The onslaught of Windows 8 devices begins

• Dell and Lenovo officially launch Windows 8 devices this week, with others expected to follow soon
• All promising a no-compromise, immersive and personalized experience

FRESH from the Malaysian rollout of Microsoft Corp’s Windows 8, the most radical re-design of the Redmond, Washington-based tech giant’s operating system, OEM (original equipment manufacturer) partners have been lining up to unleash their devices on the Malaysian market.
 
“With Windows 8 reimagined, we are bringing a no-compromise, immersive and personalized experience to our customers,” said Amrita Sapre, Windows Product Group manager at Microsoft Malaysia. “The support from our partners is critical for the success of Windows 8.”
 
Both Dell and Lenovo officially launched their Windows 8 devices earlier this week, with the others expected to follow soon.
 
Dell announced a refreshed portfolio of consumer PCs built for Windows 8, sayings its new systems deliver on the promise of new advances in computing: A leading-edge and intuitive touch experience, the security and manageability required by today’s always-on pace; and the design aesthetic, style and precision workmanship customers demand.
 
Dell made available three new PCs (pic): the XPS 12, XPS One 27 and Inspiron One 23. Further, Dell is also offering Windows 8 as an option on its current XPS and Inspiron brands.
 
“Dell and Microsoft have strived to make technology more accessible and intuitive for more than two decades and the introduction of new Dell PCs and Windows 8 software is another important milestone in this journey,” said Khoo Teng Guan, general manager, Consumer Business, Dell Sales Malaysia.
 
“Dell remains on the forefront of designing the industry’s best range of PCs to meet the diverse needs of its customers – whether businesses concerned with security and manageability or tech-savvy consumers interested in a new device for both personal and business use.
 
Dell said the XPS 12 is two devices in one: A fully-featured, full-powered laptop that easily becomes a fully-featured touch-powered tablet. It comes with a unique flip hinge touchscreen display and easily transitions between laptop and tablet mode with a simple flip.
 
When in tablet mode, the display completely covers the keyboard, protecting it from dirt and spills. The vibrant Full HD display provides 90% more pixels than a standard HD display for an exceptionally crisp reading and viewing experience, Dell claimed.
 
The XPS One 27 All-in-One is designed for creative enthusiasts with a super high resolution display and performance graphics for multimedia creation and entertainment. The space-saving design features a 27-inch Wide Quad HD Display, which has 78% more pixels than a Full HD display, and an articulating stand that tilts the display to a 60-degree angle, providing additional options when using the touchscreen interface.
 
Dell has also updated its popular systems. The XPS 13 has been updated with a new specification, including the Ivy Bridge chipset. As a result, the new XPS 13 is up to two times faster than the previous generation XPS 13. Meanwhile, the Inspiron One 23 All-in-One PC is now available with a touchscreen option.
 
The company said it is also updating its line of computing peripherals, and is making available a 23-inch S2340T multi-touch monitor and TP713 wireless touchpad designed specially to extend the Windows 8 experience.
 
These Dell products are available for purchase immediately at the following starting prices: The XPS 12 convertible starts at RM3,899; the XPS One 27 with touch at RM4,899; the Inspiron One 23 AIO with touch at RM3,549; the XPS 13 at RM3,249; the S2340T multi-touch monitor at RM 2,180; and the TP713 wireless touchpad will be available in the coming weeks, priced at RM149.
 
Additionally, all currently shipping Dell PCs and workstations are now available with Windows 8.

Convertibles from Lenovo

Meanwhile, not to be outdone, Lenovo announced three new convertible devices designed for Windows 8 (pic).

For consumers, the touch-optimized convertibles include the IdeaPad Yoga 13 Ultrabook, offering a blend of work and play; and the IdeaPad Yoga 11, an ‘all-day’ mobile companion. For professionals, Lenovo introduced the ThinkPad Twist, a business-ready Ultrabook and the first in the ThinkPad line of new convertible devices.

“Lenovo was one of the first to embrace convertible design that integrated touch capabilities in a big way; our new Ultrabooks address the unique needs of consumers, businesses and everyone in between by creating high performance laptop-tablet combinations in new designs and different sizes,” said Khoo Hung Chuan, country general manager, Lenovo Malaysia.
 
“With the launch of Windows 8 and Intel’s Ultrabook technology, now is the right time for the convertible form factor to take off. We are confident these innovative machines are the best devices for a groundbreaking touchscreen experience, plus their multi-modes give our customers more ways to use their PCs than ever before.”
 
As one of the world’s first multi-mode Ultrabooks, the IdeaPad Yoga 13 provides users with the ultimate flexibility between work and play, Lenovo claimed. The Yoga 13’s revolutionary hinge design allows it to rotate through a 360-degree angle and switch between laptop and tablet in one simple motion.
 
Coming with 3^rd generation Intel Core processors and powered by Windows 8, Yoga 13 provides laptop-grade performance to get work done all day without slowing down thanks to its super slim 0.6-inch frame and eight hours of battery life. At the flip of the hinge, the IdeaPad Yoga 13 transforms into a media-friendly tablet primed with rich audio-visual features like Dolby Home Theatre.
 
Its smaller screen size counterpart, Yoga 11, is the world’s slimmest multi-mode PC, measuring just 15.6mm thin, the company claimed. Its 11.6-inch screen and 10-hour battery life make it a great convertible for mobility. Equipped with NVIDIA Tegra 3 – the world’s only quad-core processor for Windows RT – Yoga 11 lets users watch movies in HD, play games, get connected and stay productive virtually all day long.
 
Both Yoga 13 and 11 can be used in two other modes in addition to laptop and tablet: convert them into a stand by flipping the keyboard behind the screen to comfortably watch movies or view pictures up close, or bend them upright like a tent to bring games or video chats to life.
 
The ThinkPad Twist can be used as an Ultrabook; twist the top to switch to a convertible tablet. The 12.5-inch ThinkPad Twist gives professionals the technologies they need for both their business and personal computing, Lenovo said.
 
For business-class productivity, ThinkPad Twist packages up to 3rd generation Intel Core i5 processors, up to Windows 8 Pro, large storage up to 500 GB or up to 256 GB SSD and the ThinkPad-brand’s keyboard, quality and reliability features. Users can work for hours with nearly all-day battery life and tablet-like quick resume from standby.
 
This powerful machine also includes dedicated software tools specifically for small businesses, including Lenovo Solutions for Small Business powered by Intel Small Business Advantage and Lenovo Cloud Storage by SugarSync.
 
Lenovo said it offers a full suite of services for the new devices, including In-Home Warranty upgrades for service at the owner’s home or business, and Accidental Damage Protection on select products to help insure against damage from accidents like drops, spills, electrical surges, or screen malfunctions.
 
A full lineup of Lenovo Services for Small Business backs up the ThinkPad Twist. Customers can select from a portfolio of warranty upgrades, Accidental Damage Protection, Keep Your Drive and other protection services valuable to today's small businesses. Additionally, Lenovo Premium Support’s expert technicians are available when needed with convenient over the phone or remote session support from the comfort of home.  
 
Available through resellers, the IdeaPad Yoga 13 will be available from end-December starting from RM3,399. The IdeaPad Yoga 11 (NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor) will be available from early December starting from RM2,599. The ThinkPad Twist (3^rd generation Intel Core i5-3317U processor) will be available from mid-November starting from RM3,519.