Windows 7 on Tablets, Desktops and Weirder Devices

by Nicholas Kolakowski

The Viliv S10 is meant to combine a lightweight form factor, at 2.67 pounds, with the added functionality of a convertible multitouch display.

The Onkyo DX1007A5 is a dual-screen netbook that features a pair of slide-out 10.1-inch LED backlit displays, with a resolution of 1,366 x 768. It might prove ideal for really long spreadsheets.

Motion Computings C5v is a tablet built for health care environments, rugged with an extra-strength Gorilla glass screen. It also features a lightweight and a hot-swap battery feature.

The Alienware M17x includes an Intel i7 processor and an ATI CrossFireX graphics processor, the better to render “Left 4 Dead” or whatever game currently strikes your fancy.

First International Computer produced this slate PC, the Tycoon TVB00, with a 10.1-inch widescreen, 1.66GHz Intel Atom N455 processor, and communication capabilities with 802.11b/g/n and Bluetooth 2.1 wireless.

The DRS Tactical Armor X10 rugged tablet PC includes a 10.4-inch LCD display, aluminum housing, QuickBack data recovery system, built-in wireless LAN, and a ruggedness that meets military specifications (MIL-STD-810F)—which means it can withstand drops, moisture, dust, vibrations and temperature extremes.

The Panasonic Toughbook CF-31 can be dropped from six feet, as well as withstand moisture and other extreme conditions. It features a 13-inch screen and an Intel i5 processor.

Microsoft Surface, a multitouch computer the size of a small coffee table, lets users play games and interact with touch-optimized applications. Although it never saw wide adoption, and doesnt run Windows 7, Microsoft likes to show off Surface at events as an example of a large-scale touch interface.

The Coby NBPC1022 offers a 10-inch screen, paired with an Intel Atom N270 processor, for an ultra-portable netbook experience.

iBuyPower custom-builds desktops for gamers and others who need the processing power of an AMD Athlon II CPU, as well as other high-end parts.

Mobile Demands Xtablet T8700 tablet PC offers an 8.4-inch screen, embedded within a shell of lightweight magnesium alloy; it meets the MIL-STD 810F standard for ruggedness, and includes a battery rated for 7 hours use.

The MSI AE2420 3D boasts a 24-inch multitouch screen, powered by either an Intel i5 or i7 processor, and leverages the current craze for 3D technology.

Microsoft seems determined to port Windows 7 onto tablets, although the company has announced no concrete plans to produce a stripped-down version of the operating system tailored to lighter form factors.

As demonstrated several times at WPC, Microsoft is also working with its hardware partners to promote Windows 7 as an ideal platform for hardcore gamers.