By Eva Dou
TAIPEI--Acer Inc. (2353.TW) unveiled Monday an eight-inch
Windows 8 tablet computer, the smallest tablet running on Microsoft
Corp.'s (MSFT) latest operating system to date that will compete
directly with smaller tablets from Google Inc. (GOOG) and Apple
Inc. (AAPL)
Acer's latest device, which comes with high-definition display
and a detachable keyboard, was shown at a news briefing ahead of
Tuesday's official opening of Computex, Asia's largest computing
trade show. The company was mum on pricing.
Microsoft's touch-enabled Windows 8 has so far seen low
penetration rate, partly due to the high price devices. The
software giant recently began offering hardware makers discounts
for its Windows and Office software for small portable PCs and
tablets, people familiar with the situation said. Microsoft and its
hardware partners are hoping smaller devices with lower prices will
stimulate demand.
Acer on Monday also launched a 5.7-inch "phablet," or a tablet
that can make phone calls, throwing in its contender for a product
category popularized by Samsung Electronics Co. (SSNHY) Other new
Acer products include touchscreen laptops.
Acer is the world's fourth-largest personal computer maker by
shipment with a market share of 8.1%, according to market
researcher IDC, trailing Hewlett-Packard Co., Lenovo Group Ltd. and
Dell Inc.
Write to Eva Dou at eva.dou@wsj.com
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