14 DAY TRIAL // If you followed our coverage from IFA 2014, you might be aware that Toshiba introduced a super cheap Windows 8.1 (with Bing) tablet called Encore Mini a few weeks ago (check out our hands-on with the device right here).
Before the tradeshow in Berlin, the company also rolled out a duo of Encore tablets that run on the same operating system and are supposed to appeal to the budget crowd.
However, it appears that Toshiba isn’t done pulling slates out of it sleeve. A new tablet showed up on Intel’s fact sheet from the IFA trade show that took place earlier in September. We didn’t get to take a glance at this particular new model, but it appears that the device is a real thing.
Toshiba Encore 2 Write will come with a pen
And as you might have already deduced based on its name, the Encore 2 Write will come with stylus support.
The Toshiba Encore 2 Write will arrive in 8-inch or 10.1-inch screen versions, and both will be taking advantage of an Intel Atom Z3735 quad-core processor living under the bonnet.
Other details mentioned in the spec sheets on Intel’s website include two cameras (1.2MP up in front and 8MP on the back), but apart from that we’re not given indications about display resolution (although it’s probably 1280 x 800 pixels), RAM memory, or storage capacity.
Toshiba Encore 2 Write takes advantage of TruCapture
However, the listing does mention that the tablet comes bundled with the TruCapture software, which will allow users to take photos of whiteboards, documents, or projections to further use in meetings or presentations, be it at school or at the office.
Neither Toshiba nor Intel has said anything about how the pen-enabled tablets will be priced, but the fact that the duo runs on an Intel Atom Z3735 suggests it should be pretty low-cost.
But don’t expect them to be as economical as the Encore Mini. Firstly, they come boasting larger frame factors, and secondly, they take advantage of a smart pen, a feature that automatically boosts pricing.
Most of Toshiba’s competitors, like Dell and ASUS, offer tablets taking advantage of pen input.
The only problem is that, after a while, these styluses seem to malfunction, causing major problems for owners of such devices. It’s the case of the Dell Venue 8 Pro and Venue 11 Pro, but also of the ASUS VivoTab Note 8.
Given the low-cost status that shrouds the Encore 2 Write, we shouldn’t be all that surprised if you ended up unable to use the pen after a few months.