Windows 8.1 is the latest and greatest version of Microsoft’s cornerstone product. It’s notable for refining and building upon the ideas introduced in Windows 8. We’re also really excited because of the optimizations made in Windows 8.1 for tablet devices in the 7 to 8-inch range. Tablets like the Acer W3/W4 or Dell Venue 8 Pro. We’ve played with most of them, but we’re curious which one you own or plan to own.
Windows 8.1 works great across tablets, laptops, and desktops. However, it’s hard to ignore the mini-tablet market that seems to be really jiving with consumers right now. It’s a hot market with both the iPad Mini and Android-based tablets like the Nexus 7 proving as hits among users. Anyone interested in similar hardware running Windows have been sorely disappointed with a lack of options, but things are finally turning around.
Right now you can head to your favorite electronic retail store or online shop to pick up devices like the Acer W4, Lenovo Miix2, Toshiba Encore and Dell Venue 8 Pro. There also have been rumors of a “mini Surface” for quite some time. Those plans might finally materialize into a product in early 2014. Nokia too is rumored to have a device in the size range.
We’ve looked at most of the products that you can buy today and have walked away being most impressed with the Venue 8 Pro from Dell. (Don’t forget you can get that Dell tablet for $99 this Monday from the Microsoft Store!)
However, we want to know which device you own today or plan to own soon. Take our poll below and head to the comments to discuss why you chose that tablet.
Reading this on your Windows Phone in our app? Head to m.wpcentral.com/poll-which-8-inch-tablet-are-you-buying on Internet Explorer to take the poll.
Bonus:
Acer Iconia W3 hands-on and impressions
Dell Venue 8 Pro hands-on and impressions
Lenovo IdeaTab Miix2 hands-on and impressions
Toshiba Encore hands-on and impressions
Here's everything we know about Alan Wake 2 (so far)
Alan Wake 2 is finally happening. Remedy Entertainment has shared some interesting details, giving us a good idea of where this darker story is heading.
How does the new XPS 13 Plus compare to the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x (Gen 2)?
Dell's new XPS 13 Plus is finally here, with Lenovo's new ThinkBook 13x (Gen 2) still coming soon. They're both 13-inch devices starting at around the same price; how do they compare otherwise?
Intel beta driver mentions upcoming Arc desktop GPUs
A recent beta driver from Intel mentions a handful of Arc desktop GPUs from the company. Support the new graphics may be an indication that the GPUs are close to shipping.
Find the best compact GPU for your next Mini-ITX PC build
If you're building a small form Mini-ITX PC, you'll want a compact GPU to fit. Here's our selection of the best graphics cards for your next pint-sized powerhouse.