Microsoft Partners May Ditch Windows RT, Sources Claim
Sources are siting sluggish performance with Windows RT tablets.
Unnamed sources in Taipei are reporting that Windows RT tablets may become a Microsoft exclusive thanks to software compatibility and weak performance. They also blame Microsoft's own Surface RT tablet as a main issue of rebellion -- nothing new there -- because the software giant has the resources to undercut its partners on pricing.
Additional insiders claim that there have been issues developing Windows RT tablets, especially with software drivers in the early stages. The ARM-focused version of Windows 8 feels sluggish they claim, even more so when compared to Windows 8 Pro tablets running on Intel's hardware.
Just recently Microsoft confirmed four OEMs that will produce Windows RT devices: Asus, Dell, Lenovo and Samsung. Afterward Toshiba announced that it had bailed out on the Windows RT parade for now, citing the inability to get the needed components before a "timely" launch. Acer however said it will stay on the Windows RT team, supposedly launching products in early 2013.
The latest controversy surrounding Windows RT is that Microsoft may sell its Surface RT tablet starting at $199. Acer CEO JT Wang advised Microsoft against such pricing, claiming that it would have a significant, negative impact on partners. Instead, the Surface tablets should retail for $499 to $599. So far Surface pricing is a big Redmond mystery.
Just recently, David Schmoock, head of Lenovo’s North America operations, told Bloomberg that Windows RT tablets from OEMs should cost between $200 and $300 less than Intel-based Windows 8 Pro tablets. "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."
So far there's no indication that the Big Four plan to bail out on the Windows RT bandwagon too. Both Lenovo and HP have stated that Microsoft will be just another competitor, that both feel confident their Windows RT solutions will conquer anything Microsoft has to offer.
For the Windows RT tablet sector, a lot will be riding on the initial release slated for October 2012, leading OEMs like Acer and Toshiba to play the wait-and-see game as consumers flock -- or not flock -- to all versions of Windows 8 tablets.
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Kevin Parrish has more than a decade of experience working as a writer, editor, and product tester. He began writing about computer hardware and soon branched out to other devices and services such as networking equipment, phones and tablets, game consoles, and other internet-connected devices. His work has appeared in Tom’s Hardware, Tom’s Guide, Maximum PC, Digital Trends, Android Authority, How-To Geek, Lifewire, and others. At HighSpeedInternet.com, he focuses on network equipment testing and review.
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phatboe If only AMD had a compelling x86 CPU/APU designed for tablets. We would then see good performing tablets at sane price points. I like Intel CPUs but when it comes to value AMD is generally the company to deliver. Hopefully AMD can make a trinity derived APU soon that is tailored for tablets.Reply -
aftcomet If Microsoft wasn't releasing the Surface we'd be hearing how amazing the performance is right now.Reply -
mcd023 i saw windows 8 on a weak ti processor and it was fast and smooth, so... as far as the price, the intel cpus are $250 ish anyway, so of course rt will be almost that much cheaperReply -
It depends on the type of tablet phatboe. A Windows 8 tablet with a dual core Medfield will give you great battery life due to it's SOC low power design. AMD won't have anything SOC for a while I'm afraid. You would have to deal with E series designs which compared to Medfield aren't really that much faster in multiprocessing tests while not having near the battery life. Performance wise, AMD's solutions are WAY slower than a low power Intel i3/i5 Ivy design so they aren't comparable to that product either. Really, this is one space wher AMD just doesn't have a compelling solution at all. I know they are working on it, but they are very late to the table.Reply
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math1337 Partners are pretty smart. RT is pretty useless.Reply
RT < Android
RT < iOS
Looking forward to 8 pro though. -
alidan phatboeIf only AMD had a compelling x86 CPU/APU designed for tablets. We would then see good performing tablets at sane price points. I like Intel CPUs but when it comes to value AMD is generally the company to deliver. Hopefully AMD can make a trinity derived APU soon that is tailored for tablets.Reply
i think that would be kind of stupid. budget tablets arent about selling a few, its about selling a mass number of the chips. the profit margin isnt there to make it a viable market, but thats also not counting that amd doesn't have a workable solution if they do a die shrink.
does anyone know what intel chip they are useing, was it a special tablet version, or just a low end/efficiat laptop cpu? -
digiex ReplyThe ARM-focused version of Windows 8 feels sluggish they claim, even more so when compared to Windows 8 Pro tablets running on Intel's hardware.
Windows RT is a half-baked product. It is may be just an x86 emulator that is why it is sluggish. -
Ah Tom's doing what it does best : Windows bashing. From a business point of view it is clear that Microsoft partners are wary of Surface. Why : because it looks like a damn good machine, with good looks and presumably good performance. Something they have neglected to produce over the last five years.Reply
From my point of view : let's see what Surface brings and what else OEMs come up with to compete and who knows : we might just be pleasantly surprised of the results of this move. -
sylvez Sources are citing. They also cite.Reply
On another note, I'm still looking forward to Windows RT. Something fresh on the table won't hurt anybody.