To take full advantage of Microsoft's new Windows 8 operating system which integrates touchscreen functionality, some PC manufacturers are offering new touch-enabled devices that are designed to run it.

These devices would allow people to use Windows 8 without a touch-enabled device. Touch-pad gestures and the traditional cursor will work, though not as easily across the entire operating system. The new environment of Windows 8′s Start-screen tiles are especially designed for touch which would allow users to do things such as swipe left from the right edge of a screen to display function icons, or swipe up from the bottom of a screen to display navigation icons.

The Touch

Buying a laptop or desktop that has touch screen capability is more practical compared to purchasing a convertible laptop-tablet device or slate.

With the scheduled release of Windows 8 on Oct 26, Acer Aspire S7 will release a touchscreen Ultrabook on the same day. The 11.6-inch model starts at $1,199 and the 13.3-inch model starts at $1,399. Acer Aspire S7 has the following features:

Touchscreen Support

10-finger Multitouch

Processor

Intel 3rd Gen Core i5 or Core i7

Memory

4GB of RAM

Hard Drive

128GB or 256GB

Display

1080p HD

Graphics

Intel HD 4000

Camera

1.3MP webcam

Specials

TwinAir Cooling System, Corning Gorilla Glass, AcerCloud, Acer Theft Shield

The Screen Shifters

For computer uses who find it difficult to decide between the familiarity of a laptop and the flashy new look of a Windows tablet, Instead of buying two devices, they can always get the hybrids, also called convertibles.

One such example of a convertible is the Dell XPS 12 Convertible Touch Ultrabook, touted as breaking the boundary of work and play. This touch-enabled 12-inch convertible laptop combines the advantages of a Windows 8 touch tablet with the power and productivity of an Ultrabook.

Processor

Intel 3rd Gen Core i5 or i7

Memory

4GB or 8GB of RAM

Hard Drive

Up to 256GB

Display

12.5" FHD 1080p touch

Graphics

Intel HD 4000

Camera

1.3MP webcam, 1280x1024

Specials

Fluid flip-and-fold motion, Intel Smart Connect, Corning Gorilla Glass, Carbon Fiber

The Detachables

For computer users who are not into thick tablets, they may want to pull their laptop screens off altogether with Samsung's ATIV Smart PC Pro 700T which combines the power of a notebook PC and the convenience of a media tablet known for its unique and revolutionary convertible design

Processor

Intel 3rd Gen Core i5

Memory

4GB of RAM

Hard Drive

128GB

Display

11.6 inch Full HD, 1920x1080

Graphics

Intel HD Graphics 4000

Camera

2MP HD Front, 8MP HD Rear

Specials

SuperBright Plus Technology, SkyDrive

Because of what the fresh operating system represents, USA Today Personal Tech columnist Edward Baig said Windows 8 leaves the impression that "Microsoft wants to stomp out any distance memories of Windows Vista, Windows ME or other less-flattering periods from Windows' past."

Mr Baig opined that the Windows 8 interface could initially scare some PC users used to the more traditional Windows layout. However, he said some computers users will find the new OS to be intuitive, particularly those used to tapping and touching on smartphones and tablets.

Computer users who purchased an eligible Windows 7 PC between June 2, 2012 and Jan 31, 2013 could upgrade to Windows 8 PC for $14.99. Otherwise, the upgrade price is $39.99 or $69.99 with disks. Microsoft will make available a compatibility assistant tool to help user of Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7 computers determine which of their older programs would give them trouble.

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