Windows 8 Tablet and its Many Implications for Microsoft

By Rich on December 18, 2011 (3 Comments)

The Windows 8 tablet will be considered, to some, an inevitable breaking point for Windows. This tool could either sustain Windows’ success or, by contrast, push the company down considerably in the ranks. The new tablet with the new Windows 8 operating system represents Microsoft’s attempt to compete with the iPad and the new T-Mobile 7″ Samsung tab within the burgeoning market for more portable computing solutions.

At its core, Windows 8 is simply an operating system, one that works with touch as well as a mouse and keyboard, with access to apps, the web, etc. It’s safe to say that Windows already has a huge following, and the loyal, PC traditionalists are very likely to purchase a tablet as the operating system will provide legacy support for all Windows 8 apps and accessories. A tablet could seamlessly integrate into their current technology network, and will also operate in sync with the gadgetry and technology that follows. For a windows fan, it’s a no-brainer. Additionally, Windows has the “in” with big-hitters like HP and Dell, who have already announced that they will release tablets with Windows 8.

However, there are a couple of factors that could make or break the tablet. For one, price. On average, people have said they’d be willing to shell out about $300 for a Windows tablet, considerably more than the extremely cost affective Kindle Fire. Additionally “hype factor” may play a roll in Windows tablet sales. In the first quarter of 2011, about 46% of U.S. consumers were at the edge of their seat, eagerly waiting for the release of the Windows 8 tablet. However, in the passing months, this huge percentile nearly halved to a meager 25%.

With so many factors, there’s really only one way to dictate the Windows 8 tablet’s success: wait.

Ryan is a guest blogger with the Blog Content Guild. His guilty pleasures include building computers and using HP coupons at his favorite technology stores.

Ed note: What do you think of Windows 8 tablet support? Are you going to jump on it as soon as it’s available or do you have other or no plans for Windows 8?

About Rich

Rich is the owner and creator of Windows Guides; he spends his time breaking things on his PC so he can write how-to guides to fix the problems he creates.

Web
|
Twitter
|
Facebook
|
LinkedIn
|
Google+
|
More Posts (1014)

Continue Reading

Free PC tips by email

Search Windows Guides

Comments

Starsaa

I have been using the Developer Preview for a couple weeks now on a touchscreen laptop. So far I think the metro UI is a bit ugly and blocky. windows doesn’t put icons for some programs on the metro UI by default (like FireFox), I had to run it from with in IE10 inorder to get an icon in metro.

Over all it does need work (but it is a preview), It is OK so far on my touchscreen, but I would NOT recommend using it if you do not have a touchscreen. Mine worked “Out of the box” including wi-fi, only needed to install drivers for manual screen rotation. That was all that Win 8 did not have working when install and updates were done and I used the Win 7 driver with no problems.

Win 8 seems (so far) to run Win 7 drivers and such with out a hitch. I’m dual booting with win 7 and I have no problem accessing my Win 7 partition. Just make sure you are using a touchscreen and have a mouse handy. They are on a good track if they keep it up.
- http://richr.org/ Rich
  
  Thanks Starsaa. I’m glad it’s working as well as it is for you–this early in the release process.
Mark

IMHO, your right on target. I myself am at crossroads currently using a tired out 7 year old Dell Dimension 8400 desktop running Windows 7 and I’m looking for a replacement combo – a desktop/windows 8 tablet. Unless Microsoft delivers and soon, as much as I hate to do it I’ll go with a Mac Pro desktop/ipad combination. Quality hardware and quality operating system. What I’ll miss is the wealth of software available for Windows, many products that are indispensible to me are simply not available for OS/Mac platform. As for the price point on the tablet, for me I’d be willing to shell out up to $1,000 provided the quality of the hardware is on a par with Apples products. On the flip side, switching to Apple would mean for the most part I could get rid of the virus, registry monitoring, and tune up products I have to have with Windows machines. This has always irritated me with Windows software. These features like the Apple OS should be built in to Windows. To the limited extent that they do exist in Windows such as the virus scannig product Micrsoft Security Essentials, they don’t work as well as third party products. Security essentials for example, while thorough, is very very slooooow.

Windows Tools, Help & Guides