Friday, December 20, 2013

10 Windows Tablets for Under $500

There are only a few more days to shop for Christmas. If you are a procrastinator like me you haven’t even started shopping. One of the most popular gifts to give and receive this holiday season is a Windows tablet. There are so many to chose from. You can buy tablets from Dell, Asus, Microsoft, and many others. Many prices have fallen and retailers are slashing prices because of the holiday season plus new tablets are set to come out first quarter of 2014. So now would be the time to pick up a Windows tablet for you or someone on your Christmas shopping list
Below is a list of ten Windoes tablets under $500. Most of the tablets are under $400. A Windows 8 tablet in the mid $300 price range is a good deal. Retailers have found out that the $300 range is the sweet spot for what consumers want to pay.
Finding a good price on a tablet is not the problem. The problem is getting the Windows tablet before Christmas. Amazon still will be shipping till late on December 24. Even if you order today you still may receive your package by late Friday or Saturday. Amazon makes an incredible effort to satisfy their customers. But it’s best to order as early as possible.

10 Windows 8 Tablets for Under $500


Dell Venue 8 Pro 32 GB Tablet (Windows 8.1)
Rating:   (249 customer reviews)
Amazon Price: $299.99 $249.99 You save: $50.00 (17%) (as of December 19, 2013 1:45 am – Details)
Dell Venue 8 Pro Tablet: Your ultimate productivity companion.
Take the full power of Windows 8.1 and Office Home & Student 2013 wherever you go with an 8″ HD screen, and dual cameras.
Processor: Intel® Atom™ processor Z3740D (2MB Cache, up to 1.8GHz Quad-Core)Display: 8.0 inch IPS Display with HD (WXGA 1280 x 800) resolution with 10-pt capacitive touchMemory: 2GB Single Channel DDR3L-RS 1600MHzStorage (hard drive): 32GB eMMCColor: BlackDell P/N: BELL8-Pro81
Big-picture productivity in a compact tablet.
Crystal-clear touch screen:Witness impeccable detail on the 8″ HD 800p display and navigate with a tap, slide, swipe or pinch on the multi-touch screen. Share HD thrills with wide viewing angles that allow multiple viewers to see HD content in stunning detail, simultaneously.
Front and rear cameras: Take great photos and shoot video with the 1.2 MP front-facing lens or video chat with the 5 MP rear-facing camera.
Room to grow: Easily expand your storage capacity with card-reader support for MicroSD, SDHC and SDXC.
Complete performance, in the palm of your hand
Compact yet powerful:Whatever you’re creating, the Dell Venue 8 Pro helps you build it quickly with an ultrafast Intel® Atom™ .
Windows mobility, productivity and collaboration: Take the full functionality of Windows 8.1 with you wherever you go. Whether you’re on the road or on vacation, Dell Venue 8 Pro gives you complete access to Office Home & Student 2013.
Windows 8 apps: There’s an app for everything you do, from managing contacts and email to sharing photos, managing projects and staying connected. Your Dell Venue 8 Pro gives you quick access to everything in the Windows Store and easy access to the apps you already have on your Windows 8 PC.
All-day battery life: Watch back-to-back movies or spend your day at the office without a cord with up to 10 hours of battery life.
Fast connections
Dual-band WiFi:Establish fast, reliable connections to WiFi hotspots around town, on campus or at home.
Bluetooth connectivity: Simplify connections to a compatible mouse, external keyboard or other accessories with the speed and convenience of Bluetooth. Or sync up some compatible Bluetooth speakers for great sound without the wires.
Wireless display technology: Stream HD videos, photos or presentations from your Dell Venue 8 Pro tablet to your compatible TV through Miracast wireless technology. Miracast’s secure, direct connection eliminates the need to connect to a local WiFi signal.
Tablet Pro 8 (BELL8-Pro81)
at a glance…Processor: Intel® Atom™ processor Z3740D (2MB Cache, up to 1.8GHz Quad-Core)Display: 8.0 inch IPS Display with HD (WXGA 1280 x 800) resolution with 10-pt capacitive touchOperating system: Windows 8.1 (32Bit), English TabletMemory (RAM): 2GB Single Channel DDR3L-RS 1600MHzOptical drive: No Optical DriveVideo graphics: Intel® HD GraphicsMedia card reader: Micro-SD Card ReaderBluetooth®: Bluetooth® tied to wireless cardPreinstalled software: Microsoft Office Home & Student 2013 English Tablet, Additional SW, Cycle 1 W8 32GBHD (C1W83TE) W8 Tablet

