Lenovo

Lenovo is debuting a new 8-inch tablet alongside the imminent Windows 8.1 operating system upgrade. Called the Miix2, it's a semi-sequel to a 10-inch Windows 8 hybrid that we had frankly completely forgotten about after seeing it briefly back in June 2013.

The new version cuts the screen size, but also smartly cuts the price. The Miix was $550, whereas the new Miix2 is $299, and includes Intel's latest Bay Trail generation quad-core Atom processors, a 16:10 1,280x800-pixel screen, and 32GB SSD storage (a 64GB version will be $349). The system also comes with a full version of Microsoft Office Home & Student 2013, and a very iPad-like cover plus stylus pen is a $20 add-on.

The 8-inch Windows tablet may be the next great frontier. Early versions, such as the Acer Iconia W3, disappointed, but updated low-power Intel processors mean new 8-inch models might find an audience just north of the phablet space. The Miix2 weighs 0.77 pound, and is 8.35mm thick, just slightly thicker than the 7.2mm iPad Mini.

The Lenovo Miix2 will be available later in October, starting at "approximately" (Lenovo's word) $299.