subject: Would Microsoft-HP tablet steal Apple's limelight? [print this page] Author: pirumandal Author: pirumandal
Microsoft Corp, the software giant has introduced a touch-screen tablet computer which is manufactured by Hewlett-Packard Co. The companys CEO, Steve Ballmer said that the new device will be available this year and added that US sales of PCs running Windows jumped 50% over the holidays.
According to the company, the new device will be easy to use like Smartphone, but as powerful as a PC running Windows 7. HP, a pioneer name in the touch computing, will ship the full-fledged tablet computer. However, the question is - whether Microsoft and HP could generate as much consumer excitement as Apple's tablet?
Meanwhile, Microsoft has added that the new device will not confront Apples initiative as the PC space is enormous and expanding rapidly, with a lot of innovation.
Apple Tablet PC
Earlier this week, it is reported that the iPhone maker, Apple Inc will announce its tablet PC by the end of this month and will start shipping in March. According to sources, it has been working on its tablet PC since July. However, the company has never confirmed the existence of the device, which is supposed to resemble a larger iPhone or iPod touch. But, after the report surfaced about the device launch, Apple shares touched all time high.
Microsoft-HP tablet
It seems that the company wants to emphasize the touch-screen features of its recently introduced operating system, Windows 7. Hewlett-Packard and PC makers have been selling such devices with Microsoft software such as Windows XP Tablet PC Edition since 2002, with little success. But, this time, the new tablet will leave its stylus and allows option of human touch with powerful graphical support.
Other business announcements: Besides tablet PC, the company also unveiled an all-in-one PC with a touch screen from Lenovo and three-dimensional gaming on ASUSs machine. Beside introducing touch screen gadgets, the company also said that HP will integrate its Bing search engine as the default choice on Hewlett-Packard's computers worldwide for next three years, expanding an agreement that previously covered the US and Canada.
Why Tablet PC from Microsoft-HP?
At present, out of total PC sales, tablets hold less than 1 percent market share. Microsoft and HP have already announced various models in the segment. HP had launched various models based on Microsoft's touch-enabled operating system; one out of them was a slate design that could be docked on a desktop computer.
However, due to their high prices, low connectivity and use of stylus in touch screen deter consumers from buying the device. Therefore, the two giants want to encash the opportunity, which is also eying by many new entrants like Motorola, HTC and Apple.
Discussion
Various analysts are predicting that the company will introduce the dual-screen Courier tablet which was rumored late last year, but the present model has disappointed many. The new HP tablet is a color e-reader based on Amazon Kindle software, with a sub-$500 price point. Other features are missing yet.About the Author:
