After a year of wait, Microsoft & Qualcomm has finally unveiled its ARM Powered Windows 10 devices called “Cellular PCs”. While the term might now sound new because we have seen Laptops which had SIM, and keep you connected to the internet all the time, however, the ARM-powered Windows 10 PCs is new.
In simple words, Qualcomm with ARM is making it possible for Windows 10 Laptops to have similar battery life as you get on your Phone, and they are always connected. Just like the phones. But there is more. Along with this, you get an instant wake up, just like your phone which is always ready.
Before we go ahead, let’s get one thing clear. Windows 10 on ARM is not a reboot of Windows RT which runs on Microsoft universal app. These PCs will run exactly the same Windows 10 version that’s running on the PCs right now, but the hardware implementation has changed completely. Qualcomm has invaded the turf which was ruled by Intel.
That said, here is one big tradeoff you might have to do with Windows 10 on ARM PCs. The performance is going to be low compared to existing hardware. It’s going to be just good enough for regular work, but high-end computing is still far. However, you get impressive battery life.
IMO, Right now, Windows 10 ARM PCs will attract consumers who have a need for very long battery life, and do casual works. Maybe a couple of apps, editing software like Office 365 and so on. No high-end gaming, just basic productivity, always connected to the internet, and very very long battery life.
When it comes to software, Microsoft claims that there is no emulation involved. All the code has been natively compiled for ARM, and all the desktop applications and UWP apps will work on native grounds. However, right now, 64-bit apps don’t work unless developers re-compile the
List of Windows 10 ARM-powered PCs Launched
Qualcomm revealed the Snapdragon 835 Mobile PC Platform, and Asus and HP are first to implement this on their PCs. Both the companies have unveiled their Windows 10 powered hardware.
Asus NovaGo
- 2-in-1
- 13.3-inch HD screen.
- Snapdragon 835 Mobile PC Platform, up to 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of internal storage.
- Two USB 3.1 ports, HDMI, and a microSD card reader.
- Stylus support.
- Windows 10 S
This mode will cost you $799, while the basic model which only has 4GB RAM, and 64GB storage will cost you $599.
HP’s Envy x
- 12.3-inch display.
- Snapdragon 835 Mobile PC Platform, up to 8GB RAM and 256GB storage.
- Stylus support.
- Windows 10 S
That said, both of these models will be able to upgrade to Windows 10 Pro for free. HP will start selling the device from Spring.
Windows 10 ARM devices, right now, are being targetted for business class or casual users, who don’t look for performance, but for a machine that can get the job done. I have seen many business users opt-in for Dell laptops which can attach extra batteries. They usually connected to the Internet via mobile data or wifi.
Windows 10 ARM devices can be a great solution for this class of users. 20-22 hours of battery life, LTE connection, and decent performance all packed in a small form factor or at least which they carry easily.
What do you think?
