How tablets will Look Like in 2012

Windows 8 Tablets

Android is not the only news on the tablet-OS front for upcoming year. Microsoft's big coming-out party for Windows 8 is scheduled for 2012, and Windows 8 is bound for tablets in a big way. Several companies offer Windows 7 slates, including Dell, ExoPC, Fujitsu, Hewlett-Packard, Motion Computing, Samsung, and ViewSonic.

With prices starting at 34,082 and running to nearly twice, manufacturers typically position these tablets for the business world, where the Windows operating system reigns supreme, and where buyers tend to have custom software already designed for the OS.

Windows tablets were met with tough market situation so far due to their comparatively higher prices, shorter battery life, and lack of a touch-optimized operating system and apps, but that situation should change with Windows 8. The Windows 8 interface, filled with big "Metro-style" tiles, is optimized for touch navigation. And, in contrast to the current Windows 7 tablet models, which run on Intel Atom CPUs, Windows 8 will be able to run on ARM chips.

When it comes to complete end to end compatibility for data, apps, and peripherals, nothing can stand what a Windows device can offer. That’s a significant advantage over Android and iOS that Windows tablets should be able to exploit.

Still there is no clue of the shipping date for Windows 8, but there will be tablets running the OS coming as soon as summer 2012. At the very least, Windows 8 tablets with less-expensive ARM CPUs are sure to shake up the tablet status.