Asus ZenPad S 8.0 (Z580C) Review

**UPDATE (09/18/16): Asus has finally released an update to Marshmallow (6.0). This is major news as no one expected Asus to release a Marshmallow update. Initially indications are that battery life has improved and performance seems to be the same or slightly better. The only thing that the update is not via OTA. You must download the file from Asus (http://www.asus.com/US/Tablets/ASUS_Z...) and install it to your main directory. When you restart, it should give you the option to go through the update/upgrade.

Asus has been in the tablet business for several years. In 2012, Google introduced its first Nexus tablet, Nexus 7, at its I/O Developer’s Conference.  Google chose Asus, a leading Taiwanese computer and electronics company, to manufacture its first Nexus tablet.  At that time, the Nexus 7, as our review stated, was “the best value Android tablet currently on the market.”  Asus then followed up with the second generation Nexus 7 which again proved to be an excellent low price Android tablet.  Asus has a line of different tablets from its Eee Pad Transformer series to its Memo Pad series in addition to its Vivo Tab series. Around August 2015, Asus released its latest series of Android tablets.  So is this device worth it?  Read on...

Asus ME400 Windows Tablet - First Impression

   I had the opportunity to test Asus' VivoTab ME400 tablet.  At first site, it looks small/short compared to typical 10" tablets.  It is one of the lightest 10" tablets at only 1.3lbs which is as light as the Samsung Galaxy 10.1.  Also one of the thinnest at .4".

   The 10.1" screen has an 1366x768 resolution capacitive screen which looked great .  It is one of the nicest looking screens that I have seen.  The screen is apparently scratch resistant.  The screen also has 178 degree viewing angle.

Asus Showcases its Padfone

For a PC manufacturer, Asus seems to know how to compete in the crowded Android tablet market.  After launching its very successful & unique Eee Pad Transformer, Asus is showing what is next on their lineup: Padfone.  The Padfone is a smartphone that can be docked into a tablet.  Instead of carrying two devices, in reality you can carry one (when docked).  However, this is not an ordinary dock.  The devices offer a display switching so that if you are browsing the web on your phone, it will seamlessly display where you left off on the tablet.  In addition, the tablet can charge the phone when docked.  Another great feature is that one should be able to run both devices on a single data plan so one would not need a second data plan.  Wireless providers will surely not like that.

ASUS Eee Pad Transformer Available April 26th

Asus has confirmed that its Eee Pad Transformer Android tablet will launch on April 26th.  For a mere price of $399, you can own a Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) tablet.  This is for the 16GB version but the 32GB version will run you only $499.  The optional keyboard will set you back another $150.  However when you consider that the WiFi Motorola Xoom is $599, you can get the Eee Pad Transformer 16GB tablet with the optional keyboard for less than a Xoom. 

Asus Eee Pad to Rock Tegra 2 Processor

DigiTimes has reported that Nvidia has received orders for Tegra 2 processors from Asus. Plans are to use the processors on the Eee Pad which is due in March 2011. In addition, the processors will be integrated into smartphones. Besides Asus, Dell, Samsung, Micro-Star and Toshiba will also be using Nvidia's Tegra 2 processors in future tablets.

Asus to launch Android Eee Pad in March

Jerry Shen, CEO of Asustek,  has confirmed that it is launching its first Android tablet in March.  It will cost less than $399.  Asus is also planning on launching a more expensive 12 inch tablet that will use Windows 7 and an Intel Core 2 Duo processor.  It will also come with a docking station to transform it into a laptop.  The launch date is targeted to December or January.  Asus also plans to launch another tablet in January which will feature a 10" screen, use an ARM processor but use Windows Embedded Compact 7 software.  Price range is between $399 and $499.

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