ASUS VivoTab Note 8

The way we figure it, Asus is either going retro with the inclusion of a stylus in the VivoTab Note 8 or has realized this accessory’s near-necessity with use of the Windows 8 operating system on a tablet. While the stylus isn’t exactly standard in tablets (including the quite wide Asus line) these days, we’re certain the little pen is ready to make a comeback spurred on by Windows devices like the VivoTab Note.

In fashion of Windows 8 tablets by Dell and Toshiba, the VivoTab Note 8 covers the screen with Gorilla Glass and has a polycarbonate back. This tablet a solid, if a bit pedestrian-looking, package that travels well at just 0.85 grams. Micro USB and micro SD ports are a plus and the branded Wacom stylus itself docks neatly at the bottom right.

Perhaps the biggest selling point in the VivoTab Note 8, however, is that Windows 8.1 software suite. Asus has equipped this particular offering with the usual Outlook/Office/Exchange programs with legacy-application software. Nice use here by Asus of the Microsoft product, as with the software the Note 8 comes that much closer to replacing the laptop.

Unfortunately, the VivoTab Note 8 is held back in this initiative “thanks” to shockingly poor resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels. This number straight out of 2010 or so falls well short of everyone’s benchmark in this tablet size, i.e. the Google Nexus 7, and scuttles an otherwise swell little tablet.

We suppose that if a user devotes little time to video viewing in favor of serious work and emailing, the decently-priced VivoTab Note 8 can fit the bill. Otherwise, well, there’s always that Nexus…