Asus VivoTab RT LTE

“The VivoTab RT is a pretty good way to kick off our Windows 8 and Windows RT hardware coverage. Its slightly cramped keyboard and husky docked profile are reminiscent of netbook-style design compromises, but its build quality is excellent, and using it for a few days has convinced me that the tablet-plus-keyboard-dock form factor will work for at least some users. The $599 starting price for the tablet with the keyboard dock included makes the device a bit expensive compared to some Intel Atom-based tablets, but they may well have their own tradeoffs that we won't see until we get one in for a full review. Most crucially, though, the Asus VivoTab RT's price compares favorably with Microsoft's Surface pricing.”

“For better and worse, the VivoTab RT replicated everything we loved and didn't love about the company's Android-based Transformer tablets. This, too, is exceptionally thin, light and easy to hold, with long battery life and a good camera. Still, the fact that ASUS hasn't changed the layout on its keyboard dock means you'll have to brace yourself for a cramped typing experience -- which is a shame since Microsoft's own Surface tablet is offered with not one, but two comfortable keyboards. The performance also feels far more buggy than on the competing Surface tablet.”

“With Windows RT, the Vivo Tab RT takes some getting used to. There's a high learning curve and access to several key features is either unintuitive or buried.But once you get the hang of it, there are a lot of things to like as well. Despite being somewhat hidden, the features are useful, and what we liked best of all was the refreshingly elegant user interface. Navigating through the Start screen feels especially silky and the dynamic live tiles are fun and informative.Software aside, however, the Tab RT falls barely short of the Surface. Though the former has a brighter screen, other factors give the Surface that extra sliver and edge. For example, its novel keyboard is much more portable and comfortable to type on. And its larger screen offers a more cinematic, immersive experience. Just as with any flagship product, it's no surprise that when it comes to creating a better Windows RT experience, look to Microsoft itself to carry the torch.”

“The ultimate question you need to answer is whether any Windows RT tablet will satisfy your needs. Without the ability to run traditional desktop programs, shoppers will find that devices like this have limited appeal until the Windows Store gets stocked with more apps. However, if you do like the idea of letting go of desktop apps, the Vivo Tab RT is a solid value.”