Thanks to a new wave of 8-inch Windows 8.1 tablets, Microsoft’s flagship OS is becoming more portable than ever. Lenovo’s Miix 2 is one of the latest slates to put Windows 8.1 in your (jacket) pocket, touting a powerful Bay Trail processor and a bright 1280 x 800 display. But can it compete with similarly sized Windows slates?
04Design
The Lenovo Miix 2 is much sleeker when compared with competing 8-inch Windows 8 tablets.
At 12.2 ounces and 0.3 inches thick, this slate is ultra light and super thing, perfect for commuting workers.
Sporting a black bezel encased by silver panels, it looks smart, simple and stylish. When held vertically, the device’s 2-MP front camera sits at the top next to a Lenovo logo, while a touch-capacitivimge Windows home button rests at the bottom.
The slate’s right edge hosts a power button, volume switch, microSD reader and microUSB input, with a headphone jack on the top edge. The Miix’s silver plastic back panel has a faint texture for grip and comfort and features a slightly raised Lenovo logo near the centre, while the device’s 5-MP rear lens and small stereo speakers sit at the top of the back panel.
The Lenovo Miix can also be attached to a ‘quick flip’ keyboard case that instantly converts it to a full-function laptop PC, perfect for on-the-go entertainment or productivity.
Display
The Miix 2 sports an 8-inch, 1280 x 800 display. The multicolored Live Tile interface looks crisp on the Miix 2’s screen, colours are bright and vivid and text is clear and sharp.
In terms of brightness, the Miix 2’s 534-lux display outshone its 8-inch competitors by a long shot. The slate’s brightness rating more than doubled the 222-lux Iconia W3-810, and significantly outperformed the 377-lux Dell Venue 8 Pro and the 361-lux category average.
Interface
The Miix 2 runs Windows 8.1, which is the first major update to Microsoft’s touch-optimized OS. The 8.1 lock screen displays the time, date, battery life and Wi-Fi connection at the bottom left, and can be swiped up to unlock
the device.
The slate’s home screen sports the familiar grid of Windows 8 tiles, including icons for Internet Explorer, Skydrive and Calendar, as well as Live Tiles that provide real-time updates on sports, news and weather. The Windows 8.1 update brings along new Bing apps for cooking and exercise, as well options to make each tile one of four sizes.
Also new to Windows 8.1 is an improved Snap View mode, which allows users to split the screen between two apps at ratios of 50/50, 60/40 and 70/30.
Apps
The Miix 2’s app selection runs the standard Windows 8.1 gamut, providing access to programs like Skype, Internet Explorer and Xbox Music. Many Windows 8.1 devices pack the trial version of Office, though Miix 2 owners get a free copy of Office Home & Student 2013.
You’ll also find popular programs like Adobe Photoshop Express, Facebook, Twitter and Netflix.
Performance
The Miix 2 is powered by a 1.3-GHz Intel Atom Z3740 processor along with 2GB of RAM. The Miix 2 performs basic tablet functions without a hitch, taking 1.44 seconds to launch the Camera app, and just 0.72 seconds to return to the Start screen from Camera. With 32GB of eMMC storage, the Miix 2 booted Windows 8.1 in just 12 seconds.
Camera
The Miix 2 has a respectable 2-MP front-facing lens for video chats and taking quick pictures. Along with the slate’s rear 5-MP rear camera, they capture and produce striking images that are clear and accurate.
Battery Life
You’ll have no issues using the Miix 2 for most of the workday on a single charge, as the Lenovo tablet lasts approximately 8 hours.
Verdict
The Lenovo Miix 2 is the best entry yet in the still-young market of smaller Windows 8 tablets. The slate’s Bay Trail processor and strong battery provides plenty of pep and endurance for work and play. Plus, its bright, lucid screen outshines
the competition.
