Today I had the chance to finally get some "ME" time with several Windows 8.1 tablets, namely the T100, Venue 8 Pro, Venue 11 Pro and the HP Omni 10. As much as I want a 10 inch tablet I simply can't fathom getting one and I really really fought with my self over the Venue 11 pro. It's that good, more so considering what you get with it compared to the Surface 2 Pro.
Had a nice convo with several of the Microsoft store employees about the Surface 2 and the Venue and they've had nothing but good things to say about the Venue line. In the end I picked up the Venue 8 Pro since they were out of the Venue 11 Pro. Also got them to give it to me for $249.99 since Office Depot is selling them for that price until 12/28.
I have to say that I'm really impressed with the tablet, more so with Windows 8.1 and that's coming from someone who's used nothing but Android tablets since they were available. The screen is very crisp and bright even though the resolution is lower than a Nexus 7 (which I carry with me everywhere) and the tablet is very responsive thanks to the Intel Baytrail processor.
Still not used to a Windows based tablet as I keep using Android gestures such as the home key and I do miss having dual speakers like the Nexus 7 but other than that the Venue 8 Pro is a solid tablet. I still have concerns about the Windows (Mobile) ecosystem such as apps and accessories, I'd love to see a docking keyboard similar to what ZAGG (ZAGGKeys) offers for the iPad mini to come out. I think Dell has one coming out but other than a picture a brief description it's not very clear as to how it's going to function.
I dislike the fact that it doesn't have a HDMI port nor does it have a USB port, but you can get around that with an Micro USB OTG to USB adapter.
For $249.99 you can't beat this and it's full Windows!