I took the plunge and ordered myself an 8-inch Toshiba Encore 2 Write tablet from the Microsoft Store. I was able to benefit from the education discount of 10%, fetching me the device for $315 (before taxes). I've heard good things about the Wacom AES technology on board, and the specs otherwise are good: 2GB RAM, Bay Trail CPU, 800x1280 screen and 64GB.
I can't wait.
I can't wait.