First of all: About the specifications was not further it received that can be "Googled" by short notice to relevant websites. Modern hardware (HY1 2014) but is included; the peculiarities of the Android system are known sufficiently well and are not run by me here or expanded to a system discussion.
First, the positive things that have inspired me:
1.) The Design:
Basically I like the design very well. Many critics complain about the thick borders around the screen, but if you hold the device in both hands, so you come not in danger of accidentally touching the touch screen. This device is indeed flat, but the surface is slightly larger than the devices of the competition from Cupertino. The processing is probably. not as "classy" as is put on plastic rather than aluminum, the processing and the materials used are nevertheless far from being "cheap". I like the design, but because the taste is, you can also see the other happy.
2.) The display:
Full-HD in my opinion is sharp enough to show even small fonts can. Through the 16: 9 format also films without too broad black bands can play up and down. What I find absolutely fascinating is the brightness (can also be in direct sunlight is still relatively good read) and the viewing angles (that was in previous Sony displays or otherwise); in the dark, the brightness is sometimes gradezu dazzling and you have to readjust manually.
While Samsung and Apple have nominally higher resolutions and thus - at least technically - sharper images on offer, but real value I do not see it. I do not see any pixels or podium. Thumbs up from me for the display.
3.) Sound
The musical sound is the best thing I've heard in a mobile device to date - but as expected from Sony otherwise. In addition, an FM receiver is included, which is quite rare in tablets. Even the sound from the speakers is surprisingly useful, but they are placed a bit inconvenient bottom of the device and be criticized in some tests. However, I have the device while listening to music can not look into his hand and movies you turn the device, then the speakers are top and no longer interfere. In addition, then is also the benefit of headphones recommended because thus the sound is then but noticeably better.
4) Equipment
The device has - unless one acquires the LTE variant - a telephone module, I can make calls and SMSs. Although this is also a feature that I do not necessarily "need", but I find it quite useful to it in an emergency, especially since, consequently, to use the opportunity comes USSD codes. Who really wants to make calls with the device, but should purchase a headset with noise cancellation, because the device only has a mono speaker above.
In almost the same category of the infrared sensor falls. So I can use the device as a universal remote control for all devices (at least I have found with us none that could not be operated). I've tried so far, although only 1-2 times, laughed, found quite useful but since then not used again. Nevertheless, it should be mentioned as a feature that works.
Also works USB On-the-go. Is, one includes a small adapter and the device detects any USB storage and even external hard drives (if this has its own power supply) and you can quickly import and export data. I personally find quite useful. The 3 above points does not offer Apple all.
Furthermore, all current wireless standards are included. GPS, Bluetooth, NFC and the new wireless standard AC (in 5 GHz band), plus LTE in all current frequency standards make the unit fit for the future and you will still be able to use appropriate even after many years. I have no device found, the were not possible to link and exchange data. The wireless connection was with me always stable and fast, the GPS fix will promptly and accurately (although I also as the practicality as a navigation solution in the car for me whether the size of the device doubting).
5.) IP-58 Certification:
Waterproof and dustproof device is. For me even a feature that is as insurance comes in handy, but I did not see the ambition in the bathtub movies or surf the net, but it's nice to have the confidence that I could do it. And that you can take the device sometimes to a day at the beach without having to worry have, that it is useless to contact with sand.
But that then too my reviews:
1) The battery:
As I said above, design is subjective, therefore not relevant rating with me, but I want to organize my thoughts to you. I like the design in general very good and I also understand the marketing-relevant benefits behind it offer 'the slimmest and lightest' tablet and advertise, but for me the device can make 1-2 mm thick and it obstruct a more powerful battery, which might still holds 1-2h longer. Especially for a multimedia tablet I think that's an important point and I - personally - do not understand why the equipment must always be flat. The battery pack holds here by a while, but something "more" would be better. Especially if you are the device - for example, on train rides - really intense uses, you can watch the battery level while falling.
