-
There is a specific category of Windows 8.1 tablets with 8-inch screens that share the same minimum specs: Intel Atom Z3740 processors, 2GB RAM, 32GB onboard storage, Bluetooth, front- and rear-facing cameras, micro SD slot, micro USB 2.0 port, and Microsoft Office Home & Student 2013 pre-installed. They can be found at discounts starting from about $240, which makes them price-competitive against low-end Android tablets and the cheaper iPads. Five major computer makers are selling such Windows 8.1 tablets with 8-inch screens. Because it can be tough to tell them apart, we put together this guide to quickly explain why you may (or may not) want to buy a particular model.
-
FEATURES: Front and rear cameras: 2 and 8 megapixels; micro HDMI port, up to 7 hours battery life on full charge. COLOR: Silver DIMENSIONS (length x height): 8.40 x 5.40 in. THICKNESS: 0.43 in. WEIGHT: 0.98 lbs. The takeaway: The Encore WT8 has good cameras and a mini HDMI, but one of the lowest listed battery lives among the other Windows 8.1 tablets with 8-inch screens in this article. It’s also the heaviest.
-
FEATURES: Front and rear cameras, 2 and 5 megapixels, micro HDMI port, up to 8 hours battery life on a full charge COLOR: “Smokey gray” DIMENSIONS (length x height): 8.60 x 5.30 in. THICKNESS: 0.40 in. WEIGHT: 0.95 lbs. The takeaway: The Iconia W4 has a listed battery life that is better than Toshiba’s Encore WT8, but its rear camera isn’t as good. Otherwise, it’s similar to the Toshiba tablet in other respects.
-
FEATURES: Front and rear cameras: 2 and 8 megapixels, no micro HDMI port, up to 7 hours on a full charge COLOR: Silver DIMENSIONS (length x height): 8.50 x 5.20 in. THICKNESS: 0.30 in WEIGHT: 0.77 lbs The takeaway: The Miix 2 is the thinnest and lightest among the tablets in this list. But when matched against the Encore WT8, the choice comes to a tradeoff: Are you willing to forgo a mini HDMI for thinner and lighter?
-
FEATURES: Front and rear cameras, 2 and 8 megapixels; micro HDMI port, up to 8 hours battery life on a full charge COLOR: Black DIMENSIONS (length x height): 8.83 x 5.19 in THICKNESS: 0.35 in WEIGHT: 0.95 lbs The takeaway: You pay more but get more: The ThinkPad 8 has a faster processor (Intel Atom Z3770 that runs up to 2.39GHz), a higher resolution (1920-by-1200 pixels) display that’s slightly larger at 8.3 inches, and micro USB 3.0.
-
FEATURES: Front and rear cameras: 1.2 and 5 megapixels; no micro HDMI port, up to 8 hours battery life on a full charge COLOR: Black or red (for $20 more) DIMENSIONS (length x height): 8.50 x 5.12 in THICKNESS: 0.35 in WEIGHT: 0.87 lbs The takeaway: The Venue 8 Pro’s front camera has a low number of megapixels. And its “Windows” button is oddly set along one side of its length, rather than on its screen bezel. Plus, no micro HDMI port.
-
FEATURES: Front and rear cameras: 1.2 and 5 megapixels; no micro HDMI port; up to 8 hours battery life on a full charge COLOR: Black DIMENSIONS: (length x height): 8.70 x 5.20 in. THICKNESS: 0.40 in. WEIGHT: 0.80 lbs. The takeaway: The VivoTab Note 8 is unique for including a Wacom stylus, which can be stored inside the tablet’s housing. But it lacks a mini HDMI, and its front camera is only 1.2 megapixels.

The roadmap to a low carbon future in technology The IT sector accounts for 2% of global greenhouse gas emissions1. This will rise as data and new technologies increasingly play a central role in shaping organisational operations. As enterprises and governments introduce net zero or decarbonisation targets, IT operations will need to better understand their emissions and how they can be reduced without negatively impacting technology or business operations. SustainTech will bridge the gap between ambition and tangible action, promoting Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategies that attendees can use in their day-to-day operations within their business.