5 Windows 8 PCs Worth Waiting For

Microsoft launches Windows 8 on Oct. 26. A dramatic shift from past operating systems, Microsoft has said that the interface previously known as Metro, with its bold, modern look and feel and emphasis on side-scrolling, has been designed for the tablet and mobile computing market.

Naturally, Microsoft’s hardware partners are poised to take advantage of the new OS. Initially, the design consensus seemed to be on those that took advantage of the ultrabook form factor, thin and light, with a foldable screen that allowed it to be operated in a tablet mode as well as take advantage of the keyboard.

Of late, however, the pendulum seems to have swung to convertible tablets that can be detached, with the keyboard serving as both an I/O hub as well as an extension of the battery to allow true all-day computing. (Note that this represents a distinct divergence in design from Microsoft, which has used its Touch Cover as its equivalent of the iPad’s Smart Cover (but without the keyboard). Microsoft sees its Surface tablet as just that, while the traditional notebook manufacturers are moving from their position of strength.

PCMag will have a review of the Surface at a later date, but for now we’ve focused on five devices that you’ll probably want to explore when evaluating your own Windows 8 purchasing decisions. Windows 8 obviously will run fine on most PCs, but the touch interface, widgets, and side-scrolling UI may encourage upgrades to new devices. (That’s the hope, anyway – Microsoft isn’t talking much about Windows 8(Opens in a new window), at least to Wall Street.)

With that said, which form factor do you prefer? Which design has caught your eye? Check out our slideshow over the next few pages, then tell us in the comments below which device has you reaching for your credit card.