Best 12 inch tablet computers: what are your options

I remember the first tablets PCs, 10 years ago, with 14-15 inch screens that weight more than regular laptops. Things have changed a lot, as tablets have shrunk in size and weight, but not almost all tablets being lighter than 2 pounds, as there’s still one niche, the 12 inch tablet one, where weight is not a primary concern, but functionality, so you often get 12 inch tablets that pass by the 2 pounds barrier.

Since the 12 inch form factor is not the most interesting right now, from consumers point of view, the offer is limited, but we do have some amazing products in this segment. So here’s a list of the best 12 inch tablets you can find in stores right now, each with their pros and cons. If you know of any other products worth mentioning let me know and I’ll update this post. And don’t tell me about 2000$ tablet PCs, as I’m sure none of you are interested in them right now.

Samsung Series 7 Slate PC

This is one of the unexpected tablets, being showcase by Samsung at IFA Berlin and then offered for free to developers attending Microsoft’s conference about Windows 8. This is the official tablet of Windows 8, if you like. The one you’re buying now comes with Window 7 Home Premium or Professional, but it will be upgradeable to next year’s OS. It’s one of the slimmest and best looking tablet with Windows and packs a powerful second generation Core i5 CPU, 4GB RAM and 64/128GB SSD drives. Battery life is also amazing at 7 hours. The screen deserves a little bit of attention too: capacitive multi touch with digitizer and 400 nit brightness, so you’ll be able to use it to take notes outdoors without any problems (the stylus is included by default).

Samsung Series 7 Slate specs

• Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bits/Professional 64 bits
• Intel Core i5 Processor 2467M
• 4GB DDR3 1333MHz
• 64GB/128GB SSD
• 11.6″ screen (1366 x 768 px)
• Intel HD Graphics 3000
• Up to 7 hours battery life

Samsung Series 7 Slate PC

• Win 7 HP, Core i5 CPU, 4GB RAM, 64 GB SSD – $1099
• Win 7 Pro, Core i5 CPU, 4GB RAM, 64 GB SSD – $1199
• Win 7 HP, Core i5 CPU, 4GB RAM, 128 GB SSD – $1349

ASUS EEE Slate EP121 – 1207$

The EEE Slate EP121 is the most powerful tablet on market, while maintaining a very slim profile. It’s powered by a Core i5 CPU and has everything you need to work hard on the road, including a wireless bluetooth keyboard and a carrying case that acts as a stand and protects the gorgeous LED backlit 12.1 inch screen with 1280 x 800 pixels resolution. Sure the ASUS EEE Slate EP121 is pretty pricey, starting at 1099$ and going up to 1199$ for the one with a 64 GB SSD drive (be sure to check specs before buying as it seems Amazon has labeled the configurations wrong).

ASUS EEE Slate EP121 specs:

• Windows 7 Home Premium OS
• 12.1″  LED Backlight display with 1280 x 800 pixels resolution,Capacitive and Electromagnetic Panel with AFFS
• Intel Core i5-470UM
• 2GB/4GB DDR3
• 32GB/64GB SSD
• WiFi 802.11 b/g/n@2.4GHz, Bluetooth 3.0
• 2.0 Megapixel Webcam
• Stereo Speakers, Microphone
• Digitizer pen
• 2 x USB 2.0 ports, 1 x 2-in-1 Audio Jack (Head Phone /Mic-in), 1 x mini HDMI port, 1 x Card Reader: MMC/ SD(SDHC/SDXC)
• 34W/hr Polymer Battery, maximum battery life: 4.5hrs, 1080p video playback: 2.4hrs
• Dimensions 312 x 207.2 x 16.95 mm (WxDxH)
• Weight 2,53 lbs

Those wanting to take notes with the EEE Slate EP121 are in luck, as this 12 inch tablet comes with a pen and digitizer that’s hidden away from view in a special compartment once you don’t need it. If you take a look at the pictures below you can see that ASUS managed to put everything (and I mean everything you find on an ultra-portable laptop) into a nice slim package that weights only 2,53 lbs. If you want to know more READ our ASUS EEE Slate EP121 posts.

ASUS EEE Slate EP121

Lenovo X220t Tablet – 1289$

If you want the ultimate 12 inch convertble tablet you can’t go wrong with the X220t tablet from Lenovo. It’s powered by full voltage CPUs with fast 7200 RPM hard drives and SSD options. The screen is amazing, as it features IPS technology which means incredible viewing angles and vibrant colors at the same time. It’s also covered by a Gorilla Glass screen which makes it nearly impossible to scratch. The huge 6-cell battery allows up to 8 hours of real usage (not those strange official estimates) and makes it easier to get a grip on the tablet.

