If you are looking for an inexpensive portable laptop/tablet hybrid computer for use with common home or office productivity tasks, the RCA Cambio 10.1 is not your best choice. There are several options from other brands, either a bit cheaper or slightly more expensive, which perform significantly better and have nicer physical build quality.
Nonetheless, this is a suitable enough choice for those needing a Windows 10 computer on a tight budget who won’t mind compromises in performance and quality for light use of basic productivity applications.
Table of Contents
Specs
First off, the specs:
- Processor: Intel Atom Z3735F quad-core processor, 1.33GHz
- Memory: 2GB
- Display: 10.1â€, multi-touch capable, 1280×800 resolution
- Graphics: Intel HD Integrated Graphics
- Storage: 32GB, microSD expandable
- Weight: 2.1 pounds
- Width: 1.1†thick when folded with the keyboard.
- Camera: Dual camera – 1MP front, 2MP back
- Wireless: 802.11ac dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0
- Keyboard: “Pogo†keyboard with multi-touch trackpad
- Colour options: black, blue, pink, purple
- Others: micro HDMI ports, micro USB and regular USB 2.0, audio jack for microphone and speaker, built-in microphone and speakers (all on the tablet half)
- OS: Windows 10 Home
- Battery Life: 6 hours
In Use
As mentioned, this device feels fragile and underpowered even at its price point of just over $100. Its low-end Intel Atom processor is normal for devices at this level but the RCA Cambio still underperformed in several benchmark tests. It has a noticeable 1-2 second lag even with simple commands such as right-clicking to reveal more options. The sluggish performance is further aggravated when used with a few more running apps.
With just 2GB of RAM, it can only run a 32-bit Windows 10 system which further limits its capabilities given that many new Windows apps can only run on 64-bit. It is sufficient for basic internet browsing (with minimal tabs open) and for running MS Office programs, plus a few simple games with light graphics. Don’t expect anything more.
It has a smooth finished plastic body that although feels flimsy, is quite surprisingly sturdy. The docking mechanism between the tablet screen and the keyboard is pleasantly strong even without some form of a magnetic latch. All its connective ports are on the tablet body by the way.
The small built-in touchpad is another thing you’d rather do without. It requires some significant finger force to make a click, right-clicking is even harder. Dragging files is also out of the question because of the sticky touchpad. The device can do it but save yourself the frustration and just don’t. Best use a portable wireless mouse instead. On the flip side though, the chiclet-style keyboard is nice and comfortable to use with its ample travel space.
The cameras are there for the sake of having it rather than to be a key feature. Like much of how the computer performs, the 2mp rear camera is slow with its auto-focusing and the shots always turn up hazy. The front camera unsurprisingly also isn’t very good but is perfectly sufficient for video calls.
Its battery life will have it running for a respectable 6-7 hours which should last enough for a whole day’s work but is still considerably less than its counterparts. You’ll just have to charge it up a bit more frequently. And speaking of charging, RCA Cambio can conveniently be charged with its included AC adapter or through micro USB. It does not include a micro USB charger though but that is simple enough to resolve with a micro USB – USB 2.0 converter cable.
It is available in four colour options (blue, black, purple, and pink) so you can at least have it match your personality.
RCA devices are manufactured by Alco Electronics Ltd., and they offer up several affordable Windows and Android devices.
Conclusion
The RCA Cambio 10.1 is a tablet/laptop hybrid computer that although available at a great price, offers very little in terms of performance. It probably did not aspire to be an all-around capable portable computer. It is simply a usable one for basic browsing, typing, and some multimedia functionality. For most people, that should already be enough so long as it works as it should.
Also read:Â RCA Maven Pro 11.6 Review