Dell Venue 8 Pro 64 GB Tablet (Windows 8.1)
Rating:   (249 customer reviews)
Amazon Price: $349.99 $311.96 You save: $38.03 (11%) (as of December 19, 2013 1:43 am – Details)
Dell Venue 8 Pro Tablet: Your ultimate productivity companion.
Take the full power of Windows 8.1 and Office Home & Student 2013 wherever you go with an 8″ HD screen, and dual cameras.
Processor: Intel® Atom™ processor Z3740D (2MB Cache, up to 1.8GHz Quad-Core)Display: 8.0 inch IPS Display with HD (WXGA 1280 x 800) resolution with 10-pt capacitive touchMemory: 2GB Single Channel DDR3L-RS 1600MHzStorage (hard drive): 64GB eMMCColor: BlackDell P/N: BELL8-1818BLK
Big-picture productivity in a compact tablet.
Crystal-clear touch screen:Witness impeccable detail on the 8″ HD 800p display and navigate with a tap, slide, swipe or pinch on the multi-touch screen. Share HD thrills with wide viewing angles that allow multiple viewers to see HD content in stunning detail, simultaneously.
Front and rear cameras: Take great photos and shoot video with the 1.2 MP front-facing lens or video chat with the 5 MP rear-facing camera.
Room to grow: Easily expand your storage capacity with card-reader support for MicroSD, SDHC and SDXC.
Complete performance, in the palm of your hand
Compact yet powerful:Whatever you’re creating, the Dell Venue 8 Pro helps you build it quickly with an ultrafast Intel® Atom™ .
Windows mobility, productivity and collaboration: Take the full functionality of Windows 8.1 with you wherever you go. Whether you’re on the road or on vacation, Dell Venue 8 Pro gives you complete access to Office Home & Student 2013.
Windows 8 apps: There’s an app for everything you do, from managing contacts and email to sharing photos, managing projects and staying connected. Your Dell Venue 8 Pro gives you quick access to everything in the Windows Store and easy access to the apps you already have on your Windows 8 PC.
All-day battery life: Watch back-to-back movies or spend your day at the office without a cord with up to 10 hours of battery life.
Fast connections
Dual-band WiFi:Establish fast, reliable connections to WiFi hotspots around town, on campus or at home.
Bluetooth connectivity: Simplify connections to a compatible mouse, external keyboard or other accessories with the speed and convenience of Bluetooth. Or sync up some compatible Bluetooth speakers for great sound without the wires.
Wireless display technology: Stream HD videos, photos or presentations from your Dell Venue 8 Pro tablet to your compatible TV through Miracast wireless technology. Miracast’s secure, direct connection eliminates the need to connect to a local WiFi signal.
Tablet Pro 8 (BELL8-1818BLK)
at a glance…Processor: Intel® Atom™ processor Z3740D (2MB Cache, up to 1.8GHz Quad-Core)Display: 8.0 inch IPS Display with HD (WXGA 1280 x 800) resolution with 10-pt capacitive touchOperating system: Windows 8.1 (32Bit) EnglishMemory (RAM): 2GB Single Channel DDR3L-RS 1600MHzOptical drive: No Optical DriveVideo graphics: Intel® HD GraphicsMedia card reader: Micro-SD Card ReaderBluetooth®: Bluetooth® tied to wireless cardPreinstalled software: Microsoft Office Home & Student 2013 English Tablet, Additional SW, Cycle 1 W8 64GBHD (C1W86TE) W8 Tablet

