Touchmate launches Windows 10 tablets

Dubai: Dubai-based Touchmate has become the first vendor to launch tablets running on Microsoft’s latest operating system — Windows 10 — in Dubai.

Microsoft officially released its new OS on July 29 across 190 countries and in 111 languages.

“The overall tablet sales have been stable so far. It will pick up with the introduction of Windows 10. Microsoft has done a beautiful job and it is definitely a device for professional use,” said Vasant Menghani, CEO and founder of Touchmate.

He sees demand growing for Windows tablets as the form factor is much easier to carry than laptops.

The 10.1-inch device (3G version) is powered by Intel Atom quad-core 1.8GHz processor and comes with 2GB RAM, 32GB internal storage capacity and 5MP camera. It is priced at Dh999.

The 10.1-inch WiFi version has the same hardware specs but comes with only 1GB RAM. It is priced at Dh699.

Touchmate’s tablet is similar to Microsoft’s Type Cover keyboard design, which uses magnetic hinge to latch onto the device’s lower bezel and the keyboard can be used as a cover.

“The keyboard draws power through the metal docking connector as opposed to Bluetooth keyboard which has to be charged separately. We have added more battery power to incorporate this feature,” he said.

Microsoft is giving users Windows 10 and MS Office 365 (one year) for free.

“Our minimum target is to sell 5,000 units per month but we expect to sell around 10,000 units per month,” he said in a confident tone.

Touchmate has already received 1,500 pieces from China and will be getting 1,000 units per week to supply locally.

To meet the future demand, the company has invested Dh32 million in a new headquarters-cum-warehouse-cum-assembling facility at Dubai Investments Park with 85,000 square foot area.

“To cater to the local demand for computers, tablets and mobile phones, we just cannot depend only on Chinese plants. We will be bringing the parts from China and assemble it at the DIP facility,” he said.