The Acer W3 has been one of the most poorly received Windows 8 tablets in existence. Despite this both Microsoft and Toshiba see it as a good benchmark — with Microsoft pitting the W3 up against the iPad Mini in an advert, whilst Toshiba thought it was a good idea to essentially make its own version, the Toshiba Encore.
Like the W3, the Toshiba Encore features an Atom Processor, but one of the Bay Trail variety, rather than a Cloverview.
Bay Trail promises to offer a lot better performance, so hopefully we’ll see some improvement in performance with the Toshiba Encore.
It’s clear that Toshiba wasn’t trying to make the best tablet they could, instead aiming at the lower-end of the market with a price tag of around $330 — meaning it’s even cheaper than the already cheap W3.
The Toshiba Encore’s similarities with the W3 continue with the display — an 8-inch touchscreen capable of a resolution of 1280×800.
Windows 8.1 is on-board, as well as a micro USB, micro HDI and microSD ports all present. The Toshiba Encore also has a Skype-certified 2MP front-facing camera, and dual mics.
The Toshiba Encore will launch in November.
