Asus introduces ZenPad S 8 inch tablets

[haven]

Asus has refreshed its tablet line with two new ZenPad S models. Both include support for GPS/GLONASS navigation. And both ZenPad S models offer features superior to similarly priced Samsung Galaxy Tab models.

Here's what the ZenPad S tablets have in common:
-- Android 5.0 with an Asus user interface called ZenUI
-- Quad core, 64 bit Intel Moorefield processor, 22 nm
-- 8 inch 2048x1536 pixel IPS screen
-- microSD expansion slot
-- WiFi 802.11 AC
-- No cellular data option (yet)
-- Bluetooth 4.0

1. less expensive ZenPad S tablet (Z580C-B1)
-- MSRP of $199
-- Intel Atom 3530 processor, 1.88 GHz burst mode
-- 2 GB RAM
-- 32 GB storage memory
-- microSD slot, support for up to 64 GB memory cards
-- 5 megapixel rear facing camera

Read more about this model here
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...bk_zenpad_8_s_z3530_2_32gb_andr5_0_black.html


2. more expensive ZenPad S (Z580CA-C1)
-- MSRP $299
-- Intel Atom Z3580 processor, 2.33 GHz burst mode
-- 4 GB RAM
-- 64 GB storage memory
-- microSDXC slot, supports up to 128 GB memory cards
-- 8 megapixel rear-facing camera
-- rumored to have the USB-Type C double sided connector, unconfirmed
-- optional Z Stylus, not clear which apps support stylus input

More information here
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1168906-REG/asus_z580ca_c1_bk_64gb_z580ca_c1_zenpad_s.html

 

[haven]

So should you spend the extra $100 for these upgrades?

Faster processor: Unless you're playing high resolution games or multitasking, the extra processor speed won't be noticeable very often.

Extra RAM: Android benchmarks show little difference between 2 GB and 3 GB RAM (as found in LG phones), so the extra RAM probably is not necessary today. Skip two years into the future, and 4 GB may be more important.

Extra storage memory: 64 GB is a lot more space than 32 GB, since a bunch of that first 32 GB is used to store the OS and apps.

MicroSDXC slot: Again, for certain applications, having 64 GB extra room could be important.

8 megapixel rear facing camera: Probably not important, since few people use a tablet for photography. It will be worth checking out reviews of the ZenPad S tablets to learn more about the camera.

On balance, I'd say the $199 model is the reasonable choice unless you have need for really big storage.

 

[kojackJKU]

I would spend the extra hundred and buy the upper spec one. Better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. I am seriously contemplating a zenphone 2 with 4gb ram and 128gb storage as a second phone. I am liking the zenwatch and the phone would go great with it. I have been using my galaxy note a bit with a version of KitKat. IT is not stable at all, but when working the experience is much better than ICS and versions before.

 

[91AzXJ]

The main upside of the more expensive unit other than increased memory and speed is definitely the USB port. You don't realize how handy that is until you don't have it.

 

[kojackJKU]

oh yeah. USB is a great item to have for sure!