Microsoft and HP show off 'slate' PC
submitted by markodonoghue on 07 January 2010
Microsoft and HP have teamed up in a stealth like way to introduce a 'slate' computer just before Apple's rumoured device launch.
The firm unveiled the Windows 7 powered touch screen 'slate' computer also known as a table, at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. The aim of the device is to bridge the gap between laptops and smartphones.
You have probably heard about Apple's own version soon to release for a while now. They are going to launch the slate device in late January to go on sale in March according to the Wall Street Journal.
Microsoft boss Steve Ballmer said "It's a beautiful little product". Whilst at CES, Steve Ballmer demonstrated the machine in front of an audience of over 3,500. He also showed off two other tablet computers - one made by Archos and the other by Pegatron Corp.
Paul Miller, a senior associate editor of technology website Engadget said "What we saw confirmed my worst suspicions that this is your standard Microsoft software in a slate form."
"It's an interesting product in itself but Microsoft could have gone further. It's not anything new in terms of software and that is what you really need to make a device like this make people want to buy it."
Although technology blogger Devin Connors of Tom's Hardware did not agree. "It looked really good given the short amount of time we saw it for and it has Windows 7. Everyone loves Windows 7 and putting it in a device the size of an e-reader is probably going to be a winning combination."
There have been rumours about an Apple slate for a while now, dubbed the iSlate, but no formal announcements have been leaked yet.
Dean Takahashi of technology blog VentureBeat.com said "Apple tends to change the game and this Microsoft/HP tablet didn't blow them out of the water."
"How successful it will be is up in the air, but HP is the biggest technology company in the world and can certainly put a lot of muscle behind the device." he continued to say.
Microsoft is the world's biggest software company but this is not Microsoft's first attempt to introduce a tablet or slate-like computer. Back in 2002, the company introduced a tablet PC version of Windows XP which failed to take off.
Analysts however believe these new entries should give the $950m (£597m) US market for tablets a much needed jolt. "Apple could do for the tablet market what it did for smartphones with the iPhone" said David Daoud who is an analyst for IDC. Other industry watchers fear that consumers might be a little wary with so many companies all rushing at once to bring out new devices.
"The biggest hit of the year was Windows 7," said Mr Ballmer. "Windows 7 is by far the fastest selling operating system in history."
Let's just see if Microsoft can get one foot ahead of Apple, but from Apple's track record it would be hard to show them up.
Submitted by:
Mark O'Donoghue
Associated Links:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/8444672.stm
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