Intel-Microsoft target Apple tablet dominance: slow start

Bloomberg have reported that the joint Intel-Microsoft attack on the tablet market is off to a slow start. Both companies initially announced a dozen tablets which would run Windows 8. Only five of these can be purchased for immediately delivery.

Craig Berger, an analyst at FBR Capital Markets has said that demand so far for the Microsoft Surface Tablet is ‘disappointing'. Part of the problem has been that partners have been limited in supporting the launch due to Microsoft imposed restrictions on which manufacturers get a prototype for development. There have also been delays in finalising the Intel power management software. Critical in the mobile space.

Apple and Google are dominating the market in the run up to the end of year sales.

Bob O'Donnell, an analyst at market researcher IDC in Framingham said “You can hardly even find one, So even if you wanted to buy it, it would be difficult.”

Bloomberg say “The list of Windows tablets is short. In addition to Microsoft’s Surface, Asustek Computer Inc. (2357)’s Vivo Tab RT and Lenovo Group Ltd. (992)’s IdeaPad Yoga run the RT version of Windows and boast ARM-based chips. Samsung Electronics Co. (005930)’s ATIV Smart PC and Acer Inc. (2353)’s Iconia run Windows 8, and rely on Intel chips.

Two of them, the Surface and the Acer device, are only available at Microsoft’s own stores, which number just more than 60 for the holidays. FBR’s Berger wrote in a note last week that Surface sales “have underwhelmed expectations.” Microsoft has declined to comment on Surface sales, which isn’t a positive sign, said Wes Miller, an analyst at Directions on Microsoft.

“When Microsoft is stealthy about numbers, that usually means something.” he said.

Kitguru says: No sign of Microsoft making a big impact into the tablet sector. Q1-Q2 2013 will be critical for them.

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