Seems a good deal since it comes with Office 365 Personal 1 Year Subscription.
Stay connected with the Unisurf 7" Windows 16GB Tablet, offering a 7" touch screen, 16GB, 1GB RAM and Windows 8.1 operating system, with access to the Windows Store.
Free store pick up or Australia wide delivery, delivery seems cheap I got a quote for $6.95
No idea how this tablet performs, don't suppose it will be that quick with 1gb ram
$78 before Cashback $53 after Cashback
@erwinsie:
Thanks for that.
I've used Windows since 3.1 from memory. Not that I wanted to. But as a trainer & lecturer, it was expected.
I know it is possible to change the environment, but I have a loan model & was trying to avoid the hassle.
Just discovered I have a free brand new MS Desktop 2000 that probably could be used instead of the Bluetooth Wedge.
Ah, decisions - too little enthusiasm for reentering the Windows environment.
@brucefromaustralia:
Same here I started with white n green two colours monitor and tried every single windows. Never touch apple and linux
@erwinsie:
Ah those old monitors, but I started with punch cards ;-)
Memories!
I was the Apple trainer at my Uni, within a week of using my first Mac. My office was full of pc gear & my curiosity got to me. Not bad for a 2nd year (non-IT) student:-)
But the office was more use for my drunken 3am writing & t-shirt design. Strangely, that output became extremely popular. I was suddenly invited to the best parties. Luckily the Uni saw my talent & paid me to lecture in writing with computers. And I interviewed overseas authors such as Douglas Adams. Much more interesting & less frustrating than computing :-)
Screen Resolution 1024 x 600
1 gig ram
16 gigs memory
Are the worst combination for windows 8
So you can use it as windows box. But one software at a time with limited ram.
Wonder if you can install
Kodi and play via hdmi to tv
and use it as a cheap media player smart tv box
it would be using windows for bing
Using the HDMI out is the only sensible way, and it has been said above.
Think of the screen as a way of getting a cheap Win 8.1 license :-)
The screen res is too low for Windows, but the RAM and storage should be fine for many purposes including HTPC.
(Not sure windows is the best platform for Kodi though. Android or Raspberry Pi might be better.)
Could I use this with a monitor for running (old) PC games for the kids, such as Spore? I was thinking Minecraft, but it seems the PC version needs 2GB.
Minecraft doesn't even use 2GB when I'm hosting a server.
Spore might run, but it does need 4GB of storage.
Just ran minecraft with lowest settings and it was using around 500mb. So maybe if you close every other application it wouldn't be too bad.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LK4GoMg-OCw&feature=iv&src_v…
Similar tablet running minecraft at around 9 minutes.
Hows the screen on this I mean is the text clear is it better than the crap display on pendo windows tab.
Same problem - the 1280x800 desktop is scaled down to 1024x600. Yuck.
is this any good for kids ? I never had a windows platform based tablet, always had iPad but want to get something for our kids so they can start learning using tablets and play basic games. They are only 2 (twins) but you can never start early and this is a bargain.
I'd go for an Android device myself.
BTW if you seriously stop and think for like 5 seconds do you actually think your child is disadvantaged by not learning how to use a tablet early? I suspect a child in this situation may be behind their peers for perhaps 10 minutes the skill is that hard to pick up.
TBH yes, not because they don't know how to use a tablet, but because they are missing out on some amazing educational games…
… Destroying their attention span and risk/reward brain wiring, now that could be a problem
I have been always under the impression that tablets are bad for children, but it may just be me.
Windows tablets are not exactly for kids. As in there would probably have little to no apps for children. Windows tablets are usually bought because they run desktop programs. For what you want to do a 2nd hand iPad or an android tablet would be better. Not to mention the interface on Windows tablets are clunky still in desktop mode.
Remember, Windows 10 comes out shortly and this will get a free upgrade.
And why does this matter?
Does the hdmi out display full screen on a 50 inch tv, I tried pendo pad and it just displayed a box in the center and I couldn't make it go full screen.
My 7" pendo pad outputs full screen 1080p via mini hdmi. It's just regular windows, no reason it won't be full screen. Something is wrong with your setup, or you're doing it wrong.
