NEW WINDOWS TABLET COMPETES WITH APPLE
Toshiba’s Encore tablet uses Windows- operating system, is about $ 70 less than the iPad mini with Retina display
Encore Tablet, Toshiba
When people ask me what kind of tablet they should buy, I usually ask them what operating system they have on their computers or smartphones. If they are Apple afi cionados, they may want to stay within the Apple ecosystem and choose an iPad; the same for people who love their Android phones — possibly they’ll go for an Android tablet. There are not so many Windows Phone users. But while Windows Phone ended 2013 with only a 3.6- percent market share, a lot of computer users like the Windows operating system and would opt for a Windows tablet. Choice in that is growing, with the latest being Toshiba’s Encore tablet, an eight- inch tablet with Windows 8.1, a 1280- by- 800 screen and weighing in at 479 grams. It has 32GB of internal storage plus a microSD slot that can add an extra 32GB of storage. And it has an eight- megapixel camera, a two- megapixel front- facing camera for video calling, a micro- HDMI port, GPS and dual microphones. Because it’s running Windows 8.1, the Encore is compatible with both Windows 8 apps and Windows 7 programs. At $ 350, it’s about $ 70 less than an entry level iPad mini with Retina display. toshiba. ca.
SoundPlate ( LAB540W) LG
LG is giving a preview of its audio lineup for CES, starting with the SoundPlate, a slim little device meant to fi t with that fl atscreen TV you got for Christmas. Reaching a height of less than 40mm from its base, it can sit directly under televisions ranging from 32- to 55- inch models, for a sleek and clutterfree look. The SoundPlate has a 4.1 channel, 320 watt sound system and an external wireless subwoofer. It also has a built- in 3D Blu- ray player with LG’s Smart TV functionality. So if you didn’t get a new TV for Christmas, this will transform your old one into a smart TV. No pricing has been announced yet for this and other products in LG’s new audio lineup. lge. com.
XtremeGrip XL Vent Mount and the Clip N Grip, Bracketron
With the Consumer Electronics Show running Jan. 7- 10 in Las Vegas, some manufacturers are already giving previews of what to expect on the show fl oor. Bracketron is among them, planning to showcase its new lineup of vehicle mounts for your smartphone or small tablet. The Clip N Grip, to be priced at $ 35 US, has a 360- degree rotating head that lets you mount a device either horizontally or vertically. The XtremeGrip XL Vent Mount, at $ 30 US, gives you another way to mount a device, connecting to the vent louvres in your car. bracketron. com
Wireless Audio System, NP8740, LG
LG’s new NP8740 wireless audio system will make it easy to manage music throughout your house, using Wi- Fi. The system lets you play the same music from all the wireless speakers in your house or you can confi gure it to play diff erent music in diff erent rooms. The system has its own smartphone app to make it easy to tailor the sound throughout your home.
Samsung 105- inch Curved UHD TV
Samsung will be showing off its massive 105- inch curved ultra high- defi nition TV at this year’s CES. Billed as the world’s “fi rst, largest and most curved,” TV of its size, Samsung promises its new UHD TV off ers the best of TV viewing from any angle. The resolution is 5120- by- 2160 with a 21: 9 aspect ratio. samsung. com.