Acer delays Windows RT tablets over Surface concerns

Thursday, 1^st November 2012 08:53 GMT (Europe/London)
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Taiwanese computer maker Acer has put back the launch of its Windows RT tablets following mixed reviews for Microsoft's own Surface device which is powered by the new operating system. Acer said it was now unlikely to distribute the product before April. Windows RT appears similar to the full Windows 8 system and is designed to run on ARM-based processors. However, it lacks some of the functionality of its sibling, resulting in a paucity of compatible software.

Unlike Windows 8, Microsoft only allows Windows RT to install third-party software from its own online store, and the apps can only run via the system's touch interface and not in the traditional desktop mode. However, in return for this trade-off Windows RT computers are likely to offer longer battery life and cheaper prices. Acer is the world's fourth biggest PC maker based on the number of computers shipped. Less aggressive Microsoft decided to launch its own Windows RT-powered Surface tablet to help promote the new software. Early reviews of the machine praised the hardware but noted there were far fewer apps available for it than for Windows 8 PCs powered by x86-based chips, or on other rival tablet or PC systems. In addition several writers complained about glitches in the software that was available, and there were claims that it stuttered when playing some high-definition 1080p video. Updates and new releases may solve these issues over time, but they appear to have given Acer cause for concern. "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's president Jim Wong told Reuters. "Originally our plan was Q1 [January to March], but now I don't think it will be earlier than Q2 [April to June]." Mr Wong indicated his concerns were also linked to the price of Surface. Microsoft is charging