10 best windows 8 tablets

Types of Windows 8 tablets

The Windows 8 tablets are divided into two major categories and each category has subcategories.

• Windows 8 RT Tablets:

  The RT tablets run the Windows 8 operating system, but they do not support desktop versions of Windows programs. However, they come with the Microsoft Office RT suite. That means that users can only use apps available at the Windows Store. Windows 8 RT tablets are equipped with ARM processor architecture, which is mainly used for mobile devices. The RT tablets are designed to provide an online and multimedia experience. Commonly used apps for checking emails, listening to music, or watching movies are preinstalled. The RT tablets cannot be used on traditional Windows platforms, but they are lightweight and consume less power.

• Full Windows 8 Pro Tabler:

  Unlike the Windows 8 RT tablets, the Pro tablets use Intel processors. This allows users to run all the programs that can be run on laptops and desk computers. Because of their powerful performance, users can use their favorite programs for office work. The Pro tablets come with a full version of the Windows 8 operating system. They combine the portability of a tablet with the functionality of a laptop. However, the Pro tablets are heavier than RT tablets and consume more power.

Furthermore, both the RT and Pro Windows 8 tablets fall under two categories:

• Slates:

  These are barebone tablets with minimal hardware features. They are designed for mobility and portability. Windows slates come with a touch screen, but they do not have a physical keyboard. Nonetheless, the touch screen is used for navigation and interaction. Windows tablets without a keyboard are compact and can be held in a single hand. Although the touch screen does most of the work, slates can connect to a virtual keyboard. Some slates may offer a keyboard cover but do not have a physical keyboard. The keyboard cover is slim and lightweight, thus transforming the tablet into a compact laptop. Sometimes, the keyboard cover attaches to the tablet magnetically. This makes it easy to quickly take the tablet out and use it. However, the covers cannot replace a fully functional laptop.

• 2-in-1 Detachables:

  Detachables come with a detachable keyboard that can be connected and disconnected according to users' needs. Unlike slates, these portable devices can be used as tablets and laptops. The attachable keyboard can turn the device into a laptop when the keyboard is attached and a tablet with a touch screen when the keyboard is detached. 2-in-1 Detachables are popular among people who prioritize flexibility and versatility. They are most commonly used by students and business people. The detachable design allows users to switch between tablet and laptop modes easily.

Functions and Features

Windows 8 tablet features a variety of functions that have contributed to its overall success as a productive tool. Its ability to function as a mobile PC and tablet at the same time is the highlight of its success story. The following features reflect this remark:

• Operating System: Windows 8 introduced a new UI with tiles and could run full desktop apps, unlike earlier versions. Windows Update included enhancements to improve performance and security.
• Productivity Apps: Microsoft Office and other apps allow work and multitasking. Windows tablets can use traditional programs (e.g., photo editing, video editing) not available on smartphone-based systems. Users appreciated the ability to create documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.
• Multitasking and Snap Views: Windows 8 tablets allow multitasking, running multiple apps simultaneously. Snap Views lets a user dock apps side by side to maximize productivity. This is not possible in earlier versions.
• Cloud Integration: Services such as SkyDrive (now OneDrive) offered cloud storage and integration with apps for accessing files from anywhere. Cloud services simplified document management and collaboration.
• Productivity Features: Productivity apps include Microsoft Office and Outlook Email with integrated calendar and contacts support. These allowed full-featured apps that smartphone platforms lacked. Multitasking with snapping allowed docking apps side by side to maximize productivity.
• Cloud Services: Cloud storage and services like SkyDrive (now OneDrive) offered integration with apps for accessing files from anywhere. These simplified content management, collaboration, and integrated smartphones and tablets with traditional computing.
• Security and Management: Windows 8 introduced features like Windows Defender antivirus and a customizable lock screen for notifications, calendars, and photos. Improved security focused on device management and apps.

