother Experience
The difference in performance of both processors from VivoTab Smart and Surface RT is huge in terms of experience. Since Atom has always been a netbook/laptop processor, it does productivity applications well i.e. PowerPoint and Word. However, as for Surface RT and using Office RT, there is always a significant lag once you type too quickly. There is also difference in terms of responsiveness when switching between apps with Windows 8 gestures. It was almost unbearable to browse content heavy webpages on Surface RT. VivoTab Smart always stands up on top of Surface RT in terms of responsiveness.
5. Ability to expand – Install an external 3G Modem!
Blame it on the base ARM architecture of Surface RT, making it almost impossible to install any other additional device on the machine. There is simply a lack of 3rd party hardware drivers for Windows RT devices. Even though there is a full USB 2.0 port built into Surface RT, other than simple devices like keyboard, mouse and external storage device, there are only a few other USB device that will work will Windows RT.
Luckily, thanks to x86 Atom based ASUS VivoTab Smart, all current devices can be installed. However, there is a need to buy a microUSB OTG cable to allow connection from the tablet to any external hardware.
For instance, I connected VivoTab Smart to an external 3G Modem to enable HSPA network on the device, giving me internet access on the go, something which will never be possible on the Surface RT due to the lack of compatible drivers. However, it would be much appreciated if VivoTab Smart had a full USB port rather than a microUSB port.
VivoTab Smart is compatible with any external USB hardware with the addition of a microUSB OTG cable, giving the device unlimited expansion possibilities.
*Note : VivoTab Smart also comes in LTE version
6. NFC connectivity
Every new Windows 8 tablet device should be equipped with NFC technology. This is simply because NFC will be part of the future. Many payment merchants have been working on NFC enabled payment and it will soon be realised. Moreover, NFC can be used to easily send files between devices just by placing the two devices together. With all the advantages which NFC brings, there is little reason for a new 2013 device not to come with NFC capabilities, and is also why VivoTab Smart outshines Surface RT in terms of practicality. Surface RT is not NFC enabled.
7. Much better camera – kills Surface RT
Surface RT is in fact a great device. It’s an innovative device that is new in the market, the first of its kind with an integrated kickstand. However, other than that, there probably is nothing new other than almost false marketing that Microsoft tries to brainwash their customers with. I am a victim of Microsoft’s persistent marketing techniques too. Trust me, the camera on Microsoft Surface RT sucks. You may realise that Microsoft has made use of a more friendly term for specifications of camera on their website, stating that it is a “HD Camera” which is angled at a perfect point to capture the whole background even when the kickstand is out. The delibrate distraction of added feature on camera angle placement has made every customer forget about the actual specifications of camera.
VivoTab Smart comes with a ultra clear 8MP camera with a decent sensor as opposed to Surface RT’s substandard camera. To put it simply, VivoTab Smart is a tablet with great hardware manufactured and designed by engineers who has years of experience in the tablet PC market. This is prominently shown in the comparison of the cameras of both devices. Below are photos taken of the same object under the same condition. You will probably realise Surface RT isn’t as good as it seems now. I doubt Surface Pro’s camera will be any better.
VivoTab Smart’s Sample Photo
Surface RT’s Sample Photo
VivoTab Smart Low Light Sample Photo
VivoTab Smart Low Light Sample Photo w Flash
Surface RT Low Light Sample Photo
ASUS VivoTab Smart takes quality photos thanks to its 8 Megapixel camera which results in clearer pictures. The camera also focuses better as compared to Surface RT.
VivoTab Smart allows taking photos of up to 8MP!
8. 1080p Video Recording Capabilities
ASUS VivoTab Smart allows video recording of up to 1080p native resolution. It is in fact quite rare to see tablets with FullHD video recording capabilities. However, higher resolutions does not mean a better video quality, but in this case for ASUS VivoTab, video quality is indeed better than Surface RT. Surface RT only records videos at half the resolution, and uses a typical camera lens. Let the videos do the talking.
VivoTab Smart allows 1080p Video Recording!
9. Better Ergonomics and Physically Lighter
VivoTab Smart weighs 100g lighter than Surface RT. Although a mere 100g may not be a huge difference for use during a short period of time, the weight difference is felt to quite some extend due to the design of the tablet. VivoTab Smart has a rounded edge design, making it easy to be held in one hand. The back of VivoTab Smart is also made of polycarbonate material which gives it a rubbery feel. Surface RT has a wedged design and very rectangular. Additionally, the back of the case is made of a magnesium alloy, resulting in a slippery surface. It takes more effort to hold onto Surface RT than VivoTab Smart and could strain the arms and hands with prolonged usage of the tablet.
