Need an x86 Win 8 tablet list, available now or very soon

[EliteRetard]

I saw the Acer W510 review, what are the other options (and prices) that are out now or will be in a month or two?

I'm looking for my dad, who does not use Facebook and such...so android is pretty much useless, which as far as I know is only for social networking, and can't run any actual productivity programs. He was interested in the Kindle Fire (he does read a lot), but for $300 and all it can do is read books...I told him that there are actual windows tablets now and he was interested to know more. I know there is a kindle for PC program that should allow him to read all the same things as the kindle fire, on a windows 8 tablet while also allowing him to use any of his current software. He has a 3GHz C2D system for a small business he runs, having a mobile copy of his outlook email account would be awesome.

I do realize most of these x86 tablets are Intel Atom based, and will be half as fast as his desktop...but I figure they can at least function as a light office machine when he's out and about or simply unable to sit at the main computer (has back issues and can't sit/stand for very long).

I've always liked the transformer tablet idea, Asus had it and now Acer is copying that (w/ W510)...but the huge price ($750+) really hurts. Any chance of getting a dock-able x86 tablet around $500? How about a wireless keyboard, don't know anything about them or if they will work with a tablet...is that a possible lower cost option?

I'm not sure how big the x86 tablet list is, but if its fairly small I'd like to see all the options so I can compare/research them. So does anybody have a good (or complete) list of whats out there now or coming up very soon? Thanks in advance!

 

[lopri]

What is wrong with Kindle or Kindle Paperwhite?

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007HCCNJU/ref=sa_menu_kdptq3
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...kindle_dp_comp

$69, a month-long battery life, much easier on the eyes than LCD. If ambient light is not always available, there is a $119 version with touch screen.

Are you sure it's your dad, not you, who wants a tablet?

 

[EliteRetard]

I have no need or want for anything...and he has no need for an e-ink reader. He was looking into the kindle fire because he thought it could also do something useful (like check email). Most everyone has a few thousand dollars in apple products now and talk about how fantastic they are...he doesn't have that much money (probably $200-500) but was interested in getting something tablet like. Since he likes to read though he thought he needed a kindle to do that.

That's why he asked me, figured I know computers so I could help him figure it all out. I know tablets well enough at least to know that ARM isn't what he really wants. He wouldn't even be able to check his actual email on ARM since he uses outlook. I gave him the jist of what I know and that's android and apple are for facebook users and social media...they probably all have an app for reading, and should be able to play movies/music but they can't really do anything else.

He already has an MP3 player and doesn't care much about movies, so those aren't primary concerns (if he could send movies and such to his TV that'd be nice). So if that's all tablets can do it's not worth the money. I told him Win8 just came out though, and you can get a tablet that's an actual PC and do anything you want just like you do on your PC. Questions about typing/keyboards came up and I told him there were models that had keyboard docks that basically turned the thing into a full fledged laptop with long battery life and he was ready to jump on board.

Then I told him that Win8 just came out and I didn't know of any transformable tablets just yet (I know of the W510 now)...and that they would probably be as expensive as the android options at $750. He wondered if there were any options around the price of the kindle fire, and I told him I knew of the nexus 7 which was supposed to be better (than the kindle)...but it also wasn't Win8.

So he asked me to look more into it since I understand this stuff better, he wants something soon (before the christmas money runs out) and I assured him more options would be on the way (they should be right?). Unfortunately my PC knowledge doesn't really go into tablets or phones...since up till now they haven't been useful for anything. For whatever reason Win8 has made manufactures finally build tablet PC's...but the market is still very new.

I was hoping that somebody already in the tablet scene or already looking into Win8 tablets would have a list of the available options and soon to be released. If he could get an Atom Win8 based tablet for under/around $300 like the kindle and nexus I'm sure he could deal without a docking keyboard/battery (as long as he could use some kind of keyboard, otherwise how would Win8 work?) but if there were some good docking/transformable units he might consider a higher price as well.

