The Linx range of tablets has taken the online markets by storm in recent months. These low-cost, but pretty decent specification tablets certainly have a lot going for them, with the Linx 7, Linx 8 and Linx 10 models all boasting Windows 8.1, an Office 365 subscription and good hardware throughout.
The Linx 10 model we have for review in this instance is the top of the product range. It has a 10.1" ten-point capacitive multi-touch IPS LCD screen, with a resolution of 1280 x 800. An Intel Atom Z3735F quad-core processor running at 1.3GHz with a boost speed of 1.83GHz is lively enough. Plus there's 2GB of DDR3L memory and 32GB eMMC storage, on which you’ll find Windows 8.1.
You’ll also find a front and rear pair of 2MP cameras, 802.11 a/b/g/n wi-fi, Bluetooth 4.0, a mini-HDMI port, a single micro-USB port and a micro-SD card slot with support for up to 64GB cards and the power port (note: the Linx 10 can’t be charged via the micro-USB port).
The design of the Linx 10 is good enough for most users; it probably won’t win any design awards, but it’s perfectly fine for a variety of tasks. It measures 172 x 258 x 10.5mm and weighs a reasonable 600g, which makes it borderline light enough to be held as an ebook reader for a while before muscle cramp starts to set in.
The screen is clear and very responsive. Windows 8.1 works very well indeed, and you can skip through the various tiles and other GUI enhancements without too much difficulty. Thankfully, the Atom Z3735F is powerful enough to give the Linx a much needed boost in performance (incidentally, it’s the same processor used in the Intel Compute Stick and other USB-sized micro PCs).
Naturally, the Linx 10 won’t cope with a modern game or more intensive computing tasks, for that matter, but for browsing, working on, watching videos and light photo work, it’s more than capable. The added benefit is the fact that the processor used is x86 based, which means anything you can install on your desktop PC you’ll be able to install on the Linx 10 – such as VLC Media Player, Firefox, Chrome and so on.
The popularity of the Linx range, though, is mainly due to the low pricing. The Linx 10 costs in the region of £150, which is pretty good considering you’re getting a good tablet, a years’ subscription to Office 365 and a micro-USB to full-sized USB cable in the box. If you also factor in the Linx Origami Case, which docks with the Linx 10 and also features a touchpad and laptop style keyboard, for around £25, then you’ve got yourself a great little setup.
The Linx 10 is a surprisingly good 10.1" Windows 8.1 tablet. It’s quick enough for tablet-like duties and has a good display. Battery life lasted for well over nine hours on a full charge in a work environment, and provided you don’t try to run something that’s obviously beyond the capabilities of the hardware, it’ll suffice.