Could and should there be a Microsoft-branded Windows 8 tablet?
Summary:Could there be a Microsoft-branded Windows 8 tablet
coming to market next year? Sure. But should there be? I'd argue
no.   Digitimes is citing chip-supplier sources claiming that
Microsoft is contemplating whether to launch its own Microsoft-
branded tablet. (And, unsurprisingly, Microsoft is declining to
comment.)  I am wondering whether the Microsoft tablet in
question might simply be a chassis, similar to what Microsoft
did when it developed Windows Phone. Or perhaps a reference
design -- something it could show its OEMs to give them ideas as
to what's possible and marketable.  If it's something more, and
Microsoft were to bring to market a "Microsoft tablet," I'd
think the company would be taking a big risk, as far as
alienating its OEM partners is concerned. Right now, a number of
first-, second- and third-tier OEMs are delivering new Windows 7
tablets to market. Microsoft gets a nice cut (rumored to be
something under $50 per copy)