After tech experts from CNET picked in March the Surface Pro table as the best high-end Windows 8 tablets in the market, a month after, another tech Web site pointed to the same tablet as best Windows 8 machines you can buy.

Melissa Riofrio, in a review of several tablets in PC World, also named the Surface Pro as the best available Windows 8 tablet.

She pointed out that while it is not the iPad killer, this Microsoft device is a huge improvement from the Surface RT as evidenced by its better display, Ultrabook-calibre components and full version of the Windows 8 Prof.

Ms Riofrio noted that the Surface Prop could run all of the legacy desktop applications needed for serious productivity and in so doing outpace many full-fledged Windows 8 hybrids. She likewise cited its smart industrial design, VaporMg chassis and finish that is missing from competitors as the reason why the Surface Pro is her top choice.

Ms Riofrio's other top Windows 8 picks are:

  • Razer Edge Pro - This device was built mainly for playing PC games while on the go. Its Core i7 processor and Nvidia graphics allow it to run games that are graphics sensitive at decent frame rates. However, after using it for games, the owner could also run legacy desktop applications at really fast speed. Negative points include its expensive $1,450 price tag and 4 hours only of battery life.

  • HP Envy x2 - In contrast to the Razer, the HP Envy x2's battery lasts for 8.5 hours when running on its main battery, and another 5 hours on the second battery courtesy of its keyboard dock. Its other advantages include the good-sized 11.6-inch screen, the comfortable keyboard and its brushed-aluminium case.

  • Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 13 - This device was cited by Ms Riofrio for having an innovative design such as the 360-degree hinge that allows the laptop to fold over itself and become a tablet, or to stand up like a tent for presentations. On the downside, its 3.4 lbs weight makes it less portable compared to a regular table, but the gadget makes up for that shortcoming with its 13-inch high resolution (1600 x 900 pixel) touchscreen.

  • Dell Inspiron 16z - It is bigger and heavier than most tablets because it is a full-fledged laptop featuring a 15.6-inch touchscreen display and gray brushed-aluminium chassis. The device features four USB 3.0 ports, a DVD+-RW drive, Intel 1.7 GHz Core i5-3317u CPU. However, its battery life is weak and runs for less than 3.5 hours.
  • OptiPlex 9010 - Features a 23.6-inch 1920 x 1080 pixel widescreen that provides very sharp pictures. Other good things about this device is its double-jointed arm that allows the user to move the display up and down and slightly forward or even hang it on a wall via its standard VESA mount point.

  • HP Envy 23 TouchSmart - The device in a consumer all-in-one gadget featuring a 23-inch touchscreen, Intel Core i7-3770S processor, 12GB of RAM, Nvidia GeForce GT 630M graphics card and 3TB hard drive. It also has a Blu-ray Disc optical drive, built-in Bluetooth 4.0 and Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n.

Ms Riofrio pointed out that tablets have definitely changed the way consumers view the laptop, although others said the PC and laptop are far from dead. Hybrids, meanwhile, make popular middle-ground choices.

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