Windows 8 an “evolutionary pat”' to tablets

Appearing in a wide-ranging on-stage interview here at market researcher Gartner's annual security and risk management conference, Dell offered insights into several of his company's rapidly evolving business lines, including the decision to walk away from Android tablets in the US market in favour of Windows.

“I think the Microsoft Windows 8 solution is going to be very attractive to customers for a number of reasons,” Dell said. “You`ll see us at launch, at Windows 8 launch, with a full complement of devices - tablets, hybrids, convertibles - you know every imaginable and maybe some unimaginable forms.”

Dell said that he expects Windows 8 devices to enter the market with an attractive price point, and that in the business sector, where the company primarily plans to focus, shops that already run Windows will be inclined to remain in that environment as they deploy tablets and other new devices.

Dell said he is “super excited about Windows 8 and what that brings to touch computing and tablets,” saying the next iteration of the operating system will chart an “evolutionary path for Windows into tablets.”

Dell also confirmed that the company plans to bring an ARM-based tablet to market. But his enthusiasm for mobile devices does not extend into the smartphone arena. He said in no uncertain terms that the company has no plans to bring a phone to market.