Windows tablets with keyboard - a comparison

There are many Windows tablets with a keyboard. In our comparison, we show you the strengths and weaknesses of the three most popular models.

Microsoft Surface 2 with docking keyboard

The Microsoft Surface 2 is very popular: with a keyboard, the tablet easily replaces a laptop. Because of the slimmed-down Windows RT, no desktop programs can be installed on the Surface - there are corresponding apps for office applications.

• 10.6-inch screen with an HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels.
• The tablet weighs 680 grams without and 970 grams with a keyboard.
• Powerful battery that lasts about 9.5 hours.
• Price: currently around 429 euros without keyboard.

Lenovo Yoga 2 - Ultrabook and Windows tablet in one

If you are not satisfied with a simple Windows 8 tablet, you get with the Lenovo Yoga 2 Ultrabook and tablet in one: The screen of the convertible Ultrabook can be folded 360 °, which turns the Ultrabook into a tablet. Unlike many Windows tablets, the Lenovo Yoga 2 comes with the regular Windows version. Both desktop applications and Windows 8 apps run on the Yoga 2.

• 13.3 inch screen with QHD + resolution of 3200 x 1800 pixels.
• The convertible ultrabook weighs 1.4 kilograms. This makes it relatively difficult for a tablet.
• Despite the strong i5 CPU, the battery lasts around 9 hours.
• Price: currently around 1299 euros.

Asus Transformer Book - tablet with keyboard and full Windows 8

With the Asus Transformer Book you enjoy full Windows power on a tablet. The scope of delivery of the Windows 8 tablet includes a dockable keyboard, which makes the tablet a comfortable working device.

• 10.1-inch screen with HD-ready resolution of 1366 x 766 pixels.
• The tablet and keyboard weigh a total of 1.1 kilograms. This makes the bundle a little heavier than Microsoft's competitor.
• Although an Intel Atom processor is clocked in the Asus Transformer Book, the tablet does worse than more powerful devices with a runtime of 8 hours.
• Price: currently around 370 euros including keyboard docking station.

Conclusion: Different Windows tablets for different needs

Each of the three products has its strengths and weaknesses. Which one suits you best depends on your needs:

• With the Microsoft Surface 2 you are always and everywhere mobile. The device convinces with a long battery life, an ergonomic keyboard and high resolution. Because of the slimmed down Windows 8 RT version, however, you have to do without desktop programs.
• If the weight is irrelevant to you, the Lenovo Yoga 2 is a powerful ultrabook that you can turn into a tablet with just one hand. In terms of mobility, the device cannot keep up with the competition.
• The Asus Transformer Book is a good compromise: Windows 8 runs on the tablet in the desktop version. At the same time, you can disassemble the device and operate it with or without a keyboard. In addition, the Transformer Book is the cheapest of the three models and therefore a real bargain.

In our photo gallery you will find more Windows 8 tablets - including models without a keyboard.