February 18, 2013 at 12:36Review ASUS Vivo Tab RT TF600TG tablet
A wave of mobile devices in the form of tablet computers is constantly sweeping the market, every day more and more displacing desktops from it. A similar situation was with mobile phones, when they, and then smartphones, almost completely eradicated landlines, leaving only the corporate customers sector. The development of mobile computers was mainly dependent on the release of new versions of Android or iOS. Microsoft did not want to put up with this and at the end of 2012 rolled out its own Microsoft Surface tablet to the market. At the same time, a new operating system for tablets based on ARM processors was introduced - Windows RT. Naturally, the main manufacturers introduced their devices on the new OS. One of them was ASUS, releasing the Vivo Tab RT tablet. This review will be dedicated to him.
In general, ASUS Vivo Tab RT is a small line of tablets differing in the presence or absence of 3G and LTE. The tablets also come with or without a keyboard dock module. To be precise, for the review I got the version of ASUS Vivo Tab RT TF600TG + 3G 64Gb, which has a built-in 3G module, but does not have a docking station.
The tablet is packed in a colorful cardboard box, barely larger than its own dimensions. The front side of the box contains an image of a tablet and a dock. On the tablet screen, the new tiled interface of the operating system, called Modern, is easily recognized.
The reverse side of the box contains only a brief description of Windows RT, ASUS contact details and a sticker with technical specifications. In principle, everything is standard and there is nothing supernatural.
Inside the box on the first tier the tablet itself was located directly, and on the second its additional accessories.
The overall dimensions of the tablet are 262.5 x 170.9 x 8.3 mm, and its weight is 535 grams. The connected dock increases the size of the device to 262.5 x 170.9 x 18.7 mm, and the mass increases to 1073 grams. This is due to the presence of an additional battery in the docking station, which almost doubles the battery life from 9 to 16 hours. The operating time indicated on the manufacturer’s website was measured when playing 720p video.
The tablet display has a diagonal of 10.1 inches and is based on a Super IPS + matrix with WXGA resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels. Corning Fit glass is installed on top of the display, which is designed to protect the display from various kinds of damage, which can befall the tablet during its life cycle. The display has high contrast and excellent viewing angles - 178 degrees. As a result, it’s convenient to work with text on the tablet, as well as view photos or media content, while the letters are not blurred, and the picture is not smeared.
The upper right corner of the front side of the tablet is decorated with the manufacturer's logo. At the same level, but closer to the center of the case, there is a frontal two-megapixel camera and an ambient light sensor. At the bottom of the tap is the only capacitive Windows button. It is located in the right place and does not cause any inconvenience when working on a tablet.
The reverse side of the tablet is presented in the form of a combination of metal and plastic. The metal cover should significantly increase the rigidity and strength of the housing. In addition, during operation, it heats up slightly, thereby removing excessive heat from the iron filling of the device. The plastic cover covers about a quarter of the back of the tablet. Thanks to the grooves on it, the tablet is very securely fixed even in one hand and does not try to slip to the floor at the first awkward movement of the hand.
It also houses the main eight-megapixel camera with LED flash. The camera is located in the middle of the long side of the tablet’s body, so photographing it is much more convenient than, for example, using a smartphone’s camera, where the user's hands strive to fit into the frame or close the flash.
In addition to the camera on the back of the Vivo Tab RT, there are speaker holes, of which four are installed. By the way, as an inexperienced audiophile, I really liked the sound. Therefore, those who want to pass the time while listening to their favorite music or watching a movie are unlikely to be disappointed.
The top end has an on / off button and a hole for the built-in microphone. The power button has a spot LED backlight that signals white if the tablet’s battery is fully charged or orange if this process is not yet complete.
The right end of the tablet is completely dedicated to control and connect the audio component. For this, there is a 3.5 mm “two in one” TRS jack for connecting headphones or a microphone. Just below it is the volume control, which is very tactfully palpable.
The bottom end is designed to connect a keyboard docking station, thus practically turning into a laptop. In addition to the keyboard and an additional battery, the docking station offers the user to use one full USB 2.0 port.
For those users who choose the option without a docking station, the manufacturer kindly attached EXTENSION KIT, a special adapter that allows access to one USB 2.0 connector, in the package.
I think this move will be easy for users to enjoy because they get the ability to connect USB devices right out of the box. The implementation of connecting devices through an adapter is determined by the thickness of the tablet, because the 8.3 mm thick case simply physically cannot accept this connector.
