The Windows 8 tablet will be considered, to some, an inevitable breaking point for Windows. This tool could either sustain Windows’ success or, by contrast, push the company down considerably in the ranks.
At its core, Windows 8 is simply an operating system, one that works with touch as well as a mouse and keyboard, with access to apps, the web, etc. It’s safe to say that Windows already has a huge following, and the loyal, PC traditionalists are very likely to purchase a tablet as the operating system will provide legacy support for all Windows 8 apps and accessories. A tablet could seamlessly integrate into their current technology network, and will also operate in sync with the gadgetry and technology that follows. For a windows fan, it’s a no-brainer. Additionally, Windows has the “in” with big-hitters like HP and Dell, who have already announced that they will release tablets with Windows 8.
However, there are a couple of factors that could make or break the tablet. For one, price. On average, people have said they’d be willing to shell out about $300 for a Windows tablet, considerably more than the extremely cost affective Kindle Fire. Additionally “hype factor” may play a roll in Windows tablet sales. In the first quarter of 2011, about 46% of U.S. consumers were at the edge of their seat, eagerly waiting for the release of the Windows 8 tablet. However, in the passing months, this huge percentile nearly halved to a meager 25%.
With so many factors, there’s really only one way to dictate the Windows 8 tablet’s success: wait.