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Acer delays launching Windows RT tablets until April 2013

by Mark Tyson on 31 October 2012, 23:00

Tags: Acer (TPE:2353), Windows 8

Quick Link: HEXUS.net/qabomv

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Acer is postponing the release of its Windows RT devices and sitting back to wait-and-see how the market develops. The move could save the company a lot of money if it’s expected scenario of consumer indifference to the new platform plays out. Previously Acer management has expressed consternation about the Microsoft Surface tablets being brought to market and has been noticeably negative about the prospects and opportunity Windows 8 and Windows RT will bring to system builders.

Acer president Jim Wong told Reuters that “Originally we had a very aggressive plan to come out very early next year but because of Surface, our R&D development doesn't stop, but we are much more cautious.” He said the delay would be approximately a quarter year; “Originally our plan was Q1, but now I don't think it will be earlier than Q2”. Mr Wong said a number of factors will affect when and if Acer launch its RT based devices such as “...how Surface is doing, how is RT accepted by customers, how Microsoft is aggressive on RT and on Surface, we don't know... We want to see.”

Despite its reticence with Windows RT projects Acer today confirmed a large range of Windows 8 based computers and tablets. The new Windows 8 hardware range includes the Aspire S7 Ultrabook in both 11.6 and 13.3-inch variants, the Iconia W510 and W700 tablets, the Aspire 5600U AIO desktop and the Aspire M5 Touch and Aspire V5 Touch 10-point multi-touch Ultrabooks. Read more about those new Acer hardware products here in the press release. These new Acer Windows 8 computers will be available at retailers such as John Lewis, Comet, Tesco and Amazon.co.uk from November.

Acer Aspire S7 Windows 8 Ultrabook advert

Acer, the world’s No. 4 PC vendor, has been the most vociferous hardware partner critic of Microsoft’s plans to make computer hardware. Is Acer holding back from Windows RT devices because it lacks innovation and differentiation skill? Do you think it is prudent not to invest too many resources in the fledgling Windows RT at this time?



HEXUS Forums :: 23 Comments

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Getting Megan Fox to do the Ultrabook ads must have been a huge financial strain!
Is there that much interest in Windows RT? I don't think I know anyone who actually wants one of these. Near as I can make out, anyone who doesn't want an iPad and isn't picking up the ultra cheap Playbook is probably after some kind of Nexus.
Good point actually, thinking about it i also don't know anyone in the flesh who is genuinely looking forward to getting an RT device. With ipads and nexus i can always find someone i know who is thinking about it. Personally i think it will prove to be a sensible move, i see there being a brief fad and then it dying down and RT will be left bottom of the mobile tablet pile while Android and iOS continue to battle it out.
drakioned
Is there that much interest in Windows RT? I don't think I know anyone who actually wants one of these. Near as I can make out, anyone who doesn't want an iPad and isn't picking up the ultra cheap Playbook is probably after some kind of Nexus.

Going by what i've read - I think there is in all honesty. Even i'm interested in playing with one and i'm in the market for the pro.

I think more the problem here is Acer has it's nose out of joint over the fact MS did a tablet themselves - couple that with keen pricing and high quality and the truth is Acer are probably struggling to compete.
Biscuit
Good point actually, thinking about it i also don't know anyone in the flesh who is genuinely looking forward to getting an RT device. With ipads and nexus i can always find someone i know who is thinking about it. Personally i think it will prove to be a sensible move, i see there being a brief fad and then it dying down and RT will be left bottom of the mobile tablet pile while Android and iOS continue to battle it out.

dangel
Going by what i've read - I think there is in all honesty. Even i'm interested in playing with one and i'm in the market for the pro.

I think more the problem here is Acer has it's nose out of joint over the fact MS did a tablet themselves - couple that with keen pricing and high quality and the truth is Acer are probably struggling to compete.

Add me to the “interested in seeing WindowsRT” list - from what I've seen it's capable of doing mail, web and Office, so perhaps this would be a good replacement for my wife's ageing Dell laptop (running Windows7). Especially if the RT boxes have a decent keyboard, double digit battery life and are priced at the level of current Android and Apple tablets (preferably lower). I might even consider one to replace my Android-running Asus Transformer when that finally dies, if the price is right.

What's interesting me is whether one (or more) of the big players will be trying to get RT into businesses. From what little I've heard you're talking about inexpensive devices that probably will drop into a Microsoft environment quite nicely, so if there's remote (push) install/update and ways to lock it down (no local installs) then perhaps the corporates will be interested.

As to Acer not doing their stuff until next year - I'm with dangel, it's probably because Microsoft “stole” Acer's “much cheapness” niche while still being able to keep the quality high. Personally speaking I'm not much bothered if Acer go into RT at all - as I'm sure that other manufacturers will.