Microsoft will launch Windows 8 alongside Windows RT – their touch based version of Windows built specifically to run on ARM based hardware.The new hardware that the manufacturers have come up with has been impressive and Microsoft has detailed some of the features we can expect from Windows RT devices in their most recent ‘Building Windows 8’ blog post.
Much like their desktop counterparts, the Windows RT tablets will inherit a connected sleep state, which will allow them to power down and reduce the battery consumption while without closing any of the running programs. Internal tests have shown devices running between 13 to 17 days on a single charge. Meanwhile HD playback boasts between 8 – 13 hours on various tested devices.
| Scenario | Early production range |
| HD Video Playback | 8 hours to 13 hours of scenario run time |
| Connected Standby | 320 hours to 409 hours of scenario run time |
Microsoft also revealed some details on the type of hardware we can expect with Windows RT. The first lineup of devices will reportedly be made by Asus, Samsung, Dell and Lenovo (Nokia seams to be a notable absentee).
The devices will vary in screen sizes between 10.1 – 11 inches and come in tablet or transformer like netbook form factors. The current lightest weighs in at 520g, while the thinnest is only 8.35mm which is even thinner than the new iPad
| System characteristics | Measurement range |
| Weight (g) | 520g to 1200g |
| Length (mm) | 263mm to 298mm |
| Width (mm) | 168.5mm to 204mm |
| Height (mm) | 8.35mm to 15.6mm |
Do the upcoming Windows RT tablets have you excited? Share your thoughts in the comments section below
source – Microsoft