The July 29 arrival of Windows 10 is just around the corner. The new Microsoft OS will run on any Windows 8 device, as well as most Windows 7 devices with very few exceptions. In fact, Microsoft offers Windows 10 as a free upgrade to users of both operating systems.
The Windows 10 experience probably translates best on a 2-in-1 laptop hybrid; Microsoft has designed the OS to adapt functionality to whatever device the user deploys. With a hybrid device, you get both—whether you prefer a touch screen, a stylus, or a traditional keyboard, Windows 10 will conform to however you choose to use your device at any given time.
Every tech purchase begins by considering your needs as a user. Here we will help match your needs to the appropriate Windows 10 tablet hybrid.
Windows 10 Tablet Hybrid for Small Business: Ideal Specs
CPU and RAM: Most hybrids have at the very least an Intel Atom processor and 2 GB of memory, which suffices for Web browsing and light production work like running one or two Microsoft Office applications. Consider leveling up to a more powerful processor (Intel Core i3 or i5) and 4 GB of memory should your workload demand more multitasking or CPU-intensive production work. Larger production applications like Adobe Creative Suite or Intuit QuickBooks, for example, will have a noticeable performance boost running at these specs.
Display: Screen size and resolution varies directly with cost, so again, you must decide what you need as a user. If you are doing design work then a higher resolution screen (at least 1080p) is a must; if you are simply browsing the Internet and replying to e-mails, perhaps you could get away with something lower resolution (like 768p). Keep in mind the size of the screen mostly determines the bulk, weight, and battery life of the Windows 10 tablet hybrid as well.
Keyboard/Stylus: A keyboard is a must have in a business setting. The keyboard size of a hybrid will determine its overall feel. Many users complain of feeling “cramped” by small keyboards, so if that is something that rings true for you, pay attention to keyboard size. Stylus pens are popular among Office 365 and OneNote users and are becoming more mainstream in business applications, so stylus compatibility should come into consideration also.
Battery Life: Road warriors enjoy the convenience of long battery life. Some Windows 10 tablet hybrids tout up to 12 hours of use between charges. Note that longer battery life is mostly a result of lower power processors and smaller, lower resolution screens, and battery life varies depending on use.
Windows 10 Tablet Hybrids to Consider
Since Windows 10 will run fine on Windows 8 machines, that means there are already great Windows 10 hybrids on the market for small business users to choose from.
Surface 3 and Surface Pro 3
The Microsoft Surface 3 and Surface Pro 3 are both great choices for running Windows 10. When it comes to style and feel, both models are favorites of business users, a sentiment that echoes in our user reviews. Which you should choose largely depends on your needs, namely whether you plan on using it for production or consumption. For more on the differences between the two, read: Microsoft Surface 3 or Surface Pro 3? Pick the Right Windows Hybrid
View Microsoft Surface 3 models
Microsoft Surface 3 (Intel Atom, 4 GB RAM, 128 GB SSD)
Microsoft Surface 3 (Intel Atom, 2 GB RAM, 64 GB SSD)
View Microsoft Surface Pro 3 models
Microsoft Surface Pro 3 (Intel Core i3, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB SSD)
Microsoft Surface Pro 3 (Intel Core i5, 4 GB RAM, 128 GB SSD)
Microsoft Surface Pro 3 (Intel Core i5, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD)
Microsoft Surface Pro 3 (Intel Core i7, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD)
Microsoft Surface Pro 3 (Intel Core i7, 8 GB RAM,512 GB SSD)
View Microsoft Surface Pro Accessories
Surface 3 and Surface Pro 3 type covers
Microsoft Surface Pen
Dell Venue Pro 11
With a keyboard that attaches magnetically to the tablet chassis, the Dell Venue 11 Pro is designed in a similar spirit as the Surface 3 line, and brings a plainer, chunkier feel and a comparatively lower price point per specification.
Battery life is a key selling point for the Dell Venue 11 Pro—users have reported between 10-16 hours of battery life when used with the keyboard attachment, which uses the battery more efficiently compared to the touch screen . Dell 11 Pro models have a 10.8-inch touchscreen (1920 x 1080 resolution) and like the Surface 3 family come with various hardware specifications. Choose dependent upon your needs.
View Dell Venue 11 Pro models
Dell Venue 11 Pro (Intel Atom, 2 GB RAM, 64 GB SSD)
Dell Venue 11 Pro (Intel Core i5, 4 GB RAM, 128 GB SSD)
Dell Venue 11 Pro (Intel Core i5, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD)
View Dell Venue 11 Pro accessories
Dell Tablet Keyboard
Dell Active Stylus
Windows 8 / Windows 10 tablet hybrids are not limited to Surface and Venue 11 models; read more for other options, or view products and promotions in the NeweggBusiness 2 in 1 laptops / ultrabooks store.
