On Tuesday, Microsoft Corp. introduced Surface Pro 3 - the lightweight tablet that packs the power and performance you expect from a laptop.

Surface Pro 3 is a tablet and a laptop: multiple processor, RAM and storage options intersect with a sleek design that, with a simple snap or click, transform the device from a perfectly balanced tablet to a full-functioning laptop and back again - all in a beautiful package that is 30 percent thinner than an 11-inch MacBook Air. Its stunning 12-inch display and new, continuous kickstand provide the screen real estate and multiple viewing angles people need for work and play. And the new Surface Pen - completely redesigned with form and function in mind - delivers a precise, luxurious drawing and note-taking experience with a single click of the pen.

Panasonic today announced the new version of its rugged Windows tablet, the Toughpad FZ-G1. The thin, lightweight and yet fully rugged 10.1" Windows 8.1 Pro Update tablet, unveiled at the Enterprise Mobility Exchange in the Netherlands, has been designed to meet the growing demand from businesses for purpose-built tablets that use the latest functionality to improve the productivity of their mobile workforces.

The latest version of the Toughpad FZ-G1 is powered by 4th generation Intel Core technology. With reduced power consumption, the Intel Core i5-4310U vPro Processor is faster especially for graphics performance and increase the standard battery life of the device from 8 hours to 10 hours (up to 20 hours with high capacity battery). With the high performing battery option and new optional hot swap battery capabilities, the latest Toughpad FZ-G1 can also offer seamless, uninterrupted 24-hour operation to continuously service mobile workers on shifts.

Acer unveils the 2-in-1 Acer Aspire Switch 10 that's a notebook and tablet combined in one flexible device with four modes for touch, typing, viewing, and sharing at any time. The smart device features a magnetic detachable Acer Snap Hinge design for easy transition between modes, latch-free keyboard docking, and optional additional storage capabilities. The Acer Aspire Switch 10 is the ideal companion that helps users stay a touch more connected wherever they go.

Acer Chief Marketing Officer Michael Birkin said, "The Acer Aspire Switch 10 is a winner. A brilliant package of portability, flexibility and vibrancy. It is a stunning addition to the Acer portfolio of Connected Devices - putting you in control of your world - work or play."

Winmate, a global leader in developing advanced rugged mobile technologies, has released its newest tablet solution for the hazardous location (HazLoc) market with its Class 1 Division 2 (C1D2) M101B, a 10.1-inch, rugged, enterprise-ready Windows 8.1 tablet. The new M101B is the first rugged, industrial-grade CPU featuring Intel's latest quad-core Bay Trail processor and Windows Embedded 8.1 operating system, that is certified safe for use in hazardous locations (HazLoc).

The C1D2 certification ensures the M101B is incapable of producing heat or spark sufficient to ignite explosive atmospheres where gases such as acetylene, hydrogen, esters and hydrocarbons may have accidentally entered the atmosphere. The rugged tablet meets regulatory compliance for use in industries such as oil and gas, manufacturing, mining, pharmaceutical, and others, where ignitable gases or vapor may be present.

Getac Inc., a leading manufacturer of rugged computers, is introducing the T800 fully rugged tablet. At less than 9x6 inches in size and boasting a brilliant 8.1-inch display, the T800 is the ideal compact rugged tablet for today's mobile workforce. Combining the latest in processor and wireless technology with an ultra-rugged exterior and Getac's unique SnapBack add-on accessories, the Getac T800 is the perfect fit for use in extreme working environments including those found in the utilities, military, field service, public safety and transportation sectors. The new T800 runs Windows 8.1 Professional.

"Interest in rugged tablets has never been higher," said Rowina Lee, president of Getac. "We designed the new compact T800 rugged tablet with the mobile worker in mind, combining every bit of know-how we've gained building rugged computers over the past 25 years. We're excited to get it into the hands of our customers."

HP today announced two additions to its leading business tablet lineup, both of which are available with a broad set of accessories to help transform tablets into total business solutions that increase mobility and security.

• The HP ElitePad 1000 has been upgraded with a brighter and more durable touch screen with a 16:10 screen-aspect ratio, 4G connectivity and 64-bit capabilities to go along with its world-class design and HP Smart Jacket accessory ecosystem.
• The new HP ProPad 600 offers essential productivity with on-the-go, long battery life, and versatile Windows 8.1 and x86 compatibility for legacy applications.

Intel Corporation unveiled innovative education-focused reference devices for the 21st century interactive learning environment today at Bett 2014. The new Intel Education Tablet and the Intel classmate PC are part of Intel Education Solutions, which includes devices, software, content, services and teacher professional development that work together to transform learning and teaching for student success.

