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Windows 8 dilemma: Consumers don’t buy a tablet for the OS

By | November 29, 2011, 8:45am PST

Summary: Mainstream consumers buy tablets for many reasons, but rarely because of the OS it runs. This will hammer Microsoft’s Windows 8 when it finally appears in the future.

The tablet space is as jumbled as it has been for a while, with the exception of the iPad which continues to blow past the competition. Many companies producing tablets based on Android have discovered the hard way what Microsoft will soon discover with Windows 8 slates. Mainstream consumers buy a particular gadget, in this case a tablet, and not the platform. The average buyer in the street keeps the credit card in the wallet unless a particular tablet grabs his/her fancy.

A new study by Forrester breaks it down with crystal clarity. In just six months, the respondents willing to buy a tablet with Windows 8 inside dropped significantly. Where 46 percent were looking to Redmond for a tablet in the first quarter of this year, only 25 percent were doing so in the third quarter.

I have seen this same response in those primarily looking at Android-based tablets. Outside of the techie world, consumers don’t care about the platform. They find something compelling about a particular tablet, whether it be form, price, or something else, and that drives them to open the pocket to make a purchase. One month the latest tablet from Samsung may be the favorite, only to see the new ASUS steal the thunder when announced a month later. Sure they may both run Android, but that is not a factor in the purchase decision for most folks.

This will continue to be a problem for Microsoft with Windows 8 when it is finally released in the future. It doesn’t make hardware, and will be totally dependent on the tablet makers to capture the attention of prospective buyers. That hasn’t worked too well with Windows Phone, and won’t for the tablet space with Windows 8, either. The longer it takes to hit the market, the less relevant Windows 8 will be. The enterprise may be willing to pick up some tablets running Windows 8, but even that is not a given.

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Operating System, Microsoft Corp., Tablets, Notebooks, Hardware, Notebooks & Tablets, James Kendrick

James Kendrick has been using mobile devices since they weighed 30 pounds, and has been sharing his insights on mobile technology for almost that long.

Disclosure

James Kendrick

James Kendrick has no affiliations or relationships that need to be disclosed.

Biography

James Kendrick

James Kendrick has been using mobile devices since they weighed 30 pounds, and has been sharing his insights on mobile technology for almost that long. Prior to joining ZDNet, James was the Founding Editor of jkOnTheRun, a CNET Top 100 Tech Blog that was acquired by GigaOM in 2008 and is now part of that prestigious tech network. James' writing has appeared in many print publications: Smartphone and Pocket PC Magazine, Information Week and Laptop Magazine to name a few. James' coverage of the mobile technology sector has regularly appeared in the New York Times, Salon.com and CNN/ Fortune online. Not just a writer, James has filmed numerous video reviews and how-tos that have garnered well over a million viewers. He has appeared on local news segments and been interviewed by the Associated Press on mobile technology topics. Additionally, James has been podcasting about mobile technology for years.

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But the OS is one factor I consider
sonicfan1373 10th Dec
I considered many factory when I was choosing a tablet:

1. Build quality
2. Reliability
3. Overall hardware features
4. OS stability
5. Number of apps
6. Interface

The reason why I turned down Android tablets and chose the iPad was not because of the tablet hardware itself (which in many cases I though were beefier than that of the iPad 2) but because of Android, which I had many problems with.

I have tested out the Windows 8 Developer Preview on a laptop and the user interface seems to be a fit for tablets and touch based computers and I did really like it (of course I do believe it still needs a lot of major work) and I also like the way how new metro apps conserve resources through app suspensions like in iOS. I believe that a match up of tablet hardware made by companies like Samsung and Asus with Windows 8 (assuming that Microsoft does the major work needed) will create great tablets that will be able to compete with the iPad.
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RE: Windows 8 dilemma: Consumers don't buy a tablet for the OS
_vJo 29th Nov
It might also be because, for now, there isn't much difference between the different tablet OS's, is there? It's mainly app-centric... the big difference with a Windows 8 tablet is that it has the capabilities of a PC, not the one of a phone with a big screen like Android and iOs tablets... so you can actually use Office on it, for example...
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RE: Windows 8 dilemma: Consumers don't buy a tablet for the OS
smulji 29th Nov
@_vJo You can only use office on it, assuming you're referring to a previous version of office, if the tablet is running on an Intel X86 processor. If it's running an ARM processor you're bunk. ARM-based Windows 8 tablets will only run Metro Apps.

