Acer CEO Issues ‘Think Twice’ Warning to Microsoft Regarding Surface

When Microsoft first announced its Surface tablet, which would be one of the rare hardware products to come out of Redmond with a Microsoft brand-name on it, many questioned how the move would affect the company’s relationships with other vendors – namely those which have supported the company’s operating system and software for many years. Even Microsoft itself admitted there might be some hostility, but clearly, the folks there wanted to show the others how it’s done.

Well before Windows 8’s launch, however, at least one company has spoken out about Microsoft’s decision: Acer. CEO JT Wang was pretty clear with his recommendation, “Think twice.” He seemed polite about the entire thing, but his intentions are clear, especially where he says, “other brands may take a negative reaction“. Let’s be realistic – why would he speak on behalf of his competitors? Clearly, he doesn’t like Microsoft’s thinking.

If I had to guess how this will all play out, Microsoft will go through with the Surface launch (it’s invested too much already), but past that, the company will likely cease to continue its own tablets, allowing the others to take over the market. Why? Microsoft wants to set the benchmark for what a Windows 8 tablet should be, and given previous Windows mobile products, the company simply didn’t want to take a chance. I can’t say I blame it, but one thing’s for certain, it’s not just the hardware that matters, but the software.