News that HP will initially release tablets using Windows 8 on x86 processors is good news for business - it means you can expect that all of your current software will run on them without any hassles. There's no confirmation that they'll also release Windows RT tablets although their CEO Meg Whitman has said "I'm pretty sure we'll be able to do that".
Microsoft announced two different versions of Windows 8 recently. One version will run on computers using the familiar x86 processor family - this is the same family that the majority of modern computers use. Windows RT will run on devices using ARM processors. These use less power but will be more limited initially as the only programs that will run with Windows RT are those that are specifically made for it.
Windows RT will come with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote but there may be a lag as other developers get on board and re-work their programs for Windows RT.
Windows 8 will be released later this year - probably around September is a reasonable guess. If you're contemplating a new laptop or tablet running Windows 8, make sure you know what you're buying. You might find that the bargain running Windows RT won't do everything you need until programmers get on board and create applications for the new platform.
