tablet recommendations?

[Dan Tyndall]

I thought this might be a good spot to see if I am missing any options--I'm currently in the market for a Windows 8.1 (not RT) tablet. I have to carry around a full laptop work computer as part of my job, so I'm looking for something relatively light and thin for personal use (I really do not like using my work laptop for personal use). I'd like to be able to use an active stylus as well, but this doesn't matter if it comes with the device or I have to buy it extra. I need a device with at least a 256 GB hard drive option, so the models I've found so far are:

• Sony Vaio Tap 11
• Dell Venue Pro 11
• Microsoft Surface Pro 2

I would be looking at the Core i5 CPU option for the Dell instead of the Atom. Anyone have any thoughts on these models? I really like the option of the removable battery for the Venue Pro... I've been trying to find some battery tests of the model with the i5 processor, but they all seem to be testing the Atom variant. I'd also like to see some new benchmark tests with the new CPU upgrade to the 4300... to get a better comparison to the new Surface Pro 2, but I haven't been able to find any information on that either.

Am I missing any other models that are similar to these options?

 

[iamakii]

If you're tight on budget, I'd say go with Dell Venue Pro - good built quality that can rival that of Surface. But if have the $, then go with surface.

 

[WillysJeepMan]

If you are set on a tablet, then given what your requirements are, I have no problems recommending a Surface Pro 2 (over the other devices you listed). Add a PowerCover to it and it will serve quite well.

I was in a similar situation a few weeks ago. I have a Surface 2 (RT), but needed a mobile device that was capable of running some x86 software. I considered a Surface Pro 2... but way too expensive, IMO. I realized for those situations where I need x86 support, I wouldn't need a tablet form-factor. So I ended up buying an Asus X200MA notebook. 11.6" touchscreen, 500GB harddrive, 4GB RAM, and the usually full-sized connectors for $279.

I still have my Surface 2, and use it when it is better suited to the task at hand.

 

[bilzkh]

I'd wait a little bit and see what the May 20th announcement has in store for Surface. Rumour had it that Microsoft would reveal a 'power-optimized Haswell' Surface tablet-PC alongside the Surface 7-8 inch. This may not be Core i5, but you're probably going to get better battery life alongside an x86 CPU that has more power than Atom. Personally, I'm hoping for it to be a Core i3 variant with an active digitizer, but knowing Microsoft we will have to wait and see!

 

[ajst222]

I would eliminate the Tap 11 due to battery life and the fact that it can't really be used well in "laptop mode". By default though, I really have to say get the Surface Pro 2. The stylus works beautifully, the build quality is fantastic, battery life is much improved over the first gen, and it's an all around stellar machine. Not that there's anything wrong with the Dell Venue Pro 11. If I remember correctly it's a bit slimmer and the battery life is better, but the Surface is more versatile.

Sent from my Lumia 928 using Tapatalk

 

[anon(5445874)]

The quality of the Surface line is amazing. It's the only device I would recommend.