We had known for a long time that between the plans of Microsoft was the one to carry Windows 10 to devices with ARM processors, but only now are we beginning to know the first tablets that are going to make them a reality. Which are the impressions they leave and what can be expected from this new type of Windows tablets? Will they succeed where RT Windows could not?
The advantages of Windows 10 for ARM on tablets
Although it is also reaching conventional laptops, a priori the concept of Windows 10 for ARM It seems especially designed for tablets, a type of device in which mobility is a hallmark and a much more important factor. And the advantages in which more emphasis is being placed with these new devices have to do above all with it: more autonomy and internet connection at all times.
But the basis of everything is that to enjoy them we will not have to sacrifice anything that we expect from a conventional Windows tablet, which means that we can run cany x86 application from the Windows Store. Logically, the most demanding ones are not going to be as fluid (but this already happens with devices with more limited hardware in any case), but without any problem with the lightest and most daily use for the majority (Office and the rest).
HP Envy x2 and Miix 630: the first Windows tablets with Snapdragon processors
Doubts arise, however, when we take a look at the first tablets that already arrive with Windows 10 for ARM, and not because they are not level devices or they leave us bad feelings by themselves, on the contrary: it is true that they lack some details (of design and related to the multimedia section, for example) to be able to compete face to face with the Surface Pro, but in many sections they are up to the task.
The point is precisely that, on the contrary, the two come with technical specifications that, processor apart, do not differ so much from the most basic models of the high and medium-high range, which means that their price is not too different either: when the envy x2 no data was given on its price, but we have known it for the Miix 630 and it amounts to 800 dollars (and maybe when translated into euros it will still go up a bit more), which places it in a similar range to that of the Miix 520, with an Intel i3 processor at least.
Is price a key factor?
Of course, it must be emphasized that the emphasis with Windows 10 for ARM has not been put at any time in the price, but in the autonomy and connectivityBut it is inevitable to hope that software tailored to more limited hardware could help us start seeing more robust Windows tablets at more affordable prices. But then again, it's that the tablets we've seen only really differ on the processor.
In fact, between the devices that HP has brought to CES 2018, we have come across a version of the Envy x2 with Intel processor, with an LTE version for those who really need to have a constant and independent connection on their tablet and with autonomy estimates that do not seem to be too far from the version with Snapdragon, with 15 hours of use (apart from the fact that we will have to check the reality of both).
Pending its evolution
In any case, we are making some first reflections from a couple of devices that have not even undergone actual use tests and independent analyzes yet, so that everything that has been said is only a mere approximation to the debate. We will have to wait to see what other tablets of this type are presented, with special attention to the one that Microsoft could launch (Although taking into account that it is assumed that it would already arrive with a Snapdragon 845 and that it was in an early phase of development, we must assume that it will not debut in the near future). On the other hand, it will also be necessary to see if the options to get a Windows 4G tablet keep growing.
Apart from the fact that the offer is expanding we can see that it ends up being more varied than what we see for now, it will also be interesting to see how these tablets behave compared to those that mount Intel processors, both in performance as in autonomy. The fact that there are two versions of the same HP tablet can be especially interesting for this. For now, the debate has only been raised.