In particular, analysts say Apple will lock down its dominance of the touchscreen computer market, moving more of its iPad tablet devices through retail partners, including Wal-Mart Stores Inc.

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Or some new feature, like touchscreen functionality, that requires a new Windows computer.

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Windows 8 was an ambitious attempt to update the personal computer for the tablet era by moving to a new touchscreen interface based on colourful tiles, hiding the "desktop" launch screen familiar to white collar workers and consumers around the world.

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