There’s always the question about tablet PCs portability, but you’ll be happy to hear in this case you don’t have to carry around more than 4 pounds. The ‘basic’ configuration featured here has a Core i5 CPU, 4 GB RAM and a 320 GB Hard drive. You can find more expensive version, but this one will surely cover all your needs, no matter what kind of work you do. Oh, and one more thing, the included stylus works great with the screen digitizer, making easier to draw and take handwritten notes.

Lenovo X220t convertible Tablet PC

HP TM2 – 1099$

This is not your typical 12 inch slate, as the HP TM2 is a classic convertible tablet with pivoting screen, but it’s got all the ingredients it needs to be an alternative to current Windows 7 slates, which means you pay a small price in mobility, buy you do get a robust set of features, including a QWERTY keyboard plus a speedy and roomy hard drive to store all the files you need. The 16:10 1280 x 800 pixels screen provides the same space as the 13 inch Macbook Pro, so you do get enough pixels to work on the HP TM2. The case is made from aluminum which contributes to the sophisticated look and durability of the TM2, being one of the first HP laptops to feature this design line, followed then my the more expensive HP Envy series.

Having a Core i3 CPU puts the HP TM2 in the same league of performance as the ASUS EEE Slate EP121, but it’s got a better battery. The cost of course is more weight, but if you’re looking to perform office work on the go this is the tablet for you.

We’ve talked a lot about the HP TM2 here at AllTouchTablet.com, so I’m inviting you to read our HP TM2 review.

HP TM2 specs:

• Intel Core i3-330UM Processor (1.2GHz, 3MB L3 Cache)
• 4GB DDR3 Memory (2 DIMM), max supported is 8GB
• 640GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive (you can also get the 500 GB 7200 RPM HDD version)
• Windows 7 Professional 64-bit
• 12.1 inch diagonal HD HP BrightView Touchscreen (1280 x 800 resolution), capacitive technology with multi touch
• Intel HD Graphics
• Dolby Advanced Audio with Altec Lansing speakers
• 6-cell 62 WHr battery

HP TouchSmart TM2

Gigabyte T1125N – $1125, £799 in UK

Gigabyte T1125N is pretty expensive, I know, and there’s even a more expensive version at $1249 but that’s not stopping it from being an interesting choice given the small 11.6 inch form factor and the powerful Nvidia GeForce 330M dedicated graphics (with Optimus technology that switches back to the integrated graphics when system load is low). Add to this equation the fact Gigabyte offers by default a docking station for the T1125N and an USB external optical drive and you have a neat way to integrate your tablet in a office desktop environment, making an easy switch from mobility to flexibility once you’re in your office.

The only drawback of the T1125N is battery life, which is a little bit over 3 hours, which is typical for tablet PCs 2-3 years old, but not in a 2011 model. If you can live with this, and the pretty high price, the Gigabyte T1125N is a high recommendation on my list.

Gigabyte T1125N specs:

• Intel Core i5 470UM 1.333 GHz
• 11.6 inch 16:9, 1366×768 pixel, glossy capacitive multi-touch touchscreen
• 4GB RAM, DDR3
• NVIDIA GeForce 330M with 512 MB switchable graphics (Nvidia Optimus)
• 500 GB Hard drive, 5400 RPM
• Connectors: 2 USB 2.0, 1 USB 3.0, 1 VGA, 1 HDMI, 1 Kensington Lock, 1 eSata, Audio Connections: Line-Out, Microfon, Card Reader: SD/MMC/MS/MS Pro, docking port
• Ports on docking station: HDMI, VGA, LAN, line out, mic, 2 USB 2.0, 2 USB 3.0
• Gigabit Ethernet, WiFi b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR, optional 3.5G UMTS/HSPA model
• height x width x depth (in mm): 30.5 x 265 x 191
• 1.757 kg Power Supply: 0.216 kg
• 6-cell 58Wh Lithium-Ion
• Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit OS

Gigabyte T1125N

How about 12 inch Android/iPad tablets?

As you can see, the 12 inch tablets are meant for people looking for moderate mobility, that don’t want to make a compromise in terms of performance and functionality. That’s why all those tablets from above are powered by Windows 7. I’m not sure if we’re ever going to see a 12 inch Android tablet, or a 12 inch iPad, but if the market will demand such products in high numbers I’m bet big names will reconsider this segment. Till then, the offer will always be a little bit limited, but not low quality, as you can see above.