Toshiba Encore Review

Toshiba Encore Review: A Compact Windows Tablet

Released in late 2013, the Toshiba Encore was a compact Windows tablet designed for users seeking a portable device for productivity and entertainment. With its full Windows experience and decent performance, the Encore aimed to provide a versatile solution for both work and play.

Design & Build

  • Compact Design: The Encore features a sleek plastic body, measuring 8.4 x 5.3 x 0.4 inches and weighing about 1.3 pounds (590 grams). Its lightweight design made it easy to carry around.
  • User-Friendly Controls: The tablet includes physical volume buttons and a Windows button, enhancing usability and navigation.

Display

  • 8-inch HD Display: The Encore boasts a 1280×800 resolution (189 ppi) display, offering decent sharpness and color reproduction. While not as vibrant as higher-end models, it was adequate for everyday tasks such as browsing and media consumption.

Performance

  • Intel Atom Processor: Powered by an Intel Atom Z3740 processor with 2GB of RAM, the Encore delivered satisfactory performance for basic tasks, including web browsing, document editing, and light gaming.
  • Windows 8.1: Running Windows 8.1, the tablet provided a full desktop experience and access to a wide range of applications from the Windows Store.

Battery Life

  • Solid Battery Performance: The Encore featured a battery life of up to 8 hours, making it suitable for a day of moderate use, including web browsing and video playback.

Camera

  • Front and Rear Cameras: The tablet includes a 2MP rear camera and a 2MP front-facing camera, suitable for video calls and casual photography. The camera quality is average and not a primary focus for most users.

Storage Options

  • 32GB or 64GB: The Encore was available in 32GB and 64GB storage configurations, and it supported expandable storage via a microSD card slot, allowing users to increase storage capacity for apps and media.

Connectivity

  • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: The tablet included Wi-Fi connectivity and Bluetooth 4.0 for connecting to accessories, ensuring users could stay connected on the go.

Software

  • Full Windows Experience: The Toshiba Encore provided a full Windows experience, allowing users to install desktop applications alongside touch-optimized apps from the Windows Store, enhancing productivity.

Conclusion

The Toshiba Encore was a solid option for users looking for a compact Windows tablet that could handle everyday tasks. Its lightweight design, decent performance, and full Windows functionality made it suitable for both work and entertainment.

Pros:

  • Lightweight and portable design
  • Expandable storage via microSD
  • Full Windows experience for productivity

Cons:

  • Average display quality compared to competitors
  • Limited performance for demanding applications
  • Camera quality is basic for casual use

Overall, the Toshiba Encore offered a practical solution for users seeking a versatile and portable tablet for daily tasks, despite some limitations in performance and display quality.