Microsoft South Africa has brought two new low-cost devices to the market in the form of the Nextbook.
The company has partnered with retailer Makro where the devices will be sold in two variations.
The 8″ device is more for those who want a tablet and portable entertainment, while the 10″ device is aimed at those who want to be productive on-the-go. Both devices will come installed with the Windows 8.1 operating system. This is a stand out feature compared to other tablets that come with mobile operating systems.
The biggest drawcard for these devices are their price points. The 8″ Nextbook is priced at R1499 and the 10.1″ Nextbook, detachable keyboard included, is priced at R2999. Essentially, you can get the full Windows 8.1 operating system on a device for as little as R1499!
This announcement comes after Microsoft outlined their strategy for South Africa back in April (which I covered on TechCentral here). Microsoft’s Melanie Botha, consumer channels group leader, says they are delivering on a promise to bring affordable devices to the market.
Both devices don’t have SIM card slots as Microsoft says there’s no need for it and users can connect to the internet via WiFi.
Users who purchase the Nextbook will get a bunch of value adds, like a one year subscription to Office365; unlimited OneDrive cloud storage; 60 Skype World Call minutes per month, valid during the 12 month subscription period.
Specs:
Nextbook 8 | Nextbook 10.1 | |
Screen | 8-inch 1280×800 LCD | 10.1-inch 1280×800 IPS screen |
Processor | Intel Atom 1.8GHz quad core | Intel Atom 1.83GHz quad-core |
RAM & Storage | 1GB; 16GB on board | 1GB; 32GB on board |
Camera | 0.3MP front; 2MP back | 0.3MP front; 2MP back |
Port | Micro HDMI; micro SD; USB | Micro HDMI; micro SD; USB |
Connectivity | Bluetooth; WiFi; 3 axis G sensor | Bluetooth; WiFi; 3 axis G sensor |
Battery | 4000mAh | 6000mAh |
Nafisa Akabor
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Welcome to Wired to the Web. My name is Nafisa Akabor and I’m a technology journalist covering business and consumer tech for the last 13 years. I’m passionate about start-ups, smartphones, mobile payments, travel tech and electric cars. ✉️ inbox@nafisa.co.za
[…] brought the Nextbook to South Africa last month via an initial exclusive deal with […]
At that price it’s a bargain considering specs.
But 1GB of RAM for windows 8.1
That doesn’t sound good.
Windows 8 upwards is meant to run on fewer resources; I don’t think that’s a bad thing at all.
Hi Nafisa are they giving you one to test drive
Hi Mark. I did ask about it yesterday and they said they will be sending out review units. So probably! Are you thinking of getting one?
2 thoughts about it. I could do with a new pc at home so it is an option there but also with the BoardPad application I sell it could be a great device to use for those that don’t want to lash out on an iPad or a slate device
I’m also keen to read your review, as you know I’m in the market for a new laptop.