News & Reviews:   Windows tablet

A while back, Microsoft said that we'd be seeing $100 (RM365) Windows 8 tablets before long and it appears that they are already here. Granted, the more well known HP Stream 7 which was recently offered for $79 (RM288) is only available at the Microsoft US store. However, a quick search at mobile market sites like Lelong.com.my and others reveal Windows 8.1 tablets being sold for as low as RM320. Yes, these are unheard of brands like Pipo and Cube or even Ainol but the tech specs are nothing to sneeze at. These include a 64-bit Intel Atom processor, 1GB of RAM, 16GB storage and features like a 1-year free subscription of Office 365. Be warned though, these are devices brought in without any international warranty but those looking for a more affordable computing tablet could give such devices a go. Build quality could also be suspect but you do get what you pay for. Still no chances for a RM100 Windows tablet yet, but there could still be hope for the HP Stream 7 to come to Malaysia eventually. In related news, Intel Malaysia are pushing various Malaysian-based Intel powered tablets at slightly higher pricing and local warranty with the latest being the iPro LivePad 8.9 tablet at RM699. 

The phablet is looking to stay with more and more companies joining up with their 5+ inch phablets. Nokia is also rumoured to be developing one as well which we reported on ealier and while there have been rumours of 8-inch Windows tablets, this Nokia phablet is now rumoured to be measured at 6-inches. The device would be powered using Windows Phone 8 and is set to be priced from $621 to $776 (RM1884 to RM2354). According to reports, this 6-inch Nokia phablet would be released by Q4 of 2013, which could just as well mean the end of the year.