Asus Transformer 2 Loaded With Android or Windows 8

The Asus marketing team let slip a rather interesting piece of information at the Computex 2011 show earlier this month. They told us that a new version of the firm's innovative Transformer tablet would be coming in 2012, including a version running Windows 8.

Two OS, Two Prices

Like its predecessor, the upcoming Transformer 2 will be a touchscreen tablet with removable keyboard. However, it'll be available with a choice of two different operating systems: Google's Android or Microsoft's new Windows 8 tablet OS. Note that the Windows version of the tablet will be more expensive. As we've already seen, this new edition of Windows offers users a choice of two interfaces, one of which is a classic Windows-style system while the other has been specially designed for touschcreen navigation, based on a series of blocks that can be moved around the homescreen with your finger. The new Windows tablet OS will also be accompanied by the Windows Store. Similar to the application stores already used by Google and Apple, Microsoft's shop will stock a whole load of applications that can be installed on the tablet in just one click, not to mention popular software like Word, Excel, Photoshop or games (in their full, standard versions). This could be a real boon for the Windows tablet, in spite of its higher price.

Slim & Light

The second version of the Transformer will be both lighter and slimmer than the original model. In fact, Asus sees the new tablet as part way between the current Transformer and the firm's forthcoming super-slim Slider tablet.

The Asus Transformer 2 is likely to launch at a similar price to the current model, while the first version will probably see its priced cut as a result.

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