Microsoft is set to launch its latest operating system, Windows 8, on October 25 and while it continue to prepare, other electronics manufacturers are releasing devices that will run on the anticipated OS. Korea-based LG announced this morning on its company blog that they will be rolling out two new all-in-one-type products. The first is the LG H160 which appears to be a laptop/tablet hybrid. The second is the V325 desktop, which will act as a platform for gaming, computing, and watching T.V. Both will run on Windows 8 and are scheduled for release in South Korea the day after the OS launches.
The H160 is LG’s first slider. For those unaccustomed to the term, a slider is a laptop-like gadget that when pushed up (like cell phones briefly did before evolving into smartphones) reveals a QWERTY keypad. The idea is that the device has all the functions of a tablet with the added convenience of a PC’s keyboard. LG reports that the slider will be 15.9mm thick, weigh approximately 2.3lbs, and sport a 11.6-inch touchscreen display. It will come equipped with WiFi capabilities, HDMI connectivity, and will sport a USB port and microSD card slot. The battery life runs up to 10 hours. An added bonus, as noted by SlashGear is “There’s also a ‘Smart’ touch pen, though it’s not clear if that’s a simple capacitive stylus of a proper active-digitizer version; we’re hoping the latter.”
The V325 is a desktop with increased functionality. The major highlights are a 23-inch full HD AIO 10-point touch sensitive display, and an Intel Core i5 processor. The processor means efficiency and power, while the display allows the user to see it all happen whether it be fighting redcoats in Assassin’s Creed 3, watching the Bruins (oh wait…), or simply getting your work done. Online tech publication Engadget reports that the V325 will also feature a built-in T.V. tuner, though they speculate that it will only be available in Korea for now.
There’s still no word on price or availability, though many note that both devices will be available on Korea on Oct. 26 to begin with. So far, the only concern seems to be with the H160 and its size. It seems a bit too bulky for comfortable use, say for example on a crowded MBTA train car. But the sliding aspect allows for a person to essentially carry an entire computer with them wherever they go and if you have sufficient space operate, then get at it.
As for what’s next? LG had this to say in its blog announcement (translated from Korean), “Meanwhile, LG Electronics, from October 26 Ultrabook ‘Z355’, ‘Z460’ model, including laptops, desktop model with Windows 8 OS to be released. In addition, it plans to launch a new family of 23-inch Touch Monitor for normal desktop users ‘ET83’ various Windows 8 OS.” This means there are plenty more devices to be expected from LG for the upcoming holiday season. Last Friday the tech giant announced that it was teaming with Google to produce its Nexus 4 smartphone which could, quite possibly, become the overall best mobile device on the market.
Let us know what you think about LG’s upcoming slider and all-in-one desktop. Are sliding laptop/tablet hybrids the next generation of mobile gadgets? How will it stack up to the likes of the iPad, Kindle Fire, or Microsoft’s impending Surface tablet? Tell us in the comments section below.
