Customer reviews of the ZenPad S 8.0 (Z580C)

July 30, 2015 Categories: Review, Z580C, ZenPad S 8, ZenPad S 8.0, ZenPad S8 by 0 Comments

black-zenpad-s-8-0-z580c-z580ca-6Product reviews by tech websites are one thing, but how about the regular folk out there who buy these devices? It’s always good to hear from the average consumer about what they like or don’t like about a product they’ve purchased. In general, there might be some extreme likes and dislikes, but it’s always best to get an overall feel from what people are saying. You can often see reviews that give a low score because of some other issue, not related so much to the actual product. Either that or people rip a product because it was faulty out of the box.

So how about the $199 ZenPad S 8.0 (Z580C)? Right now there is a small sample size from Best Buy in the US. From 11 customer reviews, the tablet scores a rating of 4.3 out of 5. Breaking it down, 7 people gave the Z580C five stars, 1 person gave it four stars, 2 people gave it 3 stars and 1 person gave it 2 stars. Overall, that’s pretty solid, but let’s look a bit further into what people have said who’ve bought one.

The majority of people are very impressed with the screen, which is understandable especially at the cheap price point. Although one person mentions it being sluggish, most everyone else has commented on the snappy response time. One person found the tablet takes a long time to charge and another customer says to expect 5-6 hours with light to medium use, on half brightness. Also people has been complimentary about the quality of the sound (dual front facing stereo speakers).

It’s early days, so hopefully we can get some more insight with a greater number of customer reviews. Keep in mind also that the top end ZenPad S 8.0 (Z580CA) is selling for $299 and is available for pre order. The $199 version is currently a Best Buy US exclusive and is available at some, but not all Best Buy locations.

New ZenPad 8.0 variant spotted: Z380CX-A2 (colors: BK, WH, or MT)

July 29, 2015 Categories: comparison, Z380, Z380C, Z380CX, ZenPad 8, ZenPad 8.0 by 0 Comments

zenpad_logoShopping for a ZenPad 8.0 just got a little bit trickier. In the US market, we are seeing a Z380C ($149 US) and Z380CX ($129 US) available for pre order. In Canada we’ve only seen the Z380CX up for pre order. We’ve already written one article here which explains the differences between the Z380C and the Z380CX.

Now we have another wrinkle. The initial CX model was the Z380CX-A1. Now we see a model Z380CX-A2. The difference? No price difference oddly enough, but the “A2” model packs 2GB RAM vs. the “A1” model which packs 1GB RAM. Seems odd, but this is what we’re seeing. No price difference, but more RAM.

z380-zenpad-8-seriesWe’ve looked for more differences, but what we see is the same 16GB of storage and the same $129 US price. It’s entirely possible that the “A1” variant is replaced entirely and the “A2” may end up being the only Z380CX model available.

If you’re unclear about the ZenPad 8.0 vs. ZenPad S 8.0, the non S version is cheap, much lower specs, and has the ability to use the various customizable cases and covers like the battery case and audio cover.

So here are the actual model numbers associated with the various ZenPad 8.0 colors:

  • Z380CX-A2-BK (black)
  • Z380CX-A2-WH (white)
  • Z380CX-A2-MT (metallic)

Asus releases ZenPad 10 promo video

July 29, 2015 Categories: Accessories, Video, Z Stylus, Z300C, Z300CG, Z300CL, ZenPad 10, ZenPad 10 Keyboard by 0 Comments

The promo videos are one of those marketing tools that indicates some hope for sooner, rather than later, release dates. In the case of ZenPads, I know a lot of us are waiting, and then waiting. We admit over the past couple of weeks the marketing has been a trickle at best. Is this new promo video a sign that the floodgates are about to open? We hope so, believe us.

One thing is pretty clear in the promo video for the ZenPad 10. The stylus compatibility should be a strong selling point. Very few details are know about the technology behind the Z Stylus, but hopefully that news comes in the next week or earlier.

ZenPad 10 Promo Video Screenshots:

Bluetooth product directory adds ZenPad S 8.0 tablets (P01MA) (P01M)

July 28, 2015 Categories: Z580C, Z580CA, ZenPad S 8, ZenPad S 8.0, ZenPad S8 by 1 Comment

white-zenpad-s8-z580ca-z580c-5It’s not surprising that we get the most inquiries about the ZenPad S 8.0 (Z580CA). One of the first Asus tablets to get to the FCC was the P01M which we knew was the ZenPad S 8.0. However, we didn’t know that it was in fact the Z580C which is currently on sale exclusively at Best Buy in the US for $199.

Regarding the Bluetooth product directory listings, we are most curious about the P01MA because this is the first time we’ve seen that product code. In fact, it’s listed on GFXBench.com. So for us, this begs the question. Should we be expecting to see a FCC submission for the P01MA or was the previous P01M submission good for both these models?

