These tablets are ready for Windows 10

Cheap Windows tablet
Cheap Windows tablet (Image credit: Windows Central)

If you're shopping around for a Windows tablet that will run Windows 10 without a fuss, we've got some of the best options lined up right here.

We're pumped for the upcoming public launch of Windows 10, and many of you guys are eager enough to try the Technical Preview. Anyone on the cusp of picking up a new Windows tablet will no doubt be keeping the Windows 10 experience in mind, and for them we've picked out some excellent options that are currently available.

The minimum system requirements for the Windows 10 Technical Preview set a relatively low bar.

  • Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster
  • RAM: 1 gigabyte (GB) (32-bit) or 2 GB (64-bit)
  • Free hard disk space: 16 GB
  • Graphics card: Microsoft DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM driver
  • A Microsoft account and Internet access

There are a few caveats to these requirements, but by and large, if your PC meets these criteria, you're good to go. We've got some information below on how to install Windows 10 on your existing machine, but if you're good to go, you can start our list here.

How to install the Windows 10 Technical Preview

Microsoft Surface Pro 3

The grand-daddy of Windows tablets has been running the Windows 10 Technical Preview fine since the October release, and will no doubt be the first consideration for anyone in the market for a Windows 10-ready tablet. The Surface Pro 3 is just as much a laptop replacement as it is a tablet, thanks in no small part to its generous 12-inch 2160 x 1440 display, adjustable stand, smart keyboard cover, and full-sized USB 3.0 port. That said, the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 is priced in line with laptops rather than most tablets.

Dell Venue 8 Pro

Dell Venue 8 Pro

The Dell Venue 8 Pro has become the everyman's Windows tablet thanks to exceptional bang for buck. The good display, strong build quality, and solid performance are punctuated by an altogether reasonable pricetag. The base model has 1 GB of RAM, 32 GB of storage, an 8-inch 1280 x 800 display, and a quad-core 1.8 GHz Intel Atom processor. The only serious mark against the Venue 8 Pro is a poorly-placed physical Start button on the side.

Lenovo ThinkPad 10

Lenovo Thinkpad 10

The Lenovo ThinkPad is a light Windows tablet with plenty of battery life and 10.1 -inch 1920 x 1200 display. A wealth of accessories include desktop dock, keyboard dock, and an included active stylus. Even the snappy cover offers an imaginative flip-down corner for rear camera access. Tucked away inside is a 2.4 GHz processor with 2 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage. The starting price is a little high given the alternatives available with similar processing power, but the ThinkPad 10 offers great quality for those with a flexible budget.

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$439.99

Toshiba Encore 2 Write

One of Toshiba's newer Windows tablets is built specifically for note-takers. Its included Wacom stylus stays accurate and affordable thanks to new Active Electrostatic technology. The Toshiba Encore 2 Write packs a 1.8 GHz Intel Atom processor with 2 GB RAM, 64 GB of flash memory, and a 10.1-inch 1280 x 800 display. An 8-inch version is also available for $50 less. You'll find a 5 megapixel camera on the back and a 1.2 megapixel camera on the front. Battery life is listed at 11.1 hours.

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HP Stream 7

HP Stream 7

The HP Stream 7 is a super-affordable Windows tablet that provides all the necessities. It packs a quad-core 1.8 GHz Intel Atom processor and 1 GB of RAM. You'll have 32 GB of storage for your stuff, and a 3000 mAh battery to keep it going for 8 hours. On the back is a 2 megapixel fixed focus camera for occasional shooting and a 0.3 megapixel camera on the front for video calls.

Lenovo Yoga Tablet 2 AnyPen

The Lenovo Yoga Tablet 2 AnyPen is ready for stylus input, but don't worry about having to carry around a dedicated, expensive Wacom pen. Just about anything with a point to it can be used as a stylus with this Windows tablet. The Lenovo Yoga Tablet 2 AnyPen has an 8-inch 1920 x 1200 screen with an 8 megapixel camera on the back and a 1.6 megapixel camera on the front. Under the hood is 32 GB of storage, 2 GB of RAM and a 1.3 GHz Intel Atom processor powering Windows 8.1 with Bing. The two-cell 6400 mAH battery should last you about 15 hours.

Your favorite Windows 10-ready tablet?

There are plenty of Windows tablets out there that meet the spec requirements for the Windows 10 Technical Preview, and should run the final release just fine. What tablet are you currently running Windows 10 on? If you're in the market for a new one, which do you have your eye on?

Simon Sage