Santa Clara has debuted its “first wave” of x86 Windows 8 tablets and convertible designs based on Intel’s Core vPro, Core and Atom processors – including the new Atom SoC Z2760 formerly codenamed Clover Trail.
According to Intel exec Erik Reid, the new Atom processor-based devices will be housed in slick form factors, while facilitating longer battery life and optimized mobile performance.
“The Atom Processor Z2760 (Clover Trail) allows for the thinnest, lightest tablets built on Intel architecture – as thin as 8.5mm and as light as 1.5 pounds,” he explained. ”[The chip] offers a full-featured tablet computing experience that doesn’t compromise its performance over battery life – with a dual-core, four-thread SoC providing more than 3 weeks of connected standby and more than 10 hours of local HD video playback.”
Reid also noted that tablets and tablet convertibles powered by Intel Atom processors and running Windows 8 would support the millions of existing applications, devices and full-featured components used within corporations.
“These devices easily integrate into existing corporate infrastructures, providing the ability to join a domain, access shared network resources and run both new Windows Store apps and familiar Windows desktop applications side by side,” he added.
The last point is particularly important for Intel, which is obviously wary about competing with cheaper ARM-powered tablets running Windows 8 RT (Metro) in the consumer space.
While legacy apps and printer support may not be important for the average user, such items are often critical in a corporate or enterprise environment. Fortunately for Santa Clara, most businesses will likely be willing to splash out the extra cash for an Intel tablet that can be easily integrated in the workspace.
However, Intel will undoubtedly have an uphill battle competing in the consumer space against ARM-based tablets – both Android and Windows 8 RT – with significantly cheaper price points.
