2016：平板之年

    虽然两大平台不大一样，但它们都提供了类似的计算机体验——只是会有一些局限。西摩称：“Windows 8是非常成熟的操作系统，将成为全功能平台，能够完成任何人们期待计算机所能完成的工作。而Windows RT和其它平板操作系统将继续关注易用性等用户体验。它们能瞬间开机、续航一整天，是很好的移动平台。”

    到2016年，这两大产品将互相融合得更加紧密。平板电脑将深受笔记本电脑的影响。西摩表示，这意味着多处理器、高分辨率显示屏，甚至是键盘都会出现在平板电脑上。微软已经发布了Windows 8和Windows RT两大系统，此举将推动笔记本和平板电脑市场的增长。艾普斯称：“每次新操作系统的发布都会刺激（设备）销量增长。不过，目前很难预测Windows 8能否重新激发消费者的热情？更大的问题在于Windows 8究竟是针对PC设备还是后PC设备。不过这有关系吗？”

    也许只有那些希望电脑大卖特卖的人才会关心这些问题吧。

    译者：项航

    The platforms will be different but offer similar computing experiences -- with some limitations. "Windows 8 is the fully fledged OS and it is your all around performance platform, and it will do everything you expect a computer to do," said Shim. "Whereas Windows RT and other tablet like OS will continue to be geared towards convenience based experience. These can turn on instantly, last all day and be an extreme mobile platform."

    By 2016 the two could also move closer towards each other. The tablet is going to be influenced by the notebook. This means multiple processors, higher resolution and even the adoption of a keyboard interface, Shim says. Microsoft is bringing out two new operating systems with Windows 8 and Windows RT, this will increase sales of notebooks and tablets respectively. "Every time there is a new OS that will spur sales," said Epps. "Will Windows 8 renew consumer interest, but that's a different question. The bigger question is Windows 8 a PC or a post-PC device. But does it matter?"

    Likely only to those hoping to sell lots of computers.