ASUS Vivotab Smart ME400C-C2-BK 10.1-Inch 64GB Tablet (Black) with Office 2013 H&S
Rating:   (115 customer reviews)
Amazon Price: $499.00 $399.00 You save: $100.00 (20%) (as of December 19, 2013 1:41 am – Details)
ASUS and You. Incredible Together
ASUS VivoTabTM Smart ME400C
Tablet Productivity Redefined
The ASUS VivoTabTM Smart ME400C gives you everything you need from a PC with the portability and convenience of a 10 inch tablet. With its incredibility thin and lightweight design measuring only 0.4 inches and weighing 1.3 pounds, your world is connected with a simple touch. Now bundled with Microsoft Office Home & Student 2013, staying productive on the go has never been easier. (Microsoft Office Home & Student 2013 software needs to be downloaded; activation card included with tablet).
Features-At-A-Glance Now bundled with Microsoft Office Home & Student 2013 ($139 Value)3 10.1″ WXGA IPS Panel with 178-degree ultra-wide viewing angle – capacitive touch panel and multi-touch functionality. 64GB flash storage with 2GB of system memory for smooth computing Crystal clear f/2.2 aperture 8MP Rear Camera with LED Flash and back-illuminated CMOS sensor, 2MP Front Camera with LED Indicator for high quality video chatting ASUS SonicMaster Technology delivers more powerful sounds and richer bass to provide the best audio experience Includes 32GB of complimentary cloud storage for 36 months and 8GB free lifetime storage2
Microsoft Office Included
With Microsoft Office Home and Student 2013 bundled3, the ASUS VivoTabTM Smart now gives you productivity on a tablet like never before. Whether using Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or OneNote; Office Web Apps will ensure your documents are always synced and ready to view or edit on any device wherever you may be.(Microsoft Office Home & Student 2013 software needs to be downloaded; activation card included with tablet)
Incredible Performance
Featuring an Intel® AtomTM Z2760 processor, the ASUS VivoTabTM Smart packs major processing power into a sleek and lightweight design. Combined with the fast and fluid feel of Windows 8 and up to 8.5 hours of battery life1, you’ll find an increase in productivity, games are more responsive, apps open faster, and system wake times are nearly instantaneous.
The ASUS VivoTabTM Smart is also NFC ready for convenient and intuitive peer to peer data and content sharing. Simply link and pair up with various NFC-enabled devices and peripherals to read or share information.
Stunning Visuals and Sound
Don’t be surprised if “Stunning” is the first word that comes to mind when you experience the ASUS VivoTabTM Smart. Featuring a 10.1″ WXGA IPS panel, the VivoTabTM Smart presents excellent vivid graphic images with a 50% better and more accurate color range in a 178-degree wide viewing angle.
The VivoTabTM Smart also features exclusive ASUS SonicMasterTM technology, so expect sounds from a quiet whisper to a rock anthem come to life in clarity never before heard on a tablet thanks to premium speaker design and placement. Whatever the soundtrack to your life is, play it loud and clear with the ASUS VivoTabTM Smart!
Designed for Touch
The ultimate blend of form and function, the ASUS VivoTabTM Smart is super thin and lightweight making it incredibly versatile and highly mobile. Featuring multi-touch control and an innovative Windows 8 interface, your tweets, photos, videos, and entertainment are always at your fingertips. Tap, swipe, pinch-zoom, and rotate to your hearts-and hand’s content.
Best in-class Camera
Featuring an f/2.2 aperture 8MP auto-focus rear camera with LED flash and a 2MP front camera with LED indicator, the VivoTabTM Smart lets you “touch to focus” for capturing images with an outstanding wider field of view that are brighter and more clear. The tablet is also equipped with a back-illuminated CMOS sensor providing color enhancement for vivid colors and sharper images.
Experience ASUS WebStorage
Access to all your favorite files is always just a short click away with ASUS WebStorage. Conveniently sync and share your online data anytime, anywhere with 32GB of complimentary cloud storage for 36 months and 8GB free lifetime storage2.
Specifications Operating System: Windows 8 (64 bit) Display: 10.1″ HD (1366×768), 350 nits, IPS with Soda Lime glass Processor: Intel Atom Z2760 (1.8GHz) Saltwell Dual-core Wireless: 802.11 b/g/n Bluetooth: 4.0 Storage: 64B + ASUS cloud WebStorage (8GB for life + additional 32GB for 3 years) Camera: Front 2.0MP, Rear 8.0MP Speakers: Stereo speaker with ASUS SonicMaster Technology Card Reader: 1x Micro SD Reader
Battery: Polymer 25W/h (up to 8.5 Hours1) Dimensions: 10.67″ x 6.97″ x .51″ (W x D x H) Weight: 1.3 lbs Color: Black Input/ Output: 1 x Microphone in + Headphone Out Jack 1 x Micro USB port 1 x Micro HDMI port
What’s in the Box ASUS VivoTabTM Smart ME400C Tablet AC Adapter & Power Plug User Manual Warranty Card Clean Cloth
Protect your VivoTabTM Smart ME400CC with official ASUS Accessories (sold separately)
ASUS TransSleeve Vivo and Keyboard Magnetic hinge attaches the Transleeve to the VivoTab Smart for grip and protection, while magnets hold the metal keyboard touchpad onto the Transleeve Precision slim metal keyboard touchpad with shortcut keys built just for the VivoTab Smart Convenient micro-USB charging, 450mAh Polymer, Bluethooth 3.0 Durable polyurethane lined with microfiber Transleeve, Metal keyboard touchpad
ASUS TransSleeve VivoTabTM Smart Cover Magnetic hinge attaches to the VivoTabTM Smart for grip and protection Dual positioning allows for convenient movie-watching and typing Durable polyurethane on the outside lined with microfiber on the inside Colorful choices in four colors to match your ASUS VivoTabTM Smart to your lifestyle
ASUS Screen Protector VivoTabTM Smart Cover Includes two squeegees and one cleaning cloth Guards against scratches and anti-glare Fingerprints and bubble resistant
ASUS- Top 3 Global Consumer Notebook Brand
As the world’s top three consumer notebook brand and maker of the world’s best-selling motherboards, ASUS prides itself by making products that always “START with PEOPLE.” With a persistent approach to innovation, ASUS goes beyond satisfying current consumer needs to surpass expectations and spark the imaginations of people everywhere. ASUS designs and manufactures a diverse range of products as part of our relentless search for incredible, including motherboards, graphics cards, displays, desktop and all-in-one PCs, notebooks, netbooks, networking devices, servers, smartphones and tablets. Driven by innovation and committed to quality, ASUS won 4,168 awards in 2012 and recently received the recognition for the 2013 PC Magazine Reader’s Choice Award.

Asus T100TA-B1-GR 10.1 inch Tablet Notebook PC
Rating:   (11 customer reviews)
Amazon Price: $378.99 (as of December 19, 2013 1:12 am –Details)
Vivid 10.1 multi-touch LED backlit screen with 1366 x 768 resolution. Video-chat and stay productive on the go. Lets you run your apps with a variety of touch gestures. Wi-Fi enabled so you can access networks cable-free. Supports Wireless-N (802.11a/b/g/n). 32GB built-in storage easily holds your apps, photos, music and more. A microSD card slot lets you expand storage capacity (cards sold separately). Front-facing 1.2-megapixel camera takes great-looking photos and videos. Keep in touch with others via video and voice messaging. Built-in microphone included. Slim and lightweight for easy portabilty. Weighs 2.36 lb and is just 0.93 thick.

