Acer Unveils Smallest Tablet to Date Running Windows 8

    By Eva Dou 
 

TAIPEI--Acer Inc. (2353.TW) unveiled Monday an eight-inch Windows 8 tablet computer, the smallest tablet running on Microsoft Corp.'s (MSFT) latest operating system to date that will compete directly with smaller tablets from Google Inc. (GOOG) and Apple Inc. (AAPL)

Acer's latest device, which comes with high-definition display and a detachable keyboard, was shown at a news briefing ahead of Tuesday's official opening of Computex, Asia's largest computing trade show. The company was mum on pricing.

Microsoft's touch-enabled Windows 8 has so far seen low penetration rate, partly due to the high price devices. The software giant recently began offering hardware makers discounts for its Windows and Office software for small portable PCs and tablets, people familiar with the situation said. Microsoft and its hardware partners are hoping smaller devices with lower prices will stimulate demand.

Acer on Monday also launched a 5.7-inch "phablet," or a tablet that can make phone calls, throwing in its contender for a product category popularized by Samsung Electronics Co. (SSNHY) Other new Acer products include touchscreen laptops.

Acer is the world's fourth-largest personal computer maker by shipment with a market share of 8.1%, according to market researcher IDC, trailing Hewlett-Packard Co., Lenovo Group Ltd. and Dell Inc.

Write to Eva Dou at [e-mail]

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