Since I have been playing with RC2 on my Acer W500 I Love it. It will byte with a non-touch interface. Might have to come up with at portable tablet screen….
Microsoft last week for the first time revealed specifics about Windows 8 versions and features, confirming that the operating system will come in three, traditional desktop editions and a version built specifically for tablets that run chips based on ARM’s reference design.
Windows 8, Windows 8 Pro, and Windows 8 Enterprise will run on traditional desktops and laptops, as well as ultrabooks. Windows 8 RT will run on tablets that use ARM-based chips manufactured by Qualcomm, Motorola, and Nvidia. Windows 8 RT will only be available as a preinstalled OS on tablets and other mobile devices. Those tablets will also come with a touch-optimized version of Office 15 preinstalled.
The Windows 8 lineup represents a streamlining of sorts by Microsoft. By comparison, Windows 7 was available in six editions, including Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional, Ultimate, and Enterprise. Microsoft did not release pricing details of the various Windows 8 versions.
Windows 8 marks Microsoft’s most significant redesign of its franchise OS since Windows 95. The new OS gives users the option of ditching the familiar Windows Explorer interface in favor of the touch-based Metro UI, which first appeared on Windows Phone.