Samsung ATIV Tab 3 XE300TZC-K01US 10.1-Inch 64GB Tablet with Keyboard
Rating:   (23 customer reviews)
Amazon Price: $699.99 $499.99 You save: $200.00 (29%)(as of December 19, 2013 1:39 am – Details)
Enjoy the convenience of a tablet with the power of a laptop using the ATIV Tab 3 from Samsung. This Windows 8 tablet features an amazingly super thin and light design and an Intel processor–simply use the built-in keyboard to create Word documents or PowerPoint presentations or to perform other traditional computing tasks. The S Pen lets you draw or take handwritten notes, and the 5-finger multi-touch screen offers advanced controls.
The SuperBright screen delivers exceptional color and clarity. View larger.
Samsung SideSync.
Samsung Apps.
The included S Pen lets you to draw or take handwritten notes on the tablet. View larger.
Convertible Design to Consume or Create Content
Samsung’s ATIV Tab 3 combines the convenience of a tablet computer with the power of a traditional laptop. As a tablet, you can use it to browse the Web, watch videos, flip through photos, and much more. With the included Bluetooth keyboard and a full copy of Microsoft Office 2013, you can use the tablet like a laptop for ZSDAFX text-heavy documents or other files. The keyboard also serves as a protective cover and stand.
SuperBright Screen for a Clear View
View photos, videos, websites, and more with exceptional color and clarity with the SuperBright screen. This screen provides 400 nits of brightness–two times brighter than a typical 200 nit computer screen–and is also anti-reflective, so you can see the screen clearly even if you’re outdoors in the sunshine.
Draw or Write Using the S Pen
The S Pen, included with the ATIV Tab 3, allows you to draw or take handwritten notes on the tablet–just like you would with a pencil and a notebook. Made by Wacom, the S Pen offers 1024-level pressure sensitivity for exceptional accuracy.
Advanced Note-Taking with S Note 2.0
Using the S Pen and Samsung’s S Note 2.0 software, you can easily take notes, draw, and make updates. The program offers a choice of templates, and its various input modes (typing, writing, and handwriting recognition) make it the most advanced and intuitive note-taking application to support the S Pen.
Share Files Between Your Tablet and Smartphone
Included with this tablet is Samsung’s SideSync software, which automatically syncs files with your smartphone when you dock it and allows you to copy and paste files from the phone to the tablet or vice versa. A Virtual Phone feature lets you actually view the phone screen on your tablet in a variety of sizes while you’re using the phone’s functions.
E-Books, Games, and More at Samsung Apps
Samsung Apps marketplace offers a variety of applications specially designed for use on your Samsung smart device. Choose from a range of apps, including entertainment, productivity, finance, travel, education, and physical training apps, along with e-books, games, and mapping and navigation applications. You can also keep children entertained and learning interactively with apps designed for specific age ranges.
Product Information
The Tab 3 comes installed with Microsoft Windows 8 (32-bit), has a 10.1-inch display, and contains an Intel Atom processor and an Intel Graphics Media Accelerator graphics card. It comes equipped with a Bluetooth keyboard and offers 2 GB of system memory and 64 GB of storage and can operate for up to 7 hours on a single battery charge. The product measures 0.31 by 10.13 by 6.51 inches (H x W x D) and weighs 1.28 pounds.
What’s in the Box
Samsung ATIV Tab 3 tablet computer, Bluetooth keyboard and cover, AC adapter, S Pen, and Samsung SideSync and S Note 2.0 software.
ATIV Tab 3
(XE300TZC-K01US)
At a Glance:Microsoft Windows 8 (32-bit) operating systemIntel processor delivers fast laptop-like performanceS Pen and S Note for drawing or take handwritten notesIncluded keyboard adds even more PC functionalitySideSync software syncs and shares files with your smartphone

Toshiba Encore WT8-A32 8-Inch 32 GB Tablet
Rating:   (14 customer reviews)
Amazon Price: $329.99 $299.99 You save: $30.00 (9%) (as of December 19, 2013 1:37 am – Details)
Everything a tablet should be.
Visit the complete lineup of Toshiba products at www.amazon.com/toshiba
Built from the ground up for Windows 8.1, the Encore is a simple yet powerful tablet that accelerates everything you do. It features a gorgeous 8-inch multi-touch display and comes equipped with app-enhancing features like dual microphones and high-resolution cameras. From web browsing and video chatting to entertainment and office work, the Encore is poised to deliver a next-gen Windows tablet experience every time you use it.
HD TOUCHSCREEN DISPLAY
The responsive 8-inch diagonal IPS, multi-touch, 1280×800 HD display is ideal for couch-surfing, as well as games, entertainment and productivity on the go.
VERSATILE PERFORMANCE
Make the most of the apps you love with the Quad-Core Intel Atom processor. Get powerful performance, stunning visuals and InstantGo technology–which awakens your tablet the moment you need it, keeping your apps, data and Live Tiles up to date.
BUILT FOR WINDOWS 8.1
Synchronize, personalize and share your Windows compatible PC or laptop content with your Encore™ tablet for a more seamless experience. And multi-user ID support lets you share your tablet with the whole family.
MAKE THE MOST OF SKYPE
The Encore features Skype optimized dual-array microphones with beam-forming technology for noise reduction and greater sound clarity. And get started with 30 days of free unlimited world calling.*
HD CAMERA AND WEBCAM
Capture incredible photos and full HD videos with a high-resolution 8MP camera, plus 2MP HD webcam for video calls and chats.
ULTRAFAST WI-FI AND WEB BROWSING
Enjoy speedy 802.11n Wi-Fi and full-screen web browsing with the all-new Internet Explorer 11. Specifically designed to take full advantage of your tablet’s smaller touchscreen, Internet Explorer 11 allows you to surf websites, stream video and read text more easily than ever.
GET GOING RIGHT OUT OF THE BOX
The Encore comes with a full version of Office Home Student 2013 for all your productivity needs. Access your Word documents, PowerPoint presentations and Excel files anytime–all for free! ($139 value.)
XBOX ENTERTAINMENT TO GO
Turn your Encore tablet into a second screen for the Xbox 360 or Xbox One entertainment system with Xbox SmartGlass. Check out the latest HD Movies, TV Shows and games, plus enjoy a free 6-month pass to stream Xbox Music!
EXPANDABLE STORAGE
Save and enjoy the music, videos, photos and apps you love with 32GB of internal storage. Plus, use a microSD slot to double your storage capacity.
PLENTY OF PORTS FOR SYNCING
Sync, share and store your content easily with built-in Micro USB 2.0, microSD and Micro HDMI ports.


