Mary Jo Foley reports that Microsoft may drop the traditional Windows desktop element of Windows 8 for ARM tablets. What’s odd is that this idea of having it both ways (Windows desktop and the new Metro touch experience) was key to an argument Windows chief Steven Sinofsky made back in August about Windows 8.

Of course, that argument for “no compromise” read exactly like the definition of a compromise. So if true, I think this is the right move. 

But what’s not yet clear is if this is only the case for ARM tablets (that’s how it sounds). x86-powered tablets may still run the dual-action Windows 8. Also not clear: what about ARM-powered notebooks/netbooks? 

It’s starting to sound a lot like your typical 14-option approach from Microsoft. Windows 8 Tablet Touch Live Professional Edition ‘12 for ARM Tablets with Bing anyone?