I actually ran into a small Asus touch notebook/netbook with a ULV i3 for $550, so I'm trying to look into that potential path as well. I like helping family out and I know he doesn't have a lot of extra money...so I want to make sure that he gets something of value that will be useful for a few years. I know a decent tablet could actually help with his small business as well, so why waste $300 when you could spend $500 and get something that's really useful and fun?

 

[IndyColtsFan]

I think you can pretty much forget any decent Windows 8 tablets at that price point unless you want to consider the Surface Windows RT tablet at around $500.

I'm still a little confused about his needs. You mention eReader functionality -- you do know that you can get the Kindle application for just about every other platform (Android, iPad, even webOS, etc), right? And obviously, all platforms can do email (the fact he uses Outlook is irrelevant; his email account can be configured on just about any tablet). Also, there is no need for an x86 tablet based on what you posted and I don't think you can get one in that price range at any rate.

 

[Genx87]

Is this a troll? I would suggest looking at ARM based android tablets before coming to some of your conclusions about what they can and cant do.

 

[Kingbee13]

It's a shortlist intel and the OEMs dropped the ball on this.

The Acer W510 that you mentioned

The Samsung smart PC 500t

The Asus VivoTab (it's been MIA since October)

The Lenovo Thinkpad Tablet 2 (on sale now directly from Lenovo)

The HP Envy X2 (Also been MIA)

The problem is all of these are at least 599 and go up if you want a keyboard dock. All of the above are atom based tablets there are a number of core based tablets but those are even more expensive, thicker, have fans, shorter battery life, etc

The advantages of the Windows 8 tablets (x86 ones) over IOS or android are the ability to run existing windows software, and out of the box support for standard pc accessories, printers mice keyboards and the like as they have standard usb and just use Windows drivers no hoops necessary

 

[Red Storm]

You can most definitely check your email on just about any tablet out there.

Does he run or utilize any specific program that requires x86 Windows? Cause if not there is zero reason to spend a bunch of money on such a tablet.

 

[zerogear]

Take a look at maybe Lenovo Yoga 13? -- Think of it as an Ultrabook that happen to have tablet capabilities. But it is a quality machine.

 

[s44]

Is this a troll? I would suggest looking at ARM based android tablets before coming to some of your conclusions about what they can and cant do.

^^^^^^^^

 

[Ravynmagi]

According to you, it sounds like your father just wants to read books and check his email. A 7 inch tablet can do these things just fine. Android on ARM can access POP, IMAP, and Exchange email, just like Outlook can. The Nexus 7 and Kindle Fire HD are $200 (not $300), and Android has over half a million apps that can do many things, many of which have nothing to do with Facebook.

Windows 8 tablets are nice. But at 10.1 to 11.6 inches, they are big and not a good device for reading ebooks. The Nexus 7 and Fire HD are lighter, easier to hold in one hand, and have sharper screens. Not to mention considerably cheaper.

It seems like you have an odd bias against mobile operating systems. But they are actually quite nice once you get to know them. Based on your fathers needs, I think he'd be happier with a 7 inch Android tablet. Kindle Fire HD with an Amazon Prime account ($80 a year subscription) will allow him access to the Lending Library to get one free book a month and all the Prime Instant Videos he wants (or doesn't want) and free 2 day shipping if he shops at Amazon.com. The Nexus 7 on the other hand is even lighter than the Fire HD and more narrow so the most comfortable to hold in one hand.

Right now it seems to be just the Acer W510 and the Samsung 500T that I've seen available. Both 64GB tablets sell for about $600 without the keyboard. The Samsung has a full sized USB port, so you could use a wireless keyboard on that and plug the dongle into the tablet. A bluetooth keyboard would be more ideal though, so you don't need to use a receiver. Supposedly there is a 32GB Acer W510 for $500, but it's hard to find and usually marked up over retail price.