Both the Intel Education Tablet and the classmate PC are student-friendly, rugged designs that can withstand dropping off a desk (from 70 cm) and provide water-resistance and dust-resistance to promote anytime, anywhere learning.

The 11.6" U21MD, a 3-in-1 Laptop, heralds a new era in innovative technology from GIGABYTE. The U21MD has a swivel hinge that allows it to be converted into a tablet or a laptop. It also comes with an innovative docking station (D21) thus allowing it to be transformed into a desktop! It comes with the latest 4th Gen. Intel Core Processor, multiple connectivity ports, dual storage system, and Dolby Home Theater v4 technology making this versatile laptop an excellent choice for users looking for multifaceted usability.

Super thin and light at 0.78 in./20 mm and only weighing 3 lbs/1.39 Kg (m-SSD)/ or 3.28 lbs/1.49 kg (HDD), the U21MD is designed to provide the user with high mobility. The U21MD is the only laptop currently offering unmatched 3-in-1 flexibility for users looking for a versatile laptop.

ASUS today announced the VivoTab Note 8, a Windows 8.1 tablet featuring a professional Wacom digitizer stylus, making it the best pen-based tablet for productivity or creativity. Designed for professionals and students alike and bundled with Microsoft Office Home and Student, which includes Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote, VivoTab Note 8's light 380g weight and the ability to use it one-handed make it an ideal mobile productivity tool.

With slim bezels, a high-definition IPS display and an elegant design it deserves pride of place in any business or educational environment.

ASUS today announced Transformer Book Duet (TD300), the world's first quad-mode, dual-OS laptop and tablet convertible that allows users to switch between Windows and Android in either laptop or tablet modes with just a single push of the Instant Switch button or a virtual key on the tablet. With a powerful Intel Core i7 processor at its heart, Transformer Book Duet runs up to twice as fast as existing tablets based on ARM processors. ASUS SonicMaster technology and dual speakers ensure that Transformer Book Duet delivers incredible audio for immersive entertainment.

Quad-mode, dual-OS laptop and tablet with Instant Switch
ASUS Transformer Book Duet (TD300) is an extremely capable device that is able to function as an Android or Windows 8.1 tablet or notebook. Users can simply switch operating systems with a single push of the Instant Switch button or a virtual key on the tablet.

Panasonic, an industry leader in reliable and innovative mobile computers since 1996, today at the 2014 International CES announced the U.S. availability of the Toughpad 4K UT-MA6 tablet, the performance model of the world's first 20-inch tablet with a 4K resolution display.

Featuring an Intel Core i7-3687U vPro processor with an NVIDIA Quadro K1000M GPU, and an advanced beyond Ultra HD 4K display providing a lifelike viewing experience unlike any tablet on the market, the Toughpad 4K performance model is built to serve as an ideal mobile workstation for professionals in visual-intensive fields such as computer-aided design (CAD) and video editing.

Panasonic, an industry leader in reliable and innovative mobile computers since 1996, today, at the 2014 International CES, introduced the latest member of its Toughpad family of rugged, enterprise-grade tablets. The Toughpad FZ-M1 is the thinnest and lightest rugged 7-inch fanless tablet with a 4th generation Intel Core i5 processor available today.

Running Windows 8.1 Pro, the Toughpad FZ-M1 can be easily incorporated into enterprise and government environments. With a broad range of configuration options available, it can be customized to meet the unique needs of highly mobile professionals in various markets such as field services and sales, retail, supply chain and logistics, and government.

Acer today presents the new 8.1-inch Iconia W4 tablet running Windows 8.1 and the 4th generation Intel Atom processor. Compact enough to hold in one hand yet spacious enough for comfortable viewing, the Iconia W4 brings mobile productivity and media consumption to the next level.

It targets consumers and professional users who want a tablet that's easy-to-carry and convenient for all the multitasking they do - all in one sleek device. It comes preloaded with Microsoft Office Home and Student 2013, at no additional expense, for managing documents and an optional ultra-slim and portable keyboard for those who need to type as well.

Getac Inc., a leading manufacturer of rugged computers, announced it has begun shipping its new F110 rugged tablet, the thinnest and lightest large-screen rugged tablet ever built. The company says that pre-orders of the new rugged tablet is the most of any product Getac has ever introduced and production has been ramped-up to meet the high demand.

"We are very excited about the response we have received from customers about our new F110 rugged tablet," explains Rowina Lee, president, Getac. "The pre-orders we have received reaffirm our belief that thinner and lighter mobile devices are what our customers need to be effective and efficient in their tasks. We will continue to listen to customer needs as we develop products and services in the future."

