Toshiba Cancels Windows RT Plans For Now

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Toshiba has ditched its plans to produce Windows RT tablets, citing a component shortage.

In case you hadn't noticed, Toshiba wasn't included in Microsoft's confirmed list of manufacturers cranking out Windows RT devices. The Redmond company named Asus, Dell, Lenovo and Samsung -- even Microsoft itself is producing a Windows RT tablet in-house -- but Toshiba was not on the OEM menu.

According to the company, it supposedly can't get the components it needs in time to make a "timely" launch. What's more, Toshiba did not specify as to what those missing components are, but instead indicated that it will focus on Intel-based products using Windows 8. Thus, Toshiba is merely switching teams rather than bailing out of the Windows 8 platform altogether.

"Toshiba has decided not to introduce Windows RT models due to delayed components that would make a timely launch impossible," Eric Paulsen, a U.S-based spokesman, said in an emailed statement to Bloomberg. "For the time being, Toshiba will focus on bringing Windows 8 products to market. We will continue to look into the possibility of Windows RT products in the future while monitoring market conditions."

Previously Toshiba planned to generate Widows RT tablets using ARM-based SoCs provided by Texas Instruments. The company displayed two Windows RT-based concepts at Computex, one consisting of a tablet and docking station, and one clamshell design resembling a keyboard-equipped ultralight notebook. Ir was assumed that Toshiba was one of many on Microsoft's growing list of Windows RT OEMs.

Patrick Moorhead, principal analyst with Moor Insights & Strategy, isn't buying Toshiba's component-based excuse for pulling out of the Windows RT race. It's about drivers he claims, and Texas Instruments has reportedly fallen behind Qualcomm and Nvidia. The drivers in question include those for the tablet's graphics chipset, and its digital video processing (DSP) silicon.

Up until now, Toshiba had been the only announced Windows RT OEM to rely on Texas Instruments SoCs. Now Microsoft has one less Windows RT OEM under its belt -- a list of backers that was slim to begin with. It's for this very reason Microsoft stepped up to offer its own Surface RT solution on October 28, according to analysts.

"Surface is just a design point. It will have a distinct place in what's a broad Windows ecosystem," Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said during the Surface reveal. "And the importance of the thousands of partners that we have that design and produce Windows computers will not diminish."

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12 Comments Comment from the forums
  • Scoregie
    I'm gonna laugh if every company backs out from using windows 8
    Reply
  • getreal
    ScoregieI'm gonna laugh if every company backs out from using windows 8I won't. Apple needs a real competitor that businesses and consumers can trust, and that just isn't Android. Professionals need products that receive updates on a reasonable basis that don't brick their devices and don't require rooting and running custom firmware to make work.

    If Apple doesn't get a real competitor soon, it will continue to release incremental updates. Actually, that's a great thing! It just means I get a lot more usable life out of my investment and don't have to replace my phone every six months like you do with Android!

    At any rate, the new Windows products look great, and I hope they take off. Android is an embarrassment and a joke, on top of being a rip off of stolen Apple tech. I can't wait to watch it go down in flames!
    Reply
  • lamorpa
    ScoregieI'm gonna laugh if every company backs out from using windows 8You're easily amused.
    Reply
  • innocent bystander
    At any rate, the new Windows products look great, and I hope they take off. Android is an embarrassment and a joke, on top of being a rip off of stolen Apple tech. I can't wait to watch it go down in flames!

    Didn't you just say that Apple needs a real competitor? Why can't you wait for their biggest competitor to go down in flames?

    I understand you don't like Android, but they are Apple's #1 competition and if nothing else at least it keeps them on their toes.

    On topic, I just want to see the specs and the release date of the Pro tablet. I have to make a decision between that and a laptop. I already have a custom built desktop at home, now it's time for some mobility.

    IB
    Reply
  • rebel1280
    @getreal i laughed for a min when i came to the realization that you were being overly sarcastic :)
    Reply
  • ojas
    I think this is good for the Windows RT ecosystem. Business oriented RT tablets will be Lenovo's department, Dell will make the overpriced crap they always make, Asus will make gaming oriented stuff while Samsung will continue to compete with Apple.

    Microsoft will show them how it's done with Surface. Also, since they're only a few manufacturers, they'll have higher margins which hopefully they'll put into making better products. At the same time, there's no lack of competition.
    Reply
  • getreal
    innocent bystanderDidn't you just say that Apple needs a real competitor? Why can't you wait for their biggest competitor to go down in flames?I understand you don't like Android, but they are Apple's #1 competition and if nothing else at least it keeps them on their toes.On topic, I just want to see the specs and the release date of the Pro tablet. I have to make a decision between that and a laptop. I already have a custom built desktop at home, now it's time for some mobility.IB
    Because Windows products are original design and legally licensed, whereas Android isn't.
    Reply
  • back_by_demand
    Acer wasn't mentioned either, go figure

    O_o
    Reply
  • house70
    The drivers issue is more likely, IMO. Toshiba has released good devices so far, no reason to spoil that record with a half baked release. Esp. given that Win8 will be the only enterprise-capable platform when it launches to the masses, can't offer unfinished products to customers.
    That being said, this doesn't mean they don't get to manufacture their RT-based hardware ever; it's only a delay.

    To trolls like getreal: this is not about Apple, nor is it about Android. Get real about it, you guys must really have a pathetic little sad life if you let your misconceptions become obsessions. There are specialized institutions where they treat people like you. Maybe some ECT would help in your case, who knows. A piece of advice (after this I'm done with trolls): stop acting like someone just spat in your soup bowl, or like some bully took your lunch money. If you can't really understand that it means you are just a spoiled kid who got behind some keyboard while parents weren't looking, and it's their job, not mine, to try to educate you.

    innocent bystanderDidn't you just say that Apple needs a real competitor? Why can't you wait for their biggest competitor to go down in flames?I understand you don't like Android, but they are Apple's #1 competition and if nothing else at least it keeps them on their toes.On topic, I just want to see the specs and the release date of the Pro tablet. I have to make a decision between that and a laptop. I already have a custom built desktop at home, now it's time for some mobility.IB
    From the way it looks, you'll have the opportunity to pick and choose really soon, but the line that separates laptops from a tablet like this is becoming thinner and thinner. You might be able to pick a tablet that has enough power to run whatever a laptop would run (except, of course, desktop replacement laptops, but these are not designed with mobility in mind to begin with).

    ojasI think this is good for the Windows RT ecosystem. Business oriented RT tablets will be Lenovo's department, Dell will make the overpriced crap they always make, Asus will make gaming oriented stuff while Samsung will continue to compete with Apple.Microsoft will show them how it's done with Surface. Also, since they're only a few manufacturers, they'll have higher margins which hopefully they'll put into making better products. At the same time, there's no lack of competition.Yes, I just like to see Toshiba joining the roster really soon. My old M750 still runs good, but it's becoming a bit too much to lug around nowadays.
    Reply
  • getreal
    house70To trolls like getreal: Too long, didn't read rage post summed up as "I am mad that you constantly own me".
    Look Nancy, we have been over this already. It is no fun for me to debate with you, because you are the equivalent of the "special" kids growing up that got picked on and continued eating crayons, oblivious to it. It's no fun or challenge to make you look stupid, because nothing I say can do a great job of doing that on your own.

    Costco sells tissues in bulk. I suggest investing, as with all the tears you shed, you definitely need them!
    Reply