If you want to check out a non-Microsoft full windows 8.1 tablet for fairly cheap, check out this one.
http://www.microcenter.com/product/437498/TW100_101_Tablet_-_Black#
It's only $179 and runs the full version of windows. As long as you go into it knowing it's not going to run the latest games and such, the reviews on it are all pretty good.
There are quite a few reviews from people that are hooking it up to a keyboard, mouse and monitor and using it as both a tablet as well as their desktop computer.
That is an incredible price and not a bad deal, however people should understand what it is they are buying.
Widescreen IPS Touchscreen 16:10 10.1" 1280x800 Display
• Intel Baytrail-T Z3735D 1.33GHz Quad-Core CPU
• 2GB RAM & 32GB eMMC Flash Storage
• Windows 8.1 + Bing
• Expandable up to 64GB via microSD card
Despite the jargon in the ad, 1280x800 is NOT true HD, though it is an IPS panel, which is a decent score for the price point. Just be aware of its rather weak/low PPI.
The baytrail CPU is really weak, worse it can be a 6billion core it wont make a difference unless the software you run is multi-threaded, HL and RW and most low market vertical apps are not. But at this price point its what I would expect. BTW this is a 32-bit processor, thus 32-bit OS so keep that in mind, no modern 64-bit software will run..Or even install for that matter.
2GB Ram is decent for the price point.
32GB eMMC storage is the real weak issue here, thats slow and low. Now you can expand it with another 32GB card, the statment is pretty vague but
Expandable up to 64GB via microSD card means it will only allow another 32GB card to be installed, meaning you have a lifetime max of 64GB. Also it will be a really low end interface, my bet is an ancient controller, thus weak performance.
If you are looking for a cheap tablet to run specific apps that will run on this device (HL and RW should run) and performance is not an issue, then at under $200 this is a good price. However be aware of the serious caveats (32bit, weak strorage, weak quad core CPU for single threaded apps), but the good points (IPS panel, price, light as sin). I also do not know what wireless controller is in it, but it has micro HDMI and USB 3.0, again pretty good selling points.
Despite its limitations I cannot imagine a better price on a windows 8.1 tablet, just do your research and ensure this does fit your needs, and will fulfill your future wants. A great price is not a good deal if it doesn't fit your needs.
