Taiwan’s Acer unveils 2 tablets that use Windows 8

This photo taken on June 3, 2012, shows a man walking past a huge billboard featuring Computex, Asia's leading IT trade fair, outside the venue in Taipei. On the eve of the Computex on Monday, June 4, 2012, Taiwan's leading personal computer maker Acer unveiled two new tablets—named W510 and W700— running on Microsoft's much-anticipated Windows 8 operating system. AFP PHOTO/MANDY CHENG

TAIPEI—Taiwan’s leading personal computer maker Acer Monday took another shot at gaining a foothold in the tablet market, unveiling two new products running on Microsoft’s much-anticipated Windows 8 operating system.

Acer showed off the tablets – named W510 and W700 – on the eve of Computex, Asia’s largest IT fair, which is held in Taipei this week for the 32nd time, with Windows 8 expected to be a key focus.

“Windows 8 is a historic moment for the worldwide Windows eco-system,” said J. T. Wang, Acer’s chairman, at a briefing in Taipei where the company also unveiled its new Aspire S7, a small laptop that runs on Windows 8.

Acer, which has been struggling to branch into the tablet computer sector, cut several hundred jobs in Europe last year to reduce operating expenses.

While Apple itself is not present at Computex, the fair will nevertheless highlight the company’s importance, since much of what happens there will be in response to market trends set by the American brand.

Windows 8 is touted as Microsoft’s long-awaited riposte to the rise of Apple and mobile devices powered by Google’s Android operating system. There is no official release date but reports have predicted an October launch.

“In our view, the touchscreen experience enabled by Windows 8 is a massive step forward – simply because it makes computing more intuitive,” said Jim Wong, corporate president of Acer.

Computex features more than 1,800 exhibitors registering 5,400 booths, up two percent from a year ago.

The organizers estimate that the IT fair will draw 36,000 foreign buyers who may place bulk orders worth up to $28 billion.

Other Stories:

Tips to avoid becoming an identity theft victim

Smart to stop offering ‘dumb’ phones

Twitter tightens security after high-profile breaches

Risky behavior starts young on web—survey

Recent Stories:

PH lits up Guinness for most sky lanterns flown simultaneously _{2 hours elapsed}

Demi Lovato is a work in progress _{2 hours elapsed}

Stars’ ‘shameful’ secrets revealed _{2 hours elapsed}

Penchant for loopy and messy details _{2 hours elapsed}

Nora and Vilma go indie _{2 hours elapsed}

Three inspiring real-life dramas at the polls _{2 hours elapsed}

British fighter jets escort diverted Pakistani plane _{2 hours elapsed}

News Corp approves split into two firms June 28 _{2 hours elapsed}

Tags: Acer , Company , IT , Microsoft , New Products , Tablets , Taiwan , technology , W510 , W700