Buying an ultrabook? Consider the Windows 8 Metro factor

The 903 gram Microsoft Surface tablet hybrid will change the way consumers think about ultrabooks.

(Credit: Microsoft)

An ultrabook six months from now will make today's designs seem so last year. You can thank Windows 8 and the Metro interface for that.

The next Windows operating system -- which we now know is slated for release October 26 -- will bring touch screens to laptops. So, the standard ultrabook today sans a touch screen may seem a bit frumpy by comparison when new designs hit for the holiday season.

Intel CEO Paul Otellini said yesterday that "more than 40" touch-enabled Windows 8-based ultrabooks are in the pipeline. That would include designs like the Acer Aspire S7.

Then there are convertibles such as the dual-screen Asus Taichi. Like the more traditional clam-shell touch-enabled variety, convertible ultrabooks won't be released until Windo... [Read more]