NVIDIA has released their updated version of the SHIELD tablet with a new name, but very little has changed other than the name (now the SHIELD tablet K1) and the price – now $100 less expensive at $199.99.
The SHIELD tablet K1 (pictured case and controller are not included)
Under the hood the 8-inch Android-powered tablet is identical to its predecessor, with the quad-core Tegra K1 processor with its 192 CUDA core GPU powering the gaming action on the 1920×1200 display. The controller is still a separate $59.99 purchase, but of course this is not required to use the tablet.
Here are full specs from NVIDIA:
- Processor: NVIDIA Tegra K1 192 core Kepler GPU (2.2 GHz ARM Cortex A15 CPU with 2 GB RAM)
- Display: 8-inch 1920×1200 multi-touch full-HD display
- Audio: Front-facing stereo speakers with built-in microphone
- Storage: 16 GB
- Wireless: 802.11n 2×2 MIMO 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi; Bluetooth 4.0 LE, GPS/GLONASS
- I/O: Mini-HDMI output, Micro-USB 2.0, MicroSD slot, 3.5 mm stereo headphone jack with microphone support
- Motion Sensors: 3-axis gyro, 3-axis accelerometer, 3-axis compass
- Cameras: Front, 5MP HDR; Back, 5MP auto-focus HDR
- Battery: 19.75 Watt Hours
- Dimensions: Weight, 12.6 oz (356 g); H x W x D: 8.8 in (221 mm) x 5.0 in (126 mm) x 0.36 in (9.2 mm)
- Operating System: Android Lollipop
- Gaming Features: SHIELD controller compatible, GeForce NOW cloud gaming service, Console Mode, NVIDIA ShadowPlay
- Included Apps: Google Play, NVIDIA SHIELD Hub, Fallout Shelter, NVIDIA Dabbler, Squid, Twitch
This update really comes down to price, as NVIDIA is being more aggressive about the adoption of their gaming tablet with the new MSRP. This doesn't come without some concessions, however, as the SHIELD tablet K1 ships without any accessories (no USB cable or charger). It's a move remienscent of Nintendo with the "New 3DS XL", which also shipped without a charger, and the standard micro-USB connection should be readily at hand for most of the target audience.
The question of course must be, is this now a more compelling product at $199? It does make the controller seem a bit more affordable considering the bundle will now run $260 – $40 below the previous tablet-only price. Time will tell (and of course you can let us know in the comments below!).
NVIDIA is selling the SHIELD tablet K1 directly from their web store, and it's already on Amazon for the same $199.99 price.
Conspiracy theory:
Nvidia
Conspiracy theory:
Nvidia recalls Shield tablets with bad batteries. Fixes them, polishes them, repackages them, resells them.
Uhhh, I’m not sure if you’re
Uhhh, I’m not sure if you’re being sarcastic or not. But that’s not a conspiracy theory. That’s probably what happens.
nVidia recalls tablets with a defective component (battery). They replace the faulty component, and then re-packages the tablets to be sold as refurbished units (or to be used as warranty replacement units).
They won’t sell a used tablet as new. It’s against the law to do that (fraud) to misrepresent the condition of a product.
They didn’t require you to
They didn’t require you to return it so i doubt it. Lots of people kept their old ones, fire hazard be damned.
A lot of people who returned
A lot of people who returned theirs received defective ones aswell and not just one time but repeated times.
They are forums post with serials and bios screenshots from multiple people who received defective ones as replacements.
These new tablets have
These new tablets have differences tho, particularly no DirectStylus 2 slot.
I wonder if they’ve fixed all
I wonder if they’ve fixed all the issues with the tablet. Obviously the spontaneous combustion recall, but what about the cracking issue?
I considered one of these earlier in the year, but cost + reliability were a buzz killer.
I believe there is another
I believe there is another difference with the device that wasn’t stated in the article. I remember reading that the stylus has also been removed from the tablet.
“SHIELD tablet K1 ships
“SHIELD tablet K1 ships without any accessories (no USB cable or charger)”
W.T.F.?! So bad nvidia… so so bad…
Got a tegra note, broke in
Got a tegra note, broke in less then a year…
Not buying this, even so I want it, I really liked the integrated stylus.
Might have bought this at
Might have bought this at $200 if I hadn’t already bought a refurb Dell Venue 7000 a couple month ago for $100 or something. Love my tablet but still think the Shield tablet looks like a good option for somebody looking for a new tablet.
Why 802.11n?
Will this be
Why 802.11n?
Will this be enough for pc streaming?
And will it work with router in ac mode?
I just want the original
I just want the original Shield Portable (or an update with K1 or X1) to be available outside the US. The only time I’d use an Android ‘gaming’ device over any other is to have physical controls rather than touchscreen emulated controls, and having the controller separate from the tablet makes it impossible to use without a handy nearby table.
I have the Shield Console
I have the Shield Console hooked up to the tv for all my streaming needs and android gaming needs. Very powerful little thing running my 4K stuff amazingly snappy. The gaming is also incredible smooth, the ones that are controller optimised.
I got rid of my other devices that were attached to the tv. This thing is all you really need, small , sleek and powerful.
That’s nice and all but this
That’s nice and all but this is the Tablet not the console its not ment to be stationary and for the same use your using it will only play one movie before needing to be recharged.
Some people are loading Full
Some people are loading Full Linux on these tablets, so it may make for some interesting experiments for a cheap price. Some people have loaded Ubuntu:
http://news.softpedia.com/news/Ubuntu-for-Desktop-Spotted-Running-on-NVIDIA-Shield-Tablet-482431.shtml