Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

Question

Is Windows 8 worth it with Atom?

Nov 18, 2012 10:09AM PST

I have been looking at a few tablets, like the Lenovo Thinkpad Tablet 2, HP Envy X2, HP ElitePad, and Acer Iconia W510. But, all of them have Intel Atom processors. I would like to know whether it is worth it to buy a full Windows 8 tablet, instead of RT, with the Atom Processor. Is the Atom not be able to do anything besides what RT can do?

I think I want a 10.1", but someone in my family is getting an 11.6", Samsung Slate 7, so I will see if that is too heavy/big for what I want.

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Answer
It comes down to what you want.
Nov 18, 2012 11:29AM PST

If you want to be able to install your own software of your choice then the Windows 8 Pro is for you.

Windows 8 RT is something of an odd thing where the only apps allowed are the ones that Microsoft allows. Are you OK with that?
Bob

- Collapse -
It depends if it can
Nov 18, 2012 12:04PM PST

But what kind of software can those chips run? I would like to run some stuff, but if they can't run barely anything then it wouldn't be worth it.

- Collapse -
OnIy Intel-based tablet supports Win7 compatible software
Nov 18, 2012 1:31PM PST

Yes, strongly recommend getting an Intel-based Windows 8 Pro tablet. Only Intel-based Windows 8 tablet gives you access to the best of both world - new Windows 8 UI (RT) and tranditional desktop. On the desktop side, you can install and run any Windows 7 compatible software. What you have on your current Winodws 7 PC/laptop should just run on Intel-based Winodws 8 tablet. This is something that Windows RT can't offer.

meilinhsieh
#IntelTablets

- Collapse -
What is this "stuff"?
Nov 18, 2012 2:35PM PST

I'll be as clear as I can be. Win RT tablets as it stands only run what you can get from the Microsoft Store. You can not currently install any app that is from anywhere else.

Does that tell you what folk are calling RT a Restricted Tablet?
Bob

- Collapse -
RT-based vs. "real Windows"
Nov 22, 2012 8:02PM PST

R. Proffitt's reply is responsive to the other parts of the main query in it's correct caution that choosing RT effectively has one opting out of the ubiquitous, huge, standard universe of regular Windows applications. This should be your prime concern and criterion... over and above type or capabilities of cpu.
The superficial similarity of the Windows 8 user interface on both RT- and true Windows-based tablets or "slick-books" should not distract you from or otherwise obscure their important and quite essential differences.

- Collapse -
Answer
Is Intel Atom cpu up to running full Microsoft Windows OS(?)
Nov 22, 2012 7:37PM PST

Yes, the latest version of Intel's mobile ATOM cpu is quite capable of adequately handling the latest full blown Microsoft OSs... as long as you understand and accept that no consumer level portable device (whether tablet or laptop) is going to give you desktop-level performance even while exacting a price premium for portability on each performance increment. Bear in mind that 64-bit versions of Windows 7/8 will not run natively on a 32-bit only cpu. You also will not get even Intel-only desktop quality graphics coupled with most, if not all (?), devices built around the ATOM. This last will probably change for the better soon but take care to acquire now what you want and expect now. Your basic question seemed to be, "Can an ATOM do Windows?" (i.e.,...and not really about RT and it's ARM-oriented implementation). I hope to have perceived and answered the right question.

- Collapse -
Answer
You will be able to run
Dec 5, 2012 9:18PM PST

Windows Desktop software and applications from the Windows storeusing the Atom processor whereas with the RT you will only be able to run applications from the Windows store and the Office version that comes with th RT devices. The advantage to the Atom processor over the Surface pro is cost but the Atom will not be as powerfull as the i5 in the Surface Pro. The tablet with the Atom processor will probably have better battery life and be lighter.