Microsoft's Store has a list of all the current and upcoming Windows 8 tablets here. They also mix in Windows RT tablets with the list, so you'll need to pay attention to which OS the tablet has. Right now I think the best choices look like the Samsung Ativ 500T or the upcoming HP Envy X2. ASUS is just too damn expensive at $800 without the keyboard (Samsung is $750 with the keyboard).

http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msstore/list/parentCategoryID.44066900/categoryID.60424800

But I think your father really wants a Kindle Fire HD.

 

[Gooberlx2]

Does he run or utilize any specific program that requires x86 Windows? Cause if not there is zero reason to spend a bunch of money on such a tablet.

This. If all he uses is Outlook and Office, then the Surface RT might be a nice option since Mail easily suffices and the tablet comes with Office RT installed. Or he could start using Office WebApps.

 

[TuxDave]

This. If all he uses is Outlook and Office, then the Surface RT might be a nice option since Mail easily suffices and the tablet comes with Office RT installed. Or he could start using Office WebApps.

Well, if he runs his own business, I assume he has some payroll software, some accounting software, some tax software. And then on top of that whatever software he uses as part of his business.

 

[Ravynmagi]

Also, I just bought the Samsung Ativ 500T. And had been comparing Windows 8 Atom tablets recently... So to add to the Windows Store link I left earlier here are the Windows 8 Atom tablet list I came up with.

Acer W510
Samsung 500T (Ativ Smart PC)
ASUS TF810 (VivoTab)
HP Envy X2
Lenovo Lynx
Dell Latitude 10

Other than the Acer and Samsung, I think many of these have been delayed until mid January due to some bug they had to work out with the Atom (Acer and Samsung apparently got help from Intel earlier to fix it in time).

As I said, I'm not crazy about the ASUS because of it's price. The Lenovo Lynx is the same price as the HP Envy, but the HP is all aluminum and has a nicer looking dock. And the Lynx for some reason says it only supports up to 32GB SDHC, while the Envy has SDXC support for 64GB and larger micro SD cards and a full sized SD in the dock. The Dell Latitude has no optional keyboard dock, but has a removeable battery. The Acer is 10.1 inches so the keyboard dock will be cramped to type on, but if just buying a tablet might be nice because of it's smaller size. The Samsung is cheaper than most, but it's glossy plastic back can get slippery and has no battery in it's keyboard dock.

Overall I'd say the Samsung 500T and HP Envy X2 are in the lead. Samsung is $100 cheaper, HP has better build quality and features. And Acer W510 looks good if you just want a tablet because of it's smaller size.

 

[Gooberlx2]

Well, if he runs his own business, I assume he has some payroll software, some accounting software, some tax software. And then on top of that whatever software he uses as part of his business.

Maybe, maybe not. If >$500 breaks the bank, I'm not assuming anything.

 

[lopri]

Microsoft's Store has a list of all the current and upcoming Windows 8 tablets here. They also mix in Windows RT tablets with the list, so you'll need to pay attention to which OS the tablet has. Right now I think the best choices look like the Samsung Ativ 500T or the upcoming HP Envy X2. ASUS is just too damn expensive at $800 without the keyboard (Samsung is $750 with the keyboard).

http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msstore/list/parentCategoryID.44066900/categoryID.60424800

I can't believe MS has RT and Pro machines displayed together with absolutely no indication of which is which.

 

[EliteRetard]

Thanks for the info, now I can do the research and pass along the info so we can make a decision.

If the ARM tablets can indeed do the same things as x86 Windows, the Nexus and Kindle may still be options due to the price. Whats the difference between those two? Can the Kindle do all the same stuff as the Nexus? Can the Nexus load the Amazon stuff and do the same as the Kindle? I was pretty sure the Kindle was locked into Amazon only stuff, heard the Nexus was superior...but that was like a year ago. Have things changed?

Money may or may not be an issue, we simply have some intelligence and want to use our brain to make a smart decision. Using information already learned by someone else is a very effective use of time. Waste not want not.