2.) Memory:
For a multimedia tablet Sony comes with a fairly small memory therefore (11 GB of usable work out). This is here indeed expanded, but as a movie, or a game need enormous space was it mentioned here and in 2014 should probably. "It" to be 32 GB. While this is - for lack of expandability and the possibility to outsource data and apps on the SD card - no criticism, but this time wanted to give my opinion.
3.) The camera:
Likewise, I have no idea why a tablet has to ever have a rear camera (front, for video calling makes sense), but I think it's always plenty of amusing when I tourists see in the city - with the tablet in his hand - as images make the Duomo or town hall. I have personally no benefit to it and I have the camera well - except for testing purposes - not yet used. Because of me, these devices would need no camera (for I have now a smartphone) - and this makes also still 8 megapixels bad images. The only "benefit" that comes to mind is because, to use the device as a mobile scanner and to be able to photograph the documents. And if a camera, why a photo without light?
4) Connectivity:
The device has physically only a USB port. Although this is multifunctional but nevertheless I would like a second. Last, I wanted the Tablet times connect to a projector in the company to make a presentation. That could be a hand, or wirelessly via Miracast Wifi (has the beamer but not), or via cable. Also does not directly, but I need an MHL adapter cable (about 15 commercially), it goes perfectly, but I have just only this one connection. Ie when the tab depends on the projector, a simultaneous charging is not possible because the line is busy. Especially for longer meetings you have to make sure that one enters only with a fully charged battery. And why not normal HDMI connection, Sony?
5.) suitable for business is limited:
As above already mentioned, the device is an ingenious media player, but I did not originally use as a mobile cinema and mobile Playstation, but already - also - to work. And as it is - in my opinion - not full. While I can handle my entire communication through the device, manage appointments and contacts, search the Web, all well and good, but I was very pleased that it finally gave an App for Microsoft Office for Android. At last I was able to read and edit my documents on the smartphone and was very surprised that the Z2 tablet thus is not compatible and the app store is not offered. Okay, a) is a failure by Microsoft - that will hopefully fixed soon - and not from Sony and b) my error had, yes can inquire about previously, so this situation is also valuation neutral, I wanted here but mentioned times. For this too there are alternatives in the store, you get everything back, but just a little "awkward".
For this purpose the renunciation comes to the pin detection because actually has competition from Samsung introduced creative ideas. While I can create apps on relevant drawings. These also react relatively fine and precise, although a pen input would be useful, along with handwriting recognition. When Z Ultra Sony had to enter the option with a pen data implemented, why not here also, do not open up to me. I need the device not as a graphics tablet (am not an architect), but the possibility eg pdf's handwritten annotate and store, I would be interested. If any of the readers it is a possibility, please contact, thank you.
Who puts on the pen input value that we refer to Samsung.
6.) expensive accessories:
One needs a lot of additional accessories, for which Sony ordinary asking prices. If you want to obtain the IP certification, you have the USB cover kept closed where possible, so need a charging station. Not - by the Xperia smartphone fits - naturally. Plus a protective sheath including pedestal, or a Playstation controller if you want to play with the appliance.
Conclusion:
With the review of the instrument I do me - frankly - hard. It really is top equipped and works its options accordingly. That it is for me - for me originally intended use - is not entirely is not a fault of the device, but rather from me, or Microsoft. As a media player (movies, music) and to browse the network the device is absolutely perfect (only the battery for one probably. A little small), the design absolutely succeeded in displaying sharp and bright.
Nevertheless, I hope for a possible successor a photo light (if already, because already), a second USB port (for connecting the charger and TV or projector at the same time) and / or HDMI port, USB 3.0 (thus also for the Future coupling is ensured), pen input, 32GB of internal memory and a larger battery, and possibly (if it makes sense) has a higher resolution display. From me therefore once while 4 stars, but I'll try a little further.
