Toshiba Encore 2
Microsoft sparked a race to the bottom with the introduction of Windows 8.1 with Bing. And Toshiba cut the bottom out of the bottom line with its Encore 2 series, bringing Windows tablets down to the price of mainstream Android tablets. The 10-inch version reviewed here will set you back just $270, and the smaller 8-inch version costs just $200.
What compromises must you put up with at prices that low? Surprisingly few. While the Encore 2’s build quality isn’t the best, the tablet is sturdy enough that I wouldn't worry about sliding it into a bag and carrying it around all day. The tablet feels plasticky, but it’s also light at just 1.2 pounds. And since that weight is in a slab that's only 0.375 inches thick, it feels solid. I was able to hold it comfortably in one hand for extended periods, and that’s something I can’t usually say about 10-inch tablets.
The white bezel and champagne back help the Encore 2 stand out in a market full of black and silver. Its IPS panel delivers run-of-the-mill resolution of 1280x800 pixels, but it boasts good viewing angles. It gets dim enough to be comfortable in dark environments, but you'll want to crank it all the way up to work in a well-lit room.
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