Acer Iconia W510

The Iconia W510 represents Acer’s foray into hybrid tablets, including a keyboard as standard with the device; unfortunately, the keyboard is noticeably smaller than standard – even among tablets – and thus will not be of use in any serious typing work.

This tablet also represents another Windows 8 OS-based device from Acer, though the Iconia W510 suffers a bit “thanks” to the 1.8 GHz Intel Atom Z2760, a tiny step forward for a processor originally designed for the Netbook. It’s efficient enough for most uses, but users spoiled by high-speed iPads will definitely be unimpressed with the W510’s performance in heavier tasks.

Sounding good is the 64 GB hard drive promised in the Iconia W510, but realistically speaking the useable memory is reduced to 32 GB – Windows operating systems haven’t gotten any slimmer, quicker CPUs or no. Luckily this tablet leaves much room for expansion of functionality (and memory), though, with Micro-HDMI, micro SD and Micro-USB ports provided on the tablet as well as a handy USB port included in the keyboard.

And about that keyboard again. While typing hardly simulates the laptop (or Netbook) experience, we can assure that the hinge connecting keyboard to tablet is quite sturdy in the W510. Nice to note, too, that the entire assembly weighs in at around 2.8 pounds: certainly in line with other hybrids.

Not in line with other tablets, meanwhile, is the price. The $600 start is lower than many other Windows 8-powered tablets, but with Android and Apple systems becoming ever-more ubiquitous and standard, who wants to pony up iPad-level money for more Microsoft technology?