10. Longer Battery Life
Many people actually thought that a usual netbook variant processor will take up more electricity, however, that is not the case with the new Atom processors from Intel. In fact, the Intel processors perform much more efficiently that NVIDIA’s Tegra 3 processors, all thanks to Moore’s Law. In the tests carried out under different circumstances, the Atom Z2760 processor performs well with lesser electrical consumption.
In case you didn’t know, VivoTab Smart is stated to have a battery life of 9.5 hours per charge, while Surface RT at 8 hours per charge. The 1.5 hours of extra battery life is made possible due to the more efficient Atom processor based on the Clover Trail architecture. Despite a smaller battery capacity, VivoTab Smart is able to perform longer than the RT.
VivoTab Smart can keep you entertained with 4-5 full length movies on the flight from Singapore to Moscow without the fear of the tablet shutting down due to battery limitations.
11. MicroUSB for charging
Kudos to ASUS for using an universal MicroUSB port for charging of VivoTab Smart. The use of the port solves quite a number of problem that could arise in the future. Undoubtedly, it will be easy to find a microUSB charger on the market, but it definitely won’t be easy to find a proprietary Surface RT magnetic charger when the product phases out.
MicroUSB vs Proprietary Power Port
12. Choice of body colours
Black Body
Red Body
Hey! VivoTab Smart comes in popular Red/White/Black colours! Personally, I will be taking the white one as it certainly brings out the elegance of a tablet PC device. You can also choose from your choice of colour for Transleeve too. What’s your preference?
White Body
13. More flexibility when buying
In the case of Surface RT, there is a limited way of mixing and matching of devices with smart covers. I can buy a Surface without any smart covers or I can buy one with a black smart cover. There isn’t any choice to change smart cover colours, unless you buy them separately. This also results in increase in purchase cost which is at times not justified. It complicates the whole buying process for Surface RT.
The purchase of VivoTab Smart is simple. Every accessory is separated from VivoTab Smart Tablet itself. Therefore, customers can mix and match accessories to their requirements freely without much headaches. There is only a single SKU for the tablet locally, which comes with 64GB of built in flash storage. Transleeve and the Bluetooth keyboard are sold separately.
Transleeve Colours
Conclusion
VivoTab Smart smothers Surface RT in all kinds of comparisons and definitely emerges as the winner in terms of performance and giving users a better experience. What really stands out for VivoTab Smart is its range of accessories that are made specifically for it, resulting in a complete tablet solution that also aims for user productivity. Its Bluetooth keyboard works well for converting a tablet into a notebook PC, and we were exceptionally pleased with the feel on both the keys and touch pad.
VivoTab Transleeve is indeed an interesting design, and works out of the box. However, we found out that more powerful magnets should be used in VivoTab smart to make the Transleeve+Tablet setup sturdier.
Even though VivoTab Smart is one of the cheaper Windows 8 tablet PC in the market, the price of it is till a tad bit more expensive than Surface RT. This could be a huge reason for potential customers to not make the switch to a better performing device as opposed to an popular innovative device. We are looking at VivoTab Smart being priced at SGD699, SGD31 more expensive than Surface RT which is priced at SGD668. It will be great news for consumers if ASUS was to price VivoTab Smart cheaper than Surface RT. However, it could not be fair as well as VivoTab Smart belongs to a tablet of a different class, supporting all x86 applications on the market and cannot be valued at a price below Surface RT. Despite all pricing considerations for VivoTab Smart, it is currently the cheapest Windows 8 tablet that runs on a full fledge Windows 8 operating system.
VivoTab Smart is a device which is worth buying, especially if you are not willing to let go of your desktop applications. As a sensible consumer who is not bought over by marketing ideas, VivoTab Smart is definitely THE Windows 8 Tablet PC to buy, and I have not yet to regret this purchase. I did regret getting Surface RT though… *like most Surface RT customers?*
VivoTab Smart can be purchased at all ASUS Laptop Resellers located at various shopping malls around Singapore, Sim Lim Square and Funan Digitalife Mall. VivoTab Smart is priced at 699SGD while a LTE variant costs 899SGD. Transleeve and Bluetooth keyboard are sold separately at 59SGD and 109SGD respectively.
hi, I have VivoTab Smart too. I loved that keyboard you show but on Asus site I didn't see it attached to the tablet. does it hold well? what keyboard is it exactly? do you have to have transsleeve too?
hi, I have VivoTab Smart too. I loved that keyboard you show but on Asus site I didn't see it attached to the tablet. does it hold well? what keyboard is it exactly? do you have to have transsleeve too?
thanks
Hi
May I know what is model/brand of the external 3G modem u mentioned in the above post?