Unnamed industry sources report that Microsoft is actively involved with Ultrabook manufacturers to make sure that the chassis, screen and keyboard work smoothly with Windows 8. Like Intel, Microsoft expects a certain level of quality when interacting with the upcoming touch-based OS, and doesn't want anything to distract the user away from a first-class Windows 8 experience.
Typically clamshell covers of traditional laptops shake when the user touches the screen. Microsoft doesn't want this to happen -- it wants a sturdy display as if the end-user is touching a solid tablet or all-in-one PC. To solve the issue, sources claim the Redmond company has raised the specification of touch-enabled hardware and is addressing the chassis concerns with Ultrabook manufacturers. Naturally if these manufacturers can't/won't meet Microsoft's strict list of expectations, they'll likely be stuck licensing Windows 7 instead.
Just last week we saw Intel demonstrating a super-thin prototype Ultrabook called Letexo that could be used in three ways: as a tablet, as a makeshift AIO PC, and as a standard clamshell notebook. So far very little is known about Letexo other than it's based on Intel's Ivy Bridge Ultrabook platform. Other features seen in product images include an HDMI port and a pair of USB ports. There's also no indication that manufacturers have even signed on to produce products based on the Letexo design.
As seen last week, Letexo's screen slides forward and sits flush on top of the keyboard, creating one streamlined tablet-like device. To create an AIO PC, the screen can be pulled forward in front of the keyboard and propped up with a stand. Sources claim this 3-way design will be the answer to Microsoft's concerns: one that folds, slides and reverts back to clamshell.
That said, Microsoft may have had something to do with Intel's prototype shown last week. Both the new chassis design and Microsoft's Metro UI is expected to boost the effectiveness of Windows 8 despite seemingly alienating the mouse/keyboard consumer. Also expected is a boost in the ratio of touch-enabled Ultrabooks with a display size of 13-inchs and above to 30-percent sold by the end of 4Q12. Previously only 3 to 5-percent were estimated to be touch-based Ultrabooks.