And there's no Metro-based Office App. Yet.
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RE: Windows 8 dilemma: Consumers don't buy a tablet for the OS
Darkninja962@... 29th Nov
@smulji
Microsoft has shown a version of Office working on an ARM processor. I believe it was at CES 2011.
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RE: Windows 8 dilemma: Consumers don't buy a tablet for the OS
Gisabun 29th Nov
@smulji : No Office for metro yet? Obviously. Just like some OS features of Win7 aren't available in Office 2003 [homegroups, favorites]. Office 2012 [?] is expected to be out shortly after Win 8.
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But they do buy it for the functionality
WinTard 29th Nov
@smulji

You don't understand what the industry standard .NET is.

With a few calls to the .NET framework, one can easily port from .x86 to ARM7 code. Just like that.

That's prescient foresight on Microsoft's part.

Don't forget NT was designed from the ground up as a portable OS.

The latest NT version 6.2 is in fact Windows 7 and Windows 2008 R2.

.NET is Java well done from the start. And is a real worldwide standard (Both ISO/IEC and ECMA) which Java isn't.

Just wait for the flurry of cool & great software available on the Industry Standard PC today to make its way to real non-crippled toy tablets, more accurately termed mobile PCs.

App stores funneling you through the walled-garden pay-gate, is over! Do something with it while it lasts...

.NET Framework
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Standardization and licensing

In August 2000, Microsoft, Hewlett-Packard, and Intel worked to standardize CLI and the C# programming language. By December 2001, both were ratified ECMA standards (ECMA 335 and ECMA 334). ISO followed in April 2003 - the current version of the ISO standards are ISO/IEC 23271:2006 and ISO/IEC 23270:2006.[15][16]

While Microsoft and their partners hold patents for the CLI and C#, ECMA and ISO require that all patents essential to implementation be made available under "reasonable and non-discriminatory terms".

