News & Reviews:   Toshiba Encore announce

While you can count the number different of 8-inch Windows 8.1 tablets on one hand still, this market is one with a lot of potential to grow. Joining the ranks of the Acer Iconia W4 and others is the Toshiba Encore. Tech specs and features for the tablet include the 1.3GHz Intel Atom Z3740 quad-core Bay Trail processor, 2GB RAM, 64GB eMMC flash storage, 8-inch HFFS display with 1280 x 800 pixel resolution, 8MP rear camera and 2MP front camera. The Malaysia pricing is a bit higher at RM1499 (RM400 more than the $330 (RM1096) international price) but most of the features are a bit higher-end compared to the other tablets in this class. For more information check out the Toshiba site. Hopefully it comes with a good matching keyboard combo (which we didn't see on the site). 

The Toshiba Encore is probably the 2nd touchscreen tablet in the first wave of 8-inch Windows 8 tablets and devices below or around $300. Toshiba recently announced the Encore with features that include Windows 8.1 and the free Microsoft Office package. Other tech specs include dual microphones, a 2MP front camera certified by Skype, an 8-inch HFFS display with multi-touch and 1280 x 800 pixel resolutions, a quad-core Intel Atom Bay Trail processor and 32GB worth of storage. Connection-wise the tablet packs in a Micro USB 2.0 port, micro HDMI port, dual-band WiFi and a GPS. No exact Malaysia release dates were available but it is expected globally in November 2013 for $329.99 (RM1096). The tech specs make the Toshiba Encore a very tempting device, but we'll hold off judgement until we see what sort of keyboard and other accessories the tablet will be packing.