Windows 8 is finally here, and along with it a whole array of desktops, tablets, and hybrids that are a combination of both laptops and tablets. Microsoft has certainly paved the way for a new technological wave, and this can be seen in the first set of tablets that are hitting the shelves this month. Let’s take a look at the first wave of Windows 8 tablets that will hit the market this holiday season.
10 Freshly Baked Windows 8 Tablets
ASUS Vivo Tab RT
The ultra thin 10.1″ASUS Vivi tab RT weighs 1.15 lbs, measures 10.33″ x 6.71″ x .33″ and offers over 8 hours of battery life. This is a convertible tablet that offers the luxury of a laptop as well when docked. It is designed for touch and runs on NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor, 2GB RAM on a 32 GB/64 GB hard drive. Price: $599
ASUS Vivo Tab
This 11.6″ convertible is slightly heavier than its previous counterpart, at 1.54 lbs. Its top tech specs include dimensions of 11.58″ x 7.43″ x 0.34″ , 64GB eMMC, 2 GB RAM, and Intel Cloverview processor. The keyboard of this device adds extra battery power making it an ideal choice for users who wish to use it as a desktop as well. It also features the Wacom stylus technology, making it easier to write on the tablet as well. Price: $799
Dell XPS 10
This tablet is designed to smoothen the transition from office to personal with a 10.1″ screen, Qualcomm SnapDragon S4 dual-core ARM processor, Qualcomm chipset, 2 GB LP-DDR2 RAM, 32 GB SSD hard drive, and a cool Keyboard docking station 10.8″ x 7.3″ (including hinge holder) x 0.41″. Price: $499.99 to $749.
Dell XPS Duo 12
This high end device comes at a massive price tag of $1,999 and offers the flexibility of using it as an ultrabook or a tablet. Weighing in at a minimum weight of 3.5 lbs, this device features a 12.5″ screen, 128 GB or 256 GB mSATA SSD hard drive, 4 GB or 8 GB DDR3L SDRAM, and an Intel Ivy Bridge ULV (Core i3, Core i5, or Core i7) processor. Whew!
HP ENVY x2
The HP Envy x2 offers the power of 2 PCs in 1. Using a smooth sliding action, you can convert it to a laptop or a tablet with touch or keyboard options as you please. This device offers up to 14 hours of battery life, Beats audio, dual speakers, ultra wide viewing, 11.6-inch diagonal HD display, NFC, 64 GB eMMC hard drive size, 2 GB LPDDR2 RAM, and Intel Clover Trail SoC processor as part of its tech features. Price: A very cool $849.
Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 11
Flex and stretch this ultra slim PC/tablet device in multiple positions and even fold it 360 degrees backwards to convert it to a stand. With a battery life of up to 10 hours, 64 GB SSD hard drive, 2 GB RAM, 11.6″screen size, and Up to NVIDIA Tegra 3, you can stay connected to your office and social life all day long. Price: $799.00 to $899.99.
Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet 2
The Lenovo ThinkPad tab features a cool stylus, built in dual speakers, 8 MP camera, Intel Clovertrail processor, 2GB RAM, 64 GB SSD RAM, and a lightweight body at just 1.3 lbs. Price: $699 to $799.99.
Samsung ATIV Smart PC
This convertible device is a laptop or a tablet depending on how you want to use it. The S Pen lets you write, draw or edit pics right on the tablet, and being a Samsung product you can expect a whole bunch of Samsung apps thrown in as well. The expected battery life is up to 8.9 hours of video play. Other specs include a 11.6″ HD screen, 64GB, 128 GB eMMC hard drive, 2 GB RAM, Intel Clovertral processor, and weight of 1.16 lbs (tablet) and 3.1 lbs (keyboard). Price: $649.99 to $749.00.
Samsung ATIV Tab
This versatile device lets you attach a keyboard to convert the tab into a laptop. Weighing 1.28 lbs, this super slim tab has a 10.1″ screen size, and runs on Qualcomm APQ8060A processor, with a hard drive capacity of 2 GB, and can be purchased for a price of $649.
Microsoft Surface
Microsoft’s foray into the world of hardware begins with the Surface tablet. Claimed to be an engineering marvel, the device boasts of a battery life of 31.5 W-h, is ultra thin at 1.5 lbs, and runs on Quad-core NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor. Then there’s the 2 GB RAM, 32 GB / 64 GB hard drive options, and web cam, USB port, microSD card slot, and HD video out port and an integrated kickstand. Prices start $499 but if you are looking for a fully functional keyboard as well, that’s another $130 plus.
You can check out all the latest Windows 8 powered tablets online at the Microsoft Store, Dell Store, or Staples.
What do you think of the new range Windows 8 tablets and convertibles? Would you be interested in getting one this holiday season?
I really want a Surface but it’s too expensive with too few apps.