The screen has a 1,366x768-pixel resolution, and on the inside, it's packing Intel's latest Atom Z2670 processor, which Dan found to provide adequate performance for the essentials -- although it's important to note the model he tested was not a final release.
To help with all your typing, the W510 can be bought with a keyboard dock. Sadly, Dan found the keys regularly failed to register a press, which made typing pretty awkward -- again, this could be corrected for the final model. Annoyingly, the weight of the tablet section meant it was very top-heavy and could fall over if pushed back too far.
The keyboard dock doesn't come as standard, so if you want it, you'll need to opt for the higher-end models, which start at around £670, making it a wallet-stretching investment. The dock does contain an extra battery though, which should greatly extend the battery life of the slate.
It's running the tablet-specific version of Windows 8, known as Windows 8 RT. That means you won't be able to install regular desktop software like Steam or Adobe Photoshop as you could on tablets like the Samsung Ativ Smart PC Pro, which uses the same processors you'd find in ultrabooks. However, the tablet version is less power-hungry and cheaper, so if you don't need desktop software then it's worth a look.
While the W510 ticks the important design -- and hopefully power -- boxes it doesn't appear to be the most enjoyable of hybrids to use for long periods. And with a relatively high price tag for the full package, it doesn't offer much over moderately priced ultrabooks.
Windows 8 will be officially launched on 26 October, so expect a whole bunch of new devices to be announced between now and then. Touch is the best way to interact with Windows 8's large colourful tiles, so whether the new devices come in the form of tablets, laptops or bizarre hybrids, expect touchscreens to be on board.
There's no word on UK pricing or availability of the Iconia W510 yet, so stay tuned for more information as we get it. We'll be sure to keep you posted on how it stacks up against other Windows 8 devices when we give final versions of all models the full review treatment.
In the meantime, let me know your thoughts on the W510 and Windows 8 in the comments below and over on our Facebook page.
Android App 
RSS Feeds 
iPhone App 
Newsletters 
Comments 3
Add your comment
anonymous 10 October, 2012 00:52
This article is full of misinformation... The w510 runs windows 8 which means u can run all old desktop programs.. Windows RT is a separate version that runs on ARM processors.. Windows 8 and windows RT are 2 separate things w510 runs windows 8 all old and new apps/programs.. Please correct article smh
anonymous 17 November, 2012 06:23
Agreed with the other comment. This article is full of misinformation. Windows RT is not Windows 8, though they both run apps from the app store. The w510 has intel atom which specifically and distinctively is x86. Please correct or better yet- delete this review as it provides little information other than second hand report that someone thought the keys were sticky.
anonymous 8 May, 2013 01:17
I have one. It cost me £530 including the keyboard dock. It runs Windows 8, not Windows RT. It runs for hours and hours and hours, like in one of those battery adverts. The battery in the keyboard dock unit is used preferentially. One of the best things I have ever bought. I can run all my desktop apps on it, for which I use a bluetooth mouse. And it is really slick running Metro apps. Saucer Separation is easy (sorry, I am a Trekkie, but you should guess what I mean). I am also looking forward to getting a 7-inch tablet for when I don't need the full whack. It has an Atom CPU, but this is 2nd-generation atom, which is dual-core plus hyperthreading, and it is amply fast enough, and is quiet because it uses passive cooling, ie no need for fans.