Will Microsoft's announced tablet cut it?
On June 18, 2012, Microsoft announced their Surface tablet, to be available in Windows RT and Windows 8 Pro flavors. The Surface is a bit of a departure from traditional Microsoft announcements, as it uses Microsoft rather than OEM hardware. As one of the distinguishing points between Microsoft and Apple is their open hardware platform, this raises the question of alienating Microsoft’s OEM relationships. Is it worth it? One of the theories behind Microsoft’s move is this makes the price more competitive with the iPad, which of course also has a closed hardware platform. And it actually isn’t the first time Microsoft has provided the hardware – look at the Xbox. There’s also the Microsoft mouse and keyboard, not to mention disasters such as Zune media players and Kin smart phones.
Is the Surface an iPad killer? Microsoft certainly hopes so, although it may be oriented towards a different market, as it comes with a physical keyboard and Microsoft Office (and perhaps could be subject to management as a Windows device?). This could be a good thing, only time will tell. The question is whether that will stop Apple’s momentum, particularly when the iPad has been out for over two years and the Surface won’t be available until Windows 8 releases.