In addition to meeting these terms, the companies have agreed to make the patents available royalty-free

~~~~~~~~~~
We are like butterflies who flutter for a day and think its forever.
~ Dr. Carl Sagan, American Astronomer, Writer and Scientist, 1934-1996

If nothing ever changed, there'd be no butterflies.
{Wise Proverb}

Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.
~ John F. Kennedy, 1917-1963, 35th President of the United States
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RE: Windows 8 dilemma: Consumers don't buy a tablet for the OS
tonymcs@... 29th Nov
@_vJo

Essentially James is saying that people are so stupid they won't buy a useful tablet, but carry around their heavy brick size media player tablets as fashion statements. He's also thinking that everyone has the very low requirements of a blogger - low number of words, short articles and no need for any business apps, although anyone who's tried to type on a iPad flat on a desk with their head hanging down, realises how un-ergonomic it is.

Having just waded through the flotsam and jetsam of Android phones, trying to find any capable of full HTML5 or running standard HTML correctly, I really appreciate the basic hardware standards of WP7 and the knowledge that once I do a HTML 5 app for WP7 it will work on all the phones. I'll have the same trust in Win 8 and I'll be getting a convertible tablet, since nothing yet replaces a real keyboard for those of us who need to do work wink

If there is any real use for a tablet, then Win 8 will be the obvious choice.
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Did you even use an iPad?
General C# 30th Nov
@tonymcs@... As a developer whom uses some pretty sophisticated software, I don't really understand what you mean by "real work", that can't be done on a tablet. I've been pretty blown away by some of the software being developed for the iPad. You could pretty much manage the entire LHC from your iPad. In reality, with the proper accessories, there's nothing you can't do on an iPad, metaphorically speaking. All that's required is for you to take your mind out of the 20th century way of doing things and your eyes will be opened to an entire world of possibilities.
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RE: Windows 8 dilemma: Consumers don't buy a tablet for the OS
chr0n0s 30th Nov
@tonymcs@... well said, and I'm not a Windows zealot by any means. I like what works, and I'm waiting for a Windows tablet.
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RE: Windows 8 dilemma: Consumers don't buy a tablet for the OS
bradavon 30th Nov
Agreed about the comparison with Windows Phone but people do buy a desktop/laptop based on it's operating system. They go out to first get Windows, then pick the OEM.
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There *are* office and productivity suites for iOS and Android
jasondlnd 2nd Dec
@_vJo Although Microsoft does not make the office suites available on iOS and Android, they're out there and have enough features to rival Word, Excel or PowerPoint. As for me, I use Office2 on iOS and I really love it.
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RE: Windows 8 dilemma: Consumers don't buy a tablet for the OS
andrew@... 29th Nov
Yep, conjecture, I can write a study too.
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Agreed. here's the whole headline from Forrest
William Farrell 29th Nov
@andrew@...
Consumer Interest In A Windows Tablet Tumbles But Still Leads Android

they also go onto to say The numbers are somewhat shocking, but at the same time understandable. In Q1 2011, 46% of potential tablet shoppers wanted a Windows tablet, but in Q3, that number dropped to just 25%. During the same time period, Android???s appeal gained some ground going from 9% in Q1 to 18% in Q3, although it still trails Windows despite the huge number of available Android devices.

So what's this blog really about?
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RE: Windows 8 dilemma: Consumers don't buy a tablet for the OS
DannyO_0x98 29th Nov
@andrew@...
Okay. Go ahead, let's see what you got.
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RE: Windows 8 dilemma: Consumers don't buy a tablet for the OS
Zedox 29th Nov
As I write on my Samsung Series 7 Slate with Windows 8 on it. Every person that I show the writing capabilities to want it just for that reason. Another difference is that Android has multiple versions (up to date) while Windows will be 1 main OS.
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RE: Windows 8 dilemma: Consumers don't buy a tablet for the OS
grayknight 29th Nov
@Zedox I like my Samsung Series 7 Slate. Makes a decent laptop replacement.
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RE: Windows 8 dilemma: Consumers don't buy a tablet for the OS
itsmebentang Updated - 29th Nov
@grayknight I also own a Samsung Series 7 State that runs both Windows 7 and 8. It is my ThinkPad X220 laptop replacement. I can do many things almost as fast as the laptop, but I am faster with pen/tablet on Adobe Illustrator. I can write nearly as fast as my keyboard,not bad for the difference in portability. I am very happy with my Wacom Digitizer on logo designs.
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RE: Windows 8 dilemma: Consumers don't buy a tablet for the OS
cassclae 29th Nov
Did you type this article up on a android tablet, me thinks not!
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RE: Windows 8 dilemma: Consumers don't buy a tablet for the OS
bobiroc 29th Nov
Well they should. It is the OS that is a major factor on how the thing works.

