At the Microsoft World Partner Conference (WPC) conference, Steve Ballmer commented that Microsoft is “hard core” about slates. He stated a lot of stuff is coming over the next several months.
Ballmer claims we’ll like the Windows 7 slate devices that are coming. While Microsoft was ahead of the game with Tablet devices, they are coming to the slate game late. The iPad works very smoothly and its screen is very nice. The Android slates use the Android operating system, which also functions nicely. While most of the Android slates available today have seven inch monitors, many have a cost that is under $200 (US) dollars. You can find a number of different Android devices available on Amazon today. Additionally, there are companies like Cisco that have announced Android devices that will be better equipped for the enterprise user.
Does Microsoft stand a chance? Time will tell. In the keynote slides that were presented today, there were a lot of companies listed under Windows 7 Slates. If all of these are producing products, then it is safe to say the slate market is about to get very heated. The companies included:
- Asus
- Ciaro Systems
- Compal
- Cynovo
- Dell
- Foxconn
- Fujitsu
- HP
- Hanvon
- inTechnology
- Lenovo
- Motion Computing
- MSi
- Samsung
- Onkyo
- Super Talent
- Panasonci
- Pegatron
- Sony
- Toshiba
- Quanto Computer
That is over 20 companies listed for Windows 7 Slate computers. I’d say the market for slates is going to get very interesting!