If you’re in the market for a new laptop or tablet, then there are plenty of Windows 8 options available today. Despite the mixed press surrounding the release of Windows 8, it’s not a bad operating system. And on touch screen laptops and tablets, Microsoft’s newest OS truly shines.
To help you make the best decision on your next laptop or tablet purchase, here are the top 5 best Windows 8 laptops and tablets you can buy today (these are listed in no particular order):
5) IdeaPad Yoga
The IdeaPad Yoga is one of the most eyecatching Windows 8 laptops available today. In its normal state, it functions as a 13.3-inch Ultrabook. But flip it around and it becomes a full touchscreen tablet. It also has enough performance power to be classified as an Ultrabook, which is useful whether you need a tablet or a laptop.
By all reports, the Yoga is great for typing and has a good set of quality speakers. And unlike just about every other 13.3-inch laptop available today, the Yoga is set at a resolution of 1600×900 pixels, which gives it a noticeable improvement in clarity over its competitors. The panel also rotates around 180 degrees and can fold up into “tent” mode, making it a versatile solution whether you’re at the office or traveling on an airplane.
4) ThinkPad Twist
As you’ve probably already guessed from the name, the ThinkPad Twist spins around on its hinges. Although the ThinkPad line of laptops has existed since the IBM days in 1992, the ThinkPad Twist is a modern laptop in every sense of the word. Aside from being a little bit heavier than consumers may expect, the Twist provides solid performance and a decent 1366×768 display at a fair price.
The ThinkPad Twist is a perfect option for travelers or for anyone who plans on taking their laptop to less than comfortable environments. It’s thick enough to be thrown around without breaking, so you don’t have to worry about throwing it in a backpack. There’s also a 128GB SSD model that provides extremely fast storage and top-tier performance.
3) Acer Iconia W700
The Acer Iconia is the first pure tablet on our list. While it doesn’t have a traditional laptop keyboard or hinge design, the Acer Iconia packs all of the punch of an Ultrabook into the relatively thin design of a tablet. Sure, it’s not nearly as thin and luxurious-looking as an iPad or a Microsoft Surface. But what the Iconia lacks in style it makes up for in performance.
The full HD display (1920×1080) is a thrill to look at, and the 16:9 aspect ratio makes watching movies or TV shows a breeze. Really, the only downside of this tablet is its lack of form and style. At 2.1 pounds, it can feel noticeably heavier than the average tablet. But hey, some people like their tablets to have a sturdy feel.
2) Sony Duo 11
The Sony Duo 11 is one of those devices that can’t seem to decide whether it wants to market itself as a tablet or as a laptop. Just take a look at the picture we posted above. In truth, the Sony Duo 11 is officially classified as a laptop, although the keyboard part of the laptop can seamlessly fold up into the back of the screen to turn the Duo into a cool-looking tablet.
The Duo 11 also includes full HD resolution spread across an 11.6-inch screen. And the tablet/laptop/whatever you want to call it is particularly appealing to artists because it comes with a stylus that supports 256 different pressure levels. So if you plan on drawing on your tablet a lot using the stylus, then the Sony Duo 11 might be the perfect option for you.
1) Surface RT
If you’re looking for the best Windows 8 tablet available today, then the Surface RT is it. The Surface RT is Microsoft’s answer to the iPad. It features a larger display than the iPad as well as the (admittedly hit-and-miss) Windows 8 operating system.
But armed with a Tegra CPU and a useful kickstand/keyboard combo, the Surface RT delivers by combining the best aspects of a laptop and crunching them down into tablet form. And since the Surface RT comes with Microsoft Office apps already pre-installed, the Surface RT can be used for work, school, home life, or whatever.
