GADGET GIZMO REVIEW ..................HP Omni 10

GADGET GIZMO REVIEW HP Omni 10

PRICE `27,990

SPECIFICATIONS

1.46Ghz quad core Intel Atom, 2GB RAM, 32GB storage, 10.1-inch LCD (1920 x 1200), micro SD (up to 64GB), Windows 8.1, 8MP rear + 2MP front cam, micro HDMI, micro USB, WiFi, Bluetooth, 3.5mm audio out, USB OTG, 635 grams Good performance, completely silent (fanless, no moving parts), high quality full HD screen, affordable Attract too many smudges, no full size USB port, limited internal memory (after Windows & app installation)

 As we move into a new era of lightweight tablets with full Windows, options are increasing -and at prices that will make you smile. Take HP's new Omni 10 -it's a fairly lightweight Windows tablet with a pleasing design and high def screen. It's powered by Intel's new quad core Atom processor in a fanless design with flash storage. Since there are no moving parts, the whole device is slim, with rounded edges ­ much like a conventional `consumption' tablet.

HP has also chosen to go minimal with ports and buttons ­ there's the usual touch sensitive Windows button on the screen, a power button on top and a volume rocker. There's a 3.5mm audio out/headphone jack on the side, a micro SD slot under a flap a micro USB port, micro HDMI and proprietary charging port. The lack of a full size USB port is disappointing, because that means you need to a USB host cable/ adapter for anything that you need to connect. For the times when you want to be a little more productive, you could get a tablet stand and Bluetooth keyboard.

So what can you use the Omni 10 for? It breezes through all your daily tasks like web surfing, HD multimedia and light gaming. It feels responsive and fluid throughout ­ even while switching between multiple applications. Office is not built in, so consider that an additional expense (or go for one of the free alternatives). When you want to work, you can pair it with a keyboard and even output to a larger screen.

The downside is -no accessories are included. You'll probably want to buy a case, keyboard, tablet stand , micro HDMI cable and USB host cable.

With a full charge and with the screen set to mid brightness, you should get 6 hours of battery life from the Omni 10.
Not bad but not enough to take you through a full work day without plugging in. Overall, the Omni 10 is worth considering if you're looking to replace your laptop with something lightweight that can do the job of both a tablet and laptop.
HITESH RAJ BHAGAT