The W700 starts at $800

The W700 starts at $800

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The W700 starts at $800 with a 1.8GHz Core i3 processor and a 64GB SSD, though other specs, including the graphics solution and 1080p display, remain the same. The $900 configuration steps up to a Core i5 CPU, but still has 64GB of storage. The $999 model, the one we tested, combines an i5 chip with a larger 128GB solid-state drive. There's also a $1,149 one with the same specs, except it has Windows 8 Pro installed and has a warranty that lasts for two years instead of one.

Whichever you choose, the cradle and Bluetooth keyboard are both included. Pretty impressive when you remember that other companies, like Samsung and Microsoft, are still selling the keyboard separately for some or all of their configurations. So kudos to Acer for just tossing it in, and at a lower starting price, to boot.

We get what Acer was going for here and really, it's an intriguing proposition: a hybrid that can be used as a standalone tablet, but is powerful enough to be your next laptop. As we said, it's fast and offers awesomely long battery such as Asus A32-1015 Battery, Asus Eee PC 1015 Battery, Asus Eee PC VX6 Battery, Asus Eee PC 1215 Battery, Asus AL31-1005 Battery, Asus Eee PC 1005 Battery, Asus Eee PC 1001HA Battery, Asus A32-F5 Battery, Asus X59 Battery, Asus AP32-1008P Battery, Asus AP31-1008P Battery, Asus Eee PC 1008P Battery life, but we suspect you'd feel more comfortable researching a few similar options before shelling out a thousand bucks.

We mentioned the Surface Pro, though it doesn't even go on sale until next month. At that point, it will start at $900 for the 64GB model, with the fantastic Touch Cover keyboard sold separately. As with the Surface RT, we expect we'll enjoy the Surface Pro's sturdy kickstand and comfy typing experience. Not to mention, it's comprised of fewer pieces than the W700, and supports pen input, which the W700 doesn't. Still, it's rated for shorter battery life (but we already told you about that). The ASUS TAICHI, a convertible Ultrabook with dual 1080p screens, is also tempting but we haven't seen it creep into retail just yet. Certainly, we haven't had the chance to review one, so we can't vouch for its performance or overall quality right now.

The W700 succeeds in being powerful while still lasting seven-plus hours on a charge. Most other Core i5 tablets don't have that going for them.One option that is available now is the Samsung ATIV Smart PC Pro, aka the Series 7 Slate, which retails for $1,200 and up. This, too, has a Core i5 processor, 128GB SSD and an 11-inch 1080p display. The difference, though, is that the tablet supports both pen and finger input, and comes loaded with the same S Pen apps you'll find on the Galaxy Note 10.1. Also, the keyboard dock has a built-in touchpad, so you don't have to use a standalone mouse in desktop mode.

Suppose you only occasionally need to use your PC in tablet mode. Why not get a more traditional-looking touchscreen Ultrabook that can morph into a slate when you need it to? If you go that route, we suggest the Dell XPS 12 ($1,200 and up), which is only slightly bigger than the Acer Iconia W700, but still adds a 1080p screen and a fantastic keyboard.