Lenovo IdeaTab Miix 2 8 8-Inch 64 GB Tablet
Rating:   (31 customer reviews)
Amazon Price: $349.99 (as of December 19, 2013 1:36 am –Details)
Overview
Lenovo Miix 2 – 8” Tablet
The 8” Miix 2 is a Windows tablet that uniquely combines an 8” HD wide-view display with powerful, Intel quad core processing and Microsoft Office Home and Student Edition, making it perfect for light productive tasks and Web browsing. And at just .31” thin and well under 1 lb, it’s the ideal travel companion.
Features
Windows Tablet with Powerful Quad Core Processor
With Windows 8.1, you can do it all simpler and easier. And with the quad core power of Intel, you’ll get outstanding performance not typically found on a tablet.
8” HD (1280×800) Display With IPS Technology
The vibrant 8″ wide-view display uses In-Plane Switching (IPS) for vivid colors and nearly 180-degree viewing angles.
Five-Finger Multitouch Technology
Seamlessly integrate with Windows 8 and enjoy more precise control.
Thin and Light Design
At .31” thin, it’s as thin as a standard pencil plus it has a textured rear cover for a better grip. And at only .77 lbs, it’s lightweight for carrying anywhere.
Integrated Webcam
The 2MP front camera and up-to-8MP rear camera will help you enjoy web conferences or online video chats like you’re really there.
Stay Productive with Microsoft Office Home and Student Edition
Create, work, plan and share more easily with Microsoft Office Home and Student 2013 Edition. Featuring Word 2013, Excel 2013, Powerpoint 2013 and OneNote 2013.
Veriface Face Recognition Software
Your face is your password. The integrated webcam uses stored images of your face to allow you to login quickly and easily, and the program supports multiple users, allowing you to authorize access for the entire family.
Online Connectivity
With 802.11 b/g/n WiFi and Bluetooth 4.0, you’ll be able to connect to the internet most anywhere you go.
Lenovo Cloud Storage
Protect your important files and data, while also making access to information and file-sharing quick and convenient. Automatically back-up and synchronize data across your home, while enabling access from multiple devices. Data is encrypted on transfer for an extra level of security.

Lenovo IdeaTab K3 Lynx 11.6-Inch 64 GB Tablet
Rating:   (174 customer reviews)
Amazon Price: $549.99 $482.74 You save: $67.25 (12%) (as of December 19, 2013 1:34 am – Details)
Lenovo IdeaTab Lynx K3011
TABLET MEET LAPTOP. LAPTOP, TABLET.
If you want a tablet to easily access info and entertainment but need a PC for productivity, the IdeaTab® Lynx offers you both. Lynx is equipped with a Windows® 8 touch display, and twice the battery life of regular laptops or tablets.
Lenovo® IdeaTab® Lynx K3011
KEY SPECIFICATIONS Intel® Atom™ Dual-Core 1.8GHz processor Windows® 8 11.6” HD IPS display 64GB SSD storage 2GB LP DDR memory
DO LIST Save even more power with Connected Standby, which syncs your emails and online information even when your tablet’s in sleep mode Five-point capacitive multitouch for easy touchscreen navigation on a bright IPS display Complete connectivity: Micro-USB, MicroSD, and Micro-HDMI slots on the tablet
2.0MP front-facing webcam and digital microphone for crystal-clear Web chats Dual surround-sound speakers and audio jack
THE PERFECT BALANCE OF ENTERTAINMENT AND PRODUCTIVITY
Can’t decide wheter a laptop or a tablet is the right device for you? The IdeaTab® Lynx K3011 Tablet offers the best of both worlds.
The 11.6″ Lynx works as both a top-notch entertainment tablet and a premium productivity laptop. The secret is an innovative detachable keyboard dock (sold separately): Simply attach your tablet to the dock, and you have full command of the keyboard interface. This first-wave Wintel device is fueled by an Intel® Atom™ processor and runs on cutting-edge Windows® 8. Five-point capacitive multitouch provides optimal tablet interactivity — especially with Windows® 8. The 11.6″ HD widescreen display is exceptionally bright at 400 nits, and in-plane switching (IPS) technology delivers crisp visuals even from oblique angles. Ultraportable: The tablet is a mere 9.45 mm (0.37″) thin and the tablet and keyboard (sold separately) together only 18.7mm (0.74″) at their thinnest point. 64GB eMMC SSD storage. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth® keep you connected wherever you go. Extra-long battery life: The tablet boasts 8 hours of battery life, while the dock adds another 8, for a total of 16 hours. The integrated 2.0MP webcam offers up clear images while the digital MIC array reduces background noise. Plenty of ports — including mini-HDMI, USB 2.0, and a micro-SD card — make it easy to connect to other devices. Enjoy Win 8 Metro on your five-point capacitive multitouch tablet, and traditional desktop Windows when you’re working in laptop mode.
ONE FOR THE ROAD
The Lynx’s easy convertibility makes it perfect for people who spend a lot of time on the go. In essence, the Lynx is two devices in one. And it’s road ready as well: The tablet boasts 8 hours of battery life, while the dock adds another 8, for a total of 16 hours of Wi-Fi usage per charge. It’s portable as well, with the tablet a mere 9.45 mm (0.37″) thin and the tablet and keyboard (sold separately) together only 18.7mm (0.74″) at their thinnest point. And, of course, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth® keep you connected wherever you go.
THE APP OPTIMIZER
With two modes, you get two ways to use Windows® 8 apps.
DOCK, CLICK, AND CONNECT Use Nitro Pro to create, convert, edit, and share PDF files.
THE POWER OF TOUCH Easily launch a wide array of apps with the Windows® 8 Start screen. Or get slicing and dicing with an assortment of interactive games.

