Mecer A890A or Proline A933L

[Freakboy]

Hey guys,

Do any of you own or know anything about these two tablets.
I can get both for around R2000-2200 each so they don't look bad.

Specs are mostly the same, just the Proline has a "better" rear camera.
2GB ram and 32GB specs for both, so Windows 10 should run fine on them.

Any info would be appreciated

 

[NeonNinja]

Get a reputable brand, thank me later.

 

[Freakboy]

Get a reputable brand, thank me later.

Thanks but any suggestions? And please no Surface Pro 2 or Acer Iconia, way out of my range.
Just need a 8" tab with 2GB ram to run Windows 10. I know 1GB should work but would like to have 2GB as minimum.

 

[IcemanMike2010]

A890

Hi Freakboy

I had a similar requirement and went with the Mecer A890-WIFI model. At R2160 (and free delivery) it's a steal at shop.mecer.co.za !!

I would not look at any of the 1GB models. Also the Mecer has a nice IPS display with awesome viewing angles.

I'm very happy with my purchase so far. I formatted the 32GB SSD and installed Windows 10 via USB stick.
You can set the boot priority like a normal PC using a plugged in Keyboard and going to the BIOS.

You will need to get a cheap USB hub to connect a mouse/keyboard at the same time. Or one of those OTG "On-the-go" usb cables to convert the micro USB into a secondary full USB port.

It's running Windows 10 like a dream.
Here's the driver set from Mecer's FTP site:
http://downloadcenter.mustek.co.za/list.php?dir=Repository/Tablet/Windows/A890A/Win10/

The nice thing is that you actually have a "Modular" laptop as you can connect a bluetooth mouse or keyboard when required.

It even has a HDMI port (require mini HDMI to HDMI cable). This could even be hooked up to your Television as a full blown PC/Media centre! (Running XBMC or Plex Server)

 

[Freakboy]

Hi Freakboy

I had a similar requirement and went with the Mecer A890-WIFI model. At R2160 (and free delivery) it's a steal at shop.mecer.co.za !!

I would not look at any of the 1GB models. Also the Mecer has a nice IPS display with awesome viewing angles.

I'm very happy with my purchase so far. I formatted the 32GB SSD and installed Windows 10 via USB stick.
You can set the boot priority like a normal PC using a plugged in Keyboard and going to the BIOS.

You will need to get a cheap USB hub to connect a mouse/keyboard at the same time. Or one of those OTG "On-the-go" usb cables to convert the micro USB into a secondary full USB port.

It's running Windows 10 like a dream.
Here's the driver set from Mecer's FTP site:
http://downloadcenter.mustek.co.za/list.php?dir=Repository/Tablet/Windows/A890A/Win10/

The nice thing is that you actually have a "Modular" laptop as you can connect a bluetooth mouse or keyboard when required.

It even has a HDMI port (require mini HDMI to HDMI cable). This could even be hooked up to your Television as a full blown PC/Media centre! (Running XBMC or Plex Server)

Thanks for the long post, appreciate it.
Tbh got the Sansui 8" that is on special atm at Hifi for R200 cash, had a previous return voucher credit left

Still going to look at the Mercer but the Sansui is ok for R200 now.
Will play with it and then decide. The Sansui will then be passed on to my son to play with.

Got the OTG cables and stuff a while ago for my 5DMKII and my android tablet so that is all set.
Just need to get a mini HDMI to HDMI.

Might still get one next month, just need to first play with this one first.
Running Win 10 fine too.

 

[maranite@gmail.com]

Hey iceman,

Wanted to say thanks... just bought one of these babies on takealot for R1800 on account of your post here. Its a very good piece of kit considering the price and free windows 10 upgrade.

Thanks for lighting the way!

 

[IcemanMike2010]

Hey iceman,

Wanted to say thanks... just bought one of these babies on takealot for R1800 on account of your post here. Its a very good piece of kit considering the price and free windows 10 upgrade.

Thanks for lighting the way!

