Windows RT vs. Windows 8 Pro: Choosing the right tablet

There is a diverse array of tablet options to daze and amaze shoppers this holiday season. Microsoft has a solid contender with its current Surface tablet, but it runs the more limited Windows RT operating system that was designed for use with ARM-based processors. I’ve already examined how the Surface RT beats the iPad, and how the iPad beats the Surface RT, but how what about tablets that run the more powerful Windows 8 Pro OS?

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Windows RT vs. Windows 8 Pro: Choosing the right tablet | PCWorld

 

[robinb9]

If I had to choose between the S1081 and S1082, I'd take the S1081. It has a faster processor, up to 4GB RAM, USB 3.0 (this is really good) and still with all the other bells and whistles, at a very good price. You can switch relatively easily between screen resolutions if you really want to use the Modern apps, so the lower inherent screen resolution of the S1081 isn't a deal breaker. If you primarily use the desktop, then nothing is lost.

since it does not come with 8 pro how do you install it on it?

 

[Ray8]

If I had to choose between the S1081 and S1082, I'd take the S1081. It has a faster processor, up to 4GB RAM, USB 3.0 (this is really good) and still with all the other bells and whistles, at a very good price. You can switch relatively easily between screen resolutions if you really want to use the Modern apps, so the lower inherent screen resolution of the S1081 isn't a deal breaker. If you primarily use the desktop, then nothing is lost.

since it does not come with 8 pro how do you install it on it?

It comes with Window 7, so you just get the upgrade. You may even get a free upgrade, but I think that varies from region to region.

 

[robinb9]

I assume you can use a portable DVD player to install 8?
Or download it then install it

 

[Ray8]

You can install it directly, with a USB drive, or a portable DVD drive as well. Windows 8 comes with all the resources to make the installation pretty easy.

 

[Dave76]

You should qualify for the $15 win7 to win8 upgrade. Gigabyte may give it to you for free, ask them.

 

[jbfoster]

Ray8, how is the battery time ?

 

[Ray8]

Ray8, how is the battery time ?

I get around 4 hours, which is typical of Atom processors I believe.

 

[Ray8]

I assume you can use a portable DVD player to install 8?
Or download it then install it

Just a word of warning, as I've found out from another thread, The S1080/S1081 will not allow full Windows 8 Modern interface functionality on the tablet. You can't have two apps open at the same time, for example, and who knows what else, as you require a minimum of 1336x768 screen resolution. The apps themselves work fine with the registry change, but you can't view two side by side. If these things don't bother you, then any of the tablets will work fine.

 

[jbfoster]

Ray8, how is the battery time ?

I get around 4 hours, which is typical of Atom processors I believe.

I thought it would be around that. That sucks.

 

[Ray8]

Ray8, how is the battery time ?

I get around 4 hours, which is typical of Atom processors I believe.

I thought it would be around that. That sucks.

One thing to note, however, is that the battery capacity is around half that which is typical in Android etc tablets, mainly because of space limitation caused by the hardware. If the battery were the same capacity, then one would expect around 8 hours of use, which isn't too bad. You can get an extened battery to double the lfe, but that just adds extra size and weight to the tablet.

 

[jbfoster]

Ya toting around another battery pack would be a pain in the ass. It would be nice to have Windows Pro in a tablet but I must admit most of what I do when not at home is browse or watch a movie so I may not need the Pro.