Windows RT hardware partners nail their colours to the mast

Dell, Lenovo, Asus and Samsung all sign up for Microsoft tablets, with Acer and Toshiba not in the mix

Microsoft has revealed the troop of hardware vendors that will release the first wave of Windows RT-powered devices, with Toshiba and Acer conspicuous by their absence.

Asus had already revealed its intention to make an RT-based ARM device in the shape of the vendor's upcoming Tablet 600 product, and Microsoft will also be releasing its own-brand tablet: the Surface. In a blog post penned by Mike Angiulo, vice president of the software giant's ecosystem and planning team, Dell, Lenovo and Samsung were unveiled as hardware partners.

"You will need to stay tuned for more details; PC manufacturers will be unveiling their products as we approach the Windows 8 and Windows RT launch," writes Angiulo. "What I can say is the spectrum of form factors and peripherals being developed to meet each customer's computing needs is unique in the industry."

Acer executives have been openly critical of Microsoft's plan to develop its own hardware, so it is perhaps no surprise to see the Taiwanese giant missing from today's list.

The omission of Toshiba has cause a little more surprise, and the Japanese firm has quickly spoken out to clarify that delays in the component supply chain forced it to conclude that a timely launch of an RT-based device would be impossible. The firm has added that it will "continue to look into the possibility of Windows RT products in the future while monitoring market conditions".

Sam Burd, vice president of Dell's PC Product Group, said: "Dell's tablet for Windows RT is going to take advantage of the capabilities the new ecosystem offers to help customers do more at work and home. We are excited to be Microsoft's strategic partner, and look forward to sharing more soon."