Microsoft’s original Surface may have been hampered by the decision to use the Windows RT OS, but when the Pro version was released it proved that Windows 8 can work well on a tablet – all you need is a decent keyboard case and a boatload of power.

Sony has decided to emulate Microsoft and has unveiled the Sony Tap 11, a Windows 8 tablet that comes with processor power and detachable keyboard functionality to boot.

Sony is claiming the tablet is the world’s thinnest at 9.9mm – this is with the keyboard case off. While we are not really one for all these ‘world’s first’ claims, the chassis was impressive to look at. It does look similar to the Sony Xperia Tablet Z but its edges are a little rounder.

You can see that Sony is looking for design harmony with its devices, however – regardless if they are from the Vaio or Xperia range, the aesthetics are definitely similar.

Turn the tablet on and what you have is essentially a very quick Windows 8 device. Sony has beefed the tablet up with Core i7 Haswell processor, SSD storage, up to 6 hours of battery life, an SD card reader, USB 3.0 and micro HDMI as well as WiDi functionality.

But it is perhaps the software that is of more interest. Bundled is a bespoke version of Photoshop, with Sony quick to point out that Adobe has been using its tablets as reference kit for Photoshop Touch.

The technology allows you to cut, crop, touch up and insert images into a variety of documents. All this can be achieved with the stylus. Yes, Sony has added pen functionality and the brief demo we had of Photoshop Sony-style was impressive.

Sony is also hoping that you ditch paper in favour of the Sony Tap 11. The idea is that they have a minimal notepad style feature on the device that will recognise handwriting and act as a scrapbook for any visual ideas you may have. There is also a CamScanner app which will scan documents and straighten them out for you.

It’s fair to say, then that Sony has carefully considered both the business user and consumer with this tablet.

If you prefer not to draw over your devices, then Sony has delivered in the screen department too. It is using its Triluminos tech to make the 2880 x 1620 display sparkle. And it does. Couple this with 4K HDMI output and what you have is a great multimedia device.

And then there is the keyboard. Usually we try to avoid keyboard add-ons as they never offer the same feeling as a full-fat keyboard, but Sony has managed to pack that real feel into its keyboard case.

As it is wireless it does need its own charge, but simply connect as a cover and it will take a charge from the main tablet. In theory this means that the keyboard will never be out of charge.

This is our only real concern with the Sony Tap 11 – the battery life. Up to six hours is quoted but these are never real-use quotes – you may have to be close to a charger if you are thinking of using this device for heavy use.

This is a superb tablet, though, and shows just what you can do when you combine Windows 8 with a company that can add its own features, without them feeling like bloatware.

The Sony Tablet 11 release date is this fall (autumn), with pricing to be announced.

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