Windows 8 Takes On The New Ipad (Part 2)

The result of this comparison deviates from the result reflected in the table on previous page. The reasons: more importance was given to the equipment and the effect of the software on the performance. Furthermore, we tested the XE700 with Windows 8 instead of Windows 7.

I Handling (50%) We use benchmark tools to examine how quickly files and websites can be opened. The synchronisation of the data, which makes use of the available online memory, plays an important role, too. The device should be easy to handle and it shouldn't be too heavy. It should also possess a sharp, contrast-rich display.

I Hardware (30%) On the software side, we evaluate the operating system, the accompanying apps, the apps that are available in the app stores and the availability of other applications. When it comes to hardware, points are reserved for good cameras at the front and rear and the numbers and types of available sensors, e.g. the position and the speed-up. Credit is also awarded based on the number and quality of the available interfaces.

I Mobility (20%) When it comes to surfing the internet and watching videos, the longer the battery's runtime, the better it is. The evaluation also takes the charging time into account. It should be as low as possible.

Windows 8 on the tablet

Compared to desktop PCs, operability and fast internet connections play a much larger role when it comes to mobile devices. Users want to access websites and Facebook contacts as quickly as they can. The new version of Windows really does score on that front.

Internet explorer app is speedy

A measurement that made use of various benchmark tools (Peace­keeper, Sunspider, Browsermark) revealed the Internet Explorer app's fantastic speeds. Sunspider was the only tool that gave the Apple-specific Safari browser a higher grade.

Browser	Internet explorer app	Safari browser
Tested on	Samsung XE700	Apple iPad 3
Peacekeeper	3,436 points	1,307 points
Peacekeeper V2	1,177 points	388 points
Sunspider	244 milliseconds	1,800 milliseconds
Browsermark	357,483 points	99,731 points

Friends and images on your desktop

Individual design is the name of the game: you can display your fa­vourite websites and Facebook friends on the Windows 8 desk­top. The iOS interface allows fewer modifications. It only lets you pin websites on your desktop.

Windows 8 desk­top

Click benchmark: rapid-fire execution of standard tasks

Changing the WLAN network is somewhat faster in Windows 8. The iPad cannot move files to a new location, since the apps run in a Sandbox environment. Consequently, it becomes very difficult to exchange data between these programs.

Switching WLAN network (Windows 8)

Switching WLAN network (iOS 5)

Moving a file (Windows 8)

Moving a file (iOS 5)

Comparison between Windows 8 tablet and iPad3

	Samsung XE700 (700T1A-A01)	Apple iPad 3 (The New iPad)
	1st place	2nd place
Price	$1,800	$807
Overall grade	92.5	91.3
Handling (50%)	100	88
Hardware (30%)	95	91
Mobility (20%)	70	100
Technical specifications
Operating system	Windows 8 Consumer Pr.	iOS 5.1
Manufacturer	Samsung	Apple
CPU	Intel Core i5 (2 x 1.6 GHz)	Apple A5X (2 x 1.0 GHz)
Memory – RAM/Flash	4,196 MB/64 GB	1,024 MB/64 GB
Cardreader/HDMI	microSD/Standard-HDMI	-/-
USB-host	.	-
Dimensions	30 x 18 x 1.4 cm	24 x 19 x 0.9 cm
Weight	870g	655g
Battery capacity (WH)	42	42.5
Power Adaptor capacity (W)	40	10
Display size	11.6-inches	9.7-inches
Aspect ratio	16:9	4:3
Display resolution	1,366 x 768 Pixel	2,048 x 1,536 Pixel
Display: Brightness	365 cm/m2	397 cm/m2
Checkerboard contrast	174:1	147:1
Maximum contrast	1,201:1	876:1
Camera display/rear	2.1/0.9 Megapixel	0.3/5.0 Megapixel
Position sensor (gyro)	.	.
Extra equipment	Docking-Station	-
Audio-codecs	MP3, AAC, WAV, WMA	MP3, AAC, WAV
GPS/Compass	-/-	./.
Measured values
Peacekeeper	3,436 points	1,307 points
Peacekeeper V2	1,177 points	388 points
Browsermark	357,483 points	99,731 points
Sunspider	244 milliseconds	1,800 milliseconds
Calling up chip website	2 seconds	2.9 seconds
Opening PDF file	6.2 seconds	7.4 seconds
Battery service life - Surfing	4:22 hours	8:01 hours
Battery service life - Video	4:04 hours	6:35 hours
Battery charging time	3:02 hours	6:25 hours
Upload 500 MBYTE zip	27.6 seconds	Not possible
Upload MP3-Album	7.5 seconds	11.4 seconds
Average upload-rate	14.4 MB/s	9.4 MB/s
Heat (Video – 10min.)	440C	32.30C
Heat (Surfing – 10min.)	43.30C	32.80C
Audio frequency response (%)	96.7	98.6
Loudness (Idle)	0.3	0
Loudness (Video)	0.4	0

Test results

As of now, Apple and Google are reigning over the tablet space. It's not going to stay that way, though, because Windows 8 is already baring its teeth, even though it's still in its beta phase.

Test Winner

The consumer preview of Windows 8 took the crown, thanks to its unrestrained functionality, the record-breaking benchmark scores of the Internet Explorer app, the fluid and intui­tive handling and the strong connection it has with the social net­works that are so popular among tablet users. We found the con­cept of live tiles to be quite innovative. They display images of friends, which makes the operating system look more friendly and personal, but they also provide notifications for new mails and changes in Facebook statuses. The Windows programs make up for the lack of apps.

Alpha Male

The iPad scores points for a battery that lasts longer, a lower level of heat generation, fanless hardware and the fantastic retina display. It is let down by the ¡OS operating system, which, compared to the live widgets of Windows 8, looks antiquated and restrained. The iPad makes it difficult to execute simple tasks such as moving files and attaching an image to a mail.

Price

Samsung's tablet PC costs about twice as much as a new iPad. Apple is the clear winner in this category.