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Following my trip to Edinburgh with the #acerliveblog2014 event I have had some time to play with their Iconia Tab 8. The model supplied to us is the newer full HD model with a 8″ WUXGA 1920 x1200 screen that runs Android.
The full specification includes:
- CPU – Quad-core Intel Atom Z3745 SoC running at 1.33 GHz
- Storage – 16 GB
- RAM – 2048 MB RAM
- Connections – 1 USB 2.0, 1 HDMI, Audio Connections: 3.5 mm stereo audio connection, Card Reader: MicroSD up to 32 GB, Sensors: Gyroscope, Acceleration sensor, GPS.
- Camera – Main camera 4 MP (2560 x 1440 pixels), Rear 2 MP (1920 x 1080 pixels)
- Networking – 802.11a/b/g/n (a b g n ), 4.0 Bluetooth
- Other – Micro USB expansion
Priced very competitively at £149.99 on Amazon the Tab 8 is well built with an aluminium body that is very reminiscent of the iPad Mini, but overall it gives off a more expensive feel that its actual price.
Acer have kept the Iconia 8 a relatively vanilla version of Android 4.4 but there is quite a bit of included software including AcerCloud, Audible, WildTangent Games, Zinio, Booking.com Acer Store, AccuWeather and McAfee. Most of these Apps cannot be deleted but you can disable them in the App menu.
Acer have included a handy Touch WakeApp function which allows you to awaken and unlock the tablet by either placing five fingers or two thumbs on the screen. It usually worked well with only a couple of times where it lagged.
The screen is sharp and colours look true to to life and the FHD display really helps it stand out from the budget crowd.
The tablet performed admirably during my time with it, I was able to do most of my general tablet tasks with no issue, though I am far from a power user. You will quite likely have issues with high end Android games but this will likely be the case for all budget laptops
The camera on the tablet performed OK, it is not quite as good as the Nexus but I don’t worry too much about the camera on my tablet.
I found the battery to be about average for a tablet of this calibre, it lasted most of the day with medium to heavy use.
Overall if you are looking for a budget orientated tablet this Christmas you could do a lot worse than the Acer Iconia Tab 8. It is well built, performs well, while have a decent battery life. Bloatware is a bit of a problem but this is common on many tablets.
You can by the Iconia Tab 8 today from Amazon for £149.99
I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.
As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.
In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.
I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.
