Windows 8’s touch friendly metro interface is a feature that has been
heavily criticized for desktop and traditional PC use and applauded for
tablet use. Microsoft is of course a tech leader, so could a simple,
futuristic OS like Windows 8 help push PC innovation forward? When you
create a hybrid, tablet/desktop OS like Windows 8, the answer is yes.
If you’re in the market for a new Windows 8 PC, you are going to have
a few more choices than just notebook, desktop or tablet. Because
Windows 8 is a desktop + tablet operating system, PC manufacturers and
engineers have designed a slew of new Windows 8 ready devices that are
certainly driving innovation and reimagining the consumer PC experience.
Windows 8 Desktops/All-in-ones
A standard tower PC and CRT monitor may not provide for the most
optimal Windows 8 experience, but the new range of touch and optimized
for Windows 8 desktops certainly will. Whether it be an all-in-one or a
new kind of desktop all-together, PC manufacturers are pushing the
limits early on creating new Windows 8 desktops.
The Acer Desktop, Aspire range reengineered for Windows 8,
incorporating minimalistic, all-in-one design, touch screen integration,
and redone Windows 8 optimized keyboard and mouse.
Want to switch from desktop mode to a full on touch interface? Move
the keyboard and mouse to the side, pivot the Aspire’s “kickstand” base,
and you now have a high resolution 23” tablet.
Windows 8 Tablets
Windows 8’s Metro interface is optimized for touch screens as is, so
expect a wide variety of different Windows 8 tablets from different PC
manufacturers, including Microsoft. With different varieties of Windows
8, including Pro and RT, PC manufacturers have more room to develop
tablets using different architecture and components, meaning Windows 8
tablets will range from ultra affordable to high-end.
Microsoft’s Surface Windows 8 device is considered to be a tablet.
However, it also has a minimal, detachable keyboard/cover, allowing for
faster word processing and typing.
Windows 8 Hybrids
A cross between a traditional notebook PC and a tablet, hybrids aim
to offer the best of both worlds, giving consumers a device that they
can simply use as a tablet, or snap back into place and have full-on
notebook capabilities.
Not to be mistaken for a Windows 8 tablet with keyboard cover like
the Microsoft Surface, hybrid Windows 8 devices incorporate
full-featured, traditional notebook bases with expandability ports such
as USB 3.0, charging ports, card bays and more. Example, HP ENVY x2.
Windows 8 Convertible
With similar functionality to the Windows 8 hybrids listed above,
Windows 8 convertibles offer a different way to go from notebook to
tablet quickly and effortlessly. Instead of a simple, detachable tablet
monitor, convertible Windows 8 devices simply rotate in order to switch
to tablet mode.
The Dell XPS 12 features a rotating touch screen that is integrated to the device’s bezel.
The Asus Taichi utilizes a basic folding hinge design, but because it
has two screens, you can simply close the lid to use tablet/convertible
mode.
Windows 8 Touchscreen Notebook
If you will mostly be using Windows 8 via keyboard and mouse, but
would like the ability to occasionally utilize the touch interface, you
might go with a essential Windows 8 touchscreen notebook. No screen
flipping or detachable tablet, but rather, a traditional notebook PC
with a touch screen.
The Aspire s7 by Acer is one of their newest Ultrabooks that has been
updated with a touch screen and more optimized trackpad for more
effective Windows 8 usage.
Windows 8 Sliders
Unlike hybrids that feature a detachable screen and unlike
convertibles that feature a rotating to outer screen, Windows 8 Sliders
utilize a sliding mechanism rather then a hinge.
The Satellite U925T by Toshiba features a slider design that rests
the screen in an upright position for laptop mode, but also a click and
slide feature that slides the screen on top of the keyboard for tablet
mode.
Those are just a few of the latest Windows 8 ready devices, and
Windows 8 is still not even officially released yet! PC manufacturers
and engineers now have a bit of room for innovation, aiming to provide
consumers with more options when choosing their next PC, tablet, or
hybrid device.
If you’re considering purchasing a new PC and are planning on running
Windows 8 as a primary OS, you might want to hold off for a bit,
because you now have more options and varieties to pick from than ever.
Thank you for stopping by the site for today’s post.