ASUS VivoTab RT TF600T-B1-GR 10.1-Inch 32 GB Tablet (Gray)
Rating:   (298 customer reviews)
Amazon Price: $599.00 $307.99 You save: $291.01 (49%) (as of December 19, 2013 1:12 am – Details)
(VIVO RT) TF600T-B1-GR, Grey, 10.1" HD (1366×768) Super IPS+, OGS Touch Panel, Outdoor Readable Mode, NVIDIA Tegra 3 (1.3GHz), 2GB DDR3, NVIDIA Tegra 3, 32GB Flash, N/A, Win RT, 802.11BGN, 2MP & 8MP, 1 Year North America Warranty

Dell XPS 10 XPS10-2727BLK 10.1-Inch 32GB Tablet
Rating:   (71 customer reviews)
Amazon Price: $509.99 $369.99 You save: $140.00 (27%)(as of December 19, 2013 1:32 am – Details)
Dell XPS 10 Tablet: Play hard, work smarter.
Introducing the 10.1″ XPS™ 10 multi–touch tablet with Windows RT.
Explore new dimensions with touch.Now you can swipe and tap to interact with your favorite apps and games. The 10.1″ multi–touch display is designed to maximize your Windows® 8 experience.
Designed with you in mind.The XPS™ 10 tablet is light, slender and crafted with resilient materials so it’s ready to go wherever you go.
Featuring Office Home & Student 2013 RT.
Experience Windows® RT on the XPS 10 with apps for work and play. Get familiar with Microsoft® Office Home and Student 2013 RT and see how your favorite productivity suite has been optimized for touch.
Dock and do more.
When you connect your XPS 10 tablet to the optional Mobile Keyboard Dock, you get an additional built–in battery, full keyboard and touchpad capabilities and USB and HDMI ports.
Audio–visual excellence to go.Get the most from your Skype calls, movies, music and games with the XPS™ 10 tablet’s front and rear cameras, HD display and enhanced audio features.
Portable power and speed.
Multitask, watch movies and boot up in seconds with a dual–core Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ processor and eMMC storage.
Designed to work wherever you are.
XPS 10 comes installed with drivers for most printers, mice and monitors, so it’s ready to work in almost any environment. Plus, its built–in security features ensure your system, files and personal information stay safe wherever you connect.
XPS 10 (XPS10-2727BLK)
at a glance…
Processor: Dell XPS 10 Tablet with Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ S3 1.5GHz DC processor and 32GB Flash StorageDisplay:
10.1″ High Definition (1366×768) IPS with Gorilla GlassOperating system: Windows RT [Win 8 edition for ARM]Memory (RAM):
2GB LP-DDR2Storage (hard drive):
32GB eMMcOptical drive:
No Optical DriveAudio:
Stereo SpeakersPreinstalled software:
Microsoft® Defender (included with Win 8 OS),
Microsoft® Office Home & Student 2013 RT



Thursday, December 19, 2013

House Wreck: Home Investment Mistakes

backyard swimming pool
backyard swimming pool (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
When it comes to home renovation, there are two schools of thought. In the first, homeowners make changes that make their homes more livable and personally appealing without worrying about how those changes affect the value of the house. In the second school of thought, all changes are made with an eye toward how they will affect the home's value. If you fall into the category, or simply worry about how renovations will affect your home's value, then be sure to avoid the following costly mistakes.

Overbuilding


This is the most common mistake that homeowners make when trying to improve value. Before you make too many improvements, you have to consider how your home compares to all of the rest in the houses in your neighborhood. There are two important reasons why you must make this appraisal.

The first reason for considering the value of homes in your neighborhood is because real estate managers, like Kevin Kerekes, will use the value of those homes to help determine the value of yours. This is called the "comparable sales method," and it uses information about recent, nearby sales to determine how your home stacks up. This means that your house may be worth more or less depending on the neighborhood in which it is found. The bottom line is that this method puts a kind of upper limit on how much a home can sell for based on its location. No matter how many improvements are made, the value just won't go up by much.

The second reason that neighborhood is so important in determining home value is that like-minded people tend to want to live together. That means that people who shop in your neighborhood probably like the look and feel of it. If you have bucked that trend you not only won't get any interest from people who like your neighborhood but not your house, you also won't get much interest from people who like your house but not your neighborhood.

Landscaping


A little landscaping is a good thing, but too much can turn a potential buyer off. The best way to think about landscape is as curb appeal. It should encourage people to take a closer look at your home, but it shouldn't be the major selling point. What is more, extensive landscaping can be a turn off because most people aren't interested in maintaining it.

Swimming Pools


Swimming pools are a personal preference. Some people like them, but they generally won't increase your home's value much. They certainly won't increase the value enough to offset the cost of installing the pool. The reason pools are not selling points comes down to insurance and maintenance.

Pools are dangerous. To many people they are an accident, or a lawsuit, waiting to happen. Insurance companies are well aware of the danger that pools pose and they compensate for that danger with higher premiums.