The left end of the tablet sheltered a mini HDMI connector, a slot for micro SD memory cards, a compartment for Micro SIM cards.
The tray for the Micro SIM card is removed using a special key-clip.
Then the operator’s card is placed in it and the tray slides back into the tablet case.
To do this, it is most convenient to hold the tablet face down on your lap or table.
It is equipped with a Vivo Tab RT power supply unit ASUS ADP-18BW, designed to recharge the battery. The output characteristics are constant 15 V at a maximum current of 1.2 A or 5 V at a maximum current of 2 A. Despite the presence of the inscription ASUS, the manufacturer of the power supply is actually a very famous company DELTA ELECTRONICS.
A licensed Windows sticker is affixed to the power supply.
In total, the entire delivery package includes:
• charger;
• EXTENSION KIT for implementing USB 2.0 ports;
• a key clip for removing the tray of the Micro SIM card;
• a cloth for cleaning the screen;
• various documentation and user instructions.
As regards the hardware component, the ASUS Vivo Tab RT here boasts a quad-core NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor operating at a frequency of 1.3 GHz. The processor is manufactured according to the standards of the 40-nm process and is quite common in such devices. For example, such as Acer Iconia Tab A510 tablets, Asus Google Nexus 7, Sony Xperia Tablet S, etc.
The amount of RAM is 2 GB. This is the maximum possible amount supported by Tegra 3 processors. Of course, I would like to see 4 GB, but I have to be content with what is.
The Tegra 3 platform uses the NVIDIA ULP accelerator with twelve graphic cores, making it possible to view media content in FullHD resolution. Supported decoding is H.264 (HP @ 40 Mbps), VC-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, DivX 4/5, XviD HT, H.263, VP8, WMV, Real Video, VP6 and encoding: H .264, MPEG-4, H.263, VP8.
The tablet version I got has 64 GB of non-volatile eMMC type memory. In my opinion, this amount is enough for everyday use of the tablet. With the latest updates and several applications installed, out of the available 54 GB of disk space, about 12 GB is occupied. But on the version with 32 GB of memory you can pay attention only if the user does not plan to work with large files or is limited within the existing budget.
As I wrote earlier, the tablet runs on the Windows RT operating system. The desktop version of Windows 8 has a similar interface, so users who are used to this particular operating system should not have any special problems.
But the installation of applications in the case of Windows RT is organized differently. To do this, there is its own Store, in which both paid and free applications are available for purchase and download. To date, the Store already has the basic applications for life. True, some applications will have to fork out a little. Moreover, the user has the opportunity to try the application in a time-limited mode before purchasing.
So for the YouTube RT application they ask 45 rubles, and for the 8-zip archiver already 240.
From interesting and free applications in the Store, applications such as Habralent or TeamViewer are available for download.
Applications are updated through the Store.
But the installation of system updates is still happening through Windows Update.
Connecting USB devices also does not cause much difficulty. After the first connection, the device is installed in the system, after which it is already available to the user. In this case, everything is completely similar to the desktop operating system Windows.
The hardware filling of the tablet with a margin is enough to perform almost any task. You can track the use of system resources through the already familiar task manager.
Another important point of Windows RT is the presence in its composition of the office suite Office 2013 consisting of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote.
Basic operations are carried out using gestures on the touch screen. But the text is entered using the touch keyboard, which occupies about half the screen. At the same time, the size of the keys is large enough and typing does not cause any special difficulties.
My version of the tablet has the ability to use, in addition to Wi-Fi, 3G capabilities from mobile operators. This is especially true for those users whose activities are not strictly tied to a home or office with Wi-Fi network coverage, but are associated with constant travel or business trips.
In general, the ASUS Vivo Tab RT is a very interesting device. If you delve into the core of the Windows RT operating system with the ability to use a tiled interface and the usual huge number of window interface users, then the Vivo Tab RT is a kind of transition device from a desktop computer or laptop to a full-fledged tablet. Therefore, for users who have not yet decided to use tablets in their lives, it is the Vivo Tab RT that can become a bridge to this world of devices.
The ability to use Wi-Fi, 3G, LTE and Bluetooth to the maximum expand the communication capabilities of the tablet, and will not make its user bored almost anywhere in the world.
The presence of a full-fledged office suite Office 2013 also contributes to the quick adaptation of most users hitherto unfamiliar with tablets.
Of course, not without incomprehensible and unpleasant moments. The incomprehensible moments include updating applications and the operating system from different places, and for this it is necessary to switch between interfaces.
