The IFA 2013 event is going on this week and it is a great place to learn about new devices from companies that you would not normally hear a lot about. Besides all of the smartphones that companies are showcasing, Toshiba broke the day up with an announcement that is going to give tablet buyers one more option to consider when shopping. The tablet market was always crowded, but if you wanted a top notch device you might have only had a few options to choose from by Google or Apple.
Toshiba is looking to change that and just announced a new, 8-inch tablet that will be powered by Windows 8.1 software. The Encore is price at just $329 and is set to take on the iPad Mini directly according to some reports. The Encore comes with a 1280×800 resolution on an HFFS touch screen display. The HFFS display gives users more viewing angles and offers better brightness and more consistent colors, while at the same time supporting 5-point touch capabilities allowing users to do everything with one hand. Other specs include 2GB of RAM, quad-core Intel Atom processor and 32GB of internal memory.
On the back side of the device you will notice an 8MP camera that can take good photos, as well as 1080p HD video. The front facing webcam is a smaller, 2MP model that can also record in 1080p HD which is perfect for video chatting and more. Toshiba made comments about optimizing the device “for Skype” and the cameras and dual “beam-forming” microphones for better audio, the company is headed in the right direction. The Encore body is made from plastic that is sleek and looks like an all metal body that comes with premium models.
The Toshiba Encore measures just 8.4-inches long, is less than half an inch thick and is completely portable at that size. The hardware includes support for Wi-Fi connections, Bluetooth accessories, microUSB, microHDMI, a 3.5mm headphone jack and a microSD card slot that will support another 64GB of internal memory. According to what the company said, the Encore should be in stores and ready to ship sometime in November, which is perfect for those that want to buy the tablet during the busy holiday shopping season.
