Playing the application compatibility card, Otellini said tablets with Intel's upcoming chips will support older applications written for previous versions of Windows, which is important for CIOs.

"There's going to be some compatibility issues for other architectures," Otellini said.

Just by pressing one button on a tablet, users will be able to jump into legacy Windows mode for those who need an older user interface, Otellini said. The Windows 8 tablets on Intel chips provide a snappy response, Otellini said.

Many application compatibility issues have been raised in the past. Intel last year would not work on Windows on ARM, a claim that was shot down by Microsoft. However, Microsoft later said to run or port existing x86 applications.

Microsoft is trying to raise the appeal of Windows on ARM by bundling basic Office applications -- collectively called Office 15 -- with versions of Windows RT. Microsoft Office will not be included with Windows 8 or Windows 8 Pro.