I can’t comment on the docking station but there is really no need. Just get a Bluetooth mouse/keboard if you must. Great CPU/GPU, I can run Racedriver GRID and COD 4!

I got it for just £350 so I won’t mind paying the extra when win 8 comes out to upgrade it.
I also tried Android ICS 4.0 x86 version which looked very good but the beta version was not very stable at the time with no sound.

I think MS are missing out on market share by not just fixing up win 8 quickly and releasing it.

Works fantastic, much better than the pre-installed version of windows 7, which did work very well with a little tweaking. I’d say go for it, especially if you’re brave enough to install windows 8!

I have bought and returned several Android tablets: Acer A500, Motorola Xoom, ASUS Eee Slate, etc. They all have the same basic problem, the Android System and a plethora of useless Apps so these tablets are toys not meant for real work. They are at best overgrown SmartPhones.

Maybe I am just too comfortable in the world of Microsoft and Windows, but my Acer W500 works well with my laptops and desktops all doing real work.

When I am out in public, people ask me what tablet I am using and are surprised that it is a Windows tablet. I have helped several people who have bought one get over the initial set of updates and configuration that is necessary to get it to operate smoothly and reliably.

I like the keyboard but hate the nubbin so I use a Logitech M570 wireless trackball when I am attached to the keyboard. When operating as a pure tablet I use a stylus.

At this time though, if a person wants a Windows Tablet I feel it would be best until Windows 8 is released.

Good times are ahead though, either way. I’ve enjoyed Slash’s CES coverage this year, btw. Very laid back and non-sensational.

I guess what my real question is, is which tablet would allow me to use virtual desktop software to getthe into mythe desktop to do my spreadsheet’ing and letter-writing in MS Office? Last time I tried that was a few years ago and it was prohibitively slow… have we made any progress yet?

Besides, my Galaxy Note has a 1280×800 screen, it will soon run ICS officially which wil make use of its dual core, it’ll run all the apps as well. It’ll these big 4.3″+ phones that will be the main interest and evolves to individuals main PC. Since I’ve gotten my Note, I haven’t used my Acer tablet any longer, and there is no compelling reason for me to get an Android tablet since my phone can do the same and more portable, and soon phones will be quad core as well.

That’s the difference between the Xoom and a windows 8 tablets.
Something like the Xoom runs a mobile OS, and hardware is more mobile.  A windows 8 tablet will have essentially a desktop OS that can run desktop applications.  Also, it would have more desktop-like hardware.

My personal opinion? Toss out the Macbook and Xoom.  A windows tablet (with dock) will be able to do everything that a Macbook and Xoom can do.  Meaning you can have BOTH the tablet experience and laptop experience. 

Problem is that with Win8 around the corner, as you say, it is hard to justify such a high price. My black Macbook is dying very quickly here though, and I can’t justify dishing out tons of cash for something that I rarely ever use. Sigh.

Do I get a used XOOM (I love the build quality) or wait for a Win8 tablet and pay dearly…