UPDATED 11/29 Windows 8 hardware explosion – Comparing the devices

Windows 8 will offer consumers something that, especially in the Apple system, they previously haven’t had this much of in the tablet realm: choices. Sure, there are a lot of Android tablets out there, but with the vast landscape of Microsoft OEMs, consumers are set to have a plethora of options when it comes to picking a Windows 8 device. Here below is a (hopefully) handy table that compares all the current Windows 8 hardware we know about (along with the latest gen iPad for comparison).

We’ll be updating and adding to this as new hardware comes out, so consider that my warning to never consider this final. Note that most of these specs came from official company press releases. That’s worth noting because there have been a lot of incorrect and varied specs passed about as the announcements came. The gray highlighted areas indicate specs yet to be revealed. Also note this list is contained to hybrid and tablet devices (of which Sony’s Duo 11 barely qualifies in). You won’t find Ultrabooks, laptops or desktops here, even if they have touchscreens.

Note on devices – Some people have mentioned the Lenovo Helix and IdeaPad Yoga devices for inclusion. We’ve left of the Yoga 13 because it’s size (13-inches) really takes it out of the realm of tablets or convertibles, even though it’s screen does flip over. We have, however, included it’s Windows RT toting little brother the Yoga 11. The Helix, at this point, seems to be destined for shores other than the U.S. If that changes, we’ll update the list accordingly.

Update 11/29 – Added pricing for Surface Pro. Tweaked details on a few other devices.

Different Chart Views
We’ve added a few different looks at the chart, select from the list below to choose from a few sliced and diced views, all updated on Nov. 29.

Confirmed Oct. or Nov. release dates only
Windows RT devices only
Windows 8 devices only
Full page view of the entire chart

What we don’t know
Here’s the big holes left to be filled:

• Price – Samsung ATIV Tab, ASUS Transformer Book line, HP ElitePad 900.
• Release Date – Samsung ATIV Tab, ASUS Transformer Book line, ASUS Taichi.  Note we have timeframe but no firm dates for: ASUS Vivo Tab, HP ElitePad 900.
• Specs – Samsung ATIV Tab (data options), ASUS Transformer Book Line (battery, dimensions), ASUS Taichi (dimensions), HP ElitePad 900 (ports), Dell XPS 10 (RAM).

*Last updated 11/29/2012 Gray cells indicate unreleased specs