The dawning of tablets that are “real” computers that are able to run “real” computer programs (as opposed to primarily content consumption devices) has advanced well beyond the rumor stage. They are real, and they are coming this fall.

The details of who is going to offer what is still rumor. There have been substantial and credible leaks, but for the most part, companies are remaining mum on details.

One of the more exciting rumors is about the HP “Slate 8.” This is supposed to have a state-of-the-art Intel processor running Windows 8 Professional. This means that you will be able to truly install and run desktop software, as well as Windows 8 apps, on the device. The Slate 8 is believed to have a 10.1-inch display, is 0.36 inches thin, and has a 10 hour battery life.

Dell is also expected to enter the fray with its own Windows 8 tablet. Recently leaked specs on the first Dell offering rumor that it will also have a 10.1-inch display and a similar thickness (or “thinness”) as the HP Slate 8, an Intel Clover Trail Atom dual-core processor (Intel’s low power-consumption processor due out soon), 2 GB of RAM and a 128 GB solid state drive.

The HP and the Dell are just the first two of what promises to be a whole slew of Windows 8 tablet options that we will undoubtedly see this fall. Many of these will probably be variations on the versatile tablet-laptop hybrid design, which gives the user the option of using as a stand-alone tablet or docking a keyboard to the device.

This fall is guaranteed to be an exciting time in this new tablet computing market.