Windows 8 is finally here. Microsoft's newest operating system brings with it a host of devices—some in form factors we've never seen before.
You've got your usual laptops and all-in-one desktop machines. But then there are convertibles, ultrabooks, dual-screen devices, even giant tablets for your coffee table.
This amazing array of shapes, sizes, and configurations is a direct result of Windows 8's key feature: It embraces touch but can still be used with keyboards and mice.
So some Windows 8 devices are best suited for traditional computing use, while others embrace the new mobile paradigm, and others sit somewhere in between.
Microsoft Surface RT & Pro Versions
The Surface marks Microsoft's first foray into PC hardware manufacturing, if you don't count its Xbox videogame consoles.
The Surface RT, the first tablet to be released, features an Nvidia Tegra-based ARM processor, weighs 1.5 pounds, measures 9.3 mm thick, and has a 10.6 inch HD touch screen. External ports include: microSD, USB 2.0, and a Micro HD video port. The RT also features either 32GB or 64GB of storage.
It's important to note that the RT model of the Surface won't run the full version of Windows 8. Instead, it'll run Windows RT, a version of the software designed only for tablets and touchscreen devices. RT won't run older Windows desktop apps, only apps found in Microsoft's app store.
At some point after the launch of the RT—likely in early 2013—Microsoft will launch the Surface Pro. The Surface Pro will run Windows 8, meaning you'll be able to run classic Windows desktop apps. Think of the Surface Pro as a laptop's guts crammed into a tablet, while the Surface RT is a pure tablet.
Price for the Surface RT: Starting at $499
Available: Now
Dell XPS Duo Convertible Ultrabook
Dell's XPS Duo convertible is the first of its kind. The notebook has a swivel screen, which flips around to resemble either a tablet or a laptop. The XPS Duo was made for Windows 8 and fully supports the operating system's touch interface.
Budget shoppers beware: The XPS Duo isn't cheap. It starts at $1,199.99. For that, you get a 12.5-inch display with a resolution of 1920x1080, an Intel Core i5 Ivy Bridge processor with an integrated Intel HD 4000 graphics card, and 4GB of RAM. It weighs 3.4 pounds
For users who want a bit more power, Dell also offers the XPS Duo with a 1.9 GHz Intel Core i7 processor for $1,699.
Lenovo Twist
Lenovo's Twist is a modified ThinkPad. The ultrabook is a convertible aimed at business users and it weighs in at 3.48 pounds. The twisting mechanism is sturdy and the display is smooth and responsive.
The 12.5-inch screen features a Gorilla Glass-coated display, which takes advantage of IPS technology.
Other features include your choice of an Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, 8GB of RAM, either a 128GB SSD or a 7,200 RPM hard drive (320GB or 500GB), 7 hours of battery life, full-sized Ethernet jack, memory-card reader, two USB 3.0 ports, mini-HDMI out and mini-DisplayPort.
For business users, the ultrabook has encryption features and optional 3G wireless.
Price: $849.
Availability: Now.
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