In response to reader's request asking for advice on what is the best high-end Windows 8 tablets in the market, tech experts from CNET pointed to the Surface Pro as the top tablet device they would recommend.

Dan Ackerman and Scott Stein reached the conclusion after they reviewed three high-end Windows 8 tablets, namely Surface Pro, Acer Iconia W700 and Samsing ATIV Smart PC Pro 700 T.

The two experts pointed out that the Acer, with its Intel Core i5 processors and space-age looking dock is the closest competitor of the Surface Pro. However, they pointed out that its nonadjustable stand limits viewing angles and an external mouse or touchpad is needed to achieve efficient Windows navigation.

While the two found the ATIV Smart PC a clever little device, they considered it too low-rent for its high-end aims. They said the device feels best as a laptop and added that in the past Samsung had released better-designed ultrabooks and tablets.

While the two experts concede that the Surface Pro is not the best one to date in terms of design, the device's detachable keyboard cover and pressure-sensitive stylus sets the tablet apart from other tablets and even laptops and hybrids on the market.

While the Surface Pro is admittedly expensive at $899, Messrs Stein and Ackerman pointed out that the Acer and Samsung equivalents are all expensive, but the Surface Pro wins on its tighter and cleaner design.

Another fan of the Surface Pro is TeliApp CEO Joshua Weiss who heads a mobile development company with 18 employees. He said it will be the device he would use into the foreseeable future and eliminate all the other devices.

Although Mr Weiss owns a MacBook Pro and a Dell desktop, he favours the Surface Pro because of its portability and full-blown desktop OS. He cited his frequent need to open Photoshop files and said with the full OS, he does not have to wait extra time opening new files with other programs such as Illustrator, Firework, Word, Excel and PowerPoint are also open at the same time.

Meanwhile, Microsoft announced that by late March, the Surface Pro would be found in stores shelves in Australia, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, New Zealand and the UK. The device has been so far available only in the US and Canada.

In the coming months, the Surface Pro will also be available in Japan, Mexico, Russia, Singapore and Taiwan.

Microsoft also announced quarterly updates to the Office 365 in a bid to make subscribing to Office 365 more appealing to consumers.

RELATED STORIES