With everything from smartphones to iPads being sold in store and via sites like www.ebay.co.uk it poses the question – are Android tablets driving the adaptation of laptops in emerging markets?

Well, let’s start with Windows 8. With its dramatic new style, bold Live Tiles, innovative Start screen (replacing the traditional Start button and menu of Windows 7) and a host of incorporated applications, it’s clear that Microsoft has made an epic attempt to bring Windows into the new world. A world of touchscreen mobile computing that’s taking the world by storm.

Not only was it designed for tablets, but for traditional PCs as well, which led to mixed reviews. While some people loved the clever new software and touchscreen capabilities, others criticised it for being over complicated and difficult to use, particularly with a keyboard and mouse. This led to the first revamped edition being released in October 2013, aptly named Windows 8.1.

Like all reputable technology companies, Microsoft listened to the feedback from its consumers and made various attempts to make its revolutionary new technology more user friendly. Not only did they reintroduce the Start button (with the traditional Start menu thought to be planned for Windows 8.2), but they also improved many of the applications.

The photo app, for instance, now came with many editing tools and users could choose from a wealth of other customization options. In short, Microsoft worked hard to make their innovative Windows release more appealing.

As well as Windows 8, many hybrid laptops also seem to have been inspired by Android tablets. Not only do they offer the practicalities of a regular laptop, they are also available with a full-functioning touchscreen offering the best of both worlds. They can be docked (ready to use with a keyboard and mouse) or used on the go providing users with a range of options!

The downside? Some are slightly heavier than traditional tablets making it more difficult to hold them for long periods of time and others don’t have the full capabilities of a traditional laptop. Other than that, they’re a great compromise for anyone that enjoys touchscreen technology but also prefers to type longer documents using a keypad.

What’s more, with the introduction of iCloud storage – a development which lets you access photos, documents, videos and more from whatever device you’re on – it’s now more tempting than ever to purchase devices with this functionality to allow for more flexibility. So, if you have an iPad, you might also want a hybrid laptop or an android inspired device to make working that little bit easier.

So while there’s still a place on the market for trustworthy desktops and standard laptops, it seems more devices are going down the lightweight, touchscreen route with clear Android influences.

This article was written by Amanda Walters, an experienced freelance writer and regular contributor to Huffington Post. Follow her here: @Amanda_W84