iPad 3 out before Microsoft has Windows ready for tablets

We discussed late last year that Microsoft was looking at Windows 8 for the possible future of its tablet devices, but Microsoft’s OS team is in no hurry to rush anything out as several internal sources at Microsoft (who want to remain anonymous) said that the company won’t be release a true tablet operating system until 2012’s back-to-school season.

This has left some analysts a little flummoxed, with analyst Michael Gatenberg noting that if 2011 is the year of the tablet wars then Microsoft will be awfully late suiting up for the battle. By this time Microsoft would be up against not just the 2nd generation iPad but most likely iPad 3, and we still have HP and RIM models to come out this year too.

Public testing of a new version of Windows is expected near the end of this year. It will most likely be an updated version of Windows 7 OS with more features that are tailored-made to the tablet platform, including making sure the screen size is right and that the battery life will be acceptable. Once this is done Microsoft will be hoping they have a platform that is able to compete better with Apple and Google.

Read more at Bloomberg Businessweek

Computer Tablets: Are They For You?

Technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace and no area echoes this more than the personal computer sector. Instead of having just desktop computers and notebook computers, we now have tablets, smart phones and netbooks. All these additions can make the computer world a daunting one, when buying a new system. For simplicity sake, this article will focus on just the tablet, as it is a relatively new addition to the personal computer market and some people are unsure of it's difference with the netbook or notebook computer.
The tablet should best be considered a hybrid between a netbook computer and smart phone. Its size alone sits in between the two devices (in most cases), however it is more powerful than a smart phone in processing power and about equal with most netbooks. It is often more compactly designed than a netbook, usually occupying a slimmer case and all tablets come with touch screen functionality. The touch screen functionality seems to be the most recognizable characteristic of a tablet.

So what does this mean? Well, for one it means your decision on a portable personal computer just got slightly more difficult. Most people will likely be torn between a netbook and a tablet as their "Internet surfing device". Both are very similar in function and processing power. They are both equally good for Internet browsing, word processing and email. The main differences between the two are the size of the unit and the price. Tablets are often more expensive because they slimmer in design and provide a touch screen display. The premium price tag on tablets has meant that you can probably upgrade your hard drive and RAM in your netbook and still buy it cheaper than a tablet.
In the end it comes down to budget and what you need your new personal computer device for. If you need more information on some tablet options, check out this informative [website]
Harvey J. Sharp is an avid traveler and writer, who spends little time in the United States, preferring South America, India and parts of Asia. His interests are in art, design, photography and sculpture.

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