If Windows Store can supply the apps, dream Windows RT and Windows 8 tablet?

Posted by TheSweeney on February 10, 2013 12:54 am 5

So, the growth of the Windows Store appears to be slowing to a standstill, especially here in the states. This doesn't bode well for Microsoft, who really needs Windows 8 to be a success. I use Windows 8 on my gaming PC and I love it, but I don't really use Modern apps (Netflix being the single exception). However, I'm going to be in the market for a laptop and tablet later this year, since I'm a blogger (my Nerdtastic Tech blog is just getting started, feel free to check it out). I've already committed to upgrading my iPhone 4 to an iPhone 5 (familiarity plus app investment), but I have no similar attachments to the iPad or Mac. Based on my brief meddling with family Mac's and iPads, the iPad and Mac have all of the apps I really want on my laptop and tablet, plus access to best-in-class browsers.

Now, I've briefly considered going with a Chromebook and an iPad, but I'd prefer to have an actual laptop plus a tablet, but I've also looked into the possibility of getting a Windows 8 hybrid. So, I've listed my dream Windows RT and Windows 8 tablets, although I would only consider these if the app selection improves.

Windows RT Tablet

  • Nvidia Tegra 4
  • 2GB RAM
  • 128GB+ SSD
  • 1080p IPS/PLS display (10.1" or 11.6")
  • Detachable keyboard dock w/ additional battery
  • 8+ hrs battery life w/o dock attached, 16+ hrs when dock attached
Windows 8 Tablet
  • Intel Haswell or Bay Trail
  • 4GB or 8GB RAM
  • 128GB+ SSD
  • 1080p IPS/PLS display (10.1" or 11.6")
  • Detachable keyboard dock w/ additional battery, included (USB ports in dock, not tablet)
  • 7+ hrs battery life w/o dock attached, 14+ hrs when dock attached
  • Pen input optional
So, while not really detailed specs, these are the basics. If Windows 8 tablets running on Haswell or Bay Trail are able to meet the specs I've outlined above, I would not even consider a Windows RT tablet, and I might even be ablet to look away from the lack of apps in the Windows Store. However, that lack of apps is still a very big factor in my decision.
  • iPad mini, 32GB
  • Macbook Air (11.6" or 13.3") or Macbook Pro w/ Retina display (13.3")
In case you are wondering which apps I am wanting:
  • Google Reader client on par with the quality of the Reeder app on iOS and Mac OS X
  • An official Pocket app
  • Flipboard
  • Spotify app (I'd like a Modern UI version, but the desktop version will suffice)
  • A decent Gmail client, though the browser version will suffice
  • A reddit client on par with the quality of Alien Blue (mainly since the reddit site really isn't optimized for touch)
  • Twitter client on par with Tweetbot for iOS and Mac OS X