Windows 8 tabletsare still in very short supply, but there are a few Samsung Series 7 Slate models still available, notably the i5 3G model and the i3 model.
The Series 7 Slate does ship with Windows 7, but Microsoft offers a low cost $14.99 Windows 8 upgrade if you jump in before January 31 2013.
If you’re looking for a Windows 8 tablet, then the Samsung Series 7 Slate is available now and it makes a brilliant Windows 8 tablet.
http://www.windowsupgradeoffer.com/en-AU
The upgrade is available by download too which means you can get started with Windows 8 right away!
Models in limited stock now at reduced prices while they last!
Samsung Series 7 Slate – Professional Edition
Includes Wacom Active Digitizer Pen, Desktop Dock and Bluetooth Keyboard
Intel Core i5, 128Gb, 3G / Mobile Broadband – $1699 Inc GST
Samsung Series 7 Slate – Starter Edition
Includes Wacom Active Digitizer Pen
Intel Core i3, 64Gb – $999 Inc GST
I use the Series 7 Slate i3 model at home with Windows 8 and it works perfectly. Angry Birds Star Wars, Cut the Rope and Fruit Ninja all work perfectly and my kids love it! A friend of mine uses his S7S i3 to play Civilization (constantly). But don’t forget that it can comfortably run your existing Windows programs like Microsoft Office and Bluebeam Revu too!
The windows 8 upgrade is very easy and I did not have to download any drivers to make it all work. Since the Series 7 Slate was the reference design for Windows 8 you’d expect it to work seamlessly and it does.
Allow 1 – 2 days shipping. If you order now, you’ll get it before Christmas!
Like you, I use handwriting recognition with the yellow tabtip. It works beautifully in Win 7. But Win 8 is a disaster in this regard with the bulky opaque grey blob. Do you know of any work around? It seems as if MS is trying to discourage use of the pen, which was their strong niche. It is souch a pain that I am considering going back to win 7 even though I enjoy the improved touch (by hand) capabilities.
There’s no work around that I know of. I probably wouldn’t go as far as saying that they’re discouraging the pen, just pretending it doesn’t exist!
But, consider that the Surface Pro will have a pen option, as do the new Samsung ATIVs and more… The Wacom pen eraser function has been restored in Office 2013 too, so there are some positives in it.