The reason this is significant is because of the possible release date. If the P01MA shows up at the FCC this week, then typically it’s about a four week timeframe before it would hit retail. Perhaps one of you knows how the FCC submissions work, and whether a variant like the Z580CA will require its own submission. If it’s true that it need a separate submission, then we are looking at a fair chunk of time for the eventual release. Anyone? Let us know in the comments if you have some insights into the FCC process.

France now has pre orders, including ZenPad S 8.0 (Z580CA and Z580C) . Prices in Euro.

July 28, 2015 Categories: Pre Order, Price, Shopping and Deals by 0 Comments

Aside from the UK, we’ve been waiting for more prices in Euro or at least prices that we can mention with confidence. We figure that Amazon.fr is a pretty safe bet. Do you agree?

In France, there are 10 different ZenPad models to choose from. These are in pre order phase, but it certainly makes sense to look at ordering now especially if you’re interested in either of the ZenPad S 8.0 models that are currently up for pre order. We want to make note of the subtle differences between these particular models in France vs. other parts of the word. There are differences and we will try to point those out to you.

When do these ship? We don’t have any information right now. Early August is our best guess, but hopefully we can add those details in the coming week or two. We will update this list of available ZenPads in France as news comes out.

Shop Now:

ZenPad Précommander Amazon.fr – cliquez içi

ZenPad S 8.0 (Z580CA)          – EUR 349 299 (1A043A – black)
ZenPad S 8.0 (Z580C)             – EUR 272,40 to EUR 229
ZenPad 10 (Z300C)                  – EUR 236,30 to EUR 199
ZenPad 10 Bundle (ZD300C)  – EUR 249
ZenPad 8.0 (Z380C)                 – EUR 159
ZenPad 7.0 (Z370C)                  – EUR 149

About ZenPad S 8.0 Z580CA In France: We have talked previously about Z580CA variations that exist on the market. We’re seeing some more, and these are noteworthy for sure. The North American variant is the Z580CA-C1-BK/WH and it comes with the Intel Z3580 which clocks at 2.3GHz, 4GB RAM and 64GB storage. However, in the UK, their Z580CA model has the Intel Z3560 which clocks at 1.8GHz, 2GB RAM and 32GB storage. So what offering is France showing? Well, it’s packing the Z3560 (1.8GHz), 4GB RAM and 64GB storage. However, Amazon.fr is confusing us because they say 2.3GHz Z3560. So which is it? We’re not sure yet. It seems the model listed in France could have the 2.3GHz processor or it could have the 1.8GHz processor. We don’t want to guess which it is right now. Consider though it has the 4GB RAM and 64GB storage, that says to us it’s the fully packed hero version with the fastest processor, but we will look to clarify the situation.

About ZenPad S 8.0 Z580C In France: The $199 US priced ZenPad S8 model is not exactly the same in other countries. In France, the tablet has 16GB of storage (the North American model has 32GB storage) and 2GB RAM. The processor is the Z3530 which clocks at 1.33 GHz which is the same as we’ve seen elsewhere. With a price of EUR 229, is this as juicy a price as the $199 US version? You tell us!

What about the ZenPad C 7.0? We don’t know at this point. If France is like the UK, there will be exclusive retailers selling that low end model. We don’t have details just yet.

Photos:

Where to buy a ZenPad in the Philippines

July 28, 2015 Categories: Philippines, Shopping and Deals, Z170C, Z170CG, ZenPad C, ZenPad C 7.0 by 9 Comments

The Philippines branch of Asus has released a list of various retailers that are selling the ZenPad C 7.0 (Z170) in the country. We are assuming that if they are starting with the ZenPad C, that they will in fact be selling the other models as they arrive into retail in the Philippines. Here is the list of retailers in the Philippines and it’s an image, so click it to enlarge full size.

philippines-zenpad-part-1

philippines-zenpad-part-2

We’ve really only heard of the ZenPad C arriving in the Philippines first. Then expect to see the ZenPad 8.0 (Z380C) and then perhaps after that, the ZenPad S 8.0 will arrive in stores. It would seem that the releases are scattered globally until Asus is able to ramp up enough production. We will update where you can buy a ZenPad in the Philippines in the coming weeks as we learn more.

Not sure about the ZenPad C 7.0? It comes as a wifi only model, Z170C, or it comes with 3G enabled, the Z170CG model. There is another variant with a MediaTek processor, but it’s unlikely to get to the Philippines as we see the Z170CG as being the choice by Asus for that market. The ZenPad C series is the budget tablet. It’s 1024 x 600 resolution, 16GB and 1GB of RAM. The processor is a 1.2GHz Intel Atom.

Network Bands for 3G Model (Z170CG):

  • 2G :*1
    EDGE/GSM//// :

    :
    Class
    3G :*1
    WCDMA :
    850MHz(5)/900MHz(8)/1900MHz(2) /2100MHz(1)

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