Microsoft may have disappointed certain Windows users when it decided not to unveil the Surface mini yet – although reports say that the device is still in the picture – but that doesn’t mean they won’t be able to purchase an affordable, small Windows 8.1 tablet this year. Toshiba has launched one such 8-inch device, the Toshiba Encore 2, which will sell for $199 and run a full version of Windows 8.1 rather than the RT alternative.
Additionally, Toshiba also has a similar affordable Windows-based offering, the 10-inch Encore 2 model that will sell for $269.
Both devices offer 1280 x 800 displays, quad-core Intel Atom processors, up to 64GB of storage, microSD support for memory expansion, 5-megapixel rear-facing cameras, HD front-facing cameras, 802.11n Wi-Fi stereo speakers, and Microsoft Office pre-installed with an included one-year Office 365 Personal subscription. The larger model also comes with a microHDMI port.
Both tablets offer up to 10 hours of battery life for “general usage,” and up to 8 hours of video playback. The 8-inch Encore 2 weighs less than a pound, while the bigger model is heavier at 1.2 pounds. Both devices are just 0.4 inches (or 10.1mm) thin.
The Toshiba Encore 2 tablets will launch in early July in the U.S., and they’ll be available from select retailer and Toshiba.com.
The full press release follows below.
Toshiba Expands Windows Tablet Family With Encore 2 Tablets
Starting at $199, Encore 8-inch and 10-inch Tablets Offer Productivity, Performance and Portability in a Thinner, Lighter DesignIRVINE, Calif., May 27, 2014 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Toshiba’s Digital Products Division (DPD), a division of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., today announced the Encore™ 2 line of tablets powered by Windows® 8.1. Available in 8- and 10.1-inch diagonal screen sizes1, both tablets come equipped with stunning visuals, superior sound and preloaded with apps like Xbox® Music and Video, Kindle® Reader, Skype™ and a one year subscription to Office 365™, these tablets are ready for productivity and entertainment right out of the box. Starting at just $199.99 MSRP2, Encore 2 tablets perfectly balance value and performance to give consumers the optimal experience for work and play.
“Our Encore 2 tablets are the perfect complement to a customer’s arsenal of devices, giving them the familiarity and common functionality of Windows for a more seamless computing experience, whether they’re editing or creating documents, enjoying movies and games or staying in touch with friends and family,” said Philip Osako, senior director of product marketing, Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., Digital Products Division.
Thinner, Lighter Design
Encore 2 tablets feature an elegant Satin Gold matte finish and are engineered with rounded edges that make them comfortable in hand. Measuring 0.4 inches thin, the 10-inch Encore 2 weighs just 1.2 pounds3, while the 8-inch version weighs less than a pound. Both tablets feature a bright HD (1280×800) multi-touch display – the 10-inch model is ideal for working on documents, web browsing and movie watching and the 8-inch model is perfect for on-the-go reading, entertainment and gaming.
“The mobility provided by the Toshiba Encore 2 family, 8- and 10-inch, deliver a flexible solution for customers in a mobile-first world,” said Peter Han, vice president of worldwide OEM marketing, Microsoft Corp. “Toshiba’s continued innovation combined with touch and the capabilities in Windows 8.1 delivers an experience that will delight customers.”
Optimized Productivity and Entertainment
Powered by the quad-core Intel® Atom™ processor4, Encore 2 tablets provide all the performance and speed necessary for enjoying the latest mobile games with stunning graphics and getting work done all day as well as fast start-up, browsing and multitasking in Windows 8.1. The tablets offer up to a 10-hour battery life for general usage and up to 8 hours of video playback5. Stereo speakers plus Dolby® Digital Plus audio provide an immersive audio experience, while ultrafast 802.11n Wi-Fi® offers speedy streaming and smooth browsing. Encore 2 tablets additionally make it easy to enjoy content on compatible HDTV’s with a built-in Micro HDMI® port and wireless display support right out of the box. For students and mobile professionals, Encore 2 devices also include TruCapture™, an app that works in conjunction with the integrated cameras to capture and correct snapshots of whiteboards, blackboards and books so the contents are sharp, clear and legible.
