As with mobile phones, most tablet computers on the market today are based on the Android operating system. This is due to a number of factors. Firstly, the availability of this OS, its openness for developers. Secondly, the presence of a large number of developments and relatively stable versions. Thirdly, the widest range of software, presented in the form of millions of applications available for installation.
Of course, in addition to "Android", there are alternative options for working OS. First of all, this is iOS - a product developed by Apple to interact with its devices. The latter include iPad Air and iPad mini of all generations.
The third "whale" of the market of operating systems for tablet computers, of course, is Windows. Its presence is explained by the fact that Microsoft also decided to participate in this software race, presenting its generations of systems - first the 8th, then the 10th.
More details about this system, as well as devices that support working with it, we'll talk in this article.
How to install Windows on a tablet?
And we will start from the verya common question that some mobile device owners may ask (of course, those who do not have much contact with technology). However, we will answer it.
The question is how to install Windows on a tablet running a different operating system. The answer to it depends on what processor your tablet is based on. If we are talking about a gadget with support for i386- or x64-architecture, then it is theoretically possible to boot Windows onto it. This applies to VIA, Intel and AMD processors. If you have NVIDIA, Snapdragon, MediaTek or Tegra (which, in fact, the majority), then nothing will work. Even in theory, Windows cannot be installed on these devices.
But how to install "Windows" on a tablet if it belongs to the category of suitable ones? First of all, you need to take care of creating a bootable USB flash drive with the Windows distribution kit of the desired version. After that, having previously copied all the important data, you should install it “over” your native Android. Whether the tablet will work after that, it's impossible to say for sure. The procedure is similar to a simple flashing, however, nothing is known about the stability of the device after such an operation.
Therefore, we do not recommend experimenting and installing "Windows 8" on an "Android" tablet. And, frankly, there is no obvious need to do this, since the version of software from Microsoft installed in this way is unlikely towill show better results than the native pre-installed Android. So, the game will not be worth the candle. It is better to get rid of the old device and purchase a new one that has Windows support from the very beginning. Moreover, some of them are quite affordable. You don't have to buy a Microsoft Surface Pro 3. For more information on which devices we are talking about, read further in our article.
In its framework, we will consider only those gadgets that were offered with Windows initially.
Versions
Another important nuance that you should pay attention to is the version of the operating system that can be preinstalled on a mobile device. The tenth modification is considered the last and most relevant (at the time of this writing, at least). She was preceded by the 8th. It is logical that the specialists simply improved their product and released a new version that was better than the previous one.
Some users in their reviews ask if it is possible to find Windows 7 pre-installed on the tablet. The answer is a categorical “no”. This version of the OS is delivered to desktop PCs (or at least laptops, but without touch control support). Versions 8 and 10 are also found on laptops, but (with a touch screen) they can be interacted with by touch. This is convenient, because to some extent it turns a stationary work PC into a tablet.
Update
It is also necessary to add to the topic of versions that formally the boundaries between howThe tablet works with Windows 8 and 10, no. This is explained very simply. As we mentioned above, the tenth is just the modification following the eighth (in the update hierarchy). Accordingly, when buying a gadget with a G8, you can independently update the software (by connecting the device to a Wi-Fi network, of course). So get a tablet on "Windows 10".
Main difference
Should I upgrade? In this matter, it is better, of course, not to refer to technical parameters, but to seek information directly, exploring someone else's experience. If you believe the feedback from users whose Windows tablet came with version 8, and they switched to 10, then it makes sense to upgrade. The system began to work much more lively and at the same time became much clearer. And this means a lot, especially since the G8 was originally considered in many ways to be “raw”. After all, Windows had never been presented on a tablet before her, and in some ways she is the “pioneer” of this market.
Windows devices
So, a little theory about how a tablet with "Windows 8" differs from the same one on the "top ten", as well as about the possibilities of switching from Android to Windows, we told you. Now it's time to take a look at what tablets are available with this operating system, and what a buyer who wants to use this OS can look for.
Conditionally, all devices from this category can be divided into several classes. These are budgetcomputers from little-known manufacturers (for example, Prestigio MultiPad, Qumo Vega, Digma Eve, Bravis WXI89, Cube iWork 8); mid-range devices (PIXUS TaskTab, Lenovo IdeaTab, Dell Venue); as well as the premium segment (Acer Iconia, HP Pro Tablet, Microsoft Surface Pro 3, Lenovo ThinkPad 10). We made the classification taking into account the cost of the device. The first group included those that cost up to 7-9 thousand rubles; the second - from 10 to 20 thousand; the third - over 20,000 rubles.
Each of these segments has its own characteristics.
So, for example, the first group includes manufacturers that produce a product that functions on the basis of an operating system that is interesting for certain buyers. Due to this, they are going to sell their equipment, using the “loud” name of the Windows system. In fact, it may turn out that such a gadget will not be stable, will receive low-quality equipment and low performance. Such devices are suitable only for basic operations like surfing the net, checking mail.
The second group of gadgets includes good samples on the principle of “cheap and cheerful”, among which you can find representatives that are really worth their money. The devices have wide functionality due to this operating system and at the same time can please the buyer with their price tag.
Finally, the third group is really high-end devices, often designed for professionals. For example, it is very convenient to work with them in the fieldgraphic development or due to the rich features of office software.
Advantages and disadvantages
One can endlessly talk about the pros and cons of a tablet ("Windows"). It would be easier to say this: this is a completely different (in terms of logic and arrangement) OS, which you need to get used to. Those who managed to work with it for a long time most often call it much more convenient than Android and iOS. And vice versa - if you take a tablet on "Windows 8.1" in your hands for the first time, you can get confused. The user in such a situation most often has a question: what next?
The fact that this OS is on the market is a very positive development in any case, since it implies the existence of an alternative, which means the ability to choose a system in accordance with one's preferences, which is important.
How to choose?
With a large number of models in stock, you can also get confused when trying to make a choice. We would advise you to take it easy and reason as follows: clearly define your goals. If you need a device for periodic reading of books and watching news, taking a “premium” gadget does not make sense, since you simply will not reveal its potential. On the other hand, if you want to draw on the device, and also if you need a personal assistant at hand, say, to work with presentations, reports at any time, it’s better to take something like the “professional” version of Microsoft Surface (adjusted for the financial side, of course).
Reviews
Remember to pay attention to the recommendations of other buyers. Most often, they contain the most truthful information about how the device behaves in certain conditions, what should be expected from it, how justified its cost, etc.
So you can, having found several acceptable options for yourself, determine the most suitable tablet for Windows 10.
The “best” tablet
We specifically used the characteristic “the most suitable”, since it is impossible to name which computer is the best. After all, there is a certain balance between the quality of the device and its cost, which are in direct proportion to each other. The higher the performance of the gadget, the more expensive it is and, therefore, less accessible to buyers. In turn, developers of budget versions are forced to compromise by equipping devices with less technological stuffing. As a result - loss of functionality and performance level.
You can find the “best” Windows tablet exclusively for yourself, based on your own requirements, preferences and capabilities.
Platform outlook
I would like to note separately about the future of such a platform on tablet devices. Since now iOS and Android are considered as those that go in the same development vector, the Windows installed on the tablet is rather some other option, something alternativefor both. Therefore, she may be interested in more buyers, which gives her a serious prospect.
So it's safe to say that Windows gadgets have a lot of potential. The main thing is that software developers understand this and continue to develop the product without stopping there.
