In the first month after the release Windows 8, Microsoft sold over 40,000,000 copies. Not bad at all, but I’d happily wager that the vast majority of these licences were for Windows 8 Pro.
Windows 8 Pro will continue to be the primary choice for business for the following reasons:
- It runs on Intel Processors (99.9% of desktop and laptop PCs run Intel or compatible processors)
- It runs most of your existing software (i.e. Office 2010, Bluebeam Revu, Adobe Photoshop and millions of other software packages)
- It allows you to connect your computer to a company domain server.
Windows 8 Pro will also be the ultimate choice for smart business tablet users for the following reasons:
- Offers the same touch friendly tiled Metro interface that all of the other versions of windows 8 have (including RT)
- Windows 8 Pro tablets mostly come with an Active Digitizer Pen in addition to a touch screen – this is essential for productive business use
- Has the ability to run all of your existing software from the desktop environment – if you can run it on your laptop, you can run it on your Windows 8 Pro tablet too!
Unfortunately Windows 8 tablets have been extremely thin on the ground here in Australia in the run-up to Christmas.
There has been some very limited stock available in retail outlets, but these retail configurations are generally not suitable for business users.
Most business configurations will start to become available in January. The Fujitsu Q702 is available and in stock now.
Even though it’s been out for quite a while now, the Samsung Series 7 Slate is in good stock and is an excellent choice for those wanting to try out a Windows 8 Tablet. It ships with Windows 7 Installed, but a low price upgrade to Windows 8 is available.
Due to the stringent design rules imposed by Microsoft on Windows 8 there most of the new tablets will look the same. In our next entry well take a look at a Windows 8 professional tablets to give you a clearer idea on how to choose the Windows 8 Tablet for you.