Which tablet/laptop hybrid takes your fancy?

[Ryzza5]

Most Windows 8 partners today have released information on their upcoming Windows 8 dockable tablets (need to make up a word for this - laplet or tabtop?)

 

Ignoring the fact they are running Windows 8, which design do you like the most? Which specification-class suits you best? Which would you be most likely to buy?

 

So far there are these form factors:

 

Laptop style (can be docked/separated)

These will generally look like normal laptops (netbooks) except all the processing power will be behind the screen instead of under the keys (top-heavy?) while the keyboard will provide a few extra ports and in some cases extra battery juice.

 

Microsoft Surface Pro (proper keyboard) & RT (soft keyboard)

 

Asus

 

Samsung

 

See also: HP

 

 

Slider (All in one)

Toshiba and Sony have slightly different sliders, the Toshiba one giving more room for a bigger keyboard and touchpad, the Sony one including a touchball & digitizer (pen).

 

Toshiba Satellite U925t

 

Sony VAIO Duo 11

 

Dell XPS Duo 12

 

 

There are generally 3 classes available:

 

 

1. "RT" tablets.
   Similar to existing Android and iOS tablets, these tablets will run on an ARM CPU, have great battery life, come with a decent edition of MS Office 2013 for free, and run a limited edition of Windows 8 (called Windows RT) similar to what you might expect on Windows Phone (just as Android and Apple tablets share their OS between phones and tablets with minor differences). These will be the cheapest as well, but their biggest limiting factor will be that they CAN'T run normal Windows *.exe programs. There is still however the normal Windows desktop available for managing files in Explorer, etc. The MS Surface RT fits into this class.
   
2. Netbook equivalent
   These tablets will run the full Windows 8 OS on an Intel Atom CPU (similar to cheap netbooks like the Asus Eeeeeeeeeeee PC, MSI Wind, etc). Should cost a few hundred dollars depending on specs & ports, and should remain fairly light with good battery life, although each brand/model will probably vary to cater for different needs and price points. Resolution topping out at 1366x768 in most cases.
   
3. Pro (Ultrabook equivalent)
   Running Windows 8 Pro on an Intel Core i3 or i5 CPU, these devices should do just about anything (maybe besides 3D gaming) and will be similar to today's Toshiba Portege R830, but downsides will include a ~$1000+ price tag, slightly heavier/bulkier footprint with fans/vents to keep temperatures under control. Good range of ports can be expected too. 1080p screens also common in this class. The Surface Pro fits in here.
   

[T1M]

Personally, I rather like the Microsoft Surface Pro.

[Ozzmcom]

is it feasible to get a win 8 for the pc?

[iNotACactus]

With the Metro start menu, no.

[TIMELESS]

Personally, I rather like the Microsoft Surface Pro.

 

I agree, either that or the Toshiba

[iNotACactus]

If it weren't so hideous I'd probably do the Dell.

[Ryzza5]

:hmmm: Anyone would think this thread was hidden for 3 days after I posted it