Windows 8 Tablets - Enterprise devices to work and play
The introduction of Windows 8 re-energized PC manufacturers, who turned their considerable ingenuity toward creating tablets with the full power of a notebook or laptop PC but with the size and weight of a tablet. Not since the early days of the PC revolution has there been such an abundance of innovative new hardware designs in my opinion.
Screen
Manufacturers use two types of touch screens on Windows 8 tablets: capacitive and resistive. Resistive screens are common, durable and inexpensive. A resistive screen absorbs some of the light, so the image may not be as sharp as with a capacitive screen at times. Capacitive screens let more light pass, so the images are sharp and clear. Capacitive screens only work with a finger touch, so you can’t use a stylus as you can with many resistive screens.
Windows 8 tablets usually have screen sizes between 10.6 and 12 inches. The additional screen real estate makes working much easier than on smaller tablets running iOS or Android. It also makes gaming feel much less cramped and you will find the experience more like what you would expect on a game console.
Memory
Windows 8 tablets come with 2, 4 or 8 GB of RAM. As with a PC, more memory improves performance. You will probably find a tablet with 2 GB of RAM much more limiting than one with 4GB, and with 8 GB, the machine will feel superfast and responsive.
Processor
Most Windows 8 tablets have super-fast processors such as the Qualcomm SnapDragon S4 dual-core ARM or the Intel SoC Clovertrail or Intel Core i5. If you must compromise on specs because of budget constraints, I would opt for more memory over a faster processor,
Keyboard
Many Windows 8 tablets have detachable keyboards that come in handy when you need to do real work. Many keyboards are smaller than those found on a standard notebook, but they are roomy and responsive enough to allow for the average touch typist.
Graphics
Every Windows 8 tablet currently on the market has more than adequate graphics capability for working or surfing the Internet, as well as for all but the most graphics intensive games in my opinion. Most graphics chips are the same ones used in Ultrabooks and small notebooks, so you can expect a similar performance with a similarly tricked out tablet.
Weight
Most Windows 8 tablets weigh slightly over a pound to a pound and a half. Any more than that and you will probably find the device is uncomfortable to hold in your hand for long periods when reading or streaming media.
Storage
With SSD drives, storage on Windows 8 tablets is fast and reliable. Most have either a 32GB or a 64GB SSD drive. Despite the negative publicity over storage size, nearly everyone will find this storage adequate for the operating system, applications, documents and emails. If you store vast amounts of media, be sure that your tablet has a micro SD slot so that you can store your media on a removable drive. In addition, Microsoft provides 7 GB of free cloud storage to Windows 8 owners, and more storage is available for a fee.
Connections
Unlike iOS devices, Windows 8 tablets usually over one or more USB 3.0 ports, wireless networking, Bluetooth and SD slots. They connect with almost any printer, and can easily send output to a monitor or projector, although this may require an adapter depending on the model you select.
Windows 8 tablets are lightweight, fast computers that enable users to accomplish real work tasks as well as to enjoy games, reading or other leisure activities. In my opinion, these devices make prior generations of tablets feel like crude toys, while these sleek and powerful machines cover nearly all computing requirements without compromises or restrictions on interoperability or connections.
Author Bio: Matt Smith is a Dell employee who writes to help raise awareness on the topic of Windows 8 and other network management subjects.
Author Bio: Matt Smith is a Dell employee who writes to help raise awareness on the topic of Windows 8 and other network management subjects.
