Acer:
“If Microsoft is going to do hardware business, what should we do? Should we still rely on Microsoft, or should we find other alternatives?”
Yes! I recommend Debian GNU/Linux. In addition to the limited abilities of M$’s software you get a diverse set of applications for client and server and a wonderful software management system. Spend money on advertising instead of propping up M$’s