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Microsoft unveils multitouch tablet PC
by Jaspreet Virk - January 7, 2010 - comments
The company did not divulge any pricing or launch details but the device is expected to be launched by March this year
New York, January 7 -- Apple’s long rumored tablet computer has yet not been launched but it already has a contender. Weeks before the scheduled release of Apple’s tablet computer, Microsoft has unveiled tablet PC from Hewlett-Packard Co. at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.
The aim of the device is to bridge the gap between smartphone and netbook computer.
Microsoft Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer demonstrated the HP tablet alongside two other tablets, called "slate PCs”. One was from Pegatron and other from Archos.
Out of all the tablets unveiled, Ballmer focused more on the HP tablet PC, which he hailed as “a beautiful little product” and a "great little PC”.
Product features
The HP tablet, a single-screen PC, was touted as a multimedia device. The 10-inch touch display boasts of a video player, e-reader and multitouch.
The tablet PC can be used in both portrait and landscape mode. When switched from portrait to landscape mode or vice-versa, the tablet automatically switches orientations.
The device, yet unnamed, will run on Windows 7.
The company did not divulge any pricing or launch details, but the device is expected to be available by March this year.
Tapping the market
This is not the first time that Microsoft has launched a tablet computer. In 2002, the company had launched a tablet PC, which ran on Windows XP, but the device failed to take off.
The company is again entering the tablet market, and this time the company is confident to establish a strong foothold.
Talking about the tablet PC, Ballmer stated, “This emerging category of PCs should really take advantage of the touch and mobility and capabilities of Windows 7, and are perfect, perfect for reading, for surfing the web, and for taking entertainment on the go."
Though tablet PCs form just 1 percent of the notebooks computer sales, analysts believe that it is an emerging market.
The reason is that consumers do not need full PC functionality of a laptop or netbook all the time. In fact, they are looking for a device that gives rich Web experience along with stylish and cool design.
There are many companies who are gearing to capitalize on the new tablet concept.
Like Microsoft and HP, Lenovo has also unveiled its tablet PC. It is a $1,000 hybrid notebook tablet, which the company unveiled at CES Wednesday.
Apple is expected to unveil its long-rumored tablet computer later this month.