Microsoft Surface: Can it Compete?

Home » Mobile, Mobile Industry News » Microsoft Surface: Can it Compete?

on Oct 24, 12 • by Harrison Painter • with 2 Comments

The Microsoft Surface is getting ready to make a huge splash in the tablet market, but can it compete in a world dominated by the iPad?

I understand Microsoft does not have the cool factor of Apple, but Apple has become much less innovative over the last few years. The iPhone 5 launch felt more like a game of catch up to Samsung’s successful Galaxy S3, and honestly, making the iPad smaller via the iPad Mini launch really isn’t what I would call groundbreaking.

The Microsoft Surface is the companies first attempt at the tablet market, and instead of simply trying to copy the iPad, they are truly focused on creating something different.

Let’s take a look at some of the things that separate the Microsoft Surface from the iPad:

Stereo speakers
Front & back cameras are 720p HD
Memory-card slot to expand storage
video output jack
USB 2.0 jack
Double the storage for the money
Integrated kickstand
Optional keyboard

Most of the features listed above would help in moving the tablet from a content consumption device into a more practical tablet productive for business use.

Now let’s take a look at where the Microsoft Surface falls short:

Battery life
No cellular version – WiFi only
Screen resolution
Lack of mobile apps

The good news is that all of the issues listed above can be easily improved on. The lack of mobile apps is a major concern, but I am confident Microsoft will be making major strides in the app world in the coming months (…more on that topic coming soon).

The Microsoft Surface will be running Windows RT, and from what I can tell it will be a very similar and lighter version of Windows 8. Time will tell as to how it compares to iOS, but it would be foolish to count out the power of Microsoft just because they are late to the party.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Here are some Microsoft Surface resources from around the web:

Computerworld – Microsoft Surface Tablet Reviews Crazily Mixed

Wired – Microsoft Dives Deep to Surface a Hit

CNN – Microsoft Surface Review: The PC of the Future Needs More Apps

All Things Digital – Hardworking Tablet with PC Chops

_____________________________________________________________________________

It is too early to tell how successful the Microsoft Surface will be in a market dominated by the iPad, but there is no question the software giant has the resources to become a major player. The hardware looks impressive, but it will come down to the user experience of Windows RT and how quickly they can make strides in the mobile applications front.

I would love to get some of your thoughts. Do you think the Surface can compete with the iPad, and would you consider buying one?