Alcatel has joined the world of Windows 10 tablets, with its 12-inch 2-in-1 model surfacing today in Australia, outright at $558 or through post-paid options via Vodafone.

A new Windows 10 tablet has surfaced in Australia, set to fight Microsoft's Surface, Samsung's Galaxy Book, similar models from HP and Dell, and of course, the tablet everyone is truly competing with, Apple's iPads.

Billed as having been "designed as the ultimate mobile office", which would only be actually, really true if it had a built-in coffee machine, the headline specs are Windows 10, a "crisp" 12-inch full HD display, detachable soft keyboard, a sleek and modern design, Wi-Fi connectivity and all the features needed to maximise productivity on-the-go.

And, given Alcatel’s focus on "accessibility and affordability", the PLUS 12's price is $558 outright, while also being available in "several post-paid options" at Vodafone.

Sam Skontos, vice-president and managing director of Alcatel Mobile in our region, said: "The PLUS 12 is the first 2-in-1 device that we have released and it’s an exciting time to be diversifying our range and how it can be purchased. With Aussies always on the move and busier than ever, we wanted to deliver a versatile device that doesn’t demand top dollar or compromise on productivity.

“While there is naturally the outright purchase at a fantastic price, the PLUS 12 is also Alcatel’s first post-paid product on the market, making the price even more compelling. This is an exciting step forward for Alcatel, as we continue to offer feature-rich devices at a competitive price point.”

Wi-Fi connectivity

Alcatel's PLUS 12 boasts "fast Wi-Fi connectivity", which is handy, because a 4G-equipped model isn't available as yet, or at least, not this year.

Obviously you'll be able to connect via Wi-Fi tethering to your own phone, or a handheld Wi-Fi hotspot, via the Wi-Fi in your home or office, or any of the many publicly available Wi-Fi hotspots out there, although as always, iTWire recommends using VPN software when you're connecting to any public Wi-Fi connectivity.

Thus, once connected, Alcatel reminds us of all the things an Internet-connected tablet can do, like "communicate and collaborate with colleagues, create documents, spreadsheets and presentations, read an e-book, browse the Web, and share a presentation video in amazing quality on its 12-inch full HD display, wherever you are".

For high-quality video-conferencing, we're told there's "a 5MP front camera, loud dual speakers, and a digital microphone. The PLUS 12 also includes a detachable 'Soft Elegant' Keyboard, making it easy to work on more detailed documents".

The touch pad doesn't look anywhere as large as that on Surface devices, or Macs for example, nor is there any indication the keyboard is backlit, but this is to be expected on a $558 tablet and, at least for most users, won't be deal-breakers by any means.

So, how is this low price achieved for "productivity on the move?"

Well, this is done by using an Intel Celeron N3350 CPU. Obviously use of a more powerful and more battery-chewing Core i5 or i7 processor would raise the price significantly — you only need to see Microsoft's pricing for its Surface devices to understand that — but we're nevertheless told that the PLUS 12 "boasts laptop-like productivity and impressive performance even with the most demanding apps".

Given a Celeron hasn't historically been the fastest of processors, we'll put this down to the usual hype from marketing divisions, but the reality is that, for everyday computing, browsing, emails, social media, casual gaming and similar tasks, the PLUS 12 should handle them perfectly well.

In addition, there's only 4GB RAM, and 32GB internal storage, expandable via MicroSD with another 128GB should you wish to buy an additional card from any consumer electronics store, but again, for the usual everyday computing functions you're likely to put the PLUS 12 through, this will do the job.

That said, I haven't reviewed the device, so you're advised to check one in a Vodafone store that offers a demo, for yourself, to make sure you're happy with the performance, and whether this model, or another Windows device, or an iPad, is the right choice for you.

Some people will need more power, others will prefer an even cheaper iPad option, but given Microsoft's continuing popularity in the world, there's clearly a place for Windows tablets, especially seeing as Android tablets, like a Berocca, seem to have fizzled.

On the plus side is the fact the PLUS 12 "has multiple ports, including USB-C, USB-A, micro-HDMI and audio jack, enabling connections to an assortment of peripherals such as external storage, mouse, speakers, headphones, secondary screen and more", as well as "making full use of the new features of Windows 10, including Windows Hello fingerprint recognition for fast, password-free sign-in and the new Windows Ink note and annotation feature".

Modern and professional design

Finally, before we get to the spec list, we're told that "the compact PLUS 12 is one of the lightest 12-inch 2-in-1s on the market, weighing in at just 990 grams, making it very convenient to carry. It has a sleek metal front casing with a premium brushed effect, creating a professional and modern look".





Specifications

Display:

11.6” FHD 1920x1080 IPS, Full Lamination

Camera:

5MP Front Facing

Memory:

4GB/32GB, expandable up to 128GB via micro SD

Battery:

6900mAh (tablet)

Processor:

Intel Celeron Processor N3350

Operating System:

Windows 10

Audio:

Dual speakers

Interface:

USB Type-C, 3.5mm audio jack, micro HDMI, micro SD card slot

Connectivity:

Wi-Fi Only

Colour:

Sideral Gray

Other features:

Fingerprint Scanner

Inclusions:

Full Soft Elegant Keyboard with touch pad

Pricing and Availability:

The Alcatel PLUS 12 is available now from Vodafone with an outright price of RRP $558 or via several post-paid options.

Related: Laptop Tablet Review: Alcatel PLUS12 2in1