I just bought this computer a few days ago. I was ready to buy the TAP20 on Amazon but learned from the Sony's website that there was already a newer model, the TAP21, which has some better specs, including thinner, less weight, and 1920x1080 resolution. I see it's offered on Amazon now, but last week it was only available at BHPVideo (for the same price & free shipping). Read this review on the TAP21 and do not even consider buying the older TAP20 version. Sony's made enough improvements to the concept and the TAP20 was their first version.
The model numbers are confusing but you can decipher them if you pay attention to the processor (i5 v I7), memory, color, etc.. But save yourself the effort: the higher priced models have faster procs and more memory. You will NOT find a different seller offering a higher end one for cheaper...stop looking. And, yes, you want the extra memory (read below). (The i5 versus i7 is debatable. Raw performance tests just don't show that much improvement when going to the i7.)
Let's be honest that you're buying this computer for one reason: the form factor. And it WILL impress you (and your friends). The wireless mouse and keyboard are decent. Mouse is skinny in width, but no real complaints here. A super easy unplug of the power plug and bam....you have a 21" tablet/surface to carry around your house. Better than iPad because more stuff works on it. (I.e. flash websites, office, etc.). The large screen is AWESOME when it comes to touchscreen. And there's a convenient Windows button on the frame...which is nice when you're portable.
The only drawback on the form factor is that the spring loaded stand...while convenient when propping the display up...is very annoying when you have this thing on your lap. I'm honestly surprised the Sony didn't fix this from the TAP20. Oh well.
I had friends over and we were talking out by the firepit about some dumb youtube video, and I went inside and came back with the TAP21. My friends were in disbelief. We could've watched a 1080p Netflix movie on this pretty large screen out by the firepit. The key component here is that it has a built-in battery.
Speaking of the battery, one con is that it warns you not to charge the battery more than 50% or 80% if you leave it continuously plugged in. Dang, it's 2013, can't we figure out how to optimally charge batteries without ruining their efficiency by leaving things plugged in?!
Windows 8 is not so bad on a touch screen. Get over your hangup with it. Learn the finger shortcuts and don't look back.
The included software was a plus for me, but maybe not for you. I bought this computer specifically for my son (I know, nice dad, right!) to learn how to edit videos. There's also sound editing software that is top notch. And an art program called Art Rage that is impressive and my kids are loving it. (Art program + 21" touchscreen = much better than them playing hours of Minecraft on Xbox.)
Reviews on the Tap 20 pointed out a major shortcoming: it's slow. The recommended fix is to add RAM and replace the HDD with an SSD. That was my intent even with the TAP21 with 8GB and the i7 processor. My initial experience was not great: THIS THING IS SLOOOOOOOW! I mean, launching apps could several seconds...maybe up to 5...before there was any sign of acknowledge the touch/click.
However, I don't know why, but things have massively improved. Maybe caching on the HDD. I'm still ready to drop $200 on an SSD if I need to, but I honestly think it's acting normal know. We edit HD videos, which has to be hands down the most compute and disk intensive thing you could ever do with a computer. As for RAM, 8GB is plenty, so I won't be upgrading.
PROS:
* The form factor rocks
* It has a battery (a few hours per charge...not stress-tested yet me) which is the crucial part.
* You can move the computer with it on. Unplug it, carry it somewhere else, replug it in, and never have to turn it off.
* Included software is great if you were going to buy Sony's movie editing software anyways.
* Nice, big touchscreen. A must for Windows 8.
* Wireless mouse and keyboard complements the portability.
* You will love it. Can't wait to watch movies in bed, take it camping, etc.
CONS:
* Strangely slow at first. Don't get an SSD out of the gate, but maybe budget for an extra $200 just in case.
* You must get ample RAM (or upgrade)
* The spring-loaded stand is horrible in lap-mode.
* White version (CXW vs CXB) not offered at my time of purchase
* $1299 makes for one expensive computer. (Like I said, it's the price for the form factor.)
BTW, they sell the TAP20 at BestBuy....in case you want to go see one in person.
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