I find people buy a tablet because they are cute and small/light and are under the impression it can do everything their laptop used to do for them. Depending on what one did with a laptop that could be true and the OS may not matter. Tablets are great personal devices but need a little growing up to do in the education/business/enterprise market. I hope Windows 8 can deliver some of that.

Until then I will continue to defer the complaints from support calls and walk-ins from people asking me to make their iPads and Tablets do everything their laptop and computer does for them because the salesperson told them it would.
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RE: Windows 8 dilemma: Consumers don't buy a tablet for the OS
ScorpioBlue 29th Nov
Unlike desktops and laptops, MS is in the position to build it's own branded phones and tablets. Fortunately for us, they're too stupid to do so.
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RE: Fortunately for us, they're too stupid to do so.
bobiroc 29th Nov
@ScorpioBlue

The only thing that is stupid is your lack of understanding. If you think for a second that if MS built it's own branded computer or tablet that someone would not instantly call Antitrust then you are more dumb than I thought. Why do you think they are working so hard with OEMs to make "signature" edition computers that are free (or mostly free) of crApplications. From what I read they proposed the idea of selling their own "signature" brand of computer and it was shot down as being anti-competitive even though they had no intention of stopping other manufacturers of using the OS license. Essentially Microsoft wanted to make a Crapware free computer and was told they could not so now it is plan B to work with the OEMs to decrappify their computers.

The same goes for tablets and phones. Thanks to the trolls, lawyers, and organizations like the EU Microsoft is held to different set of rules and standards. Companies like Apple are allowed to make/brand hardware as their own and withhold their software to their products only but other companies are not.
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And bobiroc still doesn't get it
ScorpioBlue 29th Nov
If you think for a second that if MS built it's own branded computer or tablet that someone would not instantly call Antitrust then you are more dumb than I thought.

Didn't I just say "unlike desktops" up above? And yet you still knee-jerkedly had to mention it. No wonder your narrow mind still can't see outside the box.

The fact is Windows 8 doesn't even exist on tablets period. So how can an OEM be excluded from something that doesn't exist in the market in the first place? DOH.

Why do you think they are working so hard with OEMs to make "signature" edition computers that are free (or mostly free) of crApplications.

That's only been a recent development, bobiroc. Where were they 15 years ago?

From what I read they proposed the idea of selling their own "signature" brand of computer and it was shot down as being anti-competitive even though they had no intention of stopping other manufacturers of using the OS license.

Again, I'm talking about tablets and phones where Microsoft has little market penetration to speak of. Will you get out of your thick skull and stop equating desktops with this.

The same goes for tablets and phones.

No it hasn't because they haven't tried to do it yet. They're stuck in the past like the corporate dinosaurs that they are.

Now would be a good time to try. But they won't because they can't fundamentally change, that's why.
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RE: Windows 8 dilemma: Consumers don't buy a tablet for the OS
dave95. 29th Nov
@bobiroc

I find people buy a tablet because they are cute and small/light and are under the impression it can do everything their laptop used to do for them.

Well, if we are to look at the iPad satisfaction ratings (95% - 97%), users are loving their device. Even if what you said was true, that they're under the impression that it will do everything a laptop can do. With such a high rating of the iPad, their viewpoint changes at some point.
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RE: Windows 8 dilemma: Consumers don't buy a tablet for the OS
bobiroc 29th Nov
@dave95.

The iPad is a great little device as are other tablets. People are satisfied because it plays their games, allows them to read their eBooks, lets them check their email and do some light web browsing, check facebook and all sorts of fun and entertaining tasks. I never said it was a bad device for the individual. On the contrary tablets are great when it comes to a personal entertainment/light task device designed around the individual. They are just not so good when it comes to working with some larger organizations that have to be concerned about making their devices work for the masses and need them to work for multiple users at any time.
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RE: Windows 8 dilemma: Consumers don't buy a tablet for the OS
ScorpioBlue Updated - 29th Nov
@dave95.
And let's not forget that the iPad had been out for what? Almost 2 years by now?

I think most people realize what the iPad can or can't do by now. bobiroc seems to have a problem with it. It seems to be just too radical a concept for him that some people would want a supplemental computing devices like this. The kind of thing that would draw people away from the traditional Windows desktop monopoly.
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RE: Windows 8 dilemma: Consumers don't buy a tablet for the OS
spaulagain 29th Nov
Are you smoking dope?

