Windows 8-based Dell XPS 12, XPS One 27, Inspiron One 23 up for pre-order

Microsoft is all set to release its latest operating system, Windows 8 at the end of this month. According to PCMag, Dell has now started taking pre-orders for its Windows 8-based devices.

The Dell XPS 12 was first showcased by the company during this year’s IFA event. Along with desktop apps, the XPS 12 will also be able to run touch-based apps due to the 12-inch touch screen on the device. The XPS 12 is being advertised by the company as two products in one – a laptop as well as a tablet. The laptop has a flip-hinge design that allows it to convert from laptop to tablet. The pricing for the Dell XPS 12 starts at $1,199 (around Rs 63,451).

The Dell XPS 12 convertible Ultrabook

Along with the XPS 12, Dell has also started the pre-orders for the XPS One 27, its all-in-one PC. The XPS One 27 will sport a touch-screen to take advantage of the emphasis on touch controls in Windows 8, as well as the touch-based apps. The pricing for the XPS One 27 starts at $1599.99 (Rs 84,671 approximately).

Dell has also started taking pre-orders for the Dell Inspiron One 23 – another all-in-one PC. The Inspiron One 23 comes with lower specs than the One 27, but also with a lower price tag. The pricing for the One 23 starts at $799.99 (approx Rs 42,335).

Microsoft has opened Windows 8 for pre-orders, and revealed the pricing of the latest version of the operating system. The full version DVD pack costs $70 (roughly Rs 3,704), and the digital version is available at $40 (around Rs 2,116) until January.

Shoppers can reserve the software pack at Microsoft's own stores, Amazon.com, Best Buy, Staples, and elsewhere. The price tag is significantly lower than the current price for a comparable version of Windows 7, which costs $200 (roughly Rs 10,584).

Any customer who buys, or has already bought, a Windows 7 PC between June 2 and the end of January 2013, can upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for $15 (around Rs 793), a move designed to prevent a drop-off in PC sales before the launch of Windows 8.

The world's largest software company did not mention its own Surface tablet PC, which is expected on the market at the same time as Windows 8. Microsoft has not revealed the specifications or the price of the product it believes will challenge Apple's iPad.

Microsoft is all set to release all of its new operating systems and services in the next couple of months, including Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8. The company aims to make its own ecosystem, similar to that of Apple’s, with seamless integration between computers, phones, tablets, and eventually, gaming consoles.