And the unpleasant moments are rather the lack of a number of applications, in addition, some of the popular applications or their analogues are commercial, and a rather modest number of games in the Store. However, this claim, in fact, relates more to Microsoft than to the ASUS Vivo Tab RT tablet itself.
I think the finest hour of Windows RT tablets is yet to come, when after some time the Application Store will become saturated just like the App Store or Google Play. The fact that such a giant as Microsoft will make every effort to do this I have no doubt.
In general, ASUS Vivo Tab RT is a small line of tablets differing in the presence or absence of 3G and LTE. The tablets also come with or without a keyboard dock module. To be precise, for the review I got the version of ASUS Vivo Tab RT TF600TG + 3G 64Gb, which has a built-in 3G module, but does not have a docking station.
The tablet is packed in a colorful cardboard box, barely larger than its own dimensions. The front side of the box contains an image of a tablet and a dock. On the tablet screen, the new tiled interface of the operating system, called Modern, is easily recognized.
The reverse side of the box contains only a brief description of Windows RT, ASUS contact details and a sticker with technical specifications. In principle, everything is standard and there is nothing supernatural.
Inside the box on the first tier the tablet itself was located directly, and on the second its additional accessories.
The overall dimensions of the tablet are 262.5 x 170.9 x 8.3 mm, and its weight is 535 grams. The connected dock increases the size of the device to 262.5 x 170.9 x 18.7 mm, and the mass increases to 1073 grams. This is due to the presence of an additional battery in the docking station, which almost doubles the battery life from 9 to 16 hours. The operating time indicated on the manufacturer’s website was measured when playing 720p video.
The tablet display has a diagonal of 10.1 inches and is based on a Super IPS + matrix with WXGA resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels. Corning Fit glass is installed on top of the display, which is designed to protect the display from various kinds of damage, which can befall the tablet during its life cycle. The display has high contrast and excellent viewing angles - 178 degrees. As a result, it’s convenient to work with text on the tablet, as well as view photos or media content, while the letters are not blurred, and the picture is not smeared.
The upper right corner of the front side of the tablet is decorated with the manufacturer's logo. At the same level, but closer to the center of the case, there is a frontal two-megapixel camera and an ambient light sensor. At the bottom of the tap is the only capacitive Windows button. It is located in the right place and does not cause any inconvenience when working on a tablet.
The reverse side of the tablet is presented in the form of a combination of metal and plastic. The metal cover should significantly increase the rigidity and strength of the housing. In addition, during operation, it heats up slightly, thereby removing excessive heat from the iron filling of the device. The plastic cover covers about a quarter of the back of the tablet. Thanks to the grooves on it, the tablet is very securely fixed even in one hand and does not try to slip to the floor at the first awkward movement of the hand.
It also houses the main eight-megapixel camera with LED flash. The camera is located in the middle of the long side of the tablet’s body, so photographing it is much more convenient than, for example, using a smartphone’s camera, where the user's hands strive to fit into the frame or close the flash.
In addition to the camera on the back of the Vivo Tab RT, there are speaker holes, of which four are installed. By the way, as an inexperienced audiophile, I really liked the sound. Therefore, those who want to pass the time while listening to their favorite music or watching a movie are unlikely to be disappointed.
The top end has an on / off button and a hole for the built-in microphone. The power button has a spot LED backlight that signals white if the tablet’s battery is fully charged or orange if this process is not yet complete.
The right end of the tablet is completely dedicated to control and connect the audio component. For this, there is a 3.5 mm “two in one” TRS jack for connecting headphones or a microphone. Just below it is the volume control, which is very tactfully palpable.
The bottom end is designed to connect a keyboard docking station, thus practically turning into a laptop. In addition to the keyboard and an additional battery, the docking station offers the user to use one full USB 2.0 port.
For those users who choose the option without a docking station, the manufacturer kindly attached EXTENSION KIT, a special adapter that allows access to one USB 2.0 connector, in the package.
I think this move will be easy for users to enjoy because they get the ability to connect USB devices right out of the box. The implementation of connecting devices through an adapter is determined by the thickness of the tablet, because the 8.3 mm thick case simply physically cannot accept this connector.
The left end of the tablet sheltered a mini HDMI connector, a slot for micro SD memory cards, a compartment for Micro SIM cards.
The tray for the Micro SIM card is removed using a special key-clip.
Then the operator’s card is placed in it and the tray slides back into the tablet case.
To do this, it is most convenient to hold the tablet face down on your lap or table.
