Asus VivoTab ME400c 10.1-inch Tablet - Black (Intel Atom Z2760 1.6GHz Processor, 2GB RAM, 64GB eMMC, WLAN, BT, 2x camera, Windows 8)

This Windows 8 tablet does everything I want from a portable computer. It integrates seamlessly with my other windows devices and my smart TV. It runs the full version of Windows 8 and its USB and HDMI connectivity allows it to do all that a full size laptop can do. OK, so external drives are needed to make use of these connections, but the tablet's 64Gb internal memory and an additional 64Gb in its SD card slot means that external connections don't need to be made very often. The only downside is the Intel Atom processor which is a bit slow. So long as graphic incentive games aren't on your wish list and you are into Windows rather than iOS, this Asus tablet will deliver the goods and leave you with a worthwhile amount of change from the price of an entry level IPad 2.

I have had this product for about two weeks and I must say that the performance had exceeded my expectations. I read some review which says that it is slow. I have thrown many applications and software at it and it has never lagged or frozen once. The processors are powerful for the operation. The reason why I am giving 5 stars is the additional free Microsoft home and student 2013 thrown in. Folks it is a full office product not the trial version. There is a card included with the product code to activate it. The average battery life with heavy use is about 5 hours and when not heavily being used it lasts for about 9 hours. I initially bought a Toshiba encore but had problems with performance and had to return it. I was glad I did because this Asus tablet is better and the 10.1" screen makes it ideal and good for me to do a lot of work on the road. Finally I had installed some of my favourite desk top programs and they are running smoothly without a hitch. I recommend that anyone who wants to purchase should go for the 64GB because that gives you enough storage to install additional programs, out of the box you only get about 35GB free space for the 64GB one.

Windows 8.1 still cannot make up its mind what it wants to be when it grows up. The well advertised start button is very restricted. Still have to swipe 'search' and type to find progs and functions. The apps available on windows store are generally much poorer quality and more expensive than android or apple. They are so limited as I could not find a basic battery indicator app. (You have to work hard to check the battery level on win8). The asus tablet is a nice all round design and works well with the limited op system installed. The screen is very reflective and the supplied cleaning cloth needs to be kept on hand at all times. The screen picture quality is adequate for most applications but is noticeably poorer than the nexus 7 or 10 when watching videos..

This is a basic tablet, although it does all that I want it to do, it does come with Windows 8. After installing all the updates including 8.1 for free there is still room for the other programs that I normally use. Having said that Windows 8.1 is not really made for the touchscreen, hopefully something which Windows 10 will sort out. So navigating around is sometimes very stressful, when your finger is much larger than button that you are trying to press. For the money it really is a decent tablet and you can buy a bluetooth keyboard and mouse if you want to use it like a desktop. Having a MicroSD slot really helps, I have four 128GB MircoSD cards which expand the basic 62GB of memory. It can be slow, starting up normally takes a while and video playback from services like Netflixs, BBC Iplayer and 4OD do work although it often does stop and start. Playing back video files from memory is a little better. My main problem with this device is that the Micro USB port is so easily damaged and I have had to replace it twice, which if you don't have insurance will cost between £50-£80. Plus the argument that you have to have when sending it back because they believe you dropped it. Simply put, this part which is going to break at least once a year even if you are like me and are normally really careful. I would really recommend getting third-party insurance for this device, mine is about £5 a month, so it covers you from having to pay out every time the Micro USB port breaks. Having only one Micro USB port is also a pain, you can't charge and attach anything else that connects via USB. Still overall I am quite happy with this tablet and it does everything that I want it to do. The display is clear although in strong sunlight can be difficult to see. For the money that I paid for the tablet and all the bits to go with it I am quite happy. You get a lot for your money!

Attractive light, with responsive screen, Office Home and Student already installed, good virtual keyboard, processor better than advertised on Amazon (it's 1.8, not 1.6). Recognised a memory stick connected via a micro USB - USB cable, no problems. Works perfectly with Microsoft Sculpt Comfort Bluetooth mouse, if you don't want to connect a mouse via cable. Fantastic to have access to full Windows when travelling for work. All round better than I expected.

We were quite happy with this product for the first couple of months despite the Mini USB charger socket becoming dodgy. the problems started when the tablet developed a huge crack in the screen overnight despite it being left on the side in its soft case. obviously to us a component under the screen had popped and cracked the screen. approaching ASUS was pointless, they might as well called us liers and said the damage was an accident and were not interested in looking at the tablet under warranty. they were expecting us to pay £50 to return the item and then another £50 to just look at it. Luckily Amazon are brilliant and agreed to give us a full refund for the item. be aware if you buy this item that there are no ASUS repair centres in the UK. I will never buy a ASUS product again

I needed a tablet that runs full windows8 and allows macros in excel. this is the tablet to use, it has synced with my laptop and has sky drive for storage which saves you the worry of running out of space. a good tablet to use on the go when a laptop is just too big and heavy. I did research this compared with other brands and for the money and power this was my choice. I 've had it for a few weeks and so far nothing to let it down.

Update September 2015: The tablet died after a very short life. I took a refund and invested in the amazing Teclast X98 3G instead. They may not be a household name, but their product is first class in features and very low price. Check it out. I've only owned this fabulous little 'Smart' tablet for a few days but find myself smiling with glee at its wonderful performance, resulting in my inability to put it down. The great low price of £179 for the LTE version helped in my decision-making: I'm so glad I resisted the more expensive competition out there, including both of my original targets, the Surface 2 and the Nokia 2520; I've got myself FULL Windows instead of some pricey curtailed impostor. Yes, I am sure I could get better specifications for more cash, but that would take away the crucial 'value for money factor' for me. I love a quality bargain, and this is one of those, for sure! We can expect lots of cheaper Windows tablets in the near future. Good thinking, Microsoft! This tablet originally started out at £400 for the non-LTE version. I immediately upgraded to Windows 8.1, which took a while to do, but it's now fully implemented and adds considerably to the very pleasing experience of using this tab. As for the hardware, it looks sleek and cute, but I would have been happier with front facing stereo speakers for movies etc. This was easily put right with a cheap bluetooth sound bar which can be attached to the base or on top of the device. (See my other reviews for details) Yes!!! I also bought a snug case and a Bluetooth keyboard, which paired in seconds. I was particularly elated to find that the sole micro USB slot has enough charge for a 1TB hard drive, without the need for additional power. Now, that's impressive! My last accessory is a USB hub, to give me more ports should I need them. The webcam works brilliantly, but I have yet to use the main camera or micro HDMI slot, although I'm expecting to be pleased with those, too. I've inserted a sim card but have yet to use it for broadband on the move, or calls (in theory!). Word, Netflix, You Tube, flash-enabled sites, Flipboard, and even writing on the screen with a capacitive stylus, everything performs really really well. As a result, I decided to put my old Galaxy Note 10.1 up for sale: that was a toy, but this new baby is a very productive toy! My first book, God's Other Children - A London Memoir, is now on sale on this very site, but instead of being a prisoner to my desktop when I write its follow-up, my Smart new friend will give me the freedom to sit in a cafe or a park and remain within the Windows environment. I was previously appalled by Asus and their extremely poor customer support involving a now very dead Transformer tablet, so I made this new purchase with a cautious heart, hoping that I will never have to deal with them again. That said (and never forgotten, Asus!), I cannot recommend the VivoTab Smart highly enough, especially if you can pick it up at a bargain price, as I did. Buy it and enjoy the hell out of it, as you undoubtedly will. Update. The tablet died after a very short life. I took a refund and invested in the Samsung Ativ Tab instead.