After using the tablet for 10 months, I'm still think it's a good buy.
I've however come to realise it doesn't feel like a tablet. It's more a "laptop". Mostly because of Windows 8 & 10. I find myself rather grabbing the iPad to quickly search something.
Th other reason for this is the power management. I can leave my iPad in standby and it will keep it's charge for 10-20 days! With this tablet, it's only 2-3 days and the battery is flat. (I suspect the power management needs to be heavily tweaked.) In the end I've configured the tablet to "Shutdown" when I press the power button. (It doesn't take too long to start back up though)

 

[Lupus]

After using the tablet for 10 months, I'm still think it's a good buy.
I've however come to realise it doesn't feel like a tablet. It's more a "laptop". Mostly because of Windows 8 & 10. I find myself rather grabbing the iPad to quickly search something.
Th other reason for this is the power management. I can leave my iPad in standby and it will keep it's charge for 10-20 days! With this tablet, it's only 2-3 days and the battery is flat. (I suspect the power management needs to be heavily tweaked.) In the end I've configured the tablet to "Shutdown" when I press the power button. (It doesn't take too long to start back up though)

Noticed that with the Sansui Windows tablet as well, you cannot leave it on standby for long. While my android tablets are all on standby for daaaays on end the windows one dies after maybe 2.

 

[sajunky]

Noticed that with the Sansui Windows tablet as well, you cannot leave it on standby for long. While my android tablets are all on standby for daaaays on end the windows one dies after maybe 2.

It is why this tablet is selling so cheap.

My 10+ years old noteook (HP/Compaq 6715b) can stay on standby for a week on the worn original battery (didn't try longer).

 

[thatguyrobertj]

Hi IcemanMike

i have recently purchased 3 of these to be used at a client and their current policy requires windows 10 enterprise 64-bit. i am failing dismally to boot from the USB from BIOS... all the basics have been done( created the bootable USB, boot sequence done,, THE works)

So how on earth did you manage to do this?


i see that the USB attempts t boot but as soon at the windows logo appears when booting, the power to the USB port dies?? IM using the standard port on the tablet with an OTG cable into the Micro USB for the keyboard. i have also tried a powered hub, unpowered hub and even am external CD-ROM drive... nothing.

There might be something im missing here.... help would be much appreciated

 

[IcemanMike2010]

Hi IcemanMike

i have recently purchased 3 of these to be used at a client and their current policy requires windows 10 enterprise 64-bit. i am failing dismally to boot from the USB from BIOS... all the basics have been done( created the bootable USB, boot sequence done,, THE works)

So how on earth did you manage to do this?


i see that the USB attempts t boot but as soon at the windows logo appears when booting, the power to the USB port dies?? IM using the standard port on the tablet with an OTG cable into the Micro USB for the keyboard. i have also tried a powered hub, unpowered hub and even am external CD-ROM drive... nothing.

There might be something im missing here.... help would be much appreciated

Hi thatguyrobertj

It was a year ago, but I remember also struggling for a while.

1) Have you managed to set the boot priority correctly in the BIOS? (Very important)

2) Also switch off "quick boot"

3) If I remember correctly there might've been a "secureboot" setting or similar that I needed to switch off.

4) I didn't try the OTG option, but my initial attempt was to just insert the USB flash with Windows image. If I remember correctly I couldn't change any of the Windows installation option on the first page (Country, Keyboard type, etc) as I couldn't connect a USB keyboard.I then borrowed a D-Link powered USB hub and connected both the USB Flash and keyboard through the Hub.

5) I had to try 3 different USB Flash drives before I found one that worked..

6) Make sure you use the official Microsoft Windows 7 DVD Creation tool to write the ISO to the USB Flash.


Let me know if you come right!

 

[thatguyrobertj]

Thanks for the speedy response !

i'll try all that you mentioned now but one thing i didnt do is use the Windows 7 USB tool as i was under the impression it was for Win7.

seems like its going to be trial and error here....

Will keep you posted !

 

[sajunky]

i'll try all that you mentioned now but one thing i didnt do is use the Windows 7 USB tool as i was under the impression it was for Win7.

seems like its going to be trial and error here....

Unlikely, as Windows 7 DVD tool do not create UEFI boot image (which is required for secure boot). If you didn't disable secure boot in BIOS, it is not going to work.

Disable secure boot or create USB stick using Rufus with UEFI boot option. Also follow all previous suggestions.

 

[zoner]

Hi all. I know this is an old thread but I'm hoping someone can help me. I need to find out where I can get a replacement battery pack for the Mecer A890A Windows tablet. The tablet is great but the battery in mine has swollen badly. I've tried to disconnect the battery pack and run it directly off the charger but it won't power on without the pack connected. Please help.