Report: Acer and Lenovo to Launch Windows 8 Slates in 2012

Rumor has it Acer and Lenovo are planning Windows 8 slates for the fall.

CES Las Vegas is just around the corner, but, similar to years past, we already know some of the hot items that will be on show in Sin City. Last year, we saw numerous dual-core smartphones and more Android tablets than we care to remember. This year, we're expecting to see Ultrabooks, some quad-core phones and tablets and, hopefully, something Windows 8-related. Considering Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer is giving the keynote address, we figure some Windows 8 action isn't completely out of the question, but will he talk about any of the rumored Windows 8 tablets?

There's plenty of reports regarding Windows 8 tablets that are apparently in development and scheduled for release this year. Adding to the pile is this latest piece from Digitimes, which claims both Acer and Lenovo are planning Windows 8 tablets for the fall. The site's sources for the information apparently comes from the upstream supply chain and these people say PC makers are pinning their hopes on Intel's Clover Trail platform. They also believe that these Wintel-based tablet PCs will have strong potential in the enterprise market, where Microsoft is a trusted brand.

This isn't the first time we've heard of a Windows slate aimed at enterprise users. Remember the HP Slate? Announced at CES 2010, the Windows 7 Professional device went on sale, after several delays, as an enterprise-only device and enjoyed limited success. It'll be interesting to see if a Windows 8 will have better success in the market.