Review: Schenker Technologies Element

Conclusion

We come away from our time with the Element tablet feeling as though Schenker has produced a decent entry-level solution for users wanting a companion device to keep alongside their main PC or laptop. The challenge, as we see it, is not whether manufacturers can produce affordable Windows tablets - there's now a good selection to choose from - but rather how these devices fit into today's computing landscape.

The Windows operating system remains a real boon for productivity, but Microsoft's attempts at making it mobile have delivered mixed results at best. Windows 8.1 continues to rely on expensive components in order to shine, and that assumption has been backed-up by Microsoft's latest tablet, the Surface Pro 3, which marries a larger 12in display with Intel Core processing power at a cost of at least £639.

Trouble is, low-cost Windows tablets aren't always able to harness the true power of the OS, and instead of delivering desktop-like productivity in the palm of your hand, they tend to provide a second-class experience that's befitting a companion device. And if an affordable second screen for word processing, web browsing and general computing tasks is all you're after, Apple's iPad remains the benchmark to beat in terms of performance, battery life and app ecosystem.

The Element remains a viable option for users entrenched in Microsoft's ecosystem, but even as long-time Windows veterans, we're yet to be fully convinced by low-cost Windows 8.1 tablets.

The Good

Runs full Windows 8.1
Thin, light and fanless
Reasonable battery life
Smart Cover is a worthwhile extra
Year's subscription of Office 365

The Bad

Will struggle with demanding tasks
Windows app store still limited
Lacks USB 3.0 connectivity
Mediocre cameras

HEXUS.awards

Schenker Technologies Element

HEXUS.where2buy

The Element tablet is available to purchase from mysn.co.uk.

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