Leader in performance breakthroughs and innovative user experience, MSI introduces the 11.6" W20 3M tablet computer. Designed for business, the W20 3M comes loaded with AMD's next-generation dual-core APU processor and Microsoft Windows 8, substantially improving cross-system compatibility. In addition, you can download business and non-business apps from the Windows Store that can be used in conjunction with eight of MSI's major enhanced features. Featuring the ultimate fusion of superior hardware and software, a light, razor-thin chassis, and extended battery life, this high-performance tablet is built to meet the business and entertainment needs of the on-the-go businessperson.

Business Functionality on an Entertainment Platform
Eric Kuo, vice president for global sales and marketing, MSI Notebook, points out, "With its innovative construction, the W20 3M is designed with the needs of business travelers in mind. It combines the best attributes of tablets and ultralight laptops into one chic, sophisticated device. Loaded with Windows 8 and plenty of unique features, including solid-state drives up to three times faster than those in other tablets, a nine-hour battery life, 10-point multi-touch screen, and fingerprint recognition for enhanced security, the W20 M3 brings a user-friendly, interactive experience to you wherever you are in the world and puts business and entertainment functionality in the palm of your hand."

Panasonic, an industry leader in reliable and innovative mobile computers since 1996, tonight at a Hollywood event announced the U.S. availability of the Toughpad 4K UT-MB5 tablet, the world's first 20-inch tablet with a 4K resolution display. Part of Panasonic's Toughpad line of professional-grade tablets, the device is designed for professionals in fields where visual clarity and collaboration are essential to productivity, such as video production, architecture, design, photography and healthcare. With its crystal-clear, immersive display, the Toughpad 4K UT-MB5 also can be utilized in settings such as museums, training centers, sales showrooms and galleries.

The business-rugged Toughpad 4K UT-MB5 is powered by an Intel Core i5 vPro processor, features Windows 8.1 Pro and offers a brilliant 3840x2560 pixel display that goes beyond Ultra HD resolution. With a 20-inch IPS Alpha LCD screen featuring 230 pixels per inch, a 15:10 aspect ratio and wide viewing angles, the Toughpad 4K UT-MB5 provides a lifelike viewing experience unlike any tablet on the market. Moreover, since the system is built on the Intel vPro platform, it bridges the gap between the needs of IT professionals and workers by including unique hardware enhanced security features, remote manageability and capabilities designed to increase end user productivity and data protection.

ASUS today announced Transformer Book T100, a 10.1-inch ultraportable laptop with an Intel Atom 'Bay Trail' quad-core processor and a detachable HD display that can be used as a standalone Windows 8.1 tablet. With a slim design and durable finish, Transformer Book is not only one of the lightest laptops currently available at just 1.07 kg, but also one of the lightest 10-inch tablets around, at 550g.

High-performance laptop and lightweight tablet combined
ASUS Transformer Book T100 is an extremely compact ultraportable for people who want the productivity features of a laptop with the easy portability of a tablet - and the flexibility to switch between the two in an instant.

Acer today debuted the new 8-inch Iconia W4 tablet that features IPS and Zero Air Gap technologies providing a sharp display with enhanced clarity and brightness. In addition, the Iconia W4 is also equipped with Windows 8.1 and a 4th Generation Intel Atom processor, offering faster tablet performance as well as battery life up to 10 hours for web browsing and up to 8 hours for video playback.

Compact enough to hold in one hand yet spacious enough for comfortable viewing, the Iconia W4 brings mobile productivity and media consumption to the next level. It targets active and professional users who want a tablet that's easy to carry and convenient for the multitasking they do -- all in one sleek device. It comes preloaded with Microsoft Office Home and Student 2013, at no additional expense, for managing documents, and an optional ultra-slim and portable keyboard for those who need to type as well.

Lenovo today announced the Lenovo Miix2 8-inch tablet, a Windows 8.1 multi-mode device that packs an Intel quad-core processor and IPS wide-angle, high-definition display into a small tablet form factor. Paired with an optional stylus and detachable cover, the Lenovo Miix2 8-inch joins its popular predecessor, the Lenovo Miix.

Measuring only 8.35 mm thick and weighing a mere 350 mg, the Lenovo Miix2 8-inch tablet delivers a 16:10 widescreen experience that deftly balances visual experience with portability. The 10-point multi-touch WXGA display delivers an 800 x 1280 resolution and its impressive 178-degree viewing angle means no one is left out of the fun. Equipped with two webcams, one in front (2MP) and one in back (5MP), the tablet is designed for effortless video chatting and photo sharing. Pre-loaded with Windows 8.1, the Lenovo Miix2 8-inch brings all the enhancements of Microsoft's latest operating system, including enhanced searching and sharing; improved Web-surfing with the new IE 11, touch optimization and the return of the popular "Start" button.

