Buying Touch-Enabled Windows 8.1 PCs: A Guide
The Evolving Landscape of Windows 8 and Touchscreen Devices
More than a year has passed since the initial release of Windows 8. Significant developments have occurred during this time, including the introduction of Windows 8.1.
Furthermore, a continuous stream of new devices powered by Intel’s Haswell and Bay Trail processors is consistently entering the market.
Increased Availability and Affordability
The prevalence of touch-enabled laptops, 2-in-1 convertibles, and Windows tablets is steadily increasing, accompanied by a reduction in their cost.
Consumers visiting retail stores to purchase new laptops or tablets will encounter a diverse selection of these touchscreen-equipped devices.
The Vision for Universal Touchscreen Integration
Microsoft and Intel share a long-term objective: to equip every personal computer with a touchscreen interface.
Progress towards this goal is demonstrably being made, as touchscreen technology becomes increasingly integrated into a wider range of PC hardware.
This shift indicates a growing commitment to touch-based interaction as a standard feature in the computing experience.
The Declining Prevalence of Windows RT
Windows RT emerged alongside Windows 8, a simultaneous release that initially caused some market confusion.
Microsoft’s own Surface RT was among the first devices to utilize this operating system.
Furthermore, other manufacturers also introduced Windows RT-based products.
Early Windows RT Devices
For instance, the Lenovo Yoga 11, despite its laptop-like appearance, operated on the Windows RT platform.
This created a situation where consumers needed to differentiate between standard Windows 8 and its RT variant.
Current Windows RT Landscape
Today, Windows RT occupies a more defined niche within the market.
Currently, a limited number of Windows RT devices are available for purchase.
- Microsoft’s original Surface RT (now simply known as Surface).
- The newer Surface 2 from Microsoft.
- Nokia’s Lumia 2520 tablet.
Notably, Nokia is undergoing acquisition by Microsoft, further consolidating the Windows RT ecosystem.
Distinguishing Windows RT Devices
These three devices represent the entirety of the current Windows RT offerings.
Essentially, they are all, in one way or another, Microsoft products.
If a device isn't manufactured by Microsoft or Nokia, it will run the full Windows 8.1 operating system, capable of executing traditional desktop applications.
This clear distinction helps consumers identify devices with full Windows compatibility.
Intel’s Bay Trail: A Battery Life Contender Against ARM
The necessity of Windows RT has diminished due to the strong competition presented by Intel’s Bay Trail architecture. Bay Trail rivals the efficiency of the ARM architecture, yet enables devices to operate full versions of Windows 8.1, complete with compatibility for traditional desktop applications.
ARM processors are prevalent in smartphones, iPads, Android devices, and previously, Windows RT devices. Bay Trail delivers a comparable balance of price and performance to ARM, facilitating the availability of affordable options.
Affordable Windows 8.1 Devices
Currently, 8-inch Windows 8.1 tablets can be found for around $300, and convertible devices, such as the ASUS Transformer T100, are available for approximately $350.
This represents a significant shift in the market. Initially, when Windows 8 was released, touch-enabled devices carried a substantial price premium.
Many lower-priced laptops lacked touch support altogether, leading consumers to choose Windows 8 devices without touchscreens. However, touch screen technology is now becoming increasingly accessible on more affordable devices.
- Touchscreen integration is expanding to lower price points.
- Bay Trail is enabling more affordable touchscreen Windows devices.
The increased availability of touch functionality on budget-friendly devices is transforming the computing landscape.
Enhanced Battery Performance with Haswell Processors
Selecting a device equipped with a more robust Core i5 or i7 processor doesn't necessarily mean sacrificing battery longevity, thanks to Intel’s innovative Haswell architecture. This new design guarantees improved power efficiency across a range of devices.
Consider the original Microsoft Surface Pro; its battery life was limited to approximately four hours, a significant drawback for a tablet form factor. In contrast, the subsequent Surface Pro 2, incorporating Haswell technology, boasts battery endurance exceeding eight hours.
The Benefits of Power Efficiency
This demonstrates a key advantage: users can now acquire a device capable of handling demanding laptop tasks while simultaneously offering the extended battery life expected of a mobile tablet.
The advantages of this more efficient architecture extend beyond tablet usage. Even for those primarily utilizing laptop functionality, the increased power efficiency translates directly into substantially longer operational times between charges.
Key Advantages of Haswell Architecture:
- Improved Battery Life: Significant gains in power efficiency.
- Performance & Portability: Combines powerful processing with extended usability.
- Versatile Usage: Suitable for both laptop and tablet applications.
Ultimately, Haswell processors represent a substantial advancement in mobile computing, providing a compelling balance between performance and battery life.
Complimentary Microsoft Office with Select Devices
Certain computing devices are shipped with a complimentary license for Microsoft Office Home & Student. This offering extends to all Windows RT-powered devices, as well as 8-inch Windows 8.1 tablets. Additionally, select models such as the ASUS T100 transformer are also eligible.
Conversely, larger-form factor devices generally do not include a pre-installed Office suite. This distinction can appear inconsistent; for instance, the more affordable Surface 2 tablet running Windows RT is bundled with Office, while its higher-priced counterpart, the Surface Pro 2, is not.
