Windows 8, from previews and convertibles to its Singapore launch.
Last month, Panasonic introduced the Toughpad FZ-M1, a 7-inch rugged Windows 8.1 Pro tablet powered by an Intel Core i5 vPro. It survives drops up to 150cm and is IP65-rated for water and dust, starting from S$2,600 in March 2014.
Windows 8.1 begins rolling out worldwide as a free update for Windows 8 users through the Windows Store at 7pm on 17th October 2013, Singapore time. It reaches retail and new devices from 18th October.
In this final part of my Dell XPS 12 review, after covering unboxing, design, features, and functionality earlier, I share my experience actually using it. The big question is ultrabook versus tablet: given the choice, I had no clear favourite.
In this second part of my Dell XPS 12 review, after unboxing and design earlier, I cover its features and functionality. Starting with the ports, all sit on the right side, save for the headphone and microphone combo jack.
Having been seeded the Dell XPS 12 for a three-part review, I begin with unboxing and design. The XPS 12 was announced on 30th August 2012 at IFA, with the base model now retailing for S$1,828.
On 30th October 2012, Lenovo announced a new range of convertible devices designed for Windows 8. It calls them convertibles, not laptops, because they're more than ordinary notebooks. The IdeaPad Yoga 13 and Yoga 11 rotate their screens 360 degrees.
Microsoft launches Windows 8 today. Until 31st January 2013, Windows XP, Vista, and 7 users can download Windows 8 Pro for S$49.99. Those who bought a Windows 7 PC between 2nd June 2012 and 31st January 2013 also qualify.
Windows 8 has reached RTM status and will be available on Friday, 26th October 2012, with a final build number of 9200. Buy a Windows 7 PC from today and you can upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for S$17.99.
Microsoft has jumped on the tablet bandwagon with the Surface. I'm unsure whether the official name is just Surface or Surface Tablet, since Surface used to mean Microsoft's huge touchscreen table. It seems Microsoft has renamed that older device PixelSense.
The Windows 8 Release Preview is out, the final pre-release before launch. It includes Windows 8, Internet Explorer 10, new apps for Hotmail, SkyDrive, and Messenger, and hundreds of new and updated apps in the Windows Store.
The Microsoft Windows 8 Consumer Preview is out. Since the Developer Preview last September, which focused on the programming platform, Windows 8 has advanced on every front, from completing the touch, keyboard, and mouse experience to refining development and design.
The last time we saw Windows 8 was at Computex on 2nd June 2011. Yesterday at the BUILD conference, Microsoft demoed the Windows 8 Developer Preview. The new Metro UI looks fantastic, and I hope Microsoft keeps the interface consistent.
At Computex in Taipei on 2nd June 2011, Microsoft gave hardware partners a technical preview of the next Windows, internally code-named Windows 8, to help them build devices that take advantage of its new user experience.