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Last Updated on March 29, 2020
ASUS tablets have always had a reputation for being innovative and affordable, and the VivoTab Note 8 is no exception. In this case, ASUS has packed the Note with a number of extra features that are not normally included with entry-level Windows 8 tablets.
For good measure, the VivoTab Note 8 also ships with a comprehensive warranty that’s very generous compared to tablets in its class.
Hands-On Impressions
The VivoTab Note measures in at 8.75-by-5.25-by-0.43 inches and weighs 13.6 ounces, putting it on the bigger end of its class. It’s about a tenth of an inch thicker compared to tablets like the Dell Venue 8 Pro and 8-inch Lenovo Miix 2, though it’s actually slightly lighter than the Dell.
The construction quality is solid, and the soft-touch backing provides plenty of grip for one-handed use.
Tablet Tour
Sitting atop the device in portrait mode is a standard 3.5-millimeter audio jack and a micro-USB port, which doubles as the charging port. The power button and volume rocker are situated along the top of the right edge, while the left edge is home to the Windows key and a covered microSD card slot.
The bottom edge is unoccupied. The connectivity options may seem somewhat lacking in a comparison of tablets, but it’s a relatively minor complaint. Perhaps the biggest inclusion is a pressure-sensitive Wacom EMR digitizer and a stylus, which is molded into the bottom right corner of the device.
Resolving the Details
The ASUS VivoTab Note 8 is fitted with a 1,280-by-800 IPS display, which is similar in quality to the Venue 8 Pro and Miix 2 in a tablet comparison. The panel offers vivid color and contrast, though images are slightly blurry and small text can be difficult to read.
The VivoTab’s 362 lux brightness outpaces the class average, though it falls well short of the ultra-bright Miix 2’s 534 lux. Meanwhile, viewing angles are excellent thanks to the IPS technology.
Under the Hood
As with the Lenovo Miix 2, the ASUS VivoTab Note 8 is powered by a 1.33-gigahertz quad-core Intel Atom Z3740 chip and two gigabytes of RAM. The real-world performance is average compared to tablets in its class, which is to say that you shouldn’t expect the VivoTab to be a powerhouse.
Most basic tasks run smoothly, but the modest hardware does produce some stuttering and lag on occasion. The ASUS slate comes with 32 and 64-gigabyte flash storage options, and the nine hours of battery life is better than the class average.
Tablet Roundup
In a tablet comparison, the ASUS VivoTab Note 8, Dell Venue 8 Pro and Lenovo Miix 2 share many similarities in terms of hardware. All are well-constructed and affordable, and none of the displays are appreciably better than the others. Performance among the three is comparable as well.
Where the VivoTab Note stands out is with the inclusion of a Wacom digitizer and stylus, Microsoft Office Home & Student, a robust warranty and a number of other features that are rarely found in the entry-level class.
What Customers Say
For many customers, the VivoTab’s biggest appeal is the inclusion of a stylus and numerous other features at an aggressive price point. Most customers have applauded the integrated digitizer and stylus, especially the accurate pressure sensitivity and excellent palm rejection.
The most common target of negative feedback is the mediocre resolution, while some users have also commented on the inconsistent performance.