Related: Understanding the Differences Between Office 365 and Office 2016.
Generally, devices that come with the free Office edition are those less suited for intensive Office use. More powerful laptops, intended for serious productivity, typically require a separate Office purchase. Microsoft likely anticipates users will acquire Office for these machines, but not for smaller tablet devices.
It's important to note that this benefit is not applicable to business users. Organizations will require a full-edition license to utilize Office applications for commercial purposes.
The Continuing Challenge of App Availability
When acquiring a new laptop running Windows 8.1, a touchscreen is a common feature. Users may be inclined to utilize the touch-optimized Windows 8-style applications designed for this interface. However, significant limitations exist in this area.
The Windows Store, the primary source for these applications, remains underdeveloped. While not entirely deficient, it lacks comprehensive coverage. Apps for well-known services such as Netflix, Hulu, Skype, Facebook, Evernote, Dropbox, Twitter, and Amazon Kindle are available.
Despite these offerings, the overall selection remains notably restricted. For instance, applications from Google are scarce, limited to a Google Search app. Although an official Flipboard app has recently been released for Windows 8.1, its functionality and refinement do not yet match the experience offered on iPad or Android platforms – a predictable outcome given its initial launch status.
Consequently, individuals seeking a dedicated tablet experience through a Windows device may encounter disappointment. A Windows 8.1 tablet priced at $300 offers limited appeal when compared to an iPad Mini or Nexus 7, unless the primary intention is to operate Office on a smaller, eight-inch display, a use case that also presents drawbacks.
Independent verification is readily available. Prospective buyers can directly explore the Windows Store website to ascertain the presence of desired applications. It is likely that a substantial number of unofficial and potentially unreliable apps will be encountered.
Microsoft Apps Offer the Best Experience
The most consistently high-quality Windows 8-style applications are developed by Microsoft itself. Therefore, users heavily invested in Microsoft’s ecosystem – including services like Outlook.com, SkyDrive, Skype, Bing, Xbox, and Xbox Music – are more likely to find a satisfying experience.
If your digital life revolves around these Microsoft services, the touch-enabled Windows 8.1 experience could prove quite beneficial.
Touch Screen Interaction with Desktop Environments
Traditional desktop operating systems weren't initially conceived with touch screen functionality in mind. This doesn't render touch screens ineffective on laptops, however. Certain actions, such as scrolling through webpages, can be readily performed with a finger, mirroring the experience found on tablets.
For instance, while viewing a YouTube video in a relaxed setting, tapping the screen to control playback is possible, similar to using a tablet device.
Limitations of Desktop Touch Input
The core desktop interface, however, wasn't engineered for direct touch interaction. Trying to navigate and operate desktop applications using touch alone can prove problematic without the aid of a stylus.
Consequently, expecting seamless touch-based operation of all desktop programs on a Windows tablet may lead to a disappointing user experience.
Attempting such usage can result in considerable difficulty and frustration.
- Consider a stylus for precise desktop interaction.
- Touch functionality is best suited for media control.
- Desktop environments prioritize mouse and keyboard input.
Therefore, it’s important to understand the inherent differences between touch-optimized interfaces and traditional desktop environments.
The Future of Computing: Touch Screens on Every PC
Both Microsoft and Intel, having experienced limited success in the smartphone and tablet market dominated by ARM processors, are now focused on integrating touch screen technology into all Windows PCs. This encompasses a variety of form factors, including traditional tablets with optional keyboards, convertible devices with 360-degree hinges, and standard laptops featuring touch-enabled displays.
Consequently, Microsoft’s emphasis on developing touch-optimized applications for Windows 8 appears strategically sound. Recognizing that consumers will continue to purchase laptops, they aim to enhance these devices with touch functionality as an added benefit. The intention is to provide an alternative to iPads or Android tablets, allowing users to detach a laptop screen for convenient browsing.
Related: An assessment of the quality of Android tablet applications.
The inclusion of touch screens proves most advantageous on Windows laptops as a supplementary feature, particularly for those already planning a laptop purchase. However, recommending a Windows tablet, especially a lower-priced eight-inch model with limited desktop usability, is more challenging. Devices like the iPad Air, iPad Mini, and Nexus 7 present a more compelling option for typical users, offering a broader app selection and a refined user experience.
Even Android tablet applications generally surpass their Windows counterparts in both quantity and quality. Microsoft acknowledges this disparity, positioning the Surface Pro 2 as “the most productive tablet ever” – essentially a laptop alternative.
It is hoped that this explanation clarifies the current landscape of the Windows PC market. Advancements in Intel’s Haswell and Bay Trail architectures have significantly improved battery life and overall performance in Windows PCs. The cost of touch-enabled devices has decreased, increasing the likelihood of finding a laptop or convertible with touch screen capabilities, even without specifically seeking one.
However, if a user’s sole requirement is a tablet for running tablet applications, Windows devices remain a less practical choice. For individuals who already own a preferred laptop and desire a dedicated tablet, an iPad or Android tablet is generally the more sensible investment, given the current state of the Windows tablet application ecosystem.
Image sources: Vernon Chan (Flickr), Cheon Fong Liew (Flickr), Intel Free Press (Flickr)
