NOKIA LUMIA 2520

Quite a parting shot from the formerly independently-owned Nokia: As the company makes preparations to be swallowed up by Microsoft via acquisition, all Nokia has done is released one of the best Windows-based tablets out there – albeit a bit thickly.

In terms of design, the Lumia 2520 is essentially pretty much what one would expect from the mobile phone handset specialists, i.e. a Nokia phone done out to 10” tablet proportions. The touchscreen is set within a standard-looking black bezel, while a colorful bit of slightly rubberized plastic runs around the entire perimeter.

Unfortunately, while staying reasonably lightweight at around 1.4 pounds (and even somehow armed with a Gorilla Glass touchscreen), the Lumia 2520 may also be as proportionately thick as a mobile phone. While this tablet naturally offers calling capability, this thickness is a bit of a puzzle – particularly when the device’s release date was so close to the surely trend-setting Apple iPad Air. Of course, one can’t complain too much, as part of this girth may be attributed to a handy embedded kickstand.

On the plus side, however, is a richness of features and top-of-the-line specs. Which can we call most noteworthy among many standout features in the Lumia 2520. Expected is the inclusion of micro SD, micro HDMI and Micro USB ports; Nokia has clearly learned a few things from making cell phones multimedia-compatible.

The screen is a true gem with its 1,920 x 1,200-pixel display, immediately putting it into an upper echelon in this category just below Apple’s “Retina screen” devices. And the rear camera provides an outstanding 6.7 MP density.

All things considered, the Lumia 2520 seems destined to win over those loyal to Nokia’s other electronics. Now we just need hope the new management doesn’t mess with success too much with the release of an upgrade…