Sony takes on Microsoft with its latest Windows 8
tablet
Sony has produced several Windows 8 tablets that double up
as a laptop, but we’ve not been convinced by any of them, the company’s latest
attempt is the Vaio Tap 11, which is very similar to the Microsoft Surface Pro
2 (see our review, Issue 410) and available in black or white, but the Tap 11
manages to be even less impressive than that mediocre computer.
Sony Vaio Tap 11
The Tap 11 also bears a passing resemblance to Sony’s
Android-based Xperia Tablet Z (see our review, Issue 401), but the Tap 11’s
creaky plastic build doesn’t feel as robust, isn’t waterproof like the Tablet
Z, and at 770g is pretty heavy. On the plus side, it does have plenty of useful
ports - USB3, micro HDMI and a micro SD slot - for such a thin tablet. A clever
portable Wi-Fi router is included that’s powered via the USB port in the
tablet’s charger.
You can also use the USB port to charge your smartphone. the
Tap 11 has a built-in stand which provides multiple viewing angles and is far
more flexible than the Surface Pro 2’s stand. However, the narrowness of the
stand means the Tap 11 isn’t practical for regular use on your lap in tandem
with the included wireless keyboard. We had to cross our legs to successfully
balance the tablet, and even then it felt precarious.
You can also use
the USB port to charge your smartphone.
The Tap 11 comes with a Bluetooth keyboard that doubles as a
screen cover, the keyboard connects to the screen magnetically and while
attached its battery is charged. However, this isn’t nearly as clever as it
sounds – the keyboard will only charge if you align it precisely with the
screen, which is easier said than done if you’re in a rush. You’re also likely
to jostle the two elements apart if carrying the tablet in your bag. Oddly,
there’s no way to charge the keyboard and use the tablet at the same time.
Typing on the keyboard is merely okay, the keys are large,
but feel a little spongy and don’t have as much travel as we’d like, there’s a
built- in touchpad, but it doesn’t feel very smooth or accurate, while the
pad’s buttons feel stiff. A pen is included that lets you jot down notes and
sketch simple diagrams in programs such as the pre-installed Note Anytime app,
but the pen isn’t pressure-sensitive and won’t satisfy aspiring artists who
want to produce more nuanced works. At least the 11.6in touchscreen is accurate
and very responsive.
The Tap 11 comes
with a Bluetooth keyboard that doubles as a screen cover, the keyboard connects
to the screen magnetically and while attached its battery is charged
The 11.6in screen has a high resolution of 1920x1080 pixels,
but text is clear enough to read thanks to Windows 8.1’s display settings.
However, the screen isn’t very bright, has a grainy sheen and image quality is
disappointing.
Battery life is
good
Battery life is good, with the Tap 11 lasting a lengthy 14
hours 14 minutes in our light-usage test. Ms is down to the power-efficient
Pentium 3560Y processor. Even though it’s one of Intel’s slowest ‘Haswell’
processors, it’s still fast enough for most tasks. But if you want to edit lots
of photos and videos using the bundled PlayMemories Home and Vaio Movie Creator
programs then it’s worth opting for a faster processor when ordering through
Sony’s online store. Bear in mind, however, that opting for the Core i5 4210Y
will add $400 to the price. For comparison, the similar-priced Surface Pro 2
comes with an almost identical Core i5 processor as standard, though not a keyboard
cover.
The Vaio Tap 11 has a few bright spots such as its clever
router, useful bundled software, handy ports and long battery life. However,
its heaviness, narrow stand, unimpressive screen, daft keyboard cover and
average performance means it’s too flawed to recommend.
|
Specifications
·
Battery Life: 3 hours, 55 minutes
·
Dimensions: 0.39 by 12.0 by 7.4 inches
·
Screen Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels
·
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8, Microsoft Windows 8
·
CPU: Intel Core i5-4210Y
·
Type: Tablet
·
Processor Name: Intel Core i5-4210Y
·
Processor Speed: 1.5 GHz
·
RAM: 4 GB, 4 GB
·
Weight: 1.7 lb
·
Screen Size: 11.6 inches
·
Screen Type: Widescreen
·
Native Resolution: 1920 x 1080
·
Touchscreen: Yes
·
Graphics Card: Intel HD Graphics 4200, Intel HD Graphics 4200
·
Storage Capacity (as Tested): 128 GB
·
Storage Type: SSD
·
Rotation Speed: SSD
·
Networking Options: 802.11n (2.4+5 GHz Dual band)
·
Primary Optical Drive: External
·
Wireless Display Capability (WiDi): Yes
·
WWAN (Mobile Broadband): None
·
Tech Support: 1 Year Limited Warranty, Toll-Free phone support
·
Battery Rundown - Standard Battery: 3:55 hrs: min
·
PCMark7: 3574
·
3DMark 11 Entry - 3D Benchmark Tests: 773
·
3DMark 11 Extreme - 3D Benchmark Tests: 136
·
Aliens vs. Predator - Mid quality - 1,366 x 768 -
AA/AF=Off/Off: 8
·
Aliens vs. Predator - Max quality - Native - AA/AF=4X/4X: 5
·
Heaven - Mid quality - 1,366 x 768 - AA/AF=Off/Off: 7
·
Heaven - Max quality - Native - AA/AF=4X/4X: 2
·
Handbrake Multimedia Tests: 2:30 min: sec
·
Photoshop CS6 Multimedia Tests: 3:55 min: sec
·
CineBench 11.5 Multimedia Tests: 1.39 min: sec
|
