Linx 1010 Windows Tablet Review

With such a small difference in price between the Linx 1010 and its little brother, the Linx 810, it gives the buyer something to think about. Buy the 1010 and get an extra 1GB RAM, making it 2GB, and get a 10 Inch Tablet rather than an 8". Or save a little bit of money and get the 810. As mentioned, the money saved is minimal, but the upgrades between the two models are considerable. Along with a Micro USB and a Micro HDMI port, The Linx 1010 Tablet also has two full-sized USB ports, which makes connectivity so much more convenient.

Model Discontinued: I recommend buying the Microsoft Surface Go 2

It also comes pre-installed with Windows 10 out the box, not Windows 8 like it's little brother. If you're making the transition over to a Tablet from using a Windows-based laptop or desktop computer this model will be a good fit for you. The learning curve involved, like finding your way around, will be almost non-existent.

Helping that transition greatly is the option to choose how you want to use the device. You have the choice of Tablet or Desktop mode. For those already familiar with Tablets this is also a good choice for individuals wanting to move over to Windows from Apple or Android.

Linx 1010 Specification

• Quad-Core Intel® Atom™ Z3735F Processor @ 4 x 1.33GHz (Base) - 1.83GHz (Burst) Cores

• 10.1" 800 x 1280 IPS (In Plain Switching) Screen Display

• 2GB RAM

• 32GB Storage space

• 2 x Full size USB Ports

• 1 x Micro USB

• 1 x Micro HDMI

• Micro SD slot

• 3.5mm Headphone jack

• 2 mega pixel Front and rear Cameras

• Bluetooth 4.0

• WiFi

Like you would expect from a Tablet in this price range, this model has a much better quality build and finish when compared to the many cheap tablets that seem so tempting because of their low price. But so many of the cheaper tablets look and feel a bit "Kiddish". This one feels and looks more serious and professional.

Of course, the exteriors appearance plays a big role in achieving this, but being installed with Windows 10 also contributes. This really is a miniature desktop computer. It can do almost everything you would expect from your home machine. So it's a brilliant choice for people on the move who need a truly portable workstation that comes with everything Windows 10 has to offer.

However, if you need to edit / write documents regularly it most definitely makes sense to buy the 1010B instead, which comes with the external / add-on keyboard. Without the keyboard dock bundle you will find it long-winded and rather annoying to complete the office / work related tasks that a portable Windows device is so great at doing. Like creating and editing documents quickly and with a high level of precision, while still keeping a smile on your face.

Thankfully, the package that comes with the keyboard included is almost the same price as the 1010 model that doesn't. Are you writing / typing a lot, doing a lot of office related work? (Word, Excel etc) If so, go with the 1010B / Keyboard bundle. It makes using the 1010 a much more pleasant and productive experience. Add an external mouse and you have a great little setup.

The Quad Core Intel Atom Processor, coupled with the extra 1 GB RAM are fairly capable and can handle multiple tasks at the same time with relative ease. It runs smoothly when used sensibly. However, under a heavy workload it can become slow to respond. If you're someone who has a multitude of applications running at the same time, like documents, games and 30 browser tabs open, it will slow the system down dramatically. But many Tablets fall into that same hole. Overload them and pay the price. Play fair, respect its resources, and this one performs really well. It's fast off the mark, responsive, and also powers up and shuts down with some haste.

Entertainment wise, it's also very competent. The IPS display is sharp,colourful and provides good visibility when viewing from awkward angles. The Linx 1010 is stable with most media applications and works well with anything you care to throw at it, within reason. Great for surfing the Internet, Kindle, gaming, streaming, downloading, YouTube, emailing, and everything else you may want to do. It can do it all. The impressive battery life is also a welcome feature with the 1010, lasting between 4 - 6 hours depending on how demanding you are.

Windows 10 can be somewhat temperamental, but there is a compatibility mode in the settings which should make the device more stable overall. Mobile versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote are included with the Tablet for free. In the product description this model is stated as being able to hold up to a 32GB SD card, but many users have reported using as high as 128GB with no problems at all. One even said they used a 256GB SD Card without any issues.

There is now an updated model of this item for sale. It has not long been released. Take a look at the Linx 1020, which comes with an external keyboard and a similar overall specification to the 1010B. There is also the 12V64 Model, but I would not recommend it.

Customer Reviews

A big majority of the reviews are positive, but for what unhappy customers there are, there is a mix of different reasons. The most common complaint without doubt is the WiFi signal strength being weak, and, at times, cutting the user off from the Internet temporarily. Next is the Operating system, but Windows 10, as good as it is, is a work in progress. It's not perfect. But with continuing updates it is getting better.

And of course, with a lot of cheapish Tablets it's the usual suspects, "Terrible Camera" and poor speaker quality. But those compromises are to be expected when considering the value of the overall package for the price. Expected, that is, if the buyer has read through hundreds of Tablet reviews of the many different makes and models and done their research before hand. But this is something a lot of people don't really have the time to do, so it's understandable, and "normal" to see a few of those types of comments in the reviews.

The Linx 1010 is never going to out-perform the iPad's or Galaxy Tabs of the world when it comes to sheer finesse, but it costs a lot less money and is a great product for the price. Some people consider this model (With a keyboard dock) to be a less refined version of the Microsoft Surface 1. At around half the price. The first Surface model, specification wise and in appearance, is similar to the Linx 1010 in many respects, but also has its fair share of negative reviews. Go for the Surface Go 2 instead.

So yes, other than the better overall finish and higher specification of the Surface in certain areas (HD Screen, 720p LifeCams etc), the 1010 makes a great alternative for those on a budget. Overall, this is a really good Tablet that will leave most buyers extremely pleased with their purchase.

Some people love the thought of having a Tablet that can function just like a Laptop or Desktop PC that's running the Windows Operating system. However, others will probably feel more at home with a device that has Android. And that's to be expected due to so many individuals using Smartphones in their lives on a daily basis and being so familiar with the software and navigation sequences. Just keep that in mind of you are considering buying the 1010.