Windows 10 Build 17107 - small fix update

On Friday Feb 23, MS released Windows 10 build 17107 to Fast Ring insiders.  There was no Skip Ahead or 176xx builds for RS5 released.  

 The build had two focus areas.  First was a small change to Windows Update to support a PC connected to AC power to defer sleep or hibernate before an update completes.  Second the build contained 13 fixes.  

 The build installed quickly and easily and shows that RS4 is very nearly done.  

 I had estimated that the RS4 release build # would be in the 17120 - 130 range and I think that is still accurate.  

 In relation to this was the announcement of the availability of the 3 Always Connected PCs from Asus, HP and Lenovo.   Since some of these machines will be available as early as March 9 - my assumption would be that they will come with RS4 and so we may be even closer to release than I thought.

 As you know Always Connected PCs have two unique attributes - first is the use of Qualcomm ARM CPUs and the second is integrated LTE capability with eSIM support.   These units will come with Windows 10 S - but you will be able to upgrade for free to Windows 10 Pro.  

 Several MS watchers have published data on a few of the constraints that these new units will have.  For example no Hyper-V support - which in my opinion is not a show stopper since the primary value proposition here is 20 hr battery life and extreme mobility.

 But the price tags are up there.  The announcement/pre-order for the base HP Envy X2 for example is $999.  Considering that you can buy a new traditional 2:1 laptop with Intel i5-8550U, 8GB RAM and a 256GB SSD with same screen resolution for $849 - make me ask if the premium is worth it.

 I think the timing on these initial wave of devices is just slight off since for example most of the new flagship phones being announced this week at the MWC will be using the new Snapdragon 845+ vs the 835 in Always Connected PC.  Additionally - the real value around these devices will be enhanced with LTE 5 which none of them support.

 While I like the concept of an ultra portable, high connected laptop the question is would there be enough interest and sales volume for the OEMS to make a profit and continue to develop the platform.   

 As I've stated in earlier posts - If you are planning on buying one of these - I would certainly wait until the next wave that includes LTE 5 support and next gen CPU/GPU.   My expectation is that is may come quickly - so as early as RS5 release this September.   

 So RS4 is very near completion - and it is a very incremental update from RS3 - with the exception of ARM support.  It's ready to go and should be released in the next few weeks..


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