Microsoft’s Surface Pro 3 has gotten a lot of attention as a way to bridge the gap between tablets and traditional notebooks. Its snap-on keyboard and pull-out rear stand tries to offer the best of both worlds, but with a 12-in. screen and weighing 1.8 lbs. (without its keyboard cover), the Surface Pro is not as light as it could be, particularly for nomadic workers. And starting at $800 for a system equipped with an Intel i3 with 64GB plus $130 for the Type Cover, it is not an inexpensive system.

If you’re looking for a Windows-based tablet that can also be used as a laptop — especially if you don’t need a powerhouse — there are cheaper and lighter alternatives. The latest 10.1-inch Windows tablets have smaller screens and less impressive performance, but they weigh roughly half a pound less and just might offer the best balance today between power and portability.

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