Dell Apparently Last To Abandon Windows RT -- Redmondmag.com

The Schwartz Report

Dell Apparently Last To Abandon Windows RT

It looks like Microsoft is going it alone with tablets running its Windows RT operating system -- the version of Windows 8 that runs only applications that support its Modern UI accessed from the Windows Store.

As reported by The Verge this morning, Dell's XPS 10 tablet, which sported an optional keyboard, is listed as unavailable in Dell's online store. As an alternative, Dell recommends the $499 Latitude 10, powered by an Intel Atom processor with the full version of Windows 8. As noted last month, the few PC suppliers offering Windows RT tablets were cutting bait including Acer, Asus, Lenovo and Samsung. I noted at the time that Dell appeared to be the last one standing with the XPS 10, though it could only be found online.

Though Dell is scheduled to announce new tablets Oct. 2, analysts told PCWorld that one running Windows RT 8.1 appears unlikely, leaving Microsoft as the last man standing. That's my bet as well, though it remains to be seen whether OEMs will give Windows RT another chance.

For now, the future of Windows RT is now in Microsoft's hands when it releases its second-generation Surface 2, announced on Monday and scheduled for release next month. The question is will business users give this revamped model a shot or is Microsoft's future in tablets for now aligned with the full-blown Windows 8.1? What's your take? Comment below or drop me a line at [email protected].

Posted by Jeffrey Schwartz on 09/25/2013 at 12:41 PM

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