Acer, the Taiwan based PC-hardware producer, has launched the world's first 8-inch Windows 8 tablet - the Acer Iconia W3-810.
In an attempt to differentiate itself in a highly competitive market, the new tablet is completely compatible with all current Windows software, including popular productivity tools such as Microsoft Office Home and Student 2013 Suite pre-installed on the W3-810.
In addition, other specifications include eight hours of battery life, a choice of 32GB or 64GB of storage, front and rear camera and an optional Bluetooth keyboard that locks on to the tablet.
This final feature adds to Acer's desire to bring the power and feel of a desktop PC to a hand-held device.
The Iconia W3 appears to have less of a premium feel and is made of plastic with a white rim front and a hard silver back at the rear. At 540 grams, it is heavier than the iPad and Nexus 7. However, its sizing is key.
The tablet still feels light enough in the hand to read a book or browse the web, yet its screen size is still workable for the business traveller on the go and leisure users watching a film. In theory, that makes it suitable for the whole family from the school pupil, to the student and the working parent.
This new product fits with Acer's image of selling "inexpensively targeted" and reliable computer electronics.
The tablet is a bold move from a brand that has been steadily losing market share since 2009, when it was second only to HP as the most prolific computer maker globally. Since then sales and shipments have been trending down and the company is now firmly in fourth place after HP, Dell and Lenovo. The company now hopes the new Iconia W3-810 tablet will be able to assist in its pursuit to climb back up to its 2009 position.