Getac Inc., a leading manufacturer of rugged computers, is introducing the V110, the thinnest and lightest rugged convertible and the F110, the thinnest and lightest fully rugged large screen tablet.

V110 is a breakthrough-design rugged convertible less than 12 x 9 inches in size, a mere 1.3 inches thick and weighing just more than 4 pounds. The V110 is the thinnest and lightest fully rugged convertible ever built. A quick twist of the unique multi-position hinge allows the V110 to effortlessly transform from a laptop to a tablet, giving users the versatility needed for use in unpredictable environments. The V110 also features a large 11.6 inch display and a full-size, waterproof-membrane backlit keyboard 56% larger than the competition's. Its 88 standard-sized, island-style independent keys provide an unmatched premium feel and increased durability.

The worldwide smart connected device market, comprised of PCs, tablets, and smartphones, is forecast to grow 27.8% year over year in 2013, slightly lower than the 30.3% growth in 2012. The growth will be driven by tablet and smartphone shipments, while the PC outlook has been lowered by 10% in 2013. As a result, the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Smart Connected Device Tracker expects tablet shipments to surpass total PC shipments (desktop plus portable PCs) in the fourth quarter of 2013 (4Q13).

PCs shipments are still expected to be greater than tablet shipments for the full year, but IDC forecasts tablet shipments will surpass total PC shipments on an annual basis by the end of 2015. Smartphones will continue to ship in high volumes, surpassing 1.4 billion units in 2015 and accounting for 69% of all smart connected device shipments worldwide.

Belkin, a trusted leader of technology solutions for office, classroom, IT infrastructure and mobile environments, today announced the release of two new docking stands: a Dual Video Docking Stand for Windows 8 tablets and Dual Video Docking Stand for Ultrabooks, making mobile computing easier and more productive for business users. The stands, which leverage DisplayLink technology, allow users to turn an Ultrabook or Windows 8 tablet into a full-function desktop with a single plug-and-display USB 3.0 cable. Belkin will showcase the docking stands and other mobile computing solutions at COMPUTEX TAIPEI in Taiwan, June 4-8.

"Greater mobility and the need for an improved user experience are increasingly important to organizations that care about worker productivity and its impact on overall efficiency," said J. Gerry Purdy, Ph.D., principal analyst, Mobile Trax. "Belkin has developed an interesting set of docking stands that really optimize the functionality of Ultrabooks, and particularly Windows 8 Tablets, in the business environment. This is a great step forward for mobile computing at the enterprise level."

DisplayLink, the leading provider of USB Graphics technology, today announced plans to show the latest solutions for Wireless and USB Docking at Interop 2013. Targeting Ultrabook and Tablet expansion and connectivity for business users, DisplayLink will feature wireless WiGig Docking, Enterprise Class USB Docking, and the latest Mac drivers, with demonstrations to be held at the Interop Expo.

Introducing the latest solutions, John Cummins, VP Sales and Marketing for DisplayLink said, "IT Managers are struggling with BYOD. At Interop 2013, DisplayLink will showcase our customer's products, including monitor-docks for tablets with touch screen and integrated Webcams, WiGig Docks for wireless graphics and peripheral expansion, and Enterprise-Class USB Docks with multiple display connections for both Windows and Mac. These products solve problems and enhance productivity."

Expanding upon the success of the Latitude 10 standard configuration launched in October 2012, Dell today announced the Latitude 10 essentials configuration to offer a secure, manageable and durable enterprise-ready tablet option to budget-conscious customers. Ideal for organizations such as schools and small businesses, the new configuration offers outstanding value with essential productivity and collaboration features and a full-featured Windows 8 tablet experience. The new Latitude 10 offers consumer customers rich entertainment features for movies, books and games, as well as compatibility with familiar applications and accessories to transition seamlessly between work and play.

"Dell's heritage is rooted in meeting the needs of our customers with cost effective, tailored solutions that empower them to reach their potential, be it in the office, classroom or hospital," said Neil Hand, vice president, Dell end user computing products. "This legacy, combined with our portfolio of new enterprise services and product offerings, such as the Latitude 10, enables our customers to deploy the latest technology while balancing IT control and end-user productivity."

VIZIO announced today its spring 2013 line-up of Windows 8 PCs, equipped with 10-finger capacitive touch displays on every new model. Seamless touchscreen technology and premium entertainment enhancements to the new spring line give users the ideal interactive Windows 8 experience, supported by outstanding picture quality and rich audio.

VIZIO will be showcasing select PC models at the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, NV, January 7 -11, 2013 at the Wynn Hotel, by appointment.