Despite the excitement about the new Windows flavored tablets, ABI Research doesn't expect the device to make a huge impact on the tablet market
this year and in fact, sees the Surface Tablet accounting for only
1.3% of all tablet shipped in 2012. Some of that is due to the late
start for the tablet, with availability of the tablet not starting until
October. But there is more than just timing involved here.
ABI
sees Microsoft believing that it will easily grab the "low hanging
fruit," in other words, selling Surface Tablets to those in offices
using Windows-based PCs. Of course, Windows will be offering some
Surface Tablets powered by Windows 8 and Windows RT
for those who want an ARM based processor. Each will find different
buyers and will have different price points. The Windows 8 version is
expected to cost nearly $900 with the Windows RT model priced at around
$600. Obviously, ARM based tablets dominate now,
with a 98% marketshare in 2011 and ABI expects more of the same this
year. ABI believes that this fragmentation could put some sort of damper
on Surface Tablet sales.
If ABI Research is correct, 2012 will not be the year to expect Surface Tablets to challenge the Apple iPad and Android flavored tablets. Whether or not 2013 will show exponential growth remains to be seen.
If ABI Research is correct, 2012 will not be the year to expect Surface Tablets to challenge the Apple iPad and Android flavored tablets. Whether or not 2013 will show exponential growth remains to be seen.
