What is a Windows tablet?

SnowTiger

Okay, I'm confused.

What is a Windows tablet? Specifically, is it possible to run desktop programs on one?

Here, for example:

The Iconia Tab 8W is a full Windows 8.1 tablet, powered by Intel and includes Microsoft Office 365 Personal, ideal for work and play on the go. It is thin, light and fast, designed to be your daily life companion. With both grab-and-go convenience and great media features, it's fully capable for all your professional and personal needs.

RumRat

It's what is says on the tin. A tablet with windows 8.1 as the operating system. Yes desktop apps (programmes) can be run on them.
That will stop on tablets of less than 8" when W10 comes along.

20aday

Given the specs I'd say that would run Windows 8.1 RT. You can only install programs from the Windows Store from what I've read about it in the past.

Windows RT 8.1 is a Windows-based operating system that's optimised for thin and light PCs that have extended battery life and are designed for life on the go. Windows RT 8.1 only runs built-in applications or apps that you download from the Windows Store. Windows Update automatically keeps your PC up to date and Windows Defender provides up-to-date virus and malware protection.

Jivesinger

20aday wrote: »

Given the specs I'd say that would run Windows 8.1 RT. You can only install programs from the Windows Store from what I've read about it in the past.

Nope - it's Windows 8.1 with Bing.

From http://www.acer.co.uk/ac/en/GB/content/series/iconiatab8w:

You also get Windows 8.1 with Bing, and a one year subscription to Office 3651 Personal.

So you can run the full range of normal Windows apps, although it will obviously struggle with anything that requires lots of memory or processor power.

Windows RT is effectively dead, although as RumRat says, the rumours are that the version of Windows 10 pre-installed on small tablets will have similar restrictions on what they can run.

Esqui

Windows RT was only for ARM-based devices. As that one runs an Intel chip, it will be Windows 8.1.

prowla

SnowTiger wrote: »

What is a Windows tablet?

Something which is very hard to swallow.

woody2234

That Acer one from Argos only has 1 gig of Ram and really you need 2 gig of ram these days so its best to get Hudl 2 for £29 more or you can use your Tesco clubcard vouchers so every £5 of vouchers is £10 of off a hudl 2

Jivesinger

woody2234 wrote: »

That Acer one from Argos only has 1 gig of Ram and really you need 2 gig of ram these days so its best to get Hudl 2 for £29 more

But a Hudl2 would run totally different software to a Windows tablet.

It depends on what 'desktop programs' the OP wants to run - if it's Windows programs then the Hudl2 wouldn't be good. If it's Android software then fine.

You can get Windows tablets with 2GB RAM, of course.

JJ_Egan

Jivesinger wrote: »

But a Hudl2 would run totally different software to a Windows tablet.

It depends on what 'desktop programs' the OP wants to run - if it's Windows programs then the Hudl2 wouldn't be good. If it's Android software then fine.

You can get Windows tablets with 2GB RAM, of course.

OP needs to work out what they want first .
MS Office for Android yes but does it do what the OP needs .

Inner_Zone

JJ_Egan wrote: »

OP needs to work out what they want first .
MS Office for Android yes but does it do what the OP needs .

MS Office for Android currently does not work for Intel based Android devices such as the Hudl 2.

RumRat

OP was asking about Windows tablets...