Tablet With Windows & Usb Slot - Does It Exist?

[jko]

Apologies in advance folks, for my abysmal non-geekness. Here is the problem:

Amongst all the sophisticated bells & whistles of Samsungs and Ipads, etc., I can't find a Tablet with Windows 7 or 8 plus a USB slot, which would (I assume?) allow the ultimate convenience of using Word, Excel etc., plus the connecting to a standard printer, and storing back up data on an external hard disk or memory stick.

Most shop assistants look blank when I ask about this, or drool over Ipods and Samsung Galaxies. Some say the Asus ME370TG has these qualities and is related to Nexus 7, but I've yet to see one, or find its detailed specs with regard to Windows & USB slots.

Can anybody clarify this? Will appreciate some geek help....

[JoePai]

Here is the Acer version

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2410552,00.asp

[Chicog]

I've ordered a load of these.

Lenovo ThinkPad Twist

It's what they call a "Convertible", so you can use it as a laptop or twist the screen round and use it as a tablet.

Port and slots are restricted to the sides of the system, with a SIM card slot (not used in our review unit), a media card reader, a full-size RJ-45 Ethernet port, a Mini-HDMI port, a USB 3.0 port and an audio-out jack on the left-hand side and the power input, a Mini-DisplayPort connector, a second USB 3.0 port and the hard drive removal door on the right-hand side.

[paulchiangmai]

When I was in Australia last month I saw a Windows 8 with usb port that had just been released, I enquired here in Chiang Mai about it and was told it would be here about next February. I had the brochure but it appears I have tossed it.

[Traxster]

I'm wondering if all or any these Tablets and Notes etc.etc. have built in cell phones ?

[Chicog]

I'm wondering if all or any these Tablets and Notes etc.etc. have built in cell phones ?

Good question - it doesn't actually specify what it's for... "Port and slots are restricted to the sides of the system, with a SIM card slot". I'll let you know when I unbox one.

[varun]

In addition to the above mentioned tablets, Microsoft will also be releasing their Surface Pro tablet this year, $899 retail.

Specs here: http://www.microsoft.com/Surface/en-us/surface-with-windows-8-pro/home

This is basically a netbook/Ultrabook / tablet hybrid, with a full HD screen that can run pretty much all the applications that typically run on a Windows 7 PC/desktop.

It'll be a tad expensive though, and you will probably find cheaper alternatives from Lenovo/Acer/Asus etc.

There's also a 'Microsoft Surface' available, that runs a version of Windows optimized for ARM processors (Windows RT).

The catch is that the RT version can't run regular Windows 7 applications, only those applications that are designed specifically for WIndows RT.

If productivity/flexibility is what you want, then go for the Surface Pro, especially if you're going to be working in MS Excel/Word/Powerpoint/Outlook.

Regarding availability, I think you might have to wait a while, but probably not that long (Feb-March, I'm guessing)

[JakeBKK]

There's a problem with the power drain on usb ports of tablet pc's So a HDD is likely a no-go. You can tether/mount a card reader and usb sticks to Droid. sharing with win8 is also no problem.

So use a powered USB Hub and most of the tablet/pads will give you plenty of choices what to hook up. I hate to plug around usb gadgets, so most of my stuff is connected to my notebook and i share via wifi.

[lomatopo]

I was in the U.S. last week for a brief visit and saw the Surface RT (Windows 8) in Best Buy and Staples for $499. Not sure if/when these will be launched here?

http://www.staples.com/Surface-Windows-RT-Tablet-32GB/product_130406

[JakeBKK]

If you need win .. do yourself a favour take at least a tegra or something like it. the basic specifications you can find here.

[dave2]

re

I'm wondering if all or any these Tablets and Notes etc.etc. have built in cell phones ?

the galaxy 7.7 tablet does and a usb adapter but im told it only

recgnises memory cards usb drives and ssd external hard drives

NOT hard drives that dont have their own power supply ?

maybe someone can tell me if this is wrong ? coz ive got 5 of

them : (

[lomatopo]

Some newer Android 3G tablets do have dialer options and support GSM voice and text. There are some hacks for older 3G Android apps. which enable GSM voice and text - I've hacked a Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 and it worked fine.

Most tablets cannot support either the power requirements of a USB large capacity hard disk drive, or the filing system.