Beyond insurance costs, pools are also maintenance headaches, requiring the use of chemicals and eating up time that could be spent doing other things. The costs of maintenance, when added to the costs of insurance, are enough to explain why many potential buyers actually make their purchase contingent on removal of a pool. Most people don't get enough use out of a pool to justify the high costs associated with them.

Carpet


Like landscaping, carpet is a thing people can appreciate in moderation, but quickly come to hate when it is used to excess. Wall-to-wall carpeting is a major turnoff for buyers because it is hard to keep clean, wreaks havoc with allergies, needs to be replaced much sooner than other coverings, and is generally perceived as being "dated" no matter how new it is. Hardwood, tile, and even linoleum are better investments than carpet.

High-End Mismatch


High-end appliances and fixtures can really increase the value of your home, but not when they are paired with mid-range flooring or an average house. In general, functionality will trump fashion in the real estate market every time, so it is better to go for a fully functional home than one that has a fancy stove but could use some TLC otherwise. The general rule is to void upgrading odds and ends in several rooms and instead focus on a full upgrade for a single room. Bathroom and kitchen remodels are most likely to have a positive impact on home value and benefit from higher-end items.

The Bottom Line


When planning a home renovation, first decide if you are doing it for personal enjoyment or for financial gain. If it is the latter, then you need to do your homework. Find out what houses in your neighborhood are like and look into what features sell. In some cases you may find that renovations won't do anything to help increase the value of your home. In those cases, you can dodge an expensive bullet just by doing a little reconnaissance. Remember to research before renovating to avoid the costly mistakes discussed above.

Kevin Kerekes writes about baseball, real estate, motivation, and urban development. Read his blog, which focuses on the State of New Jersey, baseball, and investing.



Servicing Patient Accounts is NOT the Same as Bill Collecting

Today, more than ever, health insurance is both a necessity and a hot button issue. Even families with adequate and above adequate incomes struggle to find decent health insurance plans and be able to afford them. In some families only the children are insured, and the parents take their chances while trying to save up some funds for that proverbial rainy day. In other families, even when both of the parents are working, it is not possible to purchase much health insurance, and so when a major medical crisis occurs, there is a substantial bill that needs to be paid after the emergency is over and all available insurance has been utilized.

It seems to be part of human nature to put our heads in the sand when bad news arrives; this is especially true of past due notices. These ominous-looking missives tend to be put in some kind of “I’ll look at it later” pile and then ignored until forgotten. But in the famous words of J. Reuben Clark, “Debt never sleeps, never tires, is never laid off or sick, and works every day of the week with no holidays or break.” Those who have received services from the hospital that have not yet been paid for don’t seem to realize that it’s always in their best interest to work with the hospital immediately after the bill arrives in order to make arrangements. The longer a former patient ignores his or her account, the harder it becomes to rectify it easily, without hard feelings on both sides.

That is why a patient accounts servicing company, such as Financial Health, can be such a valuable asset in the management of patient receivables. Such a service works with BOTH the hospital and the patient to ensure that the patient continues to receive the same kind of respect and empathy after they are discharged as they experienced while they were in the hospital. This is a basic tenet of all good account management services. The cliched bill collector, heaping abuse and threats on the debtor over the phone, has no place in modern account management practice.

This is something that lawyers have learned as well -- the adversarial mindset is less profitable in the long run than working as a mediator. In dealing with patient accounts, the accounts receivable professional is not only working for and on behalf of the hospital but also working for and on behalf of the patient. It’s not a question of guilt, shame, or threats. The professional account manager is a knowledgeable and dispassionate third party who is there to help both sides negotiate a mutually agreeable payment schedule.

Healthcare receivable management is not a profession for amateurs. There are state and federal laws specifically governing the treatment of past due accounts, as well as innumerable rules and regulations set by the insurance companies. A professional accounts manager must be familiar with all of this, becoming, in the process, part accountant, part lawyer, part negotiator, and part financial advisor.

A professional servicing company like Financial Health will begin interacting with patients who have account issues very early on in the process; this is a proven way to increase receivables and to lessen tension. So if you are a hospital or clinic looking to increase your bottom line, you should look into an account servicing agency soon -- and if you are a patient who is worrying about your bill, you should know that most hospitals today enlist the aid of a professional account servicing company that will treat you with respect and courtesy and have at its fingertips many resources to help you settle your debt in a fair and comfortable manner.



The Top 5 Tips to Refinance Your Mortgage

In efforts to improve lending in the struggling U.S. economy, the government has begun to reduce the federal interest rate by buying bonds. This has created a lending environment which is very favorable towards the borrower. Since it has become less expensive to borrow money, lenders can provide great interest rates for home owners to refinance. In addition to taking advantage of the currently low rates, there are a few other things a homeowner can do to reduce their interest rates, reduce cost and fees, and save time overall.

Here are the top 5 ways to reduce your costs and expenses when refinancing: 


Reduce Closing Costs - there are a bevy of "fees and expenses" that can be tacked on when you apply for a mortgage or refinance. Closing costs usually amount to about 2 - 5% of the total cost of your home. These expenses include things like appraisals, title search fees, pest inspections, origination fees, broker fees, etc. In your GFE, or good faith estimate of fees (when you apply for your refinance), brokers or lenders will include an itemized list of these expenses. 