So thanks again for those who helped.

 

[Red Storm]

Thanks for the info, now I can do the research and pass along the info so we can make a decision.

If the ARM tablets can indeed do the same things as x86 Windows, the Nexus and Kindle may still be options due to the price. Whats the difference between those two? Can the Kindle do all the same stuff as the Nexus? Can the Nexus load the Amazon stuff and do the same as the Kindle? I was pretty sure the Kindle was locked into Amazon only stuff, heard the Nexus was superior...but that was like a year ago. Have things changed?

Money may or may not be an issue, we simply have some intelligence and want to use our brain to make a smart decision. Using information already learned by someone else is a very effective use of time. Waste not want not.

So thanks again for those who helped.

Whatever you decide to do, make sure he goes to a store and tries out these tablets before buying any first. At least to get a feel for how they hold (form) and operate (function).

 

[Ravynmagi]

Thanks for the info, now I can do the research and pass along the info so we can make a decision.

If the ARM tablets can indeed do the same things as x86 Windows, the Nexus and Kindle may still be options due to the price. Whats the difference between those two? Can the Kindle do all the same stuff as the Nexus? Can the Nexus load the Amazon stuff and do the same as the Kindle? I was pretty sure the Kindle was locked into Amazon only stuff, heard the Nexus was superior...but that was like a year ago. Have things changed?

Money may or may not be an issue, we simply have some intelligence and want to use our brain to make a smart decision. Using information already learned by someone else is a very effective use of time. Waste not want not.

So thanks again for those who helped.

Windows RT runs on ARM tablets. Windows RT and ARM tablets can run "Windows 8" apps, but they can't run all the legacy Windows x86 applications. Considering the only $100 price difference between a Windows RT ARM tablet and a Windows 8 ATOM tablet, I'm not really seeing the allure of going with Windows RT.

Regarding the Kindle Fire and Nexus 7. The Kindle runs a special version of Android called Kindle OS made by Amazon. It runs Android apps, but Amazon has it locked down with it's own Appstore. The Kindle Fire doesn't have Google's much larger Play Store for installing apps. But you can "sideload" Android apps onto the Kindle Fire by copying them to the Kindle. This is easy if you already have a Android phone with the Google Play store on it, otherwise you might have to search for apps from the web. Amazon's Appstore though does have many of the same popular apps as the Google Play store, like Netflix, Angry Birds, and such.

Amazon's Kindle app is available in the Google Play Store, so you can read Kindle books on the Nexus 7 just as easily. However if you are an Amazon Prime subscriber, then some features like the Lending Library, X-Ray, and Instant Videos are not available on the Nexus or other Android tablets.

The Nexus 7 has a faster processor, is more comfortable to hold, and has full access to Google Play. The Kindle Fire HD has better screen colors, speakers, and wifi, and has some perks for Amazon Prime subscribers. Nexus 7 is the better choice if you want a general purpose and open tablet. Kindle Fire HD may be better for those that are into Amazon content. For most people the Nexus 7 is still the better choice.

 

[EliteRetard]

Well we made a pretty fast decision actually...

Its obvious that the Nexus is simply superior in nearly every regard. Faster better and cheaper (32GB $230 [newegg sale] vs $288 [no ads + tax]). Amazon prime is a total scam, you don't actually get any TV or movies for free (only a few old crappy prime eligible TV/movies), and he doesn't care about borrowing a book or the sometimes maybe 2 day shipping special.

Figured since it was going to cost around $700+ to get a good Win8 tablet we could get a small laptop that was just as good (as a Win8 tablet) and one of the cheap tablets as well for the same $700+.

So that's what we did...its incomprehensible to own a tablet that can't output anything, so the HDMI on the Kindle forced the decision on us. Kindle HD7 and a small 3lb used laptop (x220?) with a 2.x GHz i series and 4GB RAM that became available to my dad (that's what made the decision pretty quick and easy). Less than $740 for the two.