5 Best Windows 8 Notebooks & 2-in-1s

Microsoft Surface Pro 3

Somewhat astonishingly, the best Windows 8 notebook and 2-in-1 isn’t made by a PC maker who has years of experience. Until fairly recently, Microsoft’s sole expertise was in creating PC software and not hardware. That all changed when it debuted Windows 8 and Microsoft started showing off the Surface Pro.

The Surface Pro 3 is Microsoft’s third-try at getting the 2-in-1 formula right and it mostly succeeds. Where the Surface Pro had a narrow 10-inch screen and fat body, the Surface Pro 3 features a 12-inch high-definition screen and a body that’s a thin as tablets with less power.

Inside the base model is an Intel Core i3 Processor, 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. More storage can be added through a microSD card slot.

An adjustable kickstand sits on the back of the Surface Pro 3. On the edges of the device are a power button, volume control USB port, Display Port, headset jack and speakers.

An included Bluetooth stylus gives users everything they need for tablet mode, but for notebook mode users have to purchase a $129.99 Type Keyboard. That’s separate from the Surface Pro 3 itself which starts at $799.99. It’s definitely expensive, but it’s also one of the best Windows machines you can buy.

[ Buy the Surface Pro 3 from Microsoft for $799 ]