InformationWeek compared both Windows 8 and Windows RT

When Microsoft launches Windows 8 on October 26, it also will unveil Windows RT, a new version of Microsoft's operating system designed specifically for ARM-based devices. Windows 8 and Windows RT have much in common, particularly the Modern UI Style (formerly Metro) design, with Live Tiles that dynamically display personalized information such as the current weather or the number of messages in your inbox. However, they have dramatic differences as well, most notably Windows RT's inability to run legacy (Intel X86-based) Windows apps.

It's tempting to think of Windows RT as an OS built only for consumer tablets, but Redmond says that's not necessarily the case.

"Windows RT is not just for tablet form factors. Some of our Windows RT PCs come with full keyboard and touchpad solutions, whether removable/dockable or a traditional clamshell," wrote Mike Angiulo, VP of Microsoft's ecosystem and planning team, in a recent post on the company's Building Windows 8 blog.

  Windows 8 Vs. Windows RT: 8 Key Differences