ASUS VivoTab Smart Pro Reviews

In absolute terms, the VivoTab Smart isn't our favorite low-powered hybrid (that would be the Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet 2). But it's close. Hands down, this offers more bang for your buck than anything else you might be considering, what with its attractive design, relatively low price point and generous storage. We're also pretty keen on the optional Bluetooth keyboard, as its thin shape makes it easy to pack in a bag, and the buttons are well-spaced enough for touch typists. Folks who want pen input are better off splurging on the ThinkPad, as that's one feature you're not going to get here. We'd also hope that ASUS squeezes out a little more runtime on the next-gen model, especially since the keyboard doesn't have a built-in battery of its own. In fact, if spectacular endurance is what you're looking for, you might want to take a look at the Acer Iconia W510, but even then we'll warn you that it has a cramped keyboard and less built-in storage for the same price. These caveats aside, the VivoTab Smart is a great buy, and it's your best bet if you want the full Windows 8 experience on the cheap.

The ASUS VivoTab Smart ME400 Tablet is running Windows 8, this gives the ASUS VivoTab Smart a great selection of applications. Actually it is pretty much anything will run in a Windows environment. Toss in the battery life that we experienced and the increased portability of the 10.1" size and the ASUS VivoTab Smart is great alternative to an ultrabook and a great tablet overal

A full Windows 8 tablet experience for less than £400, but the lack of a full-size USB port is limiting

Asus has done a good job with the VivoTab's design, producing a tablet that can compete with any of its Windows, Android or iOS rivals. The dual-interfaces of Windows 8 still feel like a compromise when running on a tablet, but if you do need to run existing Windows software on a light and compact portable device then the VivoTab provides a good alternative to Microsoft’s own Surface tablet.

The Asus VivoTab Smart ME400 has a hard time standing out from a crowded field of Windows 8 tablets. Several have better battery life, the Lenovo ThinkTablet 2 has a nicer industrial design and optional keyboard, and for higher-end use, I'd invest in a more expensive Microsoft Surface Pro. The combined price of the VivoTab and its quirky accessories (including a great little Bluetooth keyboard) is better than the competition, however, and you won't lose out on any performance or real-world usability by choosing it.

The Asus VivoTab Smart ME400C is aimed at the budget shopper who wants a full Windows 8 slate tablet, but it won't replace your laptop.

When you think about the tablet leader, the iPad, it's hard to look past its stunning combination of performance and power at a great price point. That, combined with the Retina display, means that if you just want a tablet device for apps, entertainment and basic work, it's still by far and away ahead of the pack. But the Asus VivoTab ME400 is our favourite Windows 8 tablet yet – it's not as efficient as an iPad, but you can use it with your existing software and have the best of the Start Screen and traditional desktop modes on the same device. We loved it, we'd just love it to have a little more poke.

With the Asus VivoTab Smart currently priced at $499, it’s a compelling option for those looking for a moderately-sized tablet running the full Windows 8 platform without breaking the bank. But when adding on the $150 TranSleeve Keyboard option, you’re now in the price of some Windows 8 notebook PCs. Overall we like the VivoTab Smart as a Windows 8 tablet, since it has a lot of features for the price, and can run pretty much any Windows program, though the Intel Atom processor does seem to hold back performance.

There's so much to consider here that it's almost enough to make your head melt. First, there's the price - £400 is reasonable for a tablet, especially one as flexible as this. At the same time though, laptops are cheaper and offer more power. And while Windows is usable on a touchscreen, the desktop elements found in Windows 8 - as opposed to RT - mean that it's inherently more fiddly to use at times, and you're likely to find yourself stuck without a keyboard or mouse. But then the flexibility of being able to use a keyboard and mouse, and get proper work done with minimal fuss is really appealing. Plus the fact that it's so lightweight means that it's infinitely more portable than any other fully-blown Windows 8.