Microsoft is playing catch up to Apple’s iPad, but analysts say the software powerhouse will have its work cut out for it if it wants to beat Apple’s head start. Microsoft is working with big name computer companies (and Apple competitors), Hewlett-Packard, Dell, Asus, Levono and Toshiba to produce an alternative to the iPad, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said Thursday. Microsoft’s version would be Windows-based, according to PCWorld. Ballmer told analysts that the effort to produce a Windows-based tablet device that could rival iPad is urgent. Apple has sold over three million iPads since its April launch, and some believe sales could top 10 million by the end of the year. Ballmer told analysts he thinks Microsoft’s version should use Intel processors and Windows 7. The company had a Windows XP Tablet edition back in 2003, but the devices never caught on fully with the general public the way the iPad has. But Apple’s been in some hot water recently with both its iPad and iPhone. A federal lawsuit was filed against Apple over the iPad, claiming the device overheats and shuts down in the sun. A class action lawsuit was also filed against Apple over reception problems with the iPhone 4, a public relations debacle for the company, which ultimately forced CEO Steve Jobs to come out publicly and say that Apple isn’t perfect. Could Apple’s problems with the iPhone and iPad create enough of a window for Microsoft to produce a competing touch screen tablet device or capture more market share? What do you think? Leave your comments below.
Photo by Matt Buchanan via Wikimedia Commons. iPad with display keyboard.
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