2014 Round-up: Best Windows 8 Tablets

I know that we are still “accommodating” with the beginning of a new year, but since we are tech addicts we can’t forget that big surprises are being prepared for 2014. As we all know, until now the smartphones industry has proved to be a real success for almost all the producers out there (on this category Android is still leading as the devices are more “budget friendly” than the ones that are featuring what we like to call the best mobile OS out there: Windows 8), but with the beginning of 2014 we will notice some changes. Of course I’m talking about the tablet field, where we will be able to see some awesome devices, featuring Windows 8, being released.

In that matter, we have decided to offer a background view over what it will be the best Windows 8 tablets of 2014. The round up includes both mid-range and high end devices, so we are talking about impressive specs and Windows 8 dedicated apps, games and tools that you will be getting access at. Therefore, if you are planning in buying a Windows 8 tablet in 2014, take a look below and choose the gadget you like the most. Then check the release date that is scheduled for your new tablet and start saving some money.

The round up presented here on Wind8Apps is only bringing what we think that is worth mentioning, so after checking which is our Windows 8 tablet selection for 2014, complete the list with your own preferences – feel free and use the comments field for sharing your thoughts with us and of course with other Windows 8 users. Most of the devices described below have been unveiled at CES 2014, so you should already be familiar with the best Windows 8 tablets of this year.

Lenovo ThinkPad 8

The Lenovo ThinkPad 8 was presented at CES 2014, being one of the best Windows 8 tablet with a small display. The tablet is featuring an 8.3 inch display with 1920 x 1200-pixel resolution along with dedicated Windows 8 apps for business area or for your entertainment.

Specs wise, Lenovo ThinkPad 8 is coming with an 8 MP rear facing camera (the camera gets activated one the dedicated QuickShot cover is being moved) and with Intel’s Bay Trail CPU. On this tablet you will be able to run 4K videos and to shot high res photos. The tablet is already available, on Lenovo’s official US website the ThinkPad 8 being priced at $379.00.

Panasonic Toughpad 4K

Now here is something that you will never see on Google: an impressive 20 inch with 3840 x 2560-pixel resolution tablet that runs on a powerful 2.1-GHz Intel Core i7-3687 CPU. The Panasonic Toughpad 4K is a real awesome Windows 8 tablet that is the best choice for those who are looking high end performances on the go.

Toughpad 4K specs are also including 16 GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD. This gadget is designed especially for designers and artists but nobody is stopping you from buying the Panasonic Toughpad 4K, well if you can afford it as the tablet is priced at no more than $5,999.

Transformer Book Duet

If you can’t decide whether to choose Android or Windows 8, we have something that is perfect for you: the Asus Transformer Book Duet. This tablet can be switched between Android and Windows 8, while it can also be attached to a dedicated keyboard, so that you can obtain a high end laptop.

So, we can say that we have a 4-in-1 device that might be one of the best tablets of 2014. The device is coming with a 13.3 inch display, Intel’s Haswell CPU and 64 GB of internal storage. The Transformer Book Duet will be released in Mid-March and it will be priced at $599.

Nokia Lumia 2520

Even though the Lumia 2520 is Nokia’s first Windows RT based tablet, the company had managed to develop an impressive handset. This tablet features a 10.1 inch display and support for 4G connectivity.

Specs wise, the Lumnia 2520 is bringing a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 chipset a 6.7MP camera with Carl Zeiss lens, 32 GB of in built storage, micro SD card slot and a 8,120mAh battery. The tablet is priced £400 and might be the best Windows RT tablet of 2014 in case you are a Nokia fan boy, though you can anytime choose something better if you ask me.

Asus VivoTab Note 8

Asus, with VivoTab Note 8 has designed a Windows 8 tablet that can be perfect for both students and also professionals. This tablet is coming woth an IPS display and with Intel Bay Trail-class CPU. This is a mid range device that has 2 GB of RAM memory and no micro SD card slot as the tablet is being delivered in two models depending on the internal storage you prefer.

Also, with VivoTab you will get a 5 MP rear facing camera and no HDMI port. The tablet will be offered in two versions: the 32GB model which will cost you $299 and the 64GB model which will be priced $349.

Panasonic Toughpad FZ-M1

If you liked Toughpad 4K but the price was too high for you, then you can still buy a Windows 8 based Panasonic tablet. The Toughpad FZ-M1 is a small sized device the features a 7 inch display and brings 8 GB of RAM memory and either 128GB or 256GB of solid state storage.

Other specs are including an Intel fourth-generation Core processor – i5-4302Y in our case, while the tablet unveils a ruggedized case – the Toughpad FZ-M1 is dust and water proved and you can also drop it without having any problems. Panasonic FZ-M1 will be released during this Spring and you will be able to buy it for $2,099, this being only the starting price. Of course this Windows 8 tablet aims for the business segment mainly for those who work outdoors in not so great environments.

Lenovo ThinkPad Carbon X1

Another Windows 8 tablet designed for the business segment is Lenovo’s ThinkPad Carbon X1. Unlike ThinkPad 8, this tablet is not for regular users as its price is tagged at $1,299. In a few words, here is what you will receive if you will buy this Windows 8 device: a 14 inch tablet built from carbon fiber and powered by Intel’s latest Haswell processors.

The device features 4G LTE connectivity, unlike MacBook Air for example. The Lenovo ThinkPad Carbon X1 has been already released, so you can buy the same anytime you want.

Lenovo Miix 2

Lenovo’s new MIIX 2 models are two Windows 8 powered tablets offered on affordable price tags along with great performances that can satisfy even an advanced user with great expectations. The MIIX 2 devices will be made available in two variants (a 10- and 11- inch one) and it will be released somewhere during March 2014.

The 10 inch tablet is more affordable as it will be available for only $499 (specs wise this model is coming with a quad-core Intel Atom processor and a 1080p screen) while the 11 inch device will cost you no more than $699 (it will be powered by a Intel Core i5 processor though).

Toshiba Encore

If you are thinking in buying a budget friendly Windows 8 tablet in 2014, then I have the perfect device for you: Toshibe Encore. This 8 inch Windows 8 tablet can be yours for only £250; of course don’t expect to receive high end specs and features at that price, though Toshiba Encore can be placed ahead of almost all the Android based devices released with the same price.

With this tablet you will be able to enjoy an 8 MP camera on the back, 64 GB of internal storage, a quad-core chip clocked at 1.7GHz and 2GB of RAM. The device has been already released and it is currently available in stores and on Toshiba’s official web store.

Of course this list of what we think that are the best Windows 8 tablets of 2014 can be anytime completed with new devices. If you think that we missed something, don’t hesitate and point it out. We will then update this post in order to enlarge our round up.

2014 should be a good year for Microsoft as the Windows 8 platform is getting better and the App market will soon be similar with Android’s Google Play. And when that will be fulfilled Android will no longer rule the smartphone and tablet market. The Windows 8 tablets are better, in any way you want, than the devices that are coming with Android, even though the price aspect is a huge balance when it comes to these two giants (Google and Microsoft).