Microsoft Surface, the famous tablet that the company from Redmond presented in June, is to be launched on October 26 worldwide. In October, only the Windows RT version of the Microsoft Surface will be released, a version of the tablet that runs an operating system with limited functions, an operating system that will not be able to run applications for Windows 8. These tablets would cost between 500 – $600, a price equal to or higher than that of the iPad 3 tablet, but higher than the current iPad 2 tablet.
In fall 2012, we are launching Windows 8...Its success depends on a number of factors including the extent to which customers embrace its new user interface and functionality, successfully coordinating with our OEM partners in releasing a variety of hardware devices that take advantage of its features, and attracting developers at scale to ensure a competitive array of quality applications. We expect to incur substantial marketing costs in launching Window 8 and associated services and devices, which may reduce our operating margins.
Version with RT Windows Microsoft's Surface has an average chance of competing with the tablet iPad, but the version with Intel processors of Microsoft Surface is the most interesting. These tablets will run Windows 8, but they will have starting prices of $1000, so probably a lot of people will think seriously about buying a MacBook Air, for example, or a Microsoft tablet. Tablets with Intel processors will be available on the market 90 days after the launch of those with Windows RT, and only then will the real "battle" with the iPad begin. The problem is that Apple will launch the iPad 4 about a month after Microsoft will sell tablets with Intel processors, so things will get very interesting.
I think that Microsoft will seriously affect at least the Android tablet market and maybe, maybe it will also affect the market share of the iPad.
