Microsoft Confirms Windows RT OEMs & Details Collaboration – What to Expect

By Alexandra Burlacu | Aug 14, 2012 12:11 PM EDT

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According to a Microsoft blog post on Monday, Aug. 13, at least four PC makers plan to launch hardware based on Windows RT. The company has confirmed Dell, Lenovo, Samsung and Asus as the first hardware makers to deliver Windows RT devices at launch. The four initial original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) will not only deliver several Windows RT tablets, but also PCs with "full keyboard and touchpad solutions, whether removable/dockable or a traditional clamshell."

"Since RTM (release-to-manufacturer) on August 1, PC manufacturers have been using the released software to ready new PCs designed for Windows 8. Collectively, we are all very excited by the innovation and creativity that will arrive in market this October," reads the blog post. "Our engineering collaboration has been better than ever as we work to bring together performance, reliability, and battery life to new PCs designed for Windows 8."

The blog post is authored by Mike Angiulo, Vice President of Microsoft's Ecosystem and Planning team, and details how Microsoft is working with its initial partners to develop brand-new ARM-based devices. In an effort to ensure the hardware integrates well with the software, the company has reportedly worked very closely with Dell, Asus, Lenovo and Samsung, as well as Nvidia and its other silicon partners. As part of the deal, each hardware partner has provided Microsoft with very early versions of their devices. "Designs were informed and revised by our collective efforts through development and testing," said Angiulo, without going into specifics about each OEM's products.

"You can expect to see everything from ultra-thin sleek designs with stunning high-resolution displays, to beautifully designed All-I-One PCs with large immersive displays complete with touch, to high-power towers rocking multiple graphics cards and high-performance storage arrays," touts the blog post. "In addition, the broad range of PCs will provide price and feature combinations that allow every customer to find a PC that fits their needs and lifestyle perfectly."

According to Angiulo, some of the new Windows RT devices will be up to 11 percent thinner and 20 percent lighter than Apple's iconic iPad, while others will be considerably larger and heavier - up to 66 percent thicker and 84 percent heavier than the iPad. Meanwhile, screen sizes will vary from 10.1 inches to 11.6 inches, added Angiulo, offering no specific information on the resolution of those displays. Microsoft's own-brand Surface tablet will sport a 10.6-inch display. Weights will vary between 520g and 1200g (1.14 to 2.65 pounds), while thickness will vary between 0.33 and 0.61 inches. Microsoft's own x86-based Surface Pro tablet will fall within these measurements as well.

Microsoft also highlighted some of the benefits Windows RT devices will offer, such as superior battery performance, optimum size, and the ability to "share information intuitively and easily."

The company also offered stats detailing how Windows RT batteries are currently performing with the RTM code. According to those stats, the devices can run between 8 and 13 hours of HD video playback, and between 320 and 409 hours (up to roughly 17 days) in connected standby mode. All Windows RT devices will support most, if not all, of the standard sharing technologies, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, WWAN, USB, and likely NFC.

Microdoft has still given no word on pricing.