We’ve been benchmarking and field-testing new Windows 8 systems, including all-in-one desktops, traditional clamshell laptops and convertible laptops with displays that flip or twist around to form tabletlike devices.
Dell XPS One 27
Rating: 4 stars out of 5 (Excellent)
The good: Boasts the highest-display resolution among Windows 8 all-in-ones, and at an aggressive price.
The bad: A new adjustable display support arm is welcome, but stops short of reclining a full 90 degrees.
The cost: $1,999.99 to $2,099
The bottom line: Updated with a touch screen, a new stand and up-to-date components, the Dell XPS One 27 leads the inaugural class of Windows 8 PCs.
HP Envy TouchSmart Ultrabook 4
Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5 (Very good)
The good: An attractive ultrabook with a respectable mix of components for its price, a responsive touch screen and a backlit keyboard.
The bad: It isn’t very configurable, so you can’t make it too much more powerful than it already is. It’s on the heavy side for an “ultrabook” (if you consider 4.5 pounds heavy). Its touch pad is jumpy at default settings.
The cost: $799.99 to $974.98
The bottom line: The HP Envy TouchSmart Ultrabook 4 is a good gateway to the Windows 8 experience with a responsive touch screen in a traditional laptop body.
Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 13
Rating: 4 stars out of 5 (Excellent)
The good: Looks as good as any 13-inch ultrabook, with the added attraction of a 360-degree screen and a laptop body that can fold into a tent, stand or slate.
The bad: Tablet mode leaves the keyboard exposed, and the Yoga 13 costs more than standard ultrabooks with similar components.
The cost: $1,099
The bottom line: The Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 13 is a convertible touch-screen laptop/tablet that most importantly doesn’t compromise the traditional laptop experience.
Microsoft Surface RT
Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5 (Very good)
The good: Interface is innovative, elegant, powerful, and versatile. The tablet feels strong and well-built, includes Office 2013 and offers rich video and music services. Its keyboard cover accessories are the best ways to type on a tablet, period.
The bad: The tablet has sluggish performance, its Windows Store is a ghost town, Metro requires some practice to get the hang of and the desktop interface feels clunky and useless.
The cost: $499 to $599
The bottom line: If you’re an early adopter willing to forget everything you know about navigating a computer, the Surface tablet could replace your laptop. Everyone else: wait for more apps.
The first wave of Windows 8 PCs
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The first wave of Windows 8 PCs
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The first wave of Windows 8 PCs
