HP, Acer, Lenovo are expected to release Windows 8 tablets using Intel's most power-efficient chips. Overall, Intel expects more than 20 tablet and convertible designs based on its chips.
Hewlett-Packard, Acer, and Lenovo, among others, are
expected to bring out Windows 8 tablets using Intel's latest system-on-a-chip.HP and Acer are working on designs, a source familiar with
the vendors' plans told CNET. In addition, details leaked today about a Lenovo
ThinkPad Tablet 2, which will also use Intel's Clover Trail system-on-a-chip
(SoC).These Intel-based Windows 8 designs are distinctly different
from Windows RT tablets that will use ARM chips. Windows RT devices use a
version of Windows 8 that does not offer backward-compatibility with the
millions of existing Windows software programs. Intel-based systems offer that
compatibility.And this is likely just a small sampling of Intel-based Windows
8 tablets slated to hit on October 26, when Windows 8 launches. "We are...
tracking more than 20 Windows 8 tablet designs based on our low-power and
low-cost Clover Trail Atom SoC in addition to a number of core-based
tablets," Intel's CEO Paul Otellini said on July 17.
Laptop-tablet hybrids, or so-called convertibles such as
Asus' Taichi, are also expected. Taichi uses a faster but less power-efficient
Intel Ivy Bridge chip, the same chip that powers ultrabooks and Apple's MacBook
Air.Throw the already announced Microsoft Surface Windows RT and
Windows 8 Pro products into the mix, and it's obvious the market will get
crowded quickly.
The ThinkPad Tablet 2 will sport a 10.1-inch IPS
1,366x768 display, weigh in at about 650 grams (1.4 pounds), have a thickness
of 9.8mm (0.39 inches), and include an HSPA+ broadband option, according to
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