Microsoft Windows Slate Devices Previewed at TechEd 2011

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Microsoft is gearing up to release its Windows 8-powered slates soon. At the TechEd conference in New Zealand, Microsoft has given a preview of what users can expect from actual Slate hardware.

Microsoft has given sneak peeks at Windows 8 before, but these were mostly using existing or repurposed hardware, which left industry observers to wonder about the viability of the platform with new hardware. At the ongoing TechEd conference in New Zealand, though, company reps have demonstrated actual Slates, possibly including a quad-core Nvidia Kal-El powered device. The slates are relatively thin, compared to earlier previews. The devices also come with removable batteries. One is even thin enough to give some flex when bent.

Attendees also report that Microsoft is likely to give away these slate prototypes at the upcoming BUILD event this September, where the company will be showcasing its new Windows 8 platform. Meanwhile, Microsoft still holds on to the idea that tablet computers should be PCs rather than post-PC devices, meaning these should not only use a simple user interface, but rather have full support for desktop applications when necessary. Will Microsoft’s upcoming slates live up to this ideal?