Acer Puts Windows RT Tablets Launch On Hold
Acer keeps a wait-and-see attitude and will not launch its new tablets using Microsoft's new Windows RT operating system anytime soon, at least before the company see how Microsoft's own Surface tablet fares.
Acer initially planned to roll out Windows RT tablets based on ARM chips early next year. However, the launch of Microsoft's tablet last week and the mixed reviews it has drawn has prompted Acer to wait and see until at least the second quarter of 2013, according to a Reuters report.
"Originally we had a very aggressive plan to come out very early next year but because of Surface, our R&D development doesn't stop, but we are much more cautious," Acer President Jim Wong told Reuters on Tuesday.
"Originally our plan was Q1, but now I don't think it will be earlier than Q2," Wong said on the sidelines of a presentation of Acer's new line of Windows 8 touchscreen notebooks and tablets.
Acer had criticized Microsoft for moving into the computer hardware business and competing with its partners' devices.
Wong noted that rivals Lenovo and Asustek had unveiled plans for Windows RT tablets starting at $599 before Microsoft surprised the market with its $499 home-built Surface.
"Originally we had a very aggressive plan to come out very early next year but because of Surface, our R&D development doesn't stop, but we are much more cautious," Acer President Jim Wong told Reuters on Tuesday.
"Originally our plan was Q1, but now I don't think it will be earlier than Q2," Wong said on the sidelines of a presentation of Acer's new line of Windows 8 touchscreen notebooks and tablets.
Acer had criticized Microsoft for moving into the computer hardware business and competing with its partners' devices.
Wong noted that rivals Lenovo and Asustek had unveiled plans for Windows RT tablets starting at $599 before Microsoft surprised the market with its $499 home-built Surface.
