Asus looks to be working to put Windows 8 onto the next iteration of the Eee Pad Transformer tablet. The Transformer is a unique tablet in that it comes with an optional keyboard and trackpad dock, which when snapped into place transforms the device into a veritable netbook and doubles its battery life. First reported by Notebook Italia, the new Windows 8 model will reportedly be launched in 2012, and will also be priced higher.

Many questions remain. An article in PCWorld asks, "Will it provide the instant-on capabilities of competing tablet platforms? Will ARM-based Windows 8 devices be able to run legacy apps?" And of course, there's the perennial question of battery life for the more heavy-duty Windows OS.

Separate reports on how Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) is working hard to ensure that Windows 8 won't require a new PC do seem to support the case that a Windows 8 Transformer tablet could become a reality, even though the 2012 ship date coincides with the expected debut of Windows 8 next year.

I had the opportunity to play with a demo unit of the Asus Transformer at its launch event in Singapore recently. I liked the concept of having a detachable keyboard with trackpad, though the dock practically doubled the weight of the Transformer tablet--rendering it heavier than an 11-inch MacBook Air. Would a Windows 8 Transformer tablet appeal to you, given the additional heft?

For more:
- check out this article at PCWorld

Related Articles:
Asus introduces Padfone, a smartphone-tablet combo
Windows 8 won't require new PC, says Microsoft
Windows 8 will debut in 2012; more details could come next week