Windows-based tablets have become increasingly ubiquitous, with multiple models released by major PC manufacturers all the time. Spurred on by the touch capability of Windows 8 and Windows 10 operating systems, as well as hardware that fits true PC power into slimmer and lighter devices, these versatile systems won't be disappearing anytime soon.
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We've seen standalone tablets, dock-friendly slates, and a collection of accessories that range from keyboards to gamepads to variations on the simple stylus. The unifying thread that runs through all of these isn't hardware, or even accessories, but software. Setting these tablets apart from all of the iDevices and Android tablets is full-blown Windows with x86 support for all of your software.
Size Matters
Just as laptops come in different sizes and are built for different users, tablets fall into several categories. There are inexpensive 8-inch models, designed to let you browse the Web and enjoy streaming a movie from Netflix or Amazon Prime, but these small, budget-friendly devices usually rely on low-power processors and minimal storage, making them ideal as a second or third device alongside your laptop or smartphone. Then there are larger 10- to 12-inch models that come with a stylus or a docking keyboard, giving you a better way to take notes in class, type up an email or a term paper, and generally provide a well-rounded (if somewhat basic) Windows experience. Finally, there are premium and business systems, designed as productivity tools rather than media consumption devices.
Processor
Tablets run the gamut from low-power entertainment devices to potent tools for productivity. A lot of this comes down to the processor. At one end of the spectrum are Intel's Atom processors, which are built for low-power usage and passive cooling. These are perfect for inexpensive tablets, because they don't require built-in cooling fans, and they offer usable performance that lasts for hours on a single charge. They do have some limitations, lacking the processing oomph you might need for applications like Photoshop, but they are ideal for the user who wants to check Facebook and Twitter, then kick back with some YouTube videos.
At the other end of the spectrum are the Core i3, i5, and i7 processors that you might expect to find in a full-fledged laptop. While these CPUs draw more power and require more cooling hardware, they offer a much higher level of capability, letting you get real work done. Tablets equipped with these processors are priced more like laptops, but they also offer similar levels of productivity. Settling in between these two extremes are Intel's Core M processors. Like the Atom line, these chips keep cool without needing a built-in cooling fan, but they offer more muscle to drive productivity. Unfortunately, the Core M platform is still pretty new, and systems with the new processor can sometimes be more expensive than those with a standard Core i3 or i5.
Features and Connectivity
The switch from laptop to tablet also brings some new features to these handheld PCs. Sensors previously seen in smartphones bring new ways to interact with your PC, with accelerometers, gyroscopes, and e-compasses providing positional awareness for both automatic screen rotation and new immersive applications. And let's not forget touch. With capacitive screens that track five or 10 fingertips at a time, you can pinch, swipe, and tap your way through any task, even those that would have required a keyboard and mouse only a year ago.
Finally, there's the question of connectivity. With such mobile designs, it's only natural that some shoppers will want tablets that feature the same sort of mobile data that they enjoy on their smartphones. While there are plenty of Windows tablets on the market with 4G and LTE connectivity, this capability isn't the norm. Most Windows tablets stick exclusively to Wi-Fi, but if you're willing to take on the added expense of a data plan, there are several mobile-friendly tablets on the market.
It's a brave new tablet-filled world, but it's not without new concerns. The thin confines of a tablet make worries about heat buildup all the more important—especially when that heat is literally in hand. Touch screens add a new opportunity for frustration when taps and touches won't register properly, and the opportunities offered by docks and accessories also open up the chance to misplace a valuable part of your PC while out and about—say what you will about tablets, but you'll never misplace your keyboard while using a laptop.
We've gone wading through the current tablet offerings, testing and comparing dozens of tablet PCs to tell you what works and what doesn't. Here are our top 10 picks for Windows tablets. If you're not married to the Windows OS, be sure to also check out our 10 best tablets overall, as well as our roundup of the best
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