Acer and Dell join Windows tablet battleground
HP’s attempts to compete with the iPad using a Windows-based device proved an embarrassing flop. But now Dell and Acer both believe Windows 7 on a tablet is worth a shot.
Acer has announced it will be launching a 10-inch tablet running Windows 7 in February. It’ll have both Wi-Fi and 3G, with the company currently negotiating deals with U.S. cellphone carriers. There’s an optional, extra-cost dock that contains a physical keyboard.
The company is certainly hedging its bets: it’s also launching three new Android-based tablets (5-inch, 7-inch and 10-inch.) And for those who can’t get enough of touchscreens, it’s also unveiled a 14 inch Windows 7 notebook comprising two touchscreens, somewhat in the style of Microsoft’s abandoned Courier project.
Meanwhile Dell is launching the Inspiron Duo, a 10 inch device that’s a cross between a tablet and a netbook. The touchscreen either overlays the keyboard (making it appear like a chunky tablet) or flips up into a standard netbook set-up, presumably depending on how much space the user has.
The device will run Windows Home 7 Premium, but with 2GB of RAM and a 250GB hard drive, it’s unlikely to face the challenge some tablet manufacturers have reportedly experiences with running the “full size” operating system on a low-spec device.
Whether any of these Windows devices can challenge the iPad’s dominance may depend on pricing. The Dell machine starts at $550, which may be make it competitive among people who look at the specs. The Acer tablet pricing hasn’t been released yet, but the company is known for low-priced netbooks, so it’s even possible it will achieve the tricky balance of producing a Windows tablet that undercuts the iPad but isn’t a dog to use.
As for the dual-screen Acer notebook, a UK price has been reported at £1,500, which is the equivalent of $2,500. Suffice to say this will be targeting a very different market.
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