I've got the equivalent 10" connected to the tv at the moment. Looks good full screen. But you need to change Display under settings. That gives full screen & turns screen off when HDMI plugged in.
that is because you need to change some settings. If your TV is FHD (1920x1080) than it should run full screen. If your TV is new 4k TV's than it wont work.
After you connect to your TV Right click on desktop(or hold touch on desktop until you see a square) and chose Screen resolution. Here you can see 2 screens are attached. Change multiple displays from "duplicate these displays to "extend these displays" or "show desktop only on 2". Make sure you have mouse and/or keyboard attached to tablet. Doing this much should give full screen on TV but if it don't than you have to change resolution of 2nd display manually.
Does this have miracast for wireless display?
It's something to do with your TV not having a 1:1 scaling I suppose. Try it with another PC/Laptop to verify.
Can you load traditional microsoft software onto these tablets? Just interested in simple accounting software
Thanks
This is 100% regular desktop Windows. Install any windows program on it.
Are you sure? As I understand it can only run Windows Store apps.
I think you're thinking about RT. These things run full windows.
@AznMitch: The Unisurf website made me think it. Under Features & Benefits it says "+ Windows Store & Built-in Apps". And again elsewhere, "access thousands of applications from Windows Store". But now I know it's full Windows, I'm getting one! :)
I really want to get this coz it's so cheap, but I've seen so many cheap tablets become expensive door stoppers. I fear this will be another.
Found its Manual if anyone interested to look deeper into it.
Interestingly, the same processor as Intel Compute Stick Z3735F Mini PC Windows 8.1 is selling for $215!
The Intel® Compute Stick is a new generation of computing that transforms any HDMI display into a fully functional computer.
So no screen or speaker, does the same job, but 4 times the price, just smaller.
Not quite. Z3735G. I was just doing some research and I came across this article.
Similar to the Z3735D, the Z3735F has the maximum recommended display resolution of 1900x1200.
The Z3735G has 32-bit memory bus, which limits supported RAM size to 1 GB, and cuts in half memory bandwidth from 10.6 GB/s to 5.3 GB/s. Its maximum display resolution is 1200x800.
Not sure if that's max dispay res or "recommended" max dispay res. Can't verify the accuracy of that information but I'd only get it to turn my TV into a desktop.
Thanks for the correction. I'm using the 10" Aldi tablet with 'F' (plus better screen) & hadn't checked my own comment that lists this deal as the 'G'.
Well the image on the TV won't be as good with this deal, as the one I'm looking at with the 'F' :-(
Resolution sent to TV is 1920 x 1080 (recommended) with my 10". Forget the 1200x800 offered by this deal - I just lowered resolution to 1280x800, chunky & not very good.
So no screen, smaller, does the same job, but 4 times the price.
Thats mostly because of the windows license. No screen means no free/cheap windows.
Prices will drop if MS and Intel do a deal, but they'd have to offer similar to everyone, and MS does not want to cannibalise the office desktop market.
I thought it wasn't just limited to tablets/phones but devices under $250? Sorry can't find reference so I could be wrong.
I think there is definitely some limits to what falls under "free/cheap" licensing. I remember Pipo releasing a mini PC with a crappy screen, I am assuming it is to bypass that.
It's free for tablets with a screen size smaller than 9".
$15 USD for tablets with 9 - 10.1" screen.
$25 USD for all other low cost devices below $250 USD.
$25 USD for all other low cost devices below $250 USD.
That sounds plausible, but do you have a citation please? An MS page or press release?
Thanks OP. Purchased one. I am new to windows tablets, just wondering whether I need to take a backup (i.e. full internal storage backup - I'm not sure whether it is possible)? Or whether it has got the OS image stored somewhere, so if something happens I can restore it to the original state.
It's called restore, but someone else can explain it as I'm new to Windows beyond XP :-)
Swipe from right edge towards left, click Settings, then Change PC Settings.
Under PC Settings, Update & recovery.
I really want to throw away that image back up which is in tablet. That make the 16 gb become 6gb available.
Following article explains how to remove that partition. Anyone tried?
http://www.howtogeek.com/188072/how-to-make-the-most-of-a-wi…
Some Windows tablets have as little as 32GB of internal storage, and future ones may only have 16GB!
