Windows 8 Pro tablets: Not a good laptop replacement

[h=1]

Windows 8 Pro tablets: Not a good laptop replacement[/h] Summary: The Windows 8 launch is getting closer and many are looking forward to the tablets that will run the full version of Windows. Those looking to use one of these tablets as a PC replacement may be disappointed.

By James Kendrick for Mobile News
August 9, 2012 -- 13:46 GMT (06:46 PDT)

As a tablet enthusiast I am looking forward to the Windows 8 slates that will start appearing later this year. The Microsoft Surface tablets look like capable entrants to the field, along with the just-announced ThinkPad Tablet 2.


The tablets that will run Windows 8 Pro have attracted a lot of attention from many I have corresponded with due to the ability to run not only the apps written for tablets but also legacy Windows apps. Many I have spoken to plan to get a Windows 8 Pro tablet for that legacy support.


I am hearing from more and more people that they see these tablets as laptop replacements. The Surface tablets will have a keyboard cover to turn it into a pseudo laptop, and others are likely to have similar accessories.


Others who plan to get a Windows tablet tell me they want to use it as their sole computer. They expect accessories to be available to let them drop the tablet into a dock that is connected to monitors, speakers, keyboard, and mouse, turning the slate into a full-blown desktop system.

more

 

[pparks1]

I would have to assume you didn't opt for the physical keyboard dock for your Asus Transformer? Otherwise I cannot see how it would take you 20x longer to post on a forum compared to your laptop.

No, I didn't opt for that. Reason being, it was another $130 on top of the $400 that I spent for the tablet. My price limit was $400, otherwise i was in laptop price territory.

 

[Night Hawk]

Don't feel bad my cell phone has a browser but not even able to log in here. Besides how compact that is compared to a smart phone or IPad there's not enough onboard memory to load pages!

 

[Coke Robot]

Every time I see a keyboard connected to a phablet, I freak out as there isn't a Windows Start key...

 

[Night Hawk]

You don't think manufacturers are going to spend that little bit extra just to add that key in do you?

As far as buying a Tablet here it would seem to be a waste of time since despite the large screen you can't do much with them except bounce around with touchscreen options since they do not have the capacity for storage or memory capabilities you would typically see with a good notebook or laptop.

Yet at the same time for those making fast trips and not wanting to lug around a carrying case, ac adapter, a mouse and keyboard even a cordless keyboard/mouse combo but travel light those are just a little over pocket sized in comparison. You wouldn't be running any number of apps, testing a new OS, or much else besides checking the mail and browsing a bit if not having headphones for any form of media playback.