Gates Expects Windows Tablet PCs by October

Microsoft Corp. Chairman Bill Gates said he expected tablet-size personal computers using the Windows operating system to begin selling in October as the company promotes new types of computers to boost slumping PC sales.

Tablet PCs are designed with a screen the size of a pad of paper that users can write on with a stylus.

Microsoft is focusing on versions of Windows, which runs more than 90% of the world’s PCs, for new forms of computers such as tablets, phones and home entertainment devices as sales of PCs recover slowly from a decline in 2001, the first since 1985. Global PC shipments fell 2.7% in the first quarter, according to market researcher IDC.

Microsoft has declined to comment on specific prices for the tablet PCs, which will be set by the computer makers producing them. The company has said prices will equal those of the more costly laptop, or about $2,000 to $3,000.