We’ve recently got our hands on the latest tablet from Acer. It’s been released quietly and without the usual fanfare of PR promotion but don’t let that fool you into thinking that this is an insignificant device. What is this device that we speak of… well it’s an 8″ tablet that looks VERY similar to the iPad Mini… And I do mean REALLY similar. If it wasn’t for the Acer badge on the front and the OS being Android you’d be forgiven for mistaking it for it’s fruity cousin.
The Spec
- OS: Android 4.2.2
- CPU: Intel Atom 1.6 Ghz
- Storage: 16GB ram + MicroSD slot for expansion
- Screen: 7.9 XGA (1024 x 768)
- Connectivity: Wifi IEEE 802.11 b/g/n & Bluetooth 3.0
- Location: GPS integrated
- Cameras: Rear Facing: 5MP Front Facing: 2MP (No flash on either)
Price: £160.46 (Amazon)
What we thought of it
We compared this device to the Tesco Hudl and the iPad Mini both in terms of cost and value for money. The Hudl comes in at £119 although you can buy it for £60 plus Clubcard points which is what most people do so this is the cheapest of the devices currently out there. The iPad Mini is at the other end of the spectrum and comes in at £249. As you might expect the finish and spec of these two comparables also varies with a cheap look and feel to the Hudl and a very sharp screen and finish to the iPad Mini.
With the £160 price mark for the Acer Iconia A1 830 I would have anticipated it would look and feel closer to the Hudl than the iPad Mini but in actual fact it is a very very well built device with a finish that rivals the iPad Mini. We took the Acer Iconia A1 830 down to our local Apple store and took a few pics to show you just how similar they really are.
Overall we love the Acer Iconia A1 830 as it certainly seems like the future and if Apple want to stay competitive in the small screen tablet market then they will have to drop their prices quite considerably. This is a smart device with good battery life and a fast processor.
If you are also in the market for a shiny new phone and are an Andriod fan consider looking out for the latest Acer phone, the Acer E3 which should (whispers from the Acer staff at the launch event…) be coming to Three on contract very soon…
GirlyGeekdom 