TabletKiosk's Sahara i440D Slate PC reviewed, benchmarked

Just over a fortnight after the TabletKiosk's Sahara i440D Slate PC began shipping out to interested buyers, the niche machine has now been reviewed and benchmarked for those still mulling a purchase. The folks over at TabletPCReview noted that this machine was a breeze to tote around, had a solid feel, sported a satisfactory (though not awe-inspiring) display, and performed sufficiently enough for those not looking to actually replace their (likely more robust) laptop. Additionally, the pen functionality was highly praised as was the respectable array of ports, but the amount of noise and heat that this bad boy emitted was a slight turn-off. Still, the Sahara i440D benchmarked well against similar alternatives, and while we wouldn't recommend 3D gaming or motion picture rendering on it, it seems like a solid choice for those in the market. Check out a videoed extension of the review after the jump.

[Jhongerkong @ Aug 14th 2007 6:49PM]

Can it play Doom?

[reader @ Aug 14th 2007 7:26PM]

No taste.

[engadget @ Aug 14th 2007 7:46PM]

Given the specs.
Yes

Intel Core Duo LV 2500 1.83GHz
RAM 1GB DDR2 RAM
Graphics Intel 945GM Chipset
Audio Integrated speakers
Hard Drive 80GB (5400 rpm) SATA hard drive

[booger62 @ Aug 14th 2007 7:39PM]

Heat is an issue? Isn't that why they call it the Sahara? ;)

[Michael Francis @ Aug 14th 2007 7:56PM]

Hmmm, if the price is right I'll get one, its between this an a Fujitsu ST5xxx

[Emceay @ Aug 15th 2007 1:32AM]

Oh, I can't wait for these things to be multi-touch. I think I'll hold off until I don't have to use stylus.

[unuser @ Aug 15th 2007 11:31AM]

yeah, so that you can close a window and press the start button at the same time, that would be sweet, or select multiple files with each of your fingers!

[Anthop @ Aug 15th 2007 2:29PM]

I actually own a new Sahara i440D, and it's been very much a mixed bag. As far as slate tablets go, it's one of the better ones on the market, even with some Vista compatibility driver problems. It also has a few annoying design flaws:

- Screen is not very bright, even the "Wide-Angle Outdoor Viewable" version (definitely not outdoor viewable).
- A little hot sometimes, especially when charging.
- Pen is placed on the opposite corner that it should be placed.
- "Dock" doesn't actually pass through all ports, including dial-up and headphone/line-in jacks. And it disables your speakers when you dock, so docking = no sound.

Still, push in an extra GB of RAM (You have to have at least 2 GB, honestly), and it's a decent performing machine! Honestly, one of the better slate tablets out there.

[Dale @ Aug 20th 2007 6:16PM]

The Motion Computing LE1700 has a nice new set of features and I think I'll be getting one of those instead. It has a multi-touch display, finger print reader and all kinds of other stuff. Anyway, I've heard bad things about the Sahara slates. The only thing they seem to have going for them is the price.