Acer Iconia Tab A700 Comprehensive Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview

The Acer Iconia Tab A700 is a powerful tablet that was announced in January 2012 and released in August of the same year. Although it has been discontinued, it remains a device of interest due to its impressive specifications at the time of release. This article offers a comprehensive analysis of the hardware, software, and overall performance of the Acer Iconia Tab A700.

Design and Build

The Acer Iconia Tab A700 features a sleek and robust design. The tablet measures 259 x 175 x 11 mm and weighs 665 grams, offering a solid feel without being overly cumbersome. It's available in two colors: Titanium Gray and Metallic Red, catering to different aesthetic preferences. The construction is built to be durable, making it comfortable for both personal and professional usage.

Display

The tablet sports a 10.1-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels, achieving a pixel density of approximately 224 ppi. This resolution provides sharp and clear visuals, suitable for multimedia consumption, web browsing, and app usage. The screen-to-body ratio is around 65.3%, providing a substantial display space for an engaging user experience. The screen performs admirably under various lighting conditions, although direct sunlight can still pose a challenge.

Performance

At the heart of the Acer Iconia Tab A700 is the Nvidia Tegra 3 chipset, featuring a quad-core 1.3 GHz CPU and a ULP GeForce GPU. This combination was state-of-the-art for tablets at the time, providing robust performance for multitasking and gaming applications. With 1GB of RAM, it handles most tasks with relative ease, although it may struggle with more demanding applications that have been released in subsequent years.

Storage

The Iconia Tab A700 offers multiple storage options, including 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB variants, all supplemented by 1GB of RAM. Additionally, it includes a microSDHC card slot for expanded storage, which is a significant advantage for users who require more space for apps, media, and other files. This flexibility makes it a versatile option for users with varying storage needs.

Camera

The tablet features a single 5 MP autofocus main camera capable of shooting 720p video. While this camera meets the basic needs for quick photos and video recording, it's not designed for high-end photography. The tablet also includes a front-facing camera that supports basic video calling capabilities. An LED flash accompanies the main camera, enhancing its ability to take clearer shots in low-light conditions.

Battery Life

One of the standout features of the Acer Iconia Tab A700 is its non-removable Li-Ion 9800 mAh battery. This powerful battery can deliver up to 10 hours of multimedia usage, allowing for extended sessions of entertainment or productivity without the need for constant recharging. Despite its large capacity, the battery is well-integrated into the device’s slim profile.

Connectivity

In terms of connectivity, the Iconia Tab A700 covers several bases with Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n support, Bluetooth 2.1 with EDR, and GPS including A-GPS support. It lacks cellular connectivity options, which aligns it more closely with home or office-based use over mobile data usage. For wired connections, it has microUSB 2.0 and USB 2.0 ports, facilitating easy file transfers and peripheral connections.

Audio

Acer equipped the Iconia Tab A700 with stereo speakers, delivering a satisfactory audio output for a tablet of its time. The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack further enhances its versatility, allowing users to connect standard headphones or external speakers for an improved audio experience. While the speakers are functional for everyday use, audiophiles might find them lacking compared to more recent technologies.

Operating System

The tablet runs on Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, an operating system that was modern for its release time, providing a smooth and user-friendly interface. While subsequent versions of Android have brought additional features and enhancements, Android 4.0 continues to deliver a functional experience for browsing, app usage, and media consumption.

Sensors

To complement its robust feature set, the Iconia Tab A700 includes several sensors like the accelerometer, gyro, and compass. These sensors enhance the device’s interaction with various applications, supporting features like motion-based gaming and navigation.

Price and Availability

Upon release, the Acer Iconia Tab A700 was priced at around 230 EUR. Although it’s been discontinued, it might still be found through second-hand markets or online retailers specializing in older technology. Given its original features, the A700 could still appeal to users seeking a capable and affordable tablet solution.

Conclusion

Overall, the Acer Iconia Tab A700 stands as a testament to early 2010s tablet technology, offering a comprehensive suite of features that catered to both entertainment and productivity needs. While it may show its age compared to modern offerings, its robust build quality, expansive storage options, and excellent battery life still hold relevance for certain user segments. It serves as a reminder of the rapid technological advances in the tablet sector, marking a time when Acer was a key player in industry innovation.