Made me laugh ;-)
Certainly worth a try removing Recovery Partition, after copying to flash drive.
Damn you phone, accidentally negged your good advice (& removed it but can't +).
Just got one today. This is pretty snappy and responsive for such a small and cheap device. Just getting used to windows 8.1 since I prefer windows 7. When I first set the tablet up and got into desktop, I noticed that the resolution was blurry and seemed to be upscaled to 1280x800 from 1024x600 (my videos also seemed stretched). You could not change it in the screen resolution setting but you can change it by going into the advanced settings in this window and then selecting the adapter model tab. You can then select the 'List All Modes' and select the true 1024x600 and hit apply. This made everything look so crisp and clear and also fixed my stretched videos. Just some info if other people hated the upscale.
Glad to hear that. It was a major reason I held back.
I'm trialing a higher resolution 10" with a better chip, so better for larger screens up to Full HD.
Reason they upscaled the resolution was because metro apps require at lease min. 1280x768. If you're going to stay in desktop mode 95% of the time, 1024x600 will look fine, but windows will look huge.
Btw, battery life any good? 5hrs at least?
You're hopeful. Specs list
Estimated Battery Life (hr) 4
Steps to change resolution for better viewing:
Swipe from right edge towards left, click Settings, then Change PC Settings.
Under PC settings, click Control Panel,
select Appearance and Personalisation,
select Display,
Adjust resolution, resolution - choose from slider.
Bruce, I don't think that works until you go into the advanced … 'List All Modes' setting described above.
Mine looks much better now, thanks. I don't care if Metro is broken.
You broke Metro. The developers will be heartbroken. Glad to hear it looks better.
Thanks, I didn't realise I had a different processor then & some things were different. Strangely, mine does not have advanced modes from that window as described. Likely due to the different ways available to access Display settings.
It was a bad night to get my head around something this complex, without the unit in front of me. In my old field, I've given useful advice in a forum on an unseen just released complex piece of electronics, from the beach of a resort in Malaysia. But not this time. (The manufacturer claimed it was designed with my advice, but it was nothing I recognised.)
An adage from my research background I broke was don't go beyond the data, ie stick to what you empirically know to be true. (Like your empirical test of charging via OTG, rather than just reading the discussion.) Sorry for the confusion :-(
Will finally pick up this tablet this morning & see for myself. @$28 it should be worth it.
Hey, I could run that side by side comparison ;-) Will try out the cable mod for charging while using a powered USB hub, doubt it will work - but have the parts.
Well I'm up early to feed the local birds. They're singing outside my window to get me out of bed.
Update. The battery is pretty decent. I have been using for a lot of browsing and after 3 hours, it is at 35% with brightness at 50%. This would last more than 4 hours if you use it casually for browsing but still testing. Runs 1080p movies videos easily (using mpc and high mkv containers) and smoothly. Being a game junkie, I installed the latest direct X and I can confirm that Warcraft 3 frozen throne runs smoothly and aswell as call of duty modern warfare zombies (a bit laggy). Many other games just crash even with compatibility changing (must be low memory issue).Will have more testing.
Thanks OP, can someone pls post the link to the cash back
Got mine, and rushed here to say:
THE DISPLAY IS HIDEOUS Do not buy this for use as a tablet! Not if they drop it to $20.
It is the worst screen I have ever seen on a tablet, and that includes a few Pendos. The slightest tile changes the display a lot.
And that is even before you consider the fuzziness brought on by Windows downscaling from 800 to 600 lines.
I will be using mine as a cheap "compute stick".
I'll be using full-hd :) , but the display hardware is still awful - like a $30 phone, and the Win-8 Metro interface will not work properly at 600-lines.
There's usually a good reason why they were cheap.
Even on a Full HD monitor or TV, the resolution is chunky at max of 1200X800.
I may sacrifice Metro anyway (I'm old school Windows), if I get one. In the mean time I'll explore the loan 10" with better processor & resolution.
Thanks for the feedback.
Bruce, it automatically adapts to the native resolution of your display. Or it should. So no chunky 1200x800.
