Unveiling the Acer Iconia W4-820 - The Ultimate Windows 8.1 Tablet

Unveiling the Acer Iconia W4-820 - The Ultimate Windows 8.1 Tablet

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Design and Build Quality
3. Display
4. Sound
5. Performance
6. Battery Life
7. Software
8. Summary
9. Pros and Cons
10. FAQ

Introduction

Welcome to my review of the Acer Iconia W4, an 8-inch Windows 8.1 tablet. In this article, we will dive into the various aspects of this tablet, including its design, display, sound, performance, battery life, software, and more. By the end of this review, You will have a thorough understanding of whether the Acer Iconia W4 is worth buying or not.

Design and Build Quality

When it comes to design and build quality, the Acer Iconia W4 leaves a mixed impression. While the tablet feels solid and has nicely rounded edges, it is noticeably HEAVIER compared to its competitors. The fake glossy metal finish on the back can make it slightly slippery to hold. Additionally, there are some unnecessary protrusions on the sides, which could have been avoided. Overall, the design and build quality are decent, but not premium, considering its price.

Display

The Acer Iconia W4 sports an 8.1-inch display with a resolution of 1280 by 800, which is relatively low compared to other tablets in its class. The blacks on the display are deep and the colors are vibrant and detailed. However, the lower resolution becomes noticeable when browsing and can give a grainy appearance to the screen. The display also suffers from flex, which can be seen when the tablet is lightly touched or moved. Despite these drawbacks, the display quality is decent and offers stable viewing angles.

Sound

The sound quality of the Acer Iconia W4 is a mixed bag. On one HAND, the tablet offers loud volume levels, which is great for watching videos and listening to music. On the other hand, the lack of stereo speakers and the placement of one speaker on the bottom side of the tablet can result in blocked sound when holding it in certain orientations. The absence of bass and the harshness of the treble are also noticeable downsides. Overall, the sound quality is average, with the volume being its main highlight.

Performance

In terms of performance, the Acer Iconia W4 performs admirably. The tablet is super fast and handles scrolling, zooming, and app switching with ease. It can stream large PDF files smoothly over the network without any lag. The SunSpider benchmark results are around 400-450 milliseconds, slightly slower than its 10-inch counterparts. However, in real-world usage, the performance is top-notch. The disk speeds of the tablet are also impressive, with faster Read and write speeds compared to similar tablets. The Acer Iconia W4 excels in performance, making it a great device for office work and content consumption.

Battery Life

The battery life of the Acer Iconia W4 is impressive. It takes around three to four hours to fully charge and offers exceptional standby time. During casual use, the tablet can last up to three days, and even with heavier usage, it can easily last two days. The standby drain is minimal, with only a slight percentage drop over ten hours. With its long battery life, the Acer Iconia W4 is an ideal companion for long periods of use without worrying about running out of power.

Software

The Acer Iconia W4 comes with Windows 8.1, offering a touch-optimized desktop experience. The tablet includes the full Office suite, making it suitable for office work. However, it also comes with some bloatware from Acer, which may not be to everyone's liking. Windows 8.1 provides a versatile platform for content consumption and office work, but it may not be the best choice for heavy social media users. Overall, the software experience is smooth and capable, catering to a variety of needs.

Summary

To summarize, the Acer Iconia W4 offers a mixed bag of features and qualities. While it may not have the most premium feel and boasts a lower resolution display, it compensates with its micro HDMI port, excellent performance, long battery life, and capable software. If you are comfortable with its weight and price, and value its features, the Acer Iconia W4 is a tablet worth considering. However, if micro HDMI is not a requirement, alternatives with better build quality and display may be more suitable options.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Micro HDMI port for desktop use
• Solid performance and fast speeds
• Exceptional battery life
• Smooth software experience
• Affordable price

Cons:

• Heavy compared to competitors
• Lower resolution display
• Average sound quality
• Some unnecessary protrusions in the design

FAQ

1. Can the Acer Iconia W4 handle office work?

   • Yes, the tablet offers top-notch performance and comes with the full Office suite, making it suitable for office work.

2. How is the battery life of the Acer Iconia W4?

   • The tablet has excellent battery life, lasting up to three days with casual use and easily getting through two days with heavier usage.

3. Does the Acer Iconia W4 have a micro HDMI port?

   • Yes, the tablet features a micro HDMI port, making it convenient for desktop use.

4. Can the sound quality of the Acer Iconia W4 be considered good?

   • The sound quality is average, with loud volume but lacking in bass and having harsh treble.

5. Is the Acer Iconia W4 a good value for the price?

   • If you value its features, such as micro HDMI and long battery life, and are comfortable with its weight and lower resolution display, then it can be a good value for the price.