Microsoft To Release Tablet PC
Microsoft is making its long-awaited foray into the tablet computer market with Surface, its own competitor to Apple's iPad. Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer unveiled Surface this week. It's similar in size and weight to the iPad, but with a larger screen and better aspect ratio. Surface also includes a foldable keyboard that doubles as a smart cover.
The "High Tech Texan" Michael Garfield tells KTRH the Surface is intended to directly target the iPad. "It's touch screen, small, light, and obviously will evolve with its new Windows 8 operating system...and I think the big competing feature they're going against Apple on is the price point, hopefully making it lower and more affordable for people to buy."
This isn't the first time Microsoft has made a splashy debut with a product, only to have it fizzle. "I really have lost a lot of faith in Microsoft," Garfield says. He points out notable past failures like the Zune mp3 music player and the Kin smart phone, both of which have been discontinued.
Overall, Garfield thinks the success or failure of Surface might come down to the strength of the new Windows 8. "A bit too little, too late for Microsoft to really go after this tablet market...it all depends on how cool this Surface is and how cheap it's priced."
Microsoft hasn't yet said exactly how much the Surface will cost, but the first version of it is set to go on sale sometime this fall. At the introductory news conference, Ballmer said the Surface will be an entertainment device "without compromising the productivity that PCs are uniquely known for."
