Microsoft has let it be known that the next version of Windows will run on ARM-architecture, and it has demonstrated early builds of Windows 8–or whatever Microsoft ultimately calls the next OS–on a tablet at both CES 2011, and MIX ’11. While Microsoft did a quick 180 on comments from Steve Ballmer confirming a 2012 launch of Windows 8, we know it’s coming sometime, and when it does it may quickly dominate the tablet market.

Why? Well, here are five reasons that MIcrosoft could come from behind and ultimately win the tablet war.