Microsoft and Apple have been butting heads since what seems like the beginning of time (or at least the beginning of technology) so it's no surprise that we will once again see some fierce competition between the two tech giants with the release of Windows 8.

Microsoft has made a point of advertising the fact that maximum screen resolution for Windows 8 tablets is higher than that of the new iPad and its famous Retina display.

It has also announced that certain Windows 8 apps, navigation and control features will be superior to those of the iPad.

Of course, like everything in life, the better option will depend on your personal preferences, but it will be interesting to see how the race plays out and what Apple has in store to keep things fresh and exciting.

Rebirth of the PC?

Last year we did a cover story called “Is the laptop dead?” and the final verdict seemed to be “sort of.” Although most experts didn't anticipate the extinction of the laptop any time soon, they did stress that the laptop would have to undergo some major restructuring in order to stay relevant.

Craig Richardson, Managing Director of Jade Software, suggested that one possible solution for laptops is to form a hybrid with smart devices.

In other words, it might not be the case that one technology will wipe out the other altogether, but instead we will see a new development as the tablet and laptop begin to merge resources, offering the best of both worlds. It seems Microsoft's emphasis on touch technology is a clear example of Richardson's prediction.

International Data Corporation (IDC) seems to concur, noting that the growth of PC sales in 2011 were slow and remained slow through midyear. It says there is some hope at the end of this year and the beginning of next for increased growth, but that will depend on Windows 8.

"2012 and 2013 will bring significant changes for Microsoft and the PC community," says IDC analyst Jay Chou. "Windows 8 and Ultrabooks are a definitive step in the right direction to recapturing the relevance of the PC, but its promise of meshing a tablet experience with a PC body will likely entail a period of trial and error, thus the market will likely see modest growth in the near term."

That's a lot of pressure on Windows 8. For the sake of PC lovers, let's hope it can deliver!