Acer balked at plans Microsoft would be selling entry-level Surface for only $199, which would compete with the Acer/Google's Nexus 7 and other budget tablets. Microsoft is selling and designing the Surface, Microsoft-branded tablets that run on Windows 8 and Windows RT. At the same time the software giant is wooing smartphone and tablet makers like Samsung and Acer to manufacture devices that run on the newest Windows OS.
Microsoft has since allayed Acer's concerns by saying that it's considering differentiation strategies that would minimize the impact on partner OEMs. Acer chairman JT Wang has renewed the Taiwanese OEM's commitment to Windows 8.
What Else You Need To Know:
- Microsoft has said that the Windows RT tablets would be priced to be competitive with a comparable ARM tablet. The entry level iPad is priced at $449.
- The Surface RT will be available simultaneously with Windows 8, which is scheduled to be launched Oct. 26.
- A Surface tablet will run on the Windows 8 Pro OS will be available in January and will be priced akin to Ultrabook-class PCs.
Other sources
The Microsoft slates – one of which will run Windows RT, the other Windows 8 – will be more negative overall than positive.- JT Wang, Acer Chairman
- SlashGear
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Acer: Please Microsoft, just don’t make Surface too cheap
Acer has renewed its commitment to Windows 8 and Windows RT tablets, with chairman JT Wang saying that the company’s criticisms of Microsoft’s Surface don’t mean it is ditching its Windows slate plans.
- Tech Radar
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Acer changes tune on Microsoft Surface as long as it isn't too cheap
With one Swedish retailer listing the Surface price as £650 (around $1,000), that may not be much of a problem.
- TN
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Microsoft Addresses Concerns of Windows 8 Partners, Acer Included
Microsoft will also not give up its Surface plans and there are already rumors about a Surface 2 Tablet out there, so it’s an entire series we’re talking about here.