Close
  • Latest News
  • Big Data and Analytics
  • Cloud
  • Networking
  • Cybersecurity
  • Applications
  • IT Management
  • Storage
  • Sponsored
  • Mobile
  • Small Business
  • Development
  • Database
  • Servers
  • Android
  • Apple
  • Innovation
  • Blogs
  • PC Hardware
  • Reviews
  • Search Engines
  • Virtualization
Read Down
Sign in
Close
Welcome!Log into your account
Forgot your password?
Read Down
Password recovery
Recover your password
Close
Search
Logo
Logo
  • Latest News
  • Big Data and Analytics
  • Cloud
  • Networking
  • Cybersecurity
  • Applications
  • IT Management
  • Storage
  • Sponsored
  • Mobile
  • Small Business
  • Development
  • Database
  • Servers
  • Android
  • Apple
  • Innovation
  • Blogs
  • PC Hardware
  • Reviews
  • Search Engines
  • Virtualization
More
    Home Latest News
    • Mobile
    • Networking
    • PC Hardware
    • Storage

    Windows 8 Tablets: 10 Crucial Features Buyers Want to See

    By
    Don Reisinger
    -
    August 9, 2012
    Share
    Facebook
    Twitter
    Linkedin

      When Windows 8 launches on Oct. 26, it will have a lot to prove about how well the operating system will work on tablets. The operating system, which will work just fine on traditional PCs, is designed to provide a high-end experience on tablets.

      Some of those tablets will be running Microsoft’s ARM-based version, Windows RT, while the others will come with Windows 8 Pro. So far, few vendors have unveiled their plans for Windows 8 slates.

      Still, we know that some Windows 8 tablets are coming. When they do, we can only hope that they’ll offer an array of features that will make them and the operating system a success in the mobile market. From a big screen to an innovative design, it’s clear that in order to be successful and compete against Apple’s iPad, Windows 8 tablets are going to have to appeal to both consumers and enterprise users. More importantly, those tablets should deliver that by way of aesthetics and components.

      Take a look at the sort of features Windows 8 tablets must offer to be successful in the hotly contested tablet market this year and next.

      1. Big screens

      Although 7-inch tablets have been successful, that’s only because they’re cheap and don’t try to do too much. Windows 8 tablets, however, will attempt to replace lightweight notebooks running the operating system. Therefore, they need to be more powerful and come with a big display. In that end of the space, it’s what customers expect.

      2. An innovative design, like Surface

      One of the nicest things about Microsoft’s Surface tablet is that it’s innovative. The device comes with a beautiful VaporMg finish, and its kickstand is an added benefit that can’t be overlooked. In order to compete against that device, all Windows 8 tablet vendors must be able to deliver a fresh design–or else.

      3. Windows 8 Pro

      Windows 8 Pro is the operating system that most customers will want to use. It’ll support all applications, come with all the latest Windows 8 features, and make enterprise users far more productive. Windows RT will be fine for casual users, but for serious customers, Windows 8 Pro is a necessary ingredient in any tablet.

      4. Apps galore

      In order for Windows 8-based tablets to be successful, they’re going to need an ample number of applications in the Windows Marketplace. Digitally delivered apps will be a key piece of the Windows 8 puzzle, but if it fizzles out and developers don’t care, the tablets will fail. Vendors, especially, can’t forget that.

      Mobile Users Require 4G LTE Connectivity

      5. Strong vendor support

      Speaking of vendors, it’s imperative that many companies get into the mix. If the Android ecosystem has taught the marketplace anything, it’s that consumers are quite happy with choices. The more options available to them, the better. So, if Windows 8 tablets are going to be successful and achieve great strides over the next several years, vendors will need to get into the mix.

      6. Competitive pricing

      If Windows 8 tablets are too expensive, they will fail. It’s as simple as that. So, vendors will need to make sure that their pricing can justify customers putting down the iPad and choosing their product. In some cases, that might mean pricing the tablet for less than the iPad. In others, it might mean matching the cost. But never should vendors try to charge more than the iPad’s top price-$829-for their slates.

