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[h=4]FIRST TAKE: Surface Pro 2 lacks dramatic innovation[/h]
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Byron Acohido, USA TODAY 1:33 p.m. EDT September 23, 2013
Microsoft's would-be iPad killer(Photo: Microsoft)
[h=3]Story Highlights[/h]
SEATTLE – The latest iteration of Microsoft's would-be iPad killer, the Surface Pro 2, will have upgraded hardware, primarily a processing chip and camera.
And it will have an attractive price point, something Microsoft already is promoting via a big budget ad campaign tied to NFL football games.
But will that be enough to light a fire under Surface sales? Jack Gold, analyst at J. Gold Associates, is skeptical.
"I don't see much incentive for people to buy these devices," opines Gold. "Yes, the devices are cheaper than the iPads, but is that enough reason? They certainly aren't price competitive with all the new Android tabs set to come out later this year."
The new Android tablets should have the same chips as the Surface Pro 2. And those TV ads denigrating the iPad for not having an attachable keyboard and USB port may actually rekindle negative visceral responses in some.
"Seems like MSFT is just maintaining the traditional PC mantra – keep upgrading the chip and hardware a little bit every year at a slightly lower price," says Gold. "They needed to do something that was innovative beyond the first gen, and I don't see that in these devices. I think they'll continue to sell a few, but I don't think this will dramatically alter their sales trajectory."
[h=6]USA NOW[/h]
[h=5]Terrorists on Twitter | USA NOW video[/h][h=5]Sep 23, 2013[/h]
[h=6]Share This Story![/h]Let friends in your social network know what you are reading about
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Byron Acohido, USA TODAY 1:33 p.m. EDT September 23, 2013
Microsoft's would-be iPad killer(Photo: Microsoft)
[h=3]Story Highlights[/h]
- Hardware upgrades, cheaper price may not be enough
- Jury is out on TV ad campaign denigrating iPad
SEATTLE – The latest iteration of Microsoft's would-be iPad killer, the Surface Pro 2, will have upgraded hardware, primarily a processing chip and camera.
And it will have an attractive price point, something Microsoft already is promoting via a big budget ad campaign tied to NFL football games.
But will that be enough to light a fire under Surface sales? Jack Gold, analyst at J. Gold Associates, is skeptical.
"I don't see much incentive for people to buy these devices," opines Gold. "Yes, the devices are cheaper than the iPads, but is that enough reason? They certainly aren't price competitive with all the new Android tabs set to come out later this year."
The new Android tablets should have the same chips as the Surface Pro 2. And those TV ads denigrating the iPad for not having an attachable keyboard and USB port may actually rekindle negative visceral responses in some.
"Seems like MSFT is just maintaining the traditional PC mantra – keep upgrading the chip and hardware a little bit every year at a slightly lower price," says Gold. "They needed to do something that was innovative beyond the first gen, and I don't see that in these devices. I think they'll continue to sell a few, but I don't think this will dramatically alter their sales trajectory."
[h=6]USA NOW[/h]
[h=5]Terrorists on Twitter | USA NOW video[/h][h=5]Sep 23, 2013[/h]