Windows 8: Bigger for PCs or tablets?

Microsoft® made headlines in September 2011 when it revealed the next installment of its popular Windows® operating system would become its staple software for both tablet computers and traditional PCs. However, with the technologies seemingly moving in opposite directions, it remains to be seen which market Windows 8 will impact more.

Research firm Gartner estimates that PC shipments, including desktop and laptop computers, will grow only 3.8 percent in 2011. By comparison, tablet sales are expected to nearly quadruple between 2010 and 2011.

Despite its slight growth, the PC market is by no means floundering. Gartner still forecasts PC shipments to reach 326.3 million units, while tablet shipments will come in just shy of 70 million. So it appears Microsoft is playing its cards right by attempting to capture both markets.

Nevertheless, given the huge growth in the tablet market, it seems evident that this should be the primary target for Windows 8. Microsoft, so far, has struggled to stake its claim in the tablet market, but depending on its reception, Windows 8 may change this.