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Windows 8 is slated to launch on Oct. 26. Microsoft is calling the operating system a major upgrade over Windows 7 and so far, everyone who has used the software has arrived at the same conclusion. From its new design to its improved security, Windows 8 will likely be the software that determines Microsoft’s success and prosperity over the next few years.
A key component in the operating system’s success or failure will be tablets. For the past several years tablets have been rising in popularity among consumers and enterprise users. However, Microsoft Windows has fallen by the wayside in that mobile market. With Windows 8, Microsoft hopes to change that and finally cement itself as a competitor to Apple’s iPad and the Samsung Galaxy Tab.
Of course, doing so will be a challenge, to say the least. But so far, it appears that Windows 8 tablets will have what it takes to be successful. From a full-fledged operating system to neat designs, the Windows 8 tablets coming out in the next several months will be worth any customer’s hard-earned cash.
Here are the reasons why:
1. Windows 8 Pro
According to Microsoft, Windows 8 Pro, the full-fledged version of the operating system, will be capable of running on Intel-based tablets. That’s precisely why the Surface is so appealing and why many other vendors are thinking of bundling the operating system into their products. Windows 8 Pro will arguably be the most powerful operating system available on a tablet.
2. Surface proves it can work
Microsoft’s Surface was panned by some who said that the software giant should not be getting into the hardware game. However, those folks failed to realize that it’s a blueprint for all other vendors to use for their own products. The Surface is also the benchmark by which all devices will be judged. According to those who have taken the device for a spin, the Surface delivers.
3. The enterprise will love it
The corporate world is actively seeking a platform-tablet combination that can handle all of their needs without sacrificing style and mobility. And at least on paper, Windows 8 and tablets will deliver on that. Of course, we’ll need to see the products in person to know for sure if they’re worth buying. But so far, it appears the corporate world will find a lot to like in Windows 8 tablets.
4. Android isn’t cutting it
The proposition that Windows 8 might be ideal for corporate tablet customers stands in stark contrast to Android. So far, Google’s operating system just won’t cut it for corporate users. As long as it stays that way, the chances are quite high of Windows 8 becoming an appealing choice for the enterprise.
5. For corporate users, the PlayBook is a mess
RIM’s BlackBerry PlayBook was supposed to be the tablet that would ultimately appeal most to enterprise customers. But before long, it was seen for what it really is: a dud. From its hardware to its underpowered software, the PlayBook is a mess. Windows 8-based tablets will be able to fill the vast void it left in the enterprise market.
6. Software compatibility
One of the nice things about running Windows 8 on a tablet is that it will support the many programs that both consumers and enterprise users rely on each day. In other tablets, including Apple’s iPad, there’s no way to run desktop software. With Windows 8 tablets, desktop software will work just fine.
7. Several options
Apple currently only offers one iPad for customers to consider purchasing. If they don’t like the six models within that lineup, they’ll need to go elsewhere. In the Windows 8 ecosystem, it’ll be much different. Since Microsoft will license its software to any company, a host of Windows 8 products will be available for customers to choose. That’s a good thing. The more choices available, the better.
8. Pricing should be strong
All of that competition can only mean one thing: pricing should be extremely strong. In fact, customers could see a scenario in which a price war erupts, pushing the tablet’s costs down and giving customers a great chance to score a high-end device at a low-end price.
9. Microsoft is serious
Microsoft knows what’s at stake by not capitalizing heavily on the success of tablets. If the company can’t make Windows 8 a standout in that market, it stands to lose billions of dollars. As a result expect Microsoft to make a strong push for Windows 8 on tablets, which means we can expect Windows 8 OEMs to produced best products possible on the platform.
10. It’s ideal for Apple haters
Apple haters are everywhere. So, they’re on the hunt for products that can compete well with Apple’s options, but don’t come with the fruit logo. Windows 8 tablets might just fit that bill. Windows tablets could end up the ideal choice for Apple haters, which will only pushing sales higher.
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