Sony plans Windows 8 slider tablet

Information from various sources say that Sony plans to come up with a new offering in the area of Android tablet, which will operate on Windows 8. It is expected that the Windows 8 tablet will hit the market towards the second half of 2012.

The tablet will feature a large display with a slide out QWERTY keyboard. The tablet is referred to as VAIO U and is considered as a competent notebook personal computer. It also features a touch screen which is user friendly and with tablet ready Windows 8, it will be a powerful tool for the user. When released it will be a perfect competitor for the well known ASUS EEE Pad Slider, which runs on Android operating system.

The VAIO U concept was displayed in the Consumer Electronics Show in January 2012. But most of the concepts do not make it to the stores. This time it seems that Sony is pretty serious about VAIO U.

While there is no clarity on internal composition, the hardware gives some idea about the device. It has a QWERTY keyboard that can be slide out, with Windows Home button in the conventional position. Both the mouse buttons seems to be placed below the keyboard. Full size USB ports are found on the right side of the tablet.

The one that was displayed at the Consumer Electronics Show included a stylus input and the sliding was made possible with the help of smooth wheels. But the VAIO U that appeared in the leaked marketing material did not feature stylus and the wheel sliding mechanism. Most of the tablets including the Samsung Galaxy Note do not have the advantage of both pen input and keyboard. So there is high hope that the VAIO U will feature a stylus input, which will make it unique. The tag line conveys the idea that the device will be incorporate keyboard, finger and stylus.

Considering the time at which the device is expected to be launched, there is chance that Windows 7 can be used in the device. But the decreasing popularity of Windows 7 will delay the launch till Windows 8 is available. When closed, the device can be used as a tablet and when opened, it can be used as a notebook PC.

We will have to wait till second half of the year to have a clear idea about the features and to bag one.