Targetting notebooks powered by cheaper Chrome OS, Microsoft revealed that HP, Acer, and Toshiba are planning to launch Windows-powered laptops and PCs, with a price range between $199 and $249.
At the ongoing Worldwide Partner Conference 2014, Microsoft COO Kevin Turner noted that several Windows powered notebooks will directly rival Chromebooks.
With the details of HP’s ‘Stream’ laptop remaining undisclosed, it is expected there will be $249 laptop options from Acer and Toshiba.
Acer’s cheaper laptop will boast a 15.6in screen and a 2.16GHz Intel Celeron processor, while Toshiba’s device features 11.6in display, 32GB SSD, and 2.4lb weight.
Furthermore, HP also plans to launch 7in and 8in versions of its new ‘Stream’ PCs for $99 during the holiday season, with both versions powered by Windows.
"We are going to participate at the low-end," Turner told The Verge. "We’ve got a great value proposition against Chromebooks, we are not ceding the market to anyone."
As part of efforts to enable PC makers to reduce their device prices, Microsoft has been regularly trimming down the Windows license costs.
In the midst of Microsoft’s plans for cheaper PCs, Dell has temporarily halted online sales of its only Chromebook, failing to keep up with orders amid rising commercial demand for the devices, with 2.1 million Chromebooks being shipped throughout 2013.
