Windows 8 will not only be released as a desktop and notebook operating system but will also be used in touch screen-based laptops. Apple has Mac OS X for its desktops and laptops but for its touch screen devices like the iPad, it has the separate iOS. Apple CEO Tim Cook seems to believe that their model is best and lightly slammed Microsoft and some PC makers for their plans to make a hybrid notebook/tablet device.

In a conference call with financial analysts today to discuss Apple's first quarter 2012 results, Cook was asked during the Q&A session about if Apple was going to try to make a hybrid laptop/tablet product, as some PC makers are going to try to do with Windows 8. Cook responded that such a device would have some unwanted "tradeoffs", adding, "You can converge a toaster and a refrigerator, but those aren’t going to be pleasing to the user."

Cook said that Apple had no such plans to offer a hybrid notebook/tablet product, adding, "We are not going to that party, but others might from a defensive point of view."

PC maker Lenovo has already revealed its own upcoming Windows 8-based tablet/notebook device, the IdeaPad Yoga, that is scheduled to ship in October. The screen of the Yoga is designed to swivel so that you can use it as a regular notebook with a physical keyboard. The screen can then be flipped around so you can use it as a rather large touch screen tablet.