Windows RT Tablet/Laptop

[Durvelle27]

Looking to get a Laptop for portability.

1. What YOUR PC will be used for: Web surfing, movies, Video Conferences, and Typing papers

2. What YOUR budget is: $300

3. What country YOU will be buying from: US


Was just hopping on some insight on Chromebooks and if their worth it. I wouldn't mind installing Windows on one as i don't really know how good ChromOS is. Or some suggestions would be helpful

 

[Termie]

Chromebooks are good for the uses you're considering, except perhaps typing papers, given that you can't use the standard Microsoft Office suite.

I wouldn't want to install Win8 on one, though - even if the new Celeron-based Chromebooks could actually run it, I'm sure you'd run into serious driver issues.

Perhaps a better solution for you would be the new Asus Transformer Book T100 32GB, for $350. Here's some info from Anandtech: http://www.anandtech.com/show/7320/asus-transformer-book-t100-atom-z3740-inside

Unfortunately, only the 64GB version is listed so far, and at $400 it's probably too far out of your budget range: http://www.amazon.com/ASUS-Transform...book+T100+32GB

 

[Durvelle27]

Chromebooks are good for the uses you're considering, except perhaps typing papers, given that you can't use the standard Microsoft Office suite.

I wouldn't want to install Win8 on one, though - even if the new Celeron-based Chromebooks could actually run it, I'm sure you'd run into serious driver issues.

Perhaps a better solution for you would be the new Asus Transformer Book T100 32GB, for $350. Here's some info from Anandtech: http://www.anandtech.com/show/7320/asus-transformer-book-t100-atom-z3740-inside

Unfortunately, only the 64GB version is listed so far, and at $400 it's probably too far out of your budget range: http://www.amazon.com/ASUS-Transform...book+T100+32GB

So its like a tablet. Like the Microsoft Surface RT

 

[dave_the_nerd]

More like a web browser.

Anything you can do with Google Chrome, you can do with a Chromebook. Basically .

I like the concept, but it's not for me.

 

[DaveSimmons]

If you don't need tiny or touch, there are $300-400 Celeron, Pentium and i3 laptop deals almost every day. 4 GB RAM, 320 - 500 GB HD, 15.6", 720p, lousy battery life.

 

[Durvelle27]

If you don't need tiny or touch, there are $300-400 Celeron, Pentium and i3 laptop deals almost every day. 4 GB RAM, 320 - 500 GB HD, 15.6", 720p, lousy battery life.

Were

 

[Termie]

So its like a tablet. Like the Microsoft Surface RT

It's a tablet, yes, but it's not Surface RT. It runs a full version of Windows, on a quad-core Atom. It's much faster than any tablet, much cheaper than just about any Windows laptop.

It's getting harder to find good <$350 laptops, as many were closeout models. But there are still a few if you don't mind an older model.

 

[Durvelle27]

It's a tablet, yes, but it's not Surface RT. It runs a full version of Windows, on a quad-core Atom. It's much faster than any tablet, much cheaper than just about any Windows laptop.

It's getting harder to find good <$350 laptops, as many were closeout models. But there are still a few if you don't mind an older model.

To help make it easier for you guys to make suggestions

Must Have:

Webcam (720p)
720p or better Display
10" or bigger screen
Dual core or better
2GB or More RAM
HDD doesn't matter as long as its reasonable
No more than 6lbs




Dont mind older models or refurbs

 

[Torn Mind]

Were

I would use sites like Dealzon, Techbargains, and Slickdeals to keep track of the many potential offers out there.

 

[Fox5]

You could also look at notebooks using AMD's A4-5000, A6-5200, and a4-1250.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16834101326

There's lots of refurbished options in your price range as well.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...0%20-%20%24300

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16834231091

 

[Durvelle27]

You could also look at notebooks using AMD's A4-5000, A6-5200, and a4-1250.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16834101326

There's lots of refurbished options in your price range as well.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...0%20-%20%24300

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16834231091

Thank you. Great selections

 

[Termie]

If you're willing to spend $400, Newegg has this great option for the weekend: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16834231309

 

[Durvelle27]

If you're willing to spend $400, Newegg has this great option for the weekend: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16834231309

The tablets kind of peaked my interest like the Microsoft Surface and the one you linked

 

[frozentundra123456]

It's a tablet, yes, but it's not Surface RT. It runs a full version of Windows, on a quad-core Atom. It's much faster than any tablet, much cheaper than just about any Windows laptop.

It's getting harder to find good <$350 laptops, as many were closeout models. But there are still a few if you don't mind an older model.

That really looks interesting, especially since it includes office. I wonder if it is a limited time trial?

I think a fully detachable tablet like this is the way to go for a convertible. None of the convertible twists, flip,etc. Really seem convenient to use in "tablet" mode.

The only problem I see with the model you listed is the really small ssd. Wonder how much space you have left after windows install and all the other programs. Does it have an SD card slot?

 

[Termie]

The tablets kind of peaked my interest like the Microsoft Surface and the one you linked

They are definitely good options given your needs.

 

[Durvelle27]

They are definitely good options given your needs.

I though about them because i saw a like new Microsoft Surface RT 32GB for $270 on eBay.

 

[Durvelle27]

Received my Dell XPS 10 32GB yesterday and i have been playing with it since then. At first i thought from reviews it would be mediocre but i'm very impressed and more than satisfied with it. Its been updated to Windows RT 8.1. Its very snappy even after loading 30+ Apps, Able to snap two apps side by side and use them at the same time is pretty great and it supported my wireless keyboard & mouse and Xbox 360 controller out of the box. Was able to play a good majority of games using the 360 controller with no problems which is pretty neat. Only cons i have so far is its pretty hefty and camera quality isn't the best even being 5MP. Overall it satisfied all my needs plus more.


Dell XPS 10 Specs:

Display: 10.1"
Resolution: 1366x768
CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 (Dual Core) 1.5GHz
GPU: Adreno 225
RAM: 2GB
Storage: 32GB Flash (Expandable via MicroSD)
Rear Camera: 5MP
Front Camera: 2MP

 

[DaveSimmons]

Is that using a wired / USB 360 controller, or wireless controller + USB receiver dongle?

 

[desura]

I played with a Chromebook recently and it's really impressively fast. A little faster feeling than android...

As for Surface RT...it's not a terrible option, but pretty limited in many ways. I like it a lot fwiw, but if you wanted it to be a main laptop, go for the latest model with the fastest processor. Tegra 3 is adequate but surprisingly sluggish.

 

[Durvelle27]

Is that using a wired / USB 360 controller, or wireless controller + USB receiver dongle?

Wired as I don't have a receiver