With its fullscreen, touch-optimized interface, Windows 8 is like nothing you've ever seen on a PC. While the jury is still out on whether Windows 8 is a viable operating system (we still recommend holding off on upgrading to the new OS), PC makers have responded with a range of touchscreen-based laptops, all-in-one desktops, and displays. Here are some of the more interesting ones.
The XPS One 27 comes in non-touchscreen versions for Windows 7, along with a Windows 8-optimized touchscreen model. Either way, The PC is one of the best all-in-ones currently available, with a high-resolution 2560 x 1440 27-inch display, and has an HDMI port to add a second display.
The IdeaPad Yoga is a good laptop, and being able to use both a touchpad (or external mouse) and the touchscreen helps bridge the gap between Windows 8-style apps and desktop apps. Because the display rotates 180 degrees on a sturdy hinge, you can use it with the display facing outward, or in "tent mode," which is convenient for watching videos.
The Tap 20 can be used as a traditional all-in-one PC, or carried around the house (you wouldn't want to carry it anywhere else) like a very large tablet. While it's a little under-powered for its price, it's definitely one of the more unique PCs available today, and shows some of the potential for Windows 8.
Microsoft's own Windows 8 tablet will soon be available for $899 and up. With a 10-inch display, the Surface Pro will be one of the smallest and lightest Windows 8 devices available, and could be a tempting alternative to the tablet-plus-laptop model that many business users have adopted.
The XPS 12 combines a fast, powerful Ultrabook with a unique swiveling touchscreen. Flip the display and close the lid, and you've got a functional -- though somewhat heavy -- Windows 8 tablet.