This list will include all the necessary fees as well as extra expense which pay the broker or lender. It is possible to reduce closing costs by negotiating with your mortgage broker or lender. Ask a lender to explain the fees and see if they can "waive" application fees, underwriting fees, and processing fees. Buyers may negotiate with the sellers to absorb some of the closing costs. You can also opt for a no closing cost refinance. Sometimes this type of mortgage does pass the costs and fees into the mortgage at a higher interest rate. 

Refi to get rid of Private Mortgage Insurance - PMI or private mortgage insurance is required if you have lower than 20% equity in your home. PMI can be expensive and can cost in the range of $50 per every $100,000 borrowed. For many homeowners, this amount can mean the difference between buying and renting. If the expense of PMI is too large, a borrower can refinance in order to get rid of it. A lender can get rid of your PMI by re-appraising your home and determining whether or not you have 20% equity in it. If you believe that your home values have improved, and that your equity position is 20% or better, refinancing to get rid of PMI might be a good step to take. 

Improve Credit to get Better Interest Rates - having pristine credit will always improve your access to loans and cheap money. There are ways that you can actively improve your credit score. Ways you can improve your credit include pulling your own report and clearing any mistakes which may be pulling your credit number down. 

Experts estimate that over 30% of credit reports contain inaccurate data that could negatively affect a borrowers ability to get a loan. Since all U.S. citizens get access to 1 free credit report per year at annualcreditreport.com, it is very easy to pull this report and check for any bad data. If you see anything that look inaccurate, you can write a letter disputing the inaccurate information. 

If your report seems up to date and accurate, but your score still needs help you may need to take a more active role to improve your score. In this case, you may consider a "credit builder loan" from a credit union. This type of loan is a small easy to re-pay loan, designed specifically to improve a borrower credit score. It usually takes around 6 months to repay and can improve a borrowers credit a number of points. 

Shop Online For The Best Interest Rates - since the online marketplace for loans is one of the easiest ways to find rates, you can compare multiple lenders fairly easy. There will still be a fairly large difference in rates and expenses from lender to lender. Some lender costs ranges from $100's - $1000 for the fees that compensated to each broker or lender. By searching online, you can quickly determine which lenders are charging the most in fees. You should also contact multiple lenders to let them know you are working with other companies to get the best rates. This will give you some leverage and you may be able to negotiate to get the best rates possible. 

Reduce the Amortization Period (shorten loan term to save) - most mortgages come with a repayment (or amortization period) of 15 to 30 years. The simple fact is that, the longer the amortization period, the more money you will repay in interest. Even though a longer repayment term will come with a lower monthly payment, you will still end up paying more money in the long run. 

By reducing this repayment period, you will end up paying SIGNIFICANTLY less interest on your mortgage. The difference of 5 years on a $200,000 mortgage (at 4%) can amount to as high as $25,000 in total interest payments. You need to decide whether or not a lower monthly payment or less in the total amount of interest payments is better for you.


A Smarter Way to See the World

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Money, the great inhibitor to traveling abroad. But if you’ve got to a stage in life where you have a little more free time to see the world, then it shouldn’t be wasted. With some careful planning, it doesn’t have to be: the key is knowing where to look and being flexible with your time. Here are some money-saving holiday tips for smart seniors who want to stretch their travel savings further this year…

How to Save


It’s now a well-known fact that the cheapest flights to any destination are often the last minute ones. When airlines are scrambling to fill those unused seats, that’s when you can save up to 70% off your ticket. The key, and this is difficult for most, is being able to leave on short notice. One way to get around this is to have multiple destinations in mind, along with a block of time you’ve put aside for traveling. That way when the time gets closer you have options to choose from, and are prepared for a trip.

If you prefer the certainty of an airline ticket beforehand, savings can still be had, depending on when you book your flight. Flying during the holidays is going to be the most expensive, but there is a benefit to that. The week before and after major holidays see a major drop-off in numbers of people traveling, therefore tickets will be cheaper as well.


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Where to go


These destinations are relatively inexpensive to get to, but more importantly where a dollar gets you a lot, not a little. That leaves London and Paris off the list, but there are still many beautiful places to go.

While the Caribbean is not generally known for being a budget-friendly location, this picturesque island is the most geared up towards tourists and can be very affordable, as long as you know where to look. Generally, the cheapest holidays to Barbados tend to happen in the off-season. May is the best month to go, sandwiched between the end of peak season (December to April) and the start of hurricane season (June). Once you get here, the all-inclusive resorts are a very good value, since much of the cost of visiting Barbados is tied to the cost of food.

The East has long been a top destination for backpackers, due to how cheap it is. Take Bangkok, for instance. $50 gets you at least a 3 star hotel, with more than enough money for three decent meals and almost any attraction around. Speaking of attractions, a big draw is the Buddha park, where less than $3 gains you access. Once inside you’ll see over 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues; to say that there is nothing remotely like that in America would be an understatement and it’s well worth seeing once in your lifetime. A visit to any eastern country affords a valuable glimpse into a culture and lifestyle most Westerners are unfamiliar with.

Of course, these are just a couple of suggestions for cheaper destinations. Depending on where you’re based, you might also want to check out Eastern Europe, which has opened up to tourism in recent years but remains a surprisingly good-value region to travel within, as well being home to many cultural treasures like the walled city of Dubrovnik (Croatia) and the Bridge of Mostar (Bosnia-Herzegovina).

In short, there are plenty of ways to make your golden years ones of discovery, so start planning and you can soon start saving…

Images by David, Bergin, Emmett and Elliott, and Arian Zwegers, used under Creative Comms license



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