I have my hdmi TV, bluetooth mouse & Kb connected. Now have do decide if there is any point keeping Metro, or go back to the old desktop, now that you've told me thats possible :)
@manic:
1200x800 is max resolution of this processor. 1920 x 1080 is max of the 'F' processor I'm using.
Maybe upscaling to your native resolution. Would explain better image. But could introduce other effects, as seen on the tablet screen.
I'm only basing that chunkiness (seen close up around black text on white background) on reducing the resolution to around that setting, when connected to a 50" FHD TV… as I posted above.
Resolution sent to TV is native 1920 x 1080 (recommended) with my 10". (Good image.) … I just lowered resolution to 1280x800, chunky & not very good.
But I don't have this tablet to test image.
No, works fine for me. Set for external only, and automatically configures for full hd or 1360x768 on old monitor.
The only thing that does not automatically work at native res is the built-in screen :)
The idea that it could only do 1200x800 is a bit hard to imagine, considering the power compared to desktops of past years.
@brucefromaustralia: Its recommended resolution is not full hd but it can run full hd. Better to use display on monitor 2 only. 2 screens might be overkill for the tablet.
@manic:
The Z3735G has 32-bit memory bus, which limits supported RAM size to 1 GB, and cuts in half memory bandwidth from 10.6 GB/s to 5.3 GB/s. Its maximum display resolution is 1200x800.
So resolutions higher than that are by upscaling.
'F' can handle higher resolutions up to 1900x1200.
Older desktops did not process FHD video, and had an external processor to handle that task.
I used to design with early processor chips. Budget ones often have slower buses (less bits). Slow down the bus, less processing can be done. Video processing is very intensive. So it's fudged on the way out. It's cost cutting.
@manic: Can you confirm it is actually running at 1920 x 1080 and not just some lower res blown up to fit your TV? That's what we're trying to work out because they haven't really published that info for this model.
@Dan_:
Yes, but I cannot figure what Bruce is trying to say. Please be more specific/technical Bruce. The hdmi signal is definitely 1080p 60 Hz - no upscaling in the monitor. The framebuffer is also 1920x1080. Crisp text - subpixel antialiasing and all. I'm normally a Mac/Linux guy, not Windows, but do have some hardware knowledge.
just got one
absolute bargin
if i connect it to a TV
is it possible to use it like a chromcast function?
i.e say play this video from my phone , and itll open up youtube or something on the tv/tablet
It is possible. Will need to find software's to do that. But Chromecast is cheaper than this tablet. Better go for that if that is all you want to do.
Reading the last few comments got me confused. Can someone answer with confidence- if I connect this tablet to Full HD TV - will a Full HD movie file play in 1920 x 1080p resolution ON the TV??? Will the windows desktop ON the TV scale with 1920 x 1080p?
Dear confused,
(we're trying to determine that)
Seems it upscales to your TV's native resolution (1920 x 1080p), from the processor's 1200x800 max resolution.
just to clarify: it does 1080p native. I'm typing on it right now.
Scrolling may not be the smoothest ever, but still ok with default settings.
By upscaling. That's what your display is reporting. It can't distinguish between upscaled 1080p & the real thing.
Besides, the processor & bus can't handle 1080p.
While scaling a video signal does allow it to match the size of a particular display, the process can result in an increased number of visual artifacts in the signal, such as ringing and posterization.
That's what you find in DVD players to give '1080p' from a lower definition. Your monitor or TV shows it is being presented with '1080p'. You have to pay a fair bit more for real 1080p output.
Plenty of discussion online.
It makes for a budget product as in this cheapie, and most people don't notice the drop in quality.
Bottom line, if you're happy with the output, that's all that matters.
By upscaling. That's what you are seeing.
Please don't talk down. I'm not an idiot. What do you want? A screenshot of the screen settings dialog? A dump of the EDID data?
It is 1:1 native. (unlike the OOTB 7"screen)
@manic:
You and I keep saying this over & over. Seems to go nowhere. Enough said.
Believe me, smart people can misunderstand or make mistakes. I've made 2 online today & learnt so much from them. So never thought poorly of you, why would I. I've made my money & experience from mistakes (& recovering from them).
