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I prefer this $200 Lenovo tablet over the iPad for mobile entertainment - here's why

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ZDNET's key takeaways The Lenovo Tab Plus retails for $330, but is frequently on sale.

Contrary to its small size, the model houses a booming eight-speaker system and a long-lasting battery.

The MediaTek Helio chipset and dim display won't be winning any awards. View now at Best Buy View now at Amazon View now at Lenovo more buying choices

The Lenovo Tab Plus received a $126 discount, bringing it to an even more accessible $224 price point.

If you're in the market for a new tablet that won't break the bank, may I recommend the Lenovo Tab Plus? This is one of Lenovo's most portable tablets, capable of doubling as a mini-home theater. It has everything you could want in an entertainment system.

The Lenovo Tab Plus is compact, measuring 11.5 inches and weighing about 1.4 pounds. It's similar in size to an iPad Air, but unlike Apple's device, this tablet doesn't have a smooth back as the bottom half juts out.

Also: I tested a large-screen tablet that gave me zero iPad Pro envy (and it's on sale)

The lower section measures 13.58 mm thick, while the upper half is only 7.7mm. There's a good reason Lenovo designed its tablet with this unique look, as the bottom half houses two of the model's outstanding features.

First, the integrated kickstand sits flush with the tablet's rear. Popping it out provides a stable base and lets the device tilt up to 175 degrees. Praising a kickstand may seem silly, but remember that most tablets -- without the addition of a protective case -- don't have a way to prop themselves up. It's a great quality-of-life feature that enhances the viewing experience, and it's one I wish other manufacturers capitalized on.

Also, the Tab Plus can double as a powerful Bluetooth speaker when combined with smartphone support.

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