Windows 8 Tablet Review: Tegatech V2 Android/Windows Tablet

Today we take a look at yet another Windows tablet that also claims to support “dual-booting to Android”.

So far, most of these Android/Windows dual-systems have proved to have a very limited overall Android experience that makes it more of just a novelty than a truly useful feature.

So how does the Tegatech Tega V2 compare? Does it pull off the dual-experience well and also provide us a great Windows experience that will get even better once Windows 8 Beta (and final) come around?

We'll find out, but as always let's take a closer look at the specifications first:

• Intel ATOM-N455 1.66GHz Processor
• Intel NM10 Express Chipset
• 10.1” multi-touchscreen with a resolution of 1024x600
• Motion Sensor built-in
• 32GB SDD
• 802,11 b/g WIFI
• Bluetooth V2.1+EDR
• 2 USB 2.0 Ports
• Mini VGA port
• Micro-SD Card Reader
• 1.3M Camera
• Lithium Polymer Battery, about five hours duration
• Dimensions: 243mmx 190mmx 14mm
• Weight: 1.92 pounds

So now that we've taken a closer look at the machine's hardware specs, let's start with the overall design and go from there with today's review.

Look And Feel

There isn't much that really needs to be said about the Tega V2's design, its basic and its functional. It doesn't scream of excitement but nor does its overall construction seem all that cheap either.

My biggest qualm in the look and feel department is the scream.

Looking in on a 1024x600 resolution is a bit tiring, I just don't get why manufacturers go with this resolution, especially since Windows 8 was already in the rumor-mill and most developers knew early on the Metro would be requiring a higher resolution like 1024x768.

The screen also looks awful because it can easily pick up fingerprints that just make it look not so elegant.

Still, I suppose what really matters is how the capacitive screen performs, right? The good news is that everything works as expected. Responsiveness isn't bad, and there are really no overall complaints here.

This isn't a machine that you pick up to impressive your friends with its stunning design curves, but it is a simple device with simple looks that can get the job done.

Battery Life

5 hours, give or take. Under strenuous tests this holds up more to 3 1/2-4 hours though. Is this bad? Yes and no, it isn't good but nor is it that uncommon for a Windows tablet to have poor battery power.

While I'd like to see at least 5 or more even under more strenuous use, it is what it is.

Best of Both Worlds?

You can already guess how Windows 7 performs on this device: just fine. Windows 7 isn't a brilliant touch experience, but the hardware does make it work just fine for browsing and other basic uses.

The bigger question though is about Android and how it performs on the unit.

First off, Android is NOT included with the Tega V2. It is compatible and the ROM is offered directly from their website, but they don't pre-install it. So if you don't want to do the dirty work to get Android up, this isn't a very good choice for a dual-booting tablet at all.

As for the installed-Android experience? Don't expect much, it is version 1.6. This archaic OS just isn't up to the job and this is doubly so thanks to no real market support.

IN FACT, until recently even WIFI drivers weren't working for the Tega V2.

Thankfully, this issue has been resolved. Still, Android 1.6 makes for a toy-like experience at best. Of course if you have important stuff on the Windows side, the Android side could be a great sandbox for younger children. This would work nicely as you wouldn't have to worry about them messing with the Windows 7 (or side of things.

Hardware Performance

Atom processor. Doesn't that just sum this whole section up? Okay, so for those who want a little more than that, it does support DDR3 RAM and in overall use it ran just fine with iTunes, Firefox, and a few other programs running in the background. While not a multi-tasking beast, it did handle most things OKAY.

As far as streaming video though? Don't do HD, it really can't handle it. That's not just 1080, that same goes for 720p as well.

It was also a very noisy little guy, although at least it stayed cool.

It should run just fine, with the exception of the resolution being too low for Metro.

This would be a deal-breaker but luckily folks smarter than me worked out a simple registry hack that works around this issue.

With the hack in place, your 1024x600 resolution machine can switch into 1024x768 mode... though it will really still be just 1024x600. Still, this is enough to make Metro work with minimal problems noticed.

While you might want to go for a better native resolution experience, this does work and so I can say it has at least SOME Windows 8 potential.

Summing It All Up...

As a $799 Windows 7 tablet it isn't a bad device. It's not wonderful either, but at least it still manages to break under the $1000 mark.

Personally, I'd either look for cheaper (some Windows tablets with DDR2 RAM can run $500-$650) or pay more ($1000-$1200) for something with an AMD processor or maybe even an Intel i3.

Biggest piece of advice I can give is that you shouldn't buy this with Android in mind. Still, as a sandbox for youngsters I suppose it could have some appeal.

If you are interested in this tablet, it can be purchased directly through Tegatech's website.

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