Bang for buck tablet?!

[aaron j]

Hi guys, it seems every day I hear of a new budget tablet being released so I honestly don't know where to look. Can people please recommend their top few pics that fit these categories?:

-8" or more 10 ideally
-2gb or more ram
-Run w8.1
-WiFi
-Decent resolution (similar ppi to my 925)
-300 dollar or below. Ideally 200.


Its just going to be a cheap youtube and pdf viewer.. I'm happy for a no name Chinese or indian thing if that does it..

Any help or input would be much appreciated folks!

 

[berty6294]

Because I've had such a great experience and average close to 100 hours a week for the past 2 years on my Surface's, I'd have to recommend the Surface RT or Surface 2. Best two things I have ever purchased in my life!

 

[aaron j]

Fair enough.. So are you suggesting a second hand item then? If so what one have you had such fantastic experience with?

 

[berty6294]

Second hand would definitely make it cheaper. I have had fantastic experiences with both. I bought the Surface RT on release date and used it for a year until I bought the Surface 2 on release date. Both are still alive and working flawlessly, my brother has been using the Surface RT as his primary device and I have been using my Surface 2 as my primary device. I have cousins and friends who are also enjoying their Surface's and saying the exact same thing!

 

[aaron j]

Is surface rt basically windows phone? Its not a desktop interface as such is it..?

 

[berty6294]

The Surface RT looks and feels like Windows 8. Has a working file explorer, USB port for flash drives and peripherals, comes preloaded with Office, and much much more. Only downfall, it is similar to an iPad in where it will only run applications that are preloaded on it or in the Windows App Store.

 

[aaron j]

Ah thanks for the info. Exactly what I am after.

On the surface note I heard a while ago of a site selling refurbished surfaces quite cheap but can't remember? Anyone able to help me?

 

[poken1151]

To be honest I'm still a fan of my Dell Venue 8 Pro (had for 150$). I'd also suggest waiting if you can, lots of items on the horizon.

 

[aaron j]

Yea the problem is that it seems there is always something on the horizon! Hence why I'm thinking a cheap tablet now and once w10 tablets are being made and sold I will get a good one then perhaps.

 

[Xtian.Castro]

Have you looked at the Winbook TW800 ($99-$139). I think this little guy checks off all the features you were looking for. I'm looking at getting one myself. The only catch is that you can only get them instore at Micro Center.

 

[Topataco]

Eh I think if you can find a good conditioned Surface RT that will be a good enough buy for your needs til W10 arrives. I researched a bit on those cheap $100 tablets and found that the Surface RT would be best for what you want, if you can splurge for a Surface 2, also get the type cover, that's like the no. 1 accessory for it

 

[SamJHannan]

Have a look on amazon for the voyo A1 Mini. 8", full windows 8.1 and I got it brand new for ?120 so just shy of $200. It performs fantastically for me (bought as a cheap development machine) and I have no complaints. Cheapest full windows tab I could find in the UK.

 

[aaron j]

Have you looked at the Winbook TW800 ($99-$139). I think this little guy checks off all the features you were looking for. I'm looking at getting one myself. The only catch is that you can only get them instore at Micro Center.

To be honest that's the kind of thing I was looking for... But the only available in stores option is a big no for people kik me who are outside the USA, one thing I have noticed today whilst on holidays in Singapore is windows loses to android HUGELY with budget tablets in stores..
If you want a sub 400 tablet in windows you have to hope for a Asus on sale, if you want a sub 400 android there at least 12 to choose from!!

Microsoft needs to push this area big time, yes the surface is awesome but for example my wife wanted a cheap junker to use on hotel WiFi whilst on holidays as we left our laptop in Australia (too much business sensitive info) and there was nothing..

 

[aaron j]

Edit:


Just ran a bing search on the 8" tw801 and if I could buy online I'd do it now!
The full size usb and w8.1 has me

Anyone know a loop hole around the stupid in store only scheme?

 

[aaron j]

Check out this item I found using the eBay Windows Phone App: http://ebay.us/m2AQmC

Has anyone used the above tablet? Need one for work until w10 comes out..

 

[xandros9]

Check out this item I found using the eBay Windows Phone App: NEW Ainol Inovo 8 Windows 8 1 Intel CPU 8" HD IPS Screen 3G Wifi PC Tablet PAD | eBay

Has anyone used the above tablet? Need one for work until w10 comes out..

For that money, I'd pick up something name brand like a Dell Venue 8 Pro or any of its compatriots, almost new.

 

[aaron j]

Cheers for the input.. I was even considering a refurbished surface rt. Is the rt app store the same as the wp store?

 

[aaron j]

Something like this?
Check out this item I found using the eBay Windows Phone App: http://ebay.us/FVLtFe

 

[xandros9]

Cheers for the input.. I was even considering a refurbished surface rt. Is the rt app store the same as the wp store?

The Windows Store and Windows Phone Store are separate entities, although there is effort to bridge the gap. Namely universal app stuff for devs.
So the RT app store is the Windows Store that you would find on a typical Windows 8.x PC for the most part.

 

[aaron j]

Perfect answer thanks mate. I knew rt used one of the stores but wasn't sure which. Thanks for the help.