"They find something compelling about a particular tablet, whether it be form, price, or something else..."

Form? They are all the a thin screen, not much form there!

Price? Funny, iPad is more expensive usually

That something else IS the OS. Its called the UI and the eco-system around it. Why the hell else would iPad be crushing all other Tablets? Because the OS is so much better and easier to use. iPad does not have the best specs out of all tablets, but it does have the best OS. Your logic is flawed.

This post is just another pathetic excuse for you to hate on Microsoft. LAME
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RE: Windows 8 dilemma: Consumers don't buy a tablet for the OS
dhmccoy 29th Nov
@spaulagain
Sure. the iPad was more expensive than the original Galaxy Tab, the Playbook, Xoom, Touchpad and Galaxy 10.1 tablets. Seems to me that the HW is right were it needs to be.

Unless, of course, you stick to the cheapest stuff or newly arrived Fire(a device with made so cheap that the left off both the volume button and good storage),
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RE: Windows 8 dilemma: Consumers don't buy a tablet for the OS
vancevep 30th Nov
I agree wholeheartedly. I bought an iPhone because I didn't like the buggy nature and poor quality apps that I was experiencing on my Android phone. This led me to buy an iPad. I just tried out the Windows Metro demo (http://aka.ms/wpdemo) and if the Windows tablet using that sort of interface, I don't see myself embracing it. Too much swiping and moving around... felt completely lost.
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RE: Windows 8 dilemma: Consumers don't buy a tablet for the OS
Cylon Centurion 29th Nov
Actually, I DO!

iOS doesn't offer nearly half of what Windows does. Handwriting being a huge killer.
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RE: Windows 8 dilemma: Consumers don't buy a tablet for the OS
Doctor Demento 29th Nov
If people don't buy tablets because of the OS, then how do you explain the success of the iPad?

Are you seriously going to argue that buy don't buy iPads because they are made by Apple and run the same OS they already know?
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RE: Windows 8 dilemma: Consumers don't buy a tablet for the OS
DannyO_0x98 Updated - 29th Nov
@Doctor Demento
One may explain the success of the iPad by marketing, branding, and an ecosystem that evolved from an existing ecosystem (iOS would be a part of the last point, but only a part). They also were willing to gamble that a business could be made from the numbers of people for whom the ease-of-use (which arises from the constraints of functionality) would be attractive relative to the netbook or low-cost notebook.

I know Apple emphasizes the iOS brand, but it may be as important to iPad sales as QNX was to the TouchPad* sales or Android to Kindle Fire sales (I'm assuming that when the year closes, Amazon will have sold a bunch of those.) To be clear, not much but not not at all.

That is my response to your first question.

To the second question, the first part is about branding. Yes, Apple's brand has a cachet and it helps them sell stuff. That is true regardless of the os actually driving the hardware. As to the second half, the same os is a factor in app security, but I think the interface experience is the bigger factor in being the os the consumer knows. Perhaps an angels-on-a-pin type of argument.

I think Mr. Kendrick is right in terms of assessment of the os factor. So, instead of questions, how about some declarative sentences to build a counter-argument?

Frankly, thinking about the troubles Microsoft had in getting people to drop XP for Vista (or how often new systems were down-licensed during those years), I would suggest that when the consumer is thinking about the os, it isn't good.

* Ooops. QNX was BlackBerry and WebOS was TouchPad.
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RE: Windows 8 dilemma: Consumers don't buy a tablet for the OS
pdth Updated - 29th Nov
Well of course people don't buy tablets for the OS. Right now, the OS (iOS and Android) doesn't provide any unique value. That doesn't mean it will always be this way.
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Of course they don't
Michael Kelly 29th Nov
They buy a tablet for the features. But software is a major feature.

For Windows 8 to be successful on tablets they need to do a lot more than merely demonstrate they can ram Windows onto a tablet. They have to play to their strengths obviously, and their strength is Windows on the PC. If they can make a tablet that is capable of being an extension of their home PC, that will be the key. The home PC can still do a lot of things a tablet can't, such as store more information (e.g. multimedia) and run more powerful apps.

I see two "must have" apps that are needed to accomplish this. One is a really good RDP app that solves the NAT problems the current one has (there are good third party apps, but I think MS is in a position to do better). The other is a Windows Media Center extender that streams multimedia (and can re-encode in lower resolutions on the fly as necessary when connections are strained) from the PC to the tablet. I think many users would be more comfortable with PC storage than a cloud storage solution. And obviously in both apps security is a major consideration.

It would be bonus if the tablet could interact with an Xbox as well.
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Three Screens and The Cloud
jatbains 29th Nov
The future platform is the Cloud!!!
Users will buy Windows 8 because it can share data, pics, profiles, games etc. across Xbox, Windows Phone and Windows 8!!