It is equipped with a Vivo Tab RT power supply unit ASUS ADP-18BW, designed to recharge the battery. The output characteristics are constant 15 V at a maximum current of 1.2 A or 5 V at a maximum current of 2 A. Despite the presence of the inscription ASUS, the manufacturer of the power supply is actually a very famous company DELTA ELECTRONICS.
A licensed Windows sticker is affixed to the power supply.
In total, the entire delivery package includes:
• charger;
• EXTENSION KIT for implementing USB 2.0 ports;
• a key clip for removing the tray of the Micro SIM card;
• a cloth for cleaning the screen;
• various documentation and user instructions.
As regards the hardware component, the ASUS Vivo Tab RT here boasts a quad-core NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor operating at a frequency of 1.3 GHz. The processor is manufactured according to the standards of the 40-nm process and is quite common in such devices. For example, such as Acer Iconia Tab A510 tablets, Asus Google Nexus 7, Sony Xperia Tablet S, etc.
The amount of RAM is 2 GB. This is the maximum possible amount supported by Tegra 3 processors. Of course, I would like to see 4 GB, but I have to be content with what is.
The Tegra 3 platform uses the NVIDIA ULP accelerator with twelve graphic cores, making it possible to view media content in FullHD resolution. Supported decoding is H.264 (HP @ 40 Mbps), VC-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, DivX 4/5, XviD HT, H.263, VP8, WMV, Real Video, VP6 and encoding: H .264, MPEG-4, H.263, VP8.
The tablet version I got has 64 GB of non-volatile eMMC type memory. In my opinion, this amount is enough for everyday use of the tablet. With the latest updates and several applications installed, out of the available 54 GB of disk space, about 12 GB is occupied. But on the version with 32 GB of memory you can pay attention only if the user does not plan to work with large files or is limited within the existing budget.
As I wrote earlier, the tablet runs on the Windows RT operating system. The desktop version of Windows 8 has a similar interface, so users who are used to this particular operating system should not have any special problems.
But the installation of applications in the case of Windows RT is organized differently. To do this, there is its own Store, in which both paid and free applications are available for purchase and download. To date, the Store already has the basic applications for life. True, some applications will have to fork out a little. Moreover, the user has the opportunity to try the application in a time-limited mode before purchasing.
So for the YouTube RT application they ask 45 rubles, and for the 8-zip archiver already 240.
From interesting and free applications in the Store, applications such as Habralent or TeamViewer are available for download.
Applications are updated through the Store.
But the installation of system updates is still happening through Windows Update.
Connecting USB devices also does not cause much difficulty. After the first connection, the device is installed in the system, after which it is already available to the user. In this case, everything is completely similar to the desktop operating system Windows.
The hardware filling of the tablet with a margin is enough to perform almost any task. You can track the use of system resources through the already familiar task manager.
Another important point of Windows RT is the presence in its composition of the office suite Office 2013 consisting of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote.
Basic operations are carried out using gestures on the touch screen. But the text is entered using the touch keyboard, which occupies about half the screen. At the same time, the size of the keys is large enough and typing does not cause any special difficulties.
My version of the tablet has the ability to use, in addition to Wi-Fi, 3G capabilities from mobile operators. This is especially true for those users whose activities are not strictly tied to a home or office with Wi-Fi network coverage, but are associated with constant travel or business trips.
In general, the ASUS Vivo Tab RT is a very interesting device. If you delve into the core of the Windows RT operating system with the ability to use a tiled interface and the usual huge number of window interface users, then the Vivo Tab RT is a kind of transition device from a desktop computer or laptop to a full-fledged tablet. Therefore, for users who have not yet decided to use tablets in their lives, it is the Vivo Tab RT that can become a bridge to this world of devices.
The ability to use Wi-Fi, 3G, LTE and Bluetooth to the maximum expand the communication capabilities of the tablet, and will not make its user bored almost anywhere in the world.
The presence of a full-fledged office suite Office 2013 also contributes to the quick adaptation of most users hitherto unfamiliar with tablets.
Of course, not without incomprehensible and unpleasant moments. The incomprehensible moments include updating applications and the operating system from different places, and for this it is necessary to switch between interfaces.
And the unpleasant moments are rather the lack of a number of applications, in addition, some of the popular applications or their analogues are commercial, and a rather modest number of games in the Store. However, this claim, in fact, relates more to Microsoft than to the ASUS Vivo Tab RT tablet itself.
I think the finest hour of Windows RT tablets is yet to come, when after some time the Application Store will become saturated just like the App Store or Google Play. The fact that such a giant as Microsoft will make every effort to do this I have no doubt.