Dell Shows Off 10-Inch Windows Tablet

Dell said the tablet will feature an Intel Sandy Bridge processor, run on Windows 7 software, and have the same security and management features as PCs. Dell is aiming to target and optimize for industries like education and healthcare, which purchase computers in bulk quantities.

Dell did not reveal specific details like name, release date or pricing, but the tablet is anticipated to launch in March.

In addition to the Windows-based tablet, the world's number-two PC maker is also planning a 10-inch version of its Streak tablet. Dell has already released 5- and 7-inch versions. The Streak tablets run on Google's Android operating system.

The tablet news comes as part of the company's larger push to revamp its overall PC line, with Dell looking to augment its core line with emerging devices like tablets as part of a larger ecosystem of computing. Overall, PC sales have been slowing as the market matures, and the fourth quarter of last year found the category with smaller than usual levels of growth, rising by just 3 percent, according to IDC.

Dell is not the only major computer maker boosting its offerings beyond PCs. Hewlett Packard has also recently revealed its first tablet, powered by WebOS, the platform HP acquired with the purchase of Palm.

While Dell's newest tablet for businesses is powered by Windows 7, the platform is not considered and ideal operating system for tablets because it is not optimized for touch screen input or tablet formatting, Windows 8 should solve those problems. The next version of Microsoft's flagship OS is due for release late in 2011 and will include options to optimize the platform for tablets.