      7. State-of-the-art processors

      If Microsoft wants to truly achieve its goal of delivering a tablet that can replace lightweight notebooks, the company and its vendor partners must offer up state-of-the-art processors. Any outdated or less-powerful processors just won’t work in the mobile market.

      8. Flash storage, for sure

      In the mobile space, there is a very different experience delivered by Flash storage than traditional hard drives. Flash storage is quicker, offers fewer chances of malfunctioning, and yes, costs a bit more. But that shouldn’t matter. Flash storage is the key ingredient that makes tablets more responsive. Flash storage technology needs to play a role in all Windows 8 slates.

      9. 4G LTE across the board

      Since tablets are designed to be mobile, it would only make sense that all Windows 8 tablets are able to connect to the Web from a mobile network. However, the last thing the tablet makers should do is only support 3G. The future of mobile connectivity is 4G LTE and that’s is what buyers want.

      10. One good version from every company

      In the Windows ecosystem, sometimes vendors complicate things. They believe that by offering many models and features, it reduces the chances that buyers will go to a competing vendor. But that’s less likely in the case of tablets. Consumers want one good device from every vendor. Based on that information, they can decide what they want. Vendors can’t forget that.

      Follow Don Reisinger on Twitter by clicking here

      Don Reisinger
      Don Reisinger is a longtime freelance contributor to several technology and business publications. Over his career, Don has written about everything from geek-friendly gadgetry to issues of privacy and data security. He became an eWEEK contributor in 2009 producing slide shows focusing on the top news stories of the day. When he's not writing, Don is typically found fixing computers or playing an old-school video game.

      MOST POPULAR ARTICLES

      Big Data and Analytics

      Alteryx’s Suresh Vittal on the Democratization of...

      James Maguire - May 31, 2022 0
      I spoke with Suresh Vittal, Chief Product Officer at Alteryx, about the industry mega-shift toward making data analytics tools accessible to a company’s complete...
      Read more
      Cybersecurity

      Visa’s Michael Jabbara on Cybersecurity and Digital...

      James Maguire - May 17, 2022 0
      I spoke with Michael Jabbara, VP and Global Head of Fraud Services at Visa, about the cybersecurity technology used to ensure the safe transfer...
      Read more
      Applications

      Cisco’s Thimaya Subaiya on Customer Experience in...

      James Maguire - May 10, 2022 0
      I spoke with Thimaya Subaiya, SVP and GM of Global Customer Experience at Cisco, about the factors that create good customer experience – and...
      Read more
      Big Data and Analytics

      GoodData CEO Roman Stanek on Business Intelligence...

      James Maguire - May 4, 2022 0
      I spoke with Roman Stanek, CEO of GoodData, about business intelligence, data as a service, and the frustration that many executives have with data...
      Read more
      Cloud

      Yotascale CEO Asim Razzaq on Controlling Multicloud...

      James Maguire - May 5, 2022 0
      Asim Razzaq, CEO of Yotascale, provides guidance on understanding—and containing—the complex cost structure of multicloud computing. Among the topics we covered:  As you survey the...
      Read more
      Logo

      eWeek has the latest technology news and analysis, buying guides, and product reviews for IT professionals and technology buyers. The site’s focus is on innovative solutions and covering in-depth technical content. eWeek stays on the cutting edge of technology news and IT trends through interviews and expert analysis. Gain insight from top innovators and thought leaders in the fields of IT, business, enterprise software, startups, and more.

      Facebook
      Linkedin
      RSS
      Twitter
      Youtube

      Advertisers

      Advertise with TechnologyAdvice on eWeek and our other IT-focused platforms.

      Advertise with Us

      Menu

      • About eWeek
      • Subscribe to our Newsletter
      • Latest News

      Our Brands

      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms
      • About
      • Contact
      • Advertise
      • Sitemap
      • California – Do Not Sell My Information

      Property of TechnologyAdvice.
      © 2022 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

      Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.

      ×