What your screen settings dialog shows is what it detects. It can't tell the difference between upscaling & true 1080p. That is what you are seeing. I don't doubt that you see it says 1080p. But the chip specs say different.
I'd be wary describing an enthusiast article on cpu-world.com a specification. The resolution restriction is not listed on any Intel datasheet. Also consider the bitrate required to display 1920x1080 and compare with the memory bandwidth available. I suspect that statement on cpu-world.com is more of a direction to manufacturers that they should use it for their lower-end products.
@octagonalman:
Quite possibly. I've been trying to get my head around this tonight. The good thing is there are more knowledge people here than me. I'm always learning.
Other sites confirm the only difference between the 2 versions of the processor, apart from price, is the bus width - 32 & 64 bit. They're both budget chips.
With proof. It will work fine if your TV is not higher than 1920x1080. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XL8SrxeIDaw
The fuss is all about its weaker processor compared to F version. This tablet have G version. Tablet in that review is Winbook TW700.
http://www.microcenter.com/product/439773/TW70CA17_Tablet_-_… this is link for specs of TW700.
HD IPS LCD 7" 1280x800 Display
• Intel BayTrail-T Z3735G 1.33GHz Quad-Core CPU
• 1GB RAM & 16 Flash Storage
• Windows 8.1 OS
• Expandable up to 64GB via microSD Card
The WinBook 7" TW700 Tablet has 16GB of integrated storage, which can be expanded via microSD Card. Includes 1 year subscription for Office 365 Personal.
Go to about 4 mins in video to see that tablet running on separate monitor. He changes the resolution to 1920x1080 on monitor. Than he plays minecraft(if someone wants to do that on this tablet)
Good video review. Demonstrates how to set up displays, setting up as a desktop pc, etc. About 2:45 it plays Netflix video.
That unit has the benefit of USB + micro-USB & much better 1280x800 IPS screen. Nice.
He changes the resolution to 1920x1080 on monitor. Than he plays minecraft
But the screen is not 1080 while playing Minecraft. Just in case anyone thought that.
The video shows it is 1360x768. At around 5 minutes he explains the video distorts at higher resolution! He recommends 1080 only for light tasks like word processing & web browsing.
So while settings allow an external display at 1080, the slow bus & processing may not be suitable for video intensive tasks. And that game would be pushing the unit to the limit.
Also while demonstrating Minecraft, he explains it works at that frame rate because of an add-in.
So now you are talking about frame-rate for 3D gaming at full-res? This is getting distant from the original claim.
And you think that minecraft performance is bound by the memory bus? Based on ?
Intel's suits need to indulge in product differentiation. The 1GB RAM limit is very real, but the 5GB/s memory bus is not much different to the old desktop I'm using now.
In the absence of any real data on the architecture, it might be interesting to do a side-by-side comparison of the F and G.
You have to disable half the ram on the G, or otherwise be sure your test was not RAM bound.
@manic:
My response was to the video as evidence this unit handles 1080. The video showed limits to using that resolution.
[The suggested Minecraft add-on was added at the end as a tip for anyone wanting to play the game. It won't play at the shown frame rate without it.
Nothing to do with my previous comments, just a tip to not expect shown performance without it. I was discussing the video.]
Of course the obvious test is side by side comparison between the processors.
The 'F' can access up to 2GB of on-board RAM, not that it comes with 2GB RAM. Mine has the same 1GB. Other factors may contribute to differences in performance apart from the bus limitation.
Less bus width slows access to RAM, especially seen in intensive processing tasks - with higher RAM accessing. And RAM is very limited here.
Slower bus, slower RAM access, slower processing in general.
Bus width limitations generally matter less for processing speed, with larger cache size. These processors would lack the cache size built into desktop CPU units.
[My first work with a local semiconductor distributor involved designing video output with microprocessors with 8 bit buses (plus slow clock rates & tiny machine code limits). RAM access to perform any processing was slowed by those factors, which severely limited processing speed & basic video. My first unit had 8x1Kb RAM!]
Others will know far more about the field than I do - it's been a while.
