Microsoft Surface tablet to challenge iPad? Doubtful
A new tablet is on the block but if history is said to repeat itself, the iPad doesn’t need to be worried.
Microsoft unveiled its new tablet computer as expected Monday. It’s called “Surface.” Microsoft officials said in an event in Los Angeles that it wanted to give Windows 8, the software company’s next operating system, a hardware companion.
This hasn’t worked out so well for Microsoft in the past. We’ll get to that in a little bit.
The new tablet features a 10.6-inch display, slightly larger then the iPad. Additionally, it includes a very gimmicky “kickstand,” that allows users to prop it up when watching movies or typing on the thin, detachable cover that also comes with it. The cover also serves as a keyboard.
As mentioned, Surface will run Windows 8, which is expected to be released this fall. The tablet will be released alongside of it and come in 32GB and 64GB versions.
Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer added that a professional’s version of the tablet is also expected to be released and priced around $1,000. If that proves to be popular, it could force Apple to consider an iPad Pro.
Microsoft’s hardware attempts in the past have been a joke at best.
To compete with the popularity of the iPod, Microsoft released the Zune — a music player that was quickly discontinued after terrible sales.
The only thing that is somewhat popular from Microsoft is the XBox 360, which is also finally expected to catch up with the Playstation 3. The rumored XBox 720 came to light when a 56-page document recently leaked.
The New York Times pointed out that Microsoft took a play out of Apple’s book in relation to the tablet’s release. Media received minimal notice of the event, and a tight secrecy was wrapped around the product. Additionally, Microsoft claims they’re planning a major announcement that media and users won’t want to miss out on.”
What will be released? Who knows. All I know is, Microsoft has put out keyboards and mice that have flopped — why would anyone trust a major hardware investment to be different?
June 19th, 2012
And OEMs will dump their intentions for a Windows 8 tablets as they won’t be able to compete in price against Microsoft’s Surface, while paying $85-95 for Windows tablet license . The first to announce its drop out is LG.
June 21st, 2012
You’ve made some very good points about Microsoft. I don’t know how their tablet will do. I mean, like you said, Microsoft’s attempts at hardware weren’t great. I’m not looking to get a tablet from Microsoft, but it’ll be interesting to see what they have to offer on this PC worth one grand.