Cheaper Windows PCs are coming as Microsoft tries to compete with Google’s Chromebooks. During the Worldwide Partner Conference the company announced that HP will start selling a Windows laptop this holiday season for only $199.
Microsoft didn’t share which tech specs the new HP “Stream” will feature, however HP won’t be the only one as Acer and Toshiba are getting into the low-end PC wagon by offering a $249 laptop options. Acer will launch a 15.6-inch laptop featuring a 2.16GHz Intel Celeron processor, while Toshiba’s laptop will include a 11.6-inch screen.
Microsoft COO Kevin Turner also revealed that HP is planning a 7- and 8-inch tablets running Windows 8.1, which will sell under $100, giving consumers the opportunity to think again before getting a Chromebook.
Speaking to The Verge, Turner, said: “We are going to participate at the low-end. We’ve got a great value proposition against Chromebooks, we are not ceding the market to anyone.” Acknowledging that the company is feeling heat from Google and revealing that Microsoft is taking this matter seriously — no more simply Scroogle ad campaigns.
During the announcement, Turner presented a slide highlight what Chromebooks cannot do and Windows can strive, though being a low-end machine:
It’s no surprise of Microsoft moving this direction, the company has been cutting Windows license costs to let manufacturers offer cheaper devices and it clearly shows the company main focus is to compete with Google’s Chromebooks with no regrets on losing revenue as long people choose Windows. However Microsoft will have to make sure PC makers don’t make the mistake on turning chance in the second generation of Netbooks, which offered a low-end device with terrible performance.
Image source Flickr
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].