I considered suggesting a comparison of processors, but irrelevant here as that processor is not offered in this deal. Only the performance of this deal's processor is relevant here.
The obvious way to check this unit's video output capability was to put the processor under stress. So I viewed the video of Warcraft. By what was posted above He changes the resolution to 1920x1080 on monitor. Than he plays minecraft, I thought it would show the game at 1080. But found differently with the recommendation against use on 1080 with more than browsing etc. That user recommendation is very relevant here.
Best people are aware of limitations, as in your actual testing of OTG charging. But I doubt anyone buys this unit for intensive gaming ;-)
designing video output with microprocessors with 8 bit buses
Ah, then you'll understand when I say if I can drag a window opaquely (without it turning into an outline), the graphics performance is OK :)
I was more worried about 1080p h264 decoding in the GPU, but Kodi was looking good in my brief testing. No tearing.
Netflix works well too, though I don't think it was more than 720p at best.
@manic:
Real world testing ;-)
When's the Warcraft test :-)
That window task takes me back to the first Mac I used in '86 (became staff Mac trainer at my uni a week later) - the code for common tasks like that was in ROM. Smart as it sped up the GUI, and was a good comparison to show up how slow early Windows systems were.
But pushing a device to its limit tells you a lot about its design. A manufacturer relied on my product reviews to redesign its new lines. No one else pushed their units so far, found their hidden design faults, and suggested detailed changes to firmware. That's easy when you're returning the test unit.
I'm impressed with your dedication to exploring this unit. Well I'm jealous really. Ripping it open. Photos? It's Tech-porn to me.
But after 14 days with a better sample unit sitting here, I've only used it for 1 hour for my tasks. That's a good indication - it doesn't excite me enough to buy one, at any price. And I'm a short walk from a HN with stock.
That is just recommendation. Just like Someone recommended 1280x800 display max. And he still plays that game above recommended resolution.
Video game is pretty heavy to run on such weak specs.
Cpu is throttling probably at 1080p which I think wont happen with videos. My friend have a unisurf 10.1 and I have a mini hdmi cable too. Unfortunately mini hdmi used on surface is different from one required for Unisurf. So I cant 100% confirm that it works. But if it can run windows on 1080p than it should be able to play videos too. Someone else you bought this can confirm it maybe.
You guys need to move on, go to work & earn some money and buy something better.
How do you receive the redemption?
thanks for that
The only reason I'm not getting this is because I'm afraid I might like it and it'll prevent me from getting something a little more capable
Just bought two with the HN newsletter coupon. When I get the cash back should total around $80 - awesome!
I did the same. Do I have to buy Microsoft office to get the 25$ cashback per tablet?
Ah, I'd like to confirm this too. As far as I know the device comes with a license you get to activate for free and then you claim the rebate as part of it?
Can someone clear this up?
Using the tablet, go to office.com and log in to your MS account.
This will activate office on your account, no serials or anything needed - it is tied to the tablet serial.
Then, according to the T&C, you must install office on at least one device (e.g. PC/mac, need not be the tablet).
Then fill the form online with screenshots and scan or pdf of the receipt.
HTH
If anyone in Melbourne wants to split the buy 2 deal let me know. I don't mind paying extra if you want to do the cashback processing.
ie. I'll pay $45 for one. PM me if you're interested.
Good idea.
Thanks OP! I am sure it will work well as a web and ftp server. At least no need to buy a separate UPS since it already runs on battery.
Yep same here - if anyone in Perth WA wants to go halves to get the better deal - hit me up!
A possibly serious problem found:
I cannot recharge via an OTG adapter. From what I've read, this is likely to be a hardware limitation,
and it will need one of those OTG hubs with the charge/otg switch. ie turn off the power whenever using the usb.
So if you want to leave it permanently powered, e,g, as a HTPC, all controllers will need to be via bluetooth or wifi. At least it has a TF slot.
Or … open the case and hack in a separate power input, bypassing the usb.
Oh well, I have a 2GB/32GB mini-pc with separate USB ports on the way from China. This one is just a toy :)
@brucefromaustralia:
If metro is the issue you don't have to use it with windows eight. You can download some software to bring back old school type of windows xp menu. Never see that ugly metro boxes anymore!