Microsoft has done well to invigorate the 2-in-1 laptop market with its Surface Pro, but there are other Windows tablets too. Here are the best Windows tablets you can buy in 2018.
1. Microsoft Surface Pro (2017)
Cost: From $799 (model reviewed $2149)
Buy from Amazon
The new Surface Pro is a superb 2-in-1. It’s beautifully built and performs well. The screen is excellent and even the speakers sound good. However, it’s very expensive, especially when you add the cost of the Type Cover and – if you need one – the Surface Pen.
Few should opt for the base model, and you’ll pay a heck of a lot more for a Core i7. Ultimately, while a fantastic device, it’s hard to recommend the Surface Pro unless money is no object.
2. Microsoft Surface Pro 4
Cost: From $799
Buy from Microsoft
There is a great deal to like and rave about the Surface Pro 4. The design is thinner and lighter for starters. The screen is awesome, there's plenty of power available, the new Surface Pen is better and the Type Cover is a vast improvement on the last one. However, the design is inherently awkward at times, it's more expensive that a lot of laptops and the Type Cover, which you'll pretty much need, isn't included lowering the value.
3. Chuwi Hi10 Pro
Cost: US$166.59
Buy from Chuwi
The Chuwi Hi10 Pro is an excellent value Windows 10 laptop-tablet hybrid with the addition of Android (albeit old Android) and a pleasing build for the money. We take issue with its fingerprint-prone screen and tinny, poorly placed speakers, but in all other respects, this is a very decent device for the money. It’s not a fast device, and we wouldn’t recommend it to gamers, but it’s fast enough for most daily Windows tasks.
4. Samsung Galaxy Book 12in
RRP: From $629.99
Buy from Samsung
The plastic build is unforgivable at this price point and while performance is decent, it’s not a product that is all that compelling to use.
It lacks the Surface Pro’s effortless appeal to the business and casual user; who is the Galaxy Book really for? Samsung has yet to figure out how to make the rest of the Galaxy line as appealing as its superior S series of phones.
If you buy the Galaxy Book, you’re getting a solid 2-in-1. But if you don’t need stylus support, for the same price you could get a laptop with better build quality and battery life.
5. Asus Transformer Book Flip TP200SA
Cost: $279
Buy from Asus
Whether the Asus Transformer Book Flip TP200SA is a good buy or not depends entirely on your priorities. If you want to open up loads of browser windows and have plenty of apps open at once, this isn’t for you. The Asus Transformer Book Flip TP200SA only really runs well with an app or two running, and no data-intensive background processes going on. In laptop terms it’s a whelp. However, good stamina, a smart design and good, non-cramped keyboard make it a great low-cost choice if you want something to do some writing/emailing/browsing while you’re away from home.
6. Chuwi HiBook Pro
Buy from Chuwi
Chuwi's tablets are not the fastest Windows machines you can buy, but they make excellent portable computers if you're on a budget. With its Quad-HD screen and fast USB-C charging, the HiBook Pro is a very good cheap option. We recommend you also buy the optional keyboard that turns this Windows/Android tablet into a laptop.
7. Microsoft Surface 3
Cost: $596.50 (64GB Wi-Fi)
Objectively, the Surface 3 is the best compromise between a laptop and tablet. It's a highly portable gadget which can run full Windows programs and it costs less than the Surface Pro 3. It's not exactly cheap by the time you've added the keyboard and stylus, though. It's also only good for lightweight duties - it's less powerful than laptops costing the same - and some people will find the screen is too small for 'proper' productivity. It's a better work tool than an iPad and Bluetooth keyboard, it has to be said, and if you only need to use office apps and a web browser, it could be exactly what you're after. Most people are better off spending more on the Surface Pro 3 or, if you don't need a touchscreen, a Core M laptop such as the Asus UX305F.
Comments