Even though affordable tablets are proving to be a popular alternative to full-fledged computers and laptops, the segment hasn’t really had a competent Windows operating system (OS) based tablet. While Android is popular in affordable smartphones, users still prefer the familiarity of Microsoft’s Windows OS in a computing device. The only real option till now was the Acer Iconia W3-810 (Rs.8,210 on Amazon.in) with an 8.1-inch display, but will the iBall Slide i701 (Rs.4,999) be a game changer?
Design: compact and good-looking
The iBall Slide i701 is a compact tablet. The body is made of good-quality plastic, and the velvet finish on the back panel gives it an expensive look. For reading and watching movies, the idea of holding it with one hand isn’t entirely outlandish. It’s interesting to note that the trademark capacitive button with the Windows logo is missing. This button provides the simple functionality of returning the user to the home screen, irrespective of whichever app they may be using at the time. In Slide i701, you have to rely on the on-screen version of the button. It can be accessed by swiping-in right to left from the edge of the display.
Display: needs steady hands
The 7-inch screen has a 1,024x600 pixel resolution. This is on a par with tablets that cost as much, but we would have ideally liked a slightly higher resolution screen for future-proofing. The screen, however, doesn’t have wide viewing angles. Even a slight tilt can affect the visibility in a negative way, with colours looking completely off and making it difficult to read the text. The best way to use this tablet is to keep it directly in the line of sight.
Performance: handles most tasks with ease
We noticed a slight lag while unlocking the home screen. But the way the Slide i701 handled most of the tasks we threw its way restored our confidence in it. Switching from one application to another was smooth, and so was the HD movie playback and Web browsing. The tablet is powered by an Intel Atom quad-core processor with 1 GB RAM, which really isn’t enough to run many apps at the same time. Another aspect that could mean the tablet will start to feel outdated within a few months.
There is 16 GB internal storage, and a microSD slot that can accommodate another 64 GB. Microsoft has bundled 1 TB of cloud storage on OneDrive, which is free for one year. But we are not entirely sure if the demographic that is buying an affordable tablet will be inclined to use cloud storage, or have a broadband connection fast enough to actually be useful.
The tablet comes with a mini HDMI port, which means you can connect it with any HDMI-ready TV. You can also connect a hard drive or a 3G dongle to it over OTG (on-the-go) cable, via the USB port. Both these features provide a real-value addition, and flexibility of use that most affordable tablets do not have.
The battery backup is a little disappointing. The Slide i701 has a 3,200mAh battery, which lasts 4-5 hours of continuous video viewing. We would have expected a bit more, considering the fact that a smartphone with a slightly smaller screen (but much higher resolution) would have lasted a couple of hours more under the same usage load.
Software: runs the latest Windows in town
The tablet runs on Windows 8.1, which lends a sense of familiarity to anyone who wants a basic computing device for their home. Windows, for most tasks, is still more usable than Android, particularly for users who aren’t geeks. This could be a good device if your usage is perhaps all about Web browsing, reading books, YouTube sessions and perhaps even viewing some movies and TV shows on the move. If you will use this device for office work at some point, the one-year free subscription of Microsoft 365 Office Personal (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) could come in handy. The iBall Slide i701 will be upgraded to Windows 10 when it arrives in July.
Buy or not buy?
What makes the Slide i701 an interesting proposition, despite its certain limitations, is the price.This is the most affordable Windows 8.1-based tablet available in India right now. A good Android tablet from most rival brands such as Micromax cost from Rs.6,000-8,000.
