Nextbook Ares 11

The Nextbook Ares 11 is a versatile pseudo-netbook/laptop. Using this tablet and keyboard dock-station setup really helps this technophile increase productivity...or procrastinate. User’s choice. The 1.83GHz Intel Atom Processor and 1GB DDR3 RAM really helps it do more than some other portable devices available. Several amenities come included that make this 2-in-1 platform a good sell at around $200

Playing several games on other mobile devices can be a pain, but with this 11.6” display, I can see that monster chomping on my leg! And the storage? Books, videos, music and games…..you can store quite a bit on the onboard 64GB internal hard drive…and if that isn’t enough? MicroSD slot! Bump it up and hoar…err…download more!

The docking keyboard comes in really handy when surfing the Net, when an onscreen keyboard can be touchy or autocorrects you to oblivion. However, the connection between the keyboard and tablet can be a little tricky. Yes, you heard and felt it click, but one little wiggle and the keyboard lights go out and it may miss some of your keystrokes. And unless you are intentionally trying to type your words all over the screen, stay at least six miles away from the touchpad…it can be so sensitive that you just have to hover over it, no touching needed.

What about the audio? Don’t get me started on that! Unless your travels take you to the solitary cells of a near desolate monastery, get some headphones or external speakers, otherwise subtitles and lip reading are the only way you will understand anything you’re trying to watch.

The device does have that nifty microHDMI port, great for headsets (also a headphone jack) and connecting to your home PC to move some files, but don’t count on it to recharge your device like your phone does. You are stuck with an AC adapter near reminiscent of those clunky blocks used for laptops.

Even with the shortcomings and quirks, the Nextbook 11 really does have it where it counts. When I can bring this up and start searching for videos and articles faster than my netbook even powers up, I think I’ll be a happy camper. And for $200, it’s a steal.