“Intel Atom processors provide high performance for sleek mobile devices on a low-power platform,” said Josh Newman, senior director for Tablets, Intel Mobile & Communications Group. “From effortless multitasking and document creation to rich, immersive entertainment, a tablet with an Intel Atom processor enables consumers to get the most out of a mobile device with extraordinary battery life.”
Encore 2 tablets also include a 1-year subscription to Office 365 Personal6, giving customers access to full versions of Word, Excel®, Power Point®, OneNote® and Outlook® with the ability to work online and offline and sync between devices when connected to OneDrive™.
Both tablets can be configured with up to 64GB of onboard storage7 and also feature a microSD™ card slot supporting microSDXC™ cards up to 128GB, as well as a Micro-USB 2.0 port for connecting to external devices and charging. In addition, Encore 2 tablets provide an amazing video chat experience with an HD webcam and 5MP rear-camera with auto-focus.
Pricing and Availability
The 10-inch Encore 2 tablet will be available for purchase in early July at select retailers and on toshiba.com/us , starting at $269.99.
The 8-inch Encore 2 tablet will be available for purchase in early July at select retailers and on toshiba.com/us, starting at $199.99.
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About Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc. (TAIS)
Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., TAIS is comprised of three business units: Digital Products Division, Imaging Systems Division, and Telecommunication Systems Division. Together, these divisions provide digital products, services and solutions, including industry-leading portable computers; televisions, TV/DVD Combination products, Blu-ray Disc™ and DVD products, and portable devices; imaging products for the security, medical and manufacturing markets; storage products for computers; and IP business telephone systems with unified communications, collaboration and mobility applications. TAIS provides sales, marketing and services for its wide range of products in the United States and Latin America. TAIS is an independent operating company owned by Toshiba America, Inc., a subsidiary of Toshiba Corporation. For more information on TAIS visit us.toshiba.com.
About Toshiba Corporation
Toshiba is a world-leading diversified manufacturer, solutions provider and marketer of advanced electronic and electrical products and systems. Toshiba Group brings innovation and imagination to a wide range of businesses: digital products, including LCD TVs, notebook PCs, retail solutions and MFPs; electronic devices, including semiconductors, storage products and materials; industrial and social infrastructure systems, including power generation systems, smart community solutions, medical systems and escalators & elevators; and home appliances. Toshiba was founded in 1875, and today operates a global network of more than 590 consolidated companies, with 206,000 employees worldwide and annual sales surpassing 5.8 trillion yen (US$61 billion). Visit Toshiba’s web site at http://www.toshiba.co.jp/index.htm .
© 2014 Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc. All product, service and company names are trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks of their respective owners. Information including without limitation product prices, specifications, availability, content of services, and contact information is subject to change without notice. All rights reserved.
1 Display. Any small bright dots that may appear on your display are an intrinsic characteristic of the thin film transistors manufacturing technology. See Display Legal Footnote at http://www.info.toshiba.com
2 Price. Reseller prices may vary. MSRP means “Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price.”
3 Weight. Weight may vary. See Weight Legal Footnote at http://www.info.toshiba.com
4 Processor. CPU performance may vary. See Processor Legal Footnote at http://www.info.toshiba.com
5 Battery Life (For Tablets). Battery tests were conducted by Toshiba using specific preproduction tablet units and software. Actual battery life may vary. . See Battery Life (For Tablets) Legal Footnote at http://www.info.toshiba.com
6 Office 365 Personal 1-year subscription included. Office activation required within 6 months of Windows activation date.”
7 Solid State Drive Capacity. Drive capacity may vary. One Gigabyte (GB) means 109 = 1,000,000,000 bytes using powers of 10. See Solid State Drive Capacity Legal Footnote at http://www.info.toshiba.com
