Microsoft will be hoping Windows 8 tablets are more than a match for iPad in the years to come, though it had been expected ARM equipped devices would lead the platform's charge.

A report on DigiTimes, however, claims Intel is looking to get the largest slice of the action.

It's claimed both it and Microsoft expect Windows 8 tablets packing Intel chips to drag down Apple's market-leading share from its current 70 percent hand to below 50 percent by 2013.

ARMed and ready?

The news comes from Taiwanese ODMs, who claim Intel devices will gain the edge largely thanks to timing.

Going against previous assurances by Microsoft pointing to a universal launch, they believe Windows 8 for Intel device will launch before Windows RT - the version of the OS specifically designed for ARM devices.

The same sources claim a total of 32 Windows 8-powered tablets are due out before the end of 2012, with Toshiba, Dell, Hewlett-Packard and more all on board.

Acer and Lenovo in particular are reportedly eyeing up both entry-level and high-end Windows 8 tablets - the latter specifically designed to take on Apple's new iPad.

In contrast, Windows 8 tablets will also target entry-level Android devices, undercutting models from Chinese vendors with price tags below $300.

[source: DigiTimes]