Scenarios

The impressive performance and portability of Windows 8 tablets make them suitable for use in various industries. These include educational, business, creative, healthcare, and entertainment industries, among others. Below are some common usage scenarios of tablets with Windows 8:

• Office and productivity: Windows 8.1 tablets are helpful in increasing productivity and efficiency at the workplace. Business people use them to monitor and manage business operations from anywhere. At the same time, emails are sent and received, as well as meetings scheduled. Also, the portable design of the tablet makes it a convenient tool for taking digital notes during meetings or lectures with the help of a stylus pen.
• Retail and point of sale: Portable Windows 8 tablets are helpful in point of sale (POS) settings. Business owners can carry the tablet easily to different locations within the store to check inventory levels, process sales transactions, and assist customers.
• Field work and asset management: Professionally designed Windows 8 tablets can withstand harsh environments and are often used in fieldwork. They help collect data in real time, such as meter readings, environmental observations, and conducting inspections. In addition, the tablets are used in asset management tasks. Users can use the integrated GPS and barcode scanning capabilities to track assets and inventory in warehouses or large facilities.
• Remote desktop applications: Windows 8.1 tablets allow users to work remotely by connecting to a desktop computer. This is important for people who travel often, especially business executives who need to access applications and files on their desktop computers.
• Presentations and collaborations: Windows 8 tablets are popular in conference rooms and classrooms. Users can connect the tablet to a projector to give presentations or conduct training. Additionally, the touchscreen displays make them an excellent device for brainstorming sessions and collaborative work.

How to choose 10 best windows 8 tablets

When sourcing for the best Windows 8 tablets, business buyers have to consider a number of factors that would be of interest to their target market. The following are some of them:

• Operating system: Although the aim is to buy Windows 8 tablets, it is prudent for buyers to check the version of the operating system that the tablet is running. They should go for versions with upgrades to avoid customer complaints.
• Productivity features: Due to the nature of work that Windows 8 tablet users handle, buyers should go for tablets that have features that enhance productivity. For instance, they should consider tablets that are compatible with external keyboards, have capabilities of running multiple apps simultaneously, and have touch-screen features that allow users to control the interface smoothly.
• Gender Target: Depending on the target market, buyers should consider the weight and size of the Windows 8 tablets. For a market that prefers portability, they should go for Windows tablets that are light in weight and have small screen sizes. For a target market that requires a durable and large storage tablet, buyers should go for tablets with large screen sizes, heavier in weight and more storage.
• Processor Capability: Buyers should consider tablets with dual-core and quad-core processors. This is because tablets with a dual-core processor offer better performance than those with a single-core processor. On the other hand, tablets with a quad-core processor have faster processing speeds and can run different applications smoothly.
• Build Quality: Buyers should go for Windows 8 tablets with high-quality build materials such as metal or glass. This is because durable materials are less prone to damage, and longer lasting, resulting in fewer repairs and refunds.
• Storage and Memory: When choosing storage and memory, buyers should consider the storage space that is ideal for downloading apps, storing media, and documents. Regarding memory, which is commonly referred to as RAM, buyers should go for between 1GB and 4GB. This is because the memory is influential in determining the operating system's smoothness and efficiency.

Q & A

Q: Is any tablet with a Windows 8 OS version available for purchase?

A: Windows 8.1 is an updated and improved version of Windows 8. It was released when Microsoft ended its mainstream support for the Windows 8 version. Currently, both versions are no longer supported by Microsoft, which means no more updates, bug fixes, or technical support. The good thing about the Windows 8.1 version is that users can upgrade to the Windows 11 operating system from there. Hence, it is highly recommended to choose the Windows 8.1 version over the Windows 8 version.

Q: What are the Windows 8.1 tablets?

A: Windows 8.1 tablets are tablet computers that run on the Windows 8.1 operating system. This system was developed as a successor to Windows 7 but was later succeeded by Windows 10 and the latest Windows 11 versions. It offers a wide range of features, including user interfaces designed for touchscreens and the ability to use the Microsoft Office Suite software.

Q: What are the benefits of Windows 8.1 tablets?

A: The advantage of having a Windows 8.1 tablet is the ability to use the Microsoft Office Apps. Users who have work and school assignments that require them to use Microsoft Office applications will find it very convenient to use the office applications on the Windows 8.1 tablet. Also, Windows 8.1 tablets offer a full and not a limited operating system experience, unlike Android and iOS tablets. In addition, some Windows 8.1 tablets offer the same functionality as Windows 8.1 laptops, especially when connected to adding a physical keyboard accessory.