Asus VivoTab Note 8 Review: digital drawing in a pint-sized package, with Windows
by Tablets for Artists
Also see our review of the Toshiba Encore Write 2 , new in 2015.
The Vivotab also comes in a 32GB model, but most of that would be used up simply for the OS, so get the 64GB, it’s about $50 more.
This tablet is quite exciting because it has the Wacom digitizer at a much lower price point than a Cintiq or any tablet where you draw on the screen that also has full Windows, as opposed to Atom or Android. It’s comparable in size and price to the iPad mini, but iPads lack pressure sensitivity and can only run apps, not full programs. (Also, this tablet would let you watch Flash videos without an app.)
Type of Tablet
Small, 8″ slate tablet. A Bluetooth keyboard can optionally be added.
Unlike some tablets of the same size that run Atom or Android, this one runs full Windows 8.1.
For Lefties
This would be all right for the left-handed, but you should use the stylus for commands as it could be in inconvenient to use the multitouch with conventional Windows menus being on the left. Also, the screen is small, so whether righty or lefty, the stylus is easier.
Features
Wacom active stylus with 1,024 pressure levels (included)
Pre-installed full license MS Office Home & Student included. Win 8.1 full version.
8″ IPS HD 1280×800 Display
Intel Baytrail-T Z3740 Quad-Core 1.3 GHz.
64GB solid state storage. 2GB RAM
1.2MP front camera, 5MP rear camera
Bluetooth 4.0
microUSB slot
microSDXC slot
GPS
Thickness 0.4 inch
Weight 0.8 pound
Height 8.7 in.
Width 5.2 inch
Weight 12.8 oz.
This small tablet packs quite a punch as far as features–namely, the Wacom digitizer and pen, and full Windows make this a nice choice for artists, and it’s the reason we chose to review it. The Windows start button is on the left edge, which can be hard to find. One the right side opposite it is the sleep button, so you have to remember which is which.
Portability
At 12.8 oz., it’s easy to tote along.
What’s Included
The tablet, charger, micro-USB cable, quickstart guide and documentation, warranty, and a license for Microsoft Office Home & Student 2013 edition.
Screen
The screen is not that high-resolution. It can’t be compared to something high-res like a Cintiq 13HD, but for the price, it’s not bad. If you, for instance, make Print on Demand cards, the screen is larger than the card, and you could zoom in while drawing. You could create comics for online or print. Not all digital art needs a large monitor. The screen does attract smudges so I suggest a smudgeguard glove, screen protector. Built-in palm rejection favors the stylus, so you can hold the tablet while drawing without your hand causing anything to happen. The screen has is multitouch. It’s quick and responsive to pen and touch, and has good viewing angles. Smooth glass goes from one edge to the other with no lip or plastic border.
Stylus
The pen comes neatly tucked into the stylus, which is good news. It’s fine for drawing, and handwriting, but you might do more precise work with a larger pen.
Controls
The Windows button and power button are on the sides, which can be a bit confusing. The Windows key is on the left edge. The camera is in an unusual place, right in the vertical center on the back. There’s no video output; you’d need an adapter.
Software
Comes with One Note, Microsoft Office, and you can use any Windows programs, including Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.
Battery Life
6 to 8 hours (Amazon says 6 and Asus says 8; customers say 8-12)
Customer Ratings and Reviews
This has good reviews on Amazon, with people praising its. One Asus Vivotab Note 8 review said the battery lasted for 12 hours, and many said all day. Some said it is more useful than their Ipad (which makes sense, as it can do a lot more, though you will have to deal with things like Windows updates).
Unfortunately, there were some negative notes as well. In particular, this model has issues with the pen suddenly stopping working, and there is a very long thread about this here. So if you do buy this, it’s good to get it from Amazon because they have a 30-day return policy and make it easy to make returns, and the problem usually happens sooner. The extended warranty is a good idea too. I wish I could write an unreservedly positive Asus VivoTab Note 8 review, but because of the many customers who had issues with it, I have to say buyer beware. As it is, it’s not the most powerful tablet in its class, but it’s the only one so far that has the Wacom digitizer, so it’s an exciting development for artists on the go and for artists on a budget. If you get one with no problems, and you don’t mind the small size, this could be a joy.
Pros
Wacom digitizer and pen at much lower price than larger tablet PCs or Cintiqs
portable, light
Rubberized back can take a fall
Excellent battery life
Good handwriting recognition; will convert handwriting to text
Comes bundled with Office
Cons
No HDMI out, but can use an adapter
Some devices have been failing for some users (see Consumer Ratings and Reviews, above)
Screen smudges easily
The Verdict
If you get one without any issues, I think this tablet would be fun for an artist. Because of the small size I wouldn’t want it to be my sole art tablet, but I think this is a good starter tablet or extra tablet, especially with a Bluetooth keyboard (any Bluetooth keyboard would work, not just the detachable one) so you could use it as a small, lightweight computer for art and general productivity.
The VivoTab is comparable to the Dell Venue 8 Pro, though artists may prefer the VivoTab’s Wacom tech.
See more info, reviews and price
Optional Accessories
IVSO Bluetooth Keyboard Portfolio Case
Here’s an illustrator doing her thing on a VivoTab Note 8:
https://youtu.be/LUamQBAvJRE
End of Asus VivoTab Note 8 review
Hello.
You still can recomend this tablet/pc? I use CLIP STUDIO PAINT., And Xara DesignerPro (For vectors).
Greetings.
Hi,
It’s not the best, and it’s small, and doesn’t have much storage, but it works fine with Clip Studio Paint and should work fine with Xara (but it looks like the PhotoLooks pllugin, if you use it, takes up more space than it has (see this page: https://support.xara.com/index.php?/Knowledgebase/Article/View/33/111/what-are-the-system-requirements-for-xara-xtreme–designer-pro). I think there are better options that have come out since then, but it’s OK.
Does it have well working palm rejection?
Yes, it does. If people have problems with palm rejection it’s sometimes because the pen settings are set to the wrong hand, so make sure they are set to the correct handedness.
Is it possible to use another pen for this one?
Hi, yes, you can use Wacom Penabled pens, such as: Wacom Bamboo Stylus Feel, Bamboo Stylus Feel Carbon, Microsoft Surface Pen (for the original Surface Pro and Surface Pro 2), Penabled Tablet PC Eraser Pen, Fujitsu Digitizer Pen T5000, Samsung S-Pens such as this one or this one for the Note 10.1; and this pen by Motion Computing.