It was not long ago that Microsoft was the most valuable company on the planet, soon after it critics were beginning to write-off the company as a tech-dinosaur, destined to go extinct in the face of intense competition from Google and Apple. However, Microsoft has bounced back with incredibly successful products like the X-box and Windows 7. Now it has taken a step further by unveiling its Windows 8 tablet.

ARM Vs. Intel

The ARM version will feature Windows 8 RT. Since ARM licences the chip designs, Nvidia will be responsible for the actual manufacturing of the chipset. The ARM version is a relatively “light” version and comes in either 32GB or 64GB variants. The intel version runs Windows 8 Professional and comes in either 64GB or 128GB variants. While the former is designed to appeal to more casual consumers, the latter will be more appealing to professionals.

The reason being that major companies are reluctant to adopt the iPad or Android tablets since they lack the security and integrative features that their systems require and which are usually dominated by Microsoft. Thus, by introducing a mobile platform for its most popular OS, Microsoft is actually trying to meet the demand in a relatively untapped market.

Accessories

Naturally the two different chipsets will also have some minor effects on the specifications. The ARM version is slightly slimmer than the Intel version (9.3mm Vs 13.5mm). However, both versions comes loaded with a number of accessories that are sure to enhance the overall experience with tablet. These feature keyboards, trackpads, stylus support and other elements that make it very easy to interact with the device. While Apple and lots of Android devices also feature such accessories, Microsoft has managed to offer a rather complete package and is certainly embracing Apple’s concept of a total hardware ecosystem.

Windows 8: will it be a success?

Windows 8 is a rather revolutionary system and some elements have been built from scratch. The new system departs from previous versions in both substance and style. However, there are still a lot of risks involved with such a huge project. For example. Microsoft might find it hard to convince millions of Windows users to switch to Windows 8, since Windows 7 and even Windows XP are still widely popular. Unlike Apple’s fanatically loyal fanbase, Microsoft has been unable to mobilize users to spend money upgrading operating systems.

Another problem is that Microsoft might end up creating a confusing web of services and platforms that will make integration and user-friendliness worse than before, but if it can get things right and boost its collection of apps and other elements, it can certainly make an impact. Also, let us not forget the fact that competition from Apple and Android will only get bigger and Microsoft will have to respond aggressively in terms of hardware and software and this might be difficult since Microsoft does not have the type of software cycles common to its major rivals.

(Navam Niles)