A Windows tablet with a detachable keyboard can be a more portable and versatile alternative to a laptop. We’ve tested all the major models, and these top performers should be on your short list.
A tablet that’s as powerful as a conventional laptop but still slim and light enough to hold and tap with one hand was once the exclusive province of Hollywood’s imagination. But thanks to manufacturers’ ability to fit more powerful hardware into ever slimmer and lighter devices, it’s now possible to hold in your hand a Windows-based tablet that can do almost everything your laptop does—and, in most cases, is even more portable. Think of it as an Apple iPad combined with the power and flexibility of the Windows 10 or Windows 11 operating system. (The first Windows 11-based tablets, in Microsoft’s latest Surface line, were just hitting the market at the time of this update.) Just as with any system, however, a Windows tablet requires you to make choices. How big and powerful do you want (or need) it to be? What sort of features are you looking for? And do you care about using it on the road, or will you only need it while you’re near a Wi-Fi connection? We’ll help you answer all these questions and more, and tell you which of the Windows tablets on the market are our favorites. How Big Should Your Windows Tablet’s Screen Be? Of course, just like the iPad line, with its range of sizes, computing power, and prices, there’s no single Windows tablet that fits everyone’s needs. As you begin shopping, you’ll note that they fall into a few different categories. First are the inexpensive models with 10-inch screens, designed to let you browse the Web and enjoy streaming a movie from Netflix or Amazon Prime. Because these budget-friendly devices usually rely on low-power processors and minimal storage, you’re better off getting one as a second or third device to serve alongside your laptop or smartphone. In other words, these aren’t the full-powered Windows devices that you might long for after seeing Westworld or another Hollywood fantasy. Then there are larger 12-inch and 13-inch models designed to work in tandem with an included or optional stylus and docking keyboard. These give you a better way to take notes in class or type up an email or a term paper, and generally provide a well-rounded Windows experience. The best example of these is the iconic Microsoft Surface Pro. Finally, there are premium and business systems, designed as productivity tools rather than media consumption devices.
