MICROSOFT'S new tablet computers are no threat to Apple 's iPad, given a lack of enthusiasm among developers to create applications that run on the new Windows operating system, analysts said.
Microsoft introduced its own "Surface" line of tablets on Monday, taking on Apple as well as its own hardware partners including Samsung Electronics and Hewlett-Packard.
"Though pricing details are unclear . Microsoft will need to significantly undercut the iPad to be competitive," Jefferies analyst Peter Misek said.
The Surface tablet will come in two versions, one running Windows RT, based on the same chip designs that power most tablets, and a higher-performance version running Windows 8 Pro.
"The most important factor in the success of a tablet is its ecosystem. Based on our discussions with developers, we find the lack of enthusiasm concerning."
Misek said he expects Windows 8 tablets to struggle to compete with the iPad, which offers over 225000 apps, and to a lesser extent with Google's Android-based tablets, such as the Galaxy Tab.
Microsoft's lighter, thinner version of the Surface tablet would compete directly with the iPad, while the second, heavier tablet, aimed at the new generation of lightweight laptops, would compete with larger PC makers.
But selling two versions of the tablet will confuse consumers, said analysts at Jefferies, Forrester Research and ThinkEquity.
"Choice is a key tenet of Windows, but too much choice is overwhelming for consumers," Forrester Research said. "Apple gets this, and limits iPad options to connectivity, storage, and black . or white."
However, a keyboard that doubles up as the tablet cover and aggressive pricing could help Microsoft gain market share.
"The keyboard, a simple accessory, is what makes the device most compelling, as it preserves traditional interface with the subtlety of a cover, something most users will want anyway," said Citi analyst Walter Pritchard.
Morgan Stanley's Adam Holt said the cover keyboard, compatibility with Microsoft Office and features optimised for Skype would help differentiate it from other tablets.
Microsoft's new tablet 'no threat to iPad'
MICROSOFT'S new tablet computers are no threat to Apple 's iPad, given a lack of enthusiasm among developers to create applications that run on the new Windows operating system, analysts said.
Microsoft introduced its own "Surface" line of tablets on Monday, taking on Apple as well as its own hardware partners including Samsung Electronics and Hewlett-Packard.
"Though pricing details are unclear . Microsoft will need to significantly undercut the iPad to be competitive," Jefferies analyst Peter Misek said.
The Surface tablet will come in two versions, one running Windows RT, based on the same chip designs that power most tablets, and a higher-performance version running Windows 8 Pro.
"The most important factor in the success of a tablet is its ecosystem. Based on our discussions with developers, we find the lack of enthusiasm concerning."
Misek said he expects Windows 8 tablets to struggle to compete with the iPad, which offers over 225000 apps, and to a lesser extent with Google's Android-based tablets, such as the Galaxy Tab.
Microsoft's lighter, thinner version of the Surface tablet would compete directly with the iPad, while the second, heavier tablet, aimed at the new generation of lightweight laptops, would compete with larger PC makers.
But selling two versions of the tablet will confuse consumers, said analysts at Jefferies, Forrester Research and ThinkEquity.
"Choice is a key tenet of Windows, but too much choice is overwhelming for consumers," Forrester Research said. "Apple gets this, and limits iPad options to connectivity, storage, and black . or white."
However, a keyboard that doubles up as the tablet cover and aggressive pricing could help Microsoft gain market share.
"The keyboard, a simple accessory, is what makes the device most compelling, as it preserves traditional interface with the subtlety of a cover, something most users will want anyway," said Citi analyst Walter Pritchard.
Morgan Stanley's Adam Holt said the cover keyboard, compatibility with Microsoft Office and features optimised for Skype would help differentiate it from other tablets.
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