Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) announced plans to unveil super cheap Windows products to the public in the near future. Kevin Turner, COO for Microsoft Corporation (MSFT), unveiled the Windows-based Stream devices for $99 at the Worldwide Partner Conference. The item should be available by the holidays.
Microsoft aims to compete with Google’s Chromebooks
He didn’t offer much details about the new Stream devices (which are likely to be tablets) but he did share details on two other cheap laptops including versions from Acer and Toshiba. The former features a 2.16GHz Intel Celeron processor and 15.6 inch screen. The latter features an 11.6 inch screen and a 32GB.
Microsoft added there are things you can do on a Windows-based machine that you cannot do with Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) (NASDAQ:GOOGL)’s Chromebook. Such things you can do include the ability to run Microsoft Office in its entirety as well as connect to almost all peripherals or printers. With a Windows-based computer you can still download the Chrome browser and use all the Chrome features on your personal computer.
Microsoft’s incorrect points
It is important to point out that a few Microsoft’s key points were incorrect. Some Chrome apps are accessible without an internet connection. Chromebook users can tap Google Cloud Print to send print jobs to devices that support it. They can also use Google Drive or Microsoft We Apps to edit documents.
Another benefit Chromebook users enjoy is a more secure platform thanks to the fact apps run in a sandbox environment. The cloud service also makes it more convenient for users as all the data is backed up on cloud and users can just pick up where they left off by logging onto another machine. Last, but certainly not least, Chromebooks usually boot up faster than Windows-based machines.
Microsoft still dominated the computer industry although it has been losing shares to smartphone and tablet industries.
