Looking for a tablet hybrid for your business and personal needs? Whether you own a small business, work from home or simply go to work for a bigger company that has a BYOD policy, Windows 8 tablets make a lot of sense.
These types of devices work well for touch controlled work and play, and yet can be docked or flipped into a full laptop-like experience so that way can run your full Windows legacy apps and type away at those reports to your heart’s content.
There are quite a few epic pieces of Windows 8 hardware out there right now, but we take a look at just five of the best.
Without further ado, let’s jump right in:
Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga
The Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga is a 13.3-inch Ultrabook that has multitouch and the full power of Windows 8 onboard. It is more of a PC than a tablet, but its flip-styling makes it really quite capable for both kinds of uses.
While some convertibles/hybrids require you to remember to drag along a dock in order to start typing away, the Yoga has the keyboard built in, making life all that much easier.
So what kind of power can you expect with the IdeaPad Yoga 13? Expect a powerful Intel Core i3 on the lower-end of the spectrum, or up to a Core i7. The $999.00 model also includes Intel HD Graphics 4000, 8GB RAM, a 13.3-inch 1600×900 display, 128GB SSD, and integrated 720p camera.
There is enough power in the Yoga that you don’t have to compromise when it comes to running most of your business software, and yet the battery life isn’t that bad either. For $1000, it might not be perfect, but it is pretty close.
(Learn more here)
HP ElitePad 900
Starting at $749.00, the HP ElitePad might not have the muscle of the Yoga but it isn’t a pushover either. Powered by an Intel Atom 1.5GHz processor and 2GB of RAM, other specs include 32GB of storage and Intel integrated graphics.
Due to its solid design, it has already won quite a bit of attention from major businesses already. That said, this isn’t a hybrid in the same way as the others on this list but there is a dock that will allow you to plug in a wired USB keyboard and use it like a 10.1-inch mini-AiO desktop.
Again, not the cheapest Atom offering but it is clearly geared towards business professionals, which is a plus.
(Learn more here)
Samsung ATIV Smart PC Pro 700T
Samsung is a quality brand that many folks in the mobile world love, in large part thanks to their Android-based mobile devices. The ATIV Smart PC Pro 700T is a high-quality Windows 8 tablet that has a full keyboard dock and a large 11.6-inch display.
Other specs include an 128GB SSD, Samsung’s renowned S Note applications, and full HD resolution.
(Learn more here)
HP Envy X2
Like the ElitePad but really looking for something with a kind of keyboard dock or something? The Envy X2 is certainly worth taking a look at as well. The Envy 2X starts at $849.99 and is powered by an Atom 1.8Ghz processor, 2GB of RAM and has 64GB of storage, or an optional 128GB SSD. There are quite a few great features for when you use this for personal reasons as well – such as Beat Audio sound.
There are also features like microSD, a 720p webcam and much more.
(Learn more here)
Microsoft Surface Pro
You didn’t think we’d leave out the Surface did you? Hands down, if you like the looks of the Surface, don’t mind the battery life and are okay with knowing that Microsoft is new to the hardware game – this is worth jumping into. It is beautiful and highly functional, and the excellent pen that comes standard with it is just one of the many reasons to give it a go.
Starting at $899 you get 64GB storage, an Intel Core i5 processor, front and back cameras, and much more.
(Learn more here)
Summing it all up
While we didn’t go into tons of details, these are five of the best you will find, though there are far more than five great Windows 8 tablets out there. If you want more information about any of these five, we have included direct links to their makers/sellers that should give you ordering information, more detailed specs and beyond.
What do you think of the five we covered? Perhaps you feel we missed a few that are truly worth mentioning? If so, tell us in the comments below.
