[Huawei MediaPad M5  Questions & Answers] B2WJ:
Actually, I do. Turns out those nearly five years with the described Android tablet involved a 1280x800 screen equaling a 16:10 aspect ratio. So I was too quick to dismiss the commenter's claim of a "square" screen. While that's hardly a geometrically accurate description the ACER Chromebook Tab 10's 2048×1536 screen is indeed a 4:3 ratio -- the same aspect ratio as an old tube TV. While not truly "square" neither is it anywhere near the current traditional 16:9. Saying "somewhat square" would have been more applicable and I should have picked up on it when AsltLies more appropriately referenced 4:3 ratio. I was judging by what to my eye are deceiving horizontal images. And to be clear, my quoted commenter was commenting on a technical article, and was not a commentator/technical reviewer as apparently interpreted.

So a somewhat square screen could mean "no sale" for me as well because planned uses included streaming from an HDTV antenna. Though I see what ACER's doing here: school work. A standard sheet of paper is 8.5x11 inches, which is 4:3 aspect ratio. Being aimed at the education market in schools using iPads Tab 10 emulates the iPad in an affordable package. But beyond the education angle is a trend where some of the best selling multiuse tablets and laptops such as the Chromebook Pixel are moving away from widescreens, while TVs and gaming monitors are getting even wider.

There are two ongoing arguments on current aspect ratio trends. One sees 16:9 screens as terrible for web consumption, reading, drawing, and everything else Tab 10 is being sold for. According to this argument 16:9 is only good for watching videos and sometimes gaming. The counter argument sees a 16:9 screen in portrait mode as a piece of paper for reading and drawing while in landscape as a great video viewer. The somewhat square screens such as the iPad are derided as a one-size-fits-none solution. Having not used any iPads I have no opinion worth sharing. But the two counter arguments obviously come down to the personal preferences of each individual.

At 1920x1200 the Hexa-core Android model I've matched against the new Chromebook "tablet" would give me a second consecutive 16:10 screen ratio. Yet as tempting as a Hexa-core processor is, I'm equally tempted to take a hint from Google and retain Android only for the current and future smartphones. Unfortunately the latter leaves me indefinitely substituting a 4.1 inch screen smartphone for a 10.1 inch screen tablet. By all indications ACER has no immediate plan to sell Chromebook Tab 10 to any market beyond educators or commercial interests or to release what technical journals foresee as a consumer-friendly version. The latter could perhaps include a 16:9 or 16:10 screen.

None of which helps the many like myself who want and need a new tablet. Now. While my 16:9 ratio (what else?) smartphone can be projected to a larger screen that's hardly a relaxing evening "on your couch" or "sitting out on your patio" while "holding it in your hands." So I'm stuck. And betting DopeFish1337's GF will be getting a Huawei. Sorry I bad-mouthed the brand, guy. Darn, this has been a reply for apologies and mea culpas. As AsltLies initially said deciding between an Android or Chrome OS powered tablet provides "a lot to think about." As someone who frequently wants productivity from any device, I have potential issues with Chromebooks. But of equal concern is being technically outmoded with an OS like Android that is consistently obsolete just months after purchase.