Intel's recently released Clover Trail-based Atom processor is destined to be in tablets running Window 8 come its release at the end of this month. However, a delay inside Intel in delivering a much-needed piece of software designed to conserve battery life is preventing the development of Wintel tablets.

Microsoft will not approve the tablets without the power-management software, which is the delayed software in question. This delayed approval process is cutting into the time manufacturers will have to revamp designs if Microsoft rejects them, and is delaying development, production, and could push back the release date of said devices.

Any delay in the release of new Wintel tablets before Christmas could be devastating to sales, as this is a typically good time for hand-held electronic sales. Apple is widely expected to release a new iPad in March or April of next year, so delays could also cause would-be consumer to hold off for the new iPad.