Windows RT Tablets Up to $300 Less Than Windows 8 Slates
Lenovo North America boss talks about the competitive pricing of Windows RT devices.
Despite unveiling the Surface way back in June, Microsoft has yet to talk official launch pricing for either of its Surface tablets. However, it seems Lenovo is a little more wiling to talk numbers.
We all know Lenovo is working on a Windows RT tablet/notebook that it plans to release around the same time as Windows 8. This week, David Schmoock, head of Lenovo’s North America operations, spoke to Bloomberg and revealed that those purchasing ARM-based Windows RT tablets can expect to pay between $200 and $300 less than if they were buying a Wintel machine running Windows 8. Schmoock didn't appear to be talking about Lenovo's offering specifically.
"RT will play in consumer and retail at very aggressive price points," Schmoock told Bloomberg. "It will do well but it's going to be more of a consumer price point play to begin with."
What's more interesting is that Schmoock went on to say that Windows 8 tablets will cost $600 to $700. Based on that figure, folks could be able to pick up a Windows RT tablet for $300 or $400. Of course, you won't be getting a full fledged version of Windows 8, but the price might be enough to tempt those considering the iPad or an Android tablet, as they wouldn't be looking for a desktop OS anyway.
Windows 8 is due out October 26. Microsoft has said its Surface tablets will be available on the same day, while other manufacturers have also talked about launches close to the Windows 8 release date.

one thing Im wondering is how they plan to make WinRT tablets that cheap. If Im not mistaken, WinRT isnt free like Android(mostly). And if Im not mistaken, that "isnt free" is actually $85 for each liscense(if the old reports are true). how much is the compromise against other android tablets in that price? also is WinRT as resource hungry as android?
I don't know what actually will happen, but there is some potential in touchscreen laptops. The current touchpads aren't all that fun to work with, and could benefit greatly from touchscreens.
In the 499+ range we have things like the Ipad no I am not a huge fan of the IPad and I most likely never own one. The reason I go with IPad over Microsoft is the IPads been proven to be stable.
I think people some times forget to look ahead. What happens in a year if the "Microsoft tablet" you payed 500+ dollars for is not a hit. What happens if the app store in Metro.... Opps sorry "windows 8" does not take off?
What happens if company decide its not cost effective to design software for it. Keep in mind this is not Android or Apple based.
Microsoft late to the party when it comes to Tablets so we will have to see how everything works out for them. The designers, programers, etc are not just going to drop everything to start working on Windows tablet. Special not when they already have 2 profitable platforms to design for.
Because the one you paid $500+ for is x86 and does all of things your computer does?
http://articles.businessinsider.com/2012-04-17/news/31350495_1_windows-xp-windows-nt-microsoft
It stands for Runtime.
It refers to WinRT, the Windows Runtime Library.
It's actually quite a tricky and important bit of technology, because it allows developers to write one app that runs on both Windows 8 (which uses Intel-type processors) and Windows RT (which uses ARM). Without it, developers would have to do extra work to get their apps to run on each platform.
Read more: http://articles.businessinsider.com/2012-04-17/news/31350495_1_windows-xp-windows-nt-microsoft#ixzz246shJNBi
That is also good news. Programs written for one version of windows should work for the other as well.
even if its x86 based unless its packing a laptop processor then its not going to be able to do a lot of the things a pc or laptop can. Basically with what your saying you would need whats basically a laptop with a touch screen. Call me nuts but that's going to be on the bulky side and weight a at least a 1lb or 2 unless its one of these "ultra book things I here about" then its going to cost your arm and both legs. This is assuming it will be able to run most apps a pc runs along with having more then 2-3hrs battery life. The more I think about this the more it sounds like a fail idea in the making.
Part of what makes the Ipad and Android based tablets so popular is size. I have a buddy that works IT that is connected at the hip with his tablet. He literally uses it for everything. He does video calls on it when working on projects. He uses it for trouble shooting different issues. He uses it for keeping track of inventory so he can working on something and know in moments if he needs to order parts. Then he can order parts right from the device. The fact the device weights under a lb and is ultra portable makes it light years more suited for his needs then a laptop.
The other thing is the app store take apples or Androids app store away and both devices would fail. I really hope Windows has some serious backing when it comes to apps.
As far as running Android apps on the pc only thing I found to do that is blue-stack. The android applications have to be emulated. That basically means any type of android app we have no will have to be re designed to work with windows based computer.
If it's x86 then it will be packing a laptop processor (x86 is done by Intel and AMD - with a few exceptions like VAIO) , which the specs are for (I believe) an i5 or an i5 ulv (ultra-low voltage). Regardless, their plan is to compete with ultrabooks as far as specs and performance.
As far as apps go, it's up to developers, but I'm hopeful they continue to make things easy to port. Like between the 360 and PC.
You're assuming most people play games (that can't be played on integrated graphics). The most played games are Zynga games on Facebook, Angry Birds and stuff like that.