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Apples and Oranges
WebSiteManager 29th Nov
iOS and Android don't do a credible job of extending a PC/Mac ecosystem. They are largely islands to themselves. Therefore, the study can't answer whether integration between a Windows 8 tablet and a Windows 8 PC will get the consumer's attention or not. It's not exactly surprising that people aren't too interested in a product that's announced for some time out as compared to products that are available today. Let's talk again a few months after Windows 8 has launched.
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RE: Windows 8 dilemma: Consumers don't buy a tablet for the OS
itguy10 29th Nov
@WebSiteManager

Really? When I had an iPhone it synced my pictures and music flawlessly. What I told it to every time I plugged in my phone. Contacts and calendar information too. It all just worked. That was integration.

With the iCloud Apple seems to be heading in that integrated direction.

Then again PC integration may be pointless - more and more people I know do 99% of their stuff on their phones. They say they hardly use their computers anymore....
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RE: Windows 8 dilemma: Consumers don't buy a tablet for the OS
ScorpioBlue 29th Nov
Then again PC integration may be pointless - more and more people I know do 99% of their stuff on their phones. They say they hardly use their computers anymore....

That's starting to become more and more true. Unfortunately some Windows shill flagged you for speaking the truth. They still desperately cling to the past of having you tethered to a desktop mouse & keyboard for the rest of your life.

The future is in mobile.
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RE: Windows 8 dilemma: Consumers don't buy a tablet for the OS
Michael Kelly 29th Nov
@itguy10

But they do go back to their PCs for some things. That will continue, maybe not for everybody, but for a significant portion of the market. For Win8 to make an impact they have to come up with a great app (or apps) that integrates both the PC and the tablet/phone, something more than mere syncing. The biggest hurdle is they need to communicate 24/7 even past a NAT for when you travel, which is something that current tablets and phones do not do well, with the exception of a couple of third party remote desktop apps. If they can get past that hurdle that opens up a world of opportunities.
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RE: Windows 8 dilemma: Consumers don't buy a tablet for the OS
lgpOnTheMove 29th Nov
BS James!

The ability to run x86 software is one VERY BIG factor many buyers will be looking forward to. You cannot compare a handicapped smartphone OS with the full PC experience Windows 8 offers. Anybody who needs OneNote functionality with HW recognition will also look to MS for the OS.

Yes, I enjoy my netbook, but getting that same functionality in a compact 7" slate is what has turned me off every single iPad wannabe I have looked at so far.
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RE: Windows 8 dilemma: Consumers don't buy a tablet for the OS
neutrino23 29th Nov
Today's rumor is that MS will bring out Office for the iPad soon. That had to be a hard fought battle inside MS. On the one hand with the iPad on track to sell over 100 million units soon they couldn't really leave that much money on the table. It also left open the chance for another office suite to make MS Office more irrelevant. On the other hand, if MS Office is available on the iPad why would you need a Windows 8 tablet?
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Here's a radical thought...
adornoe@... Updated - 29th Nov
but perhaps one that might be very practical.

Once Windows 8 comes out, even Apple will be tempted to drop their iOS and convert their iPads to accept Windows 8.

Otherwise, perhaps there will be some enterprising mind out there that will figure out a hack to make the iPads able to install Windows 8. After all, if Windows 8 will be capable of running on different cpus and hardware, then iPads will be seen as just another make of the same kind of hardware as Windows 8 will support. The only problem for the iPads might be that, they'll still be an incomplete computing environment and the newer tablets of the future will be more capable and more feature-rich, which is something that Windows 8 is supposed to support.

Heck, even the iPhones might be able to be hacked to accept Windows 8 installations.

Won't that be a hoot.

If it can happen, it will.

After all, if Mac computers can be made to run Windows 7, then the iPhones and iPads might not be too far behind for Windows 8.

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Repeated blog
Gisabun 29th Nov
ZDnet seems to be famous in repeating news that others on ZDnet has reported already. Forrester's research is full of it. Surveyed from 2 different sources with the more recent one with almost half the respondents.

The respondents themselves are full of it because Win 8 isn't out [except in developer preview] and I can guarantee the majority of those who responded didn't even see Win 8 yet - even in the preview. To report this lopsides research is wrong. It's like asking who will win the Super Bowl but you didn't ask any Green Bay fans. [Of course the Dolphins will win... happy ]
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What's the point of flagging?
WinTard 29th Nov
I think the flagger(s) should be banned! Unless they have valid reasons, which in all the threads I've read so far today, they have none...

Cry babies!

~~~~~~~~~~
There are only two races on this planet - the intelligent and the stupid.
~ John Fowles
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Was thinking the same about "flaggers",
adornoe@... 30th Nov
where, even the most innocent of posts get flagged.

If it's so easy to flag a comment, then the reason for the flagging system has been abused and has become worthless.
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Amazing un informed comments
kpbpsw 29th Nov
@WinTard - MSFt officially depreciated both .Net and Siverlight with the announcement of Windows 8. You could not be more wrong. Publicly there is not indication that MSFt will offer any tools for direct porting of existing frameworks to Metro/ARM (in typical MSFt fashion they may save this for in house use like they did with Win32 vs OS2-Presentation Manager)

And while I am no fan of MSFT I can only say Forester's record for understanding where technology is going is much worst tan MSFT so I would not count on the accuracy of their "study".

MSFT biggest hope will be that Intel finally get's their act together and produces a low power x86 based powerful chip and then existing Windows apps would be easily ported to tablets by updating the UI for Multi-Touch without having to re-write the code from scratch.

And if you tech news Office for the iPad will probably be out considerably before Windows 8. Just as Excel. Power Point and Word were out on the Mac long before Windows. This nether helps or hurts W8 other than giving MSFT a design / testbed for incorporating a Multi-Touch UI for Office. It also will enable MSFT to learn form Apple / iOS is doing and build / extend it.

The big question is time to market vs entrenchment of iOS and Android and MSFT's execution of Windows 8, is it Longhorn/Vista or has the elephant learned to dance?
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RE: Windows 8 dilemma: Consumers don't buy a tablet for the OS
larryalobo 30th Nov
They don't necessarily buy it for the name of the OS but for how it works and what it lets them do, its power and flexibility. They're not waiting for a company to do something but for the product that lets them do things and pricing - e.g. Amazon Fire. Microsoft is not in trouble since it's not focusing on its name - we'll see if they can deliver a fabulous enough experience with the OS in the tablet, computer, smartphone, gaming, the cloud. The next 2 year will tell.
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Perhaps not such a problem
Cynical99 30th Nov
I have an Android tablet. It sucks big time. Inconsistencies, issues, etc. If MS controls the OS to eliminate the inconsistencies and controls the vendors for a consistent experience, they might just win.

Apple won by controlling everything and making sure it worked for the consumer. If MS follows the same model, they do have a chance.
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RE: Windows 8 dilemma: Consumers don't buy a tablet for the OS
ForeverSPb 1st Dec
Walk into any store that has to do with computers, even Staples, and you will see gazillion accessories for tablets - notably covers and keyboards. So, given that a tablet is a keyboard-deprived notepad with a touchscreen and wifi - how come there are no notepads with touchscreens, wifi and regular windows?
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RE: Windows 8 dilemma: Consumers don't buy a tablet for the OS
robertgreenlee 1st Dec
I disagree, OS does matter to people as it is based on what people feel comfortable and familiar using that drives the shopping process - then purchase decision. The other drivers of the purchase decision are price value, form-factor and application eco-system. Windows has the largest current marketshare, application eco-system, best price value and thus the most comfortable, confident and familiar OS users to transition to Windows 8 devices. All those current Windows users need to feel confident and comfortable with the new Windows 8 devices that are coming and Win 8 will be a huge success. Just my personal thoughts and are not official Microsoft comments. I am a Microsoft employee.
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RE: Windows 8 dilemma: Consumers don't buy a tablet for the OS
jhammackHTH 3rd Dec
I see James' articles are insipid and inane as ever, with no hard facts or research to back it up. Just more BS about how a product that's not even in beta, is going to fail.
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But the OS is one factor I consider
sonicfan1373 10th Dec
I considered many factory when I was choosing a tablet:

1. Build quality
2. Reliability
3. Overall hardware features
4. OS stability
5. Number of apps
6. Interface

The reason why I turned down Android tablets and chose the iPad was not because of the tablet hardware itself (which in many cases I though were beefier than that of the iPad 2) but because of Android, which I had many problems with.

I have tested out the Windows 8 Developer Preview on a laptop and the user interface seems to be a fit for tablets and touch based computers and I did really like it (of course I do believe it still needs a lot of major work) and I also like the way how new metro apps conserve resources through app suspensions like in iOS. I believe that a match up of tablet hardware made by companies like Samsung and Asus with Windows 8 (assuming that Microsoft does the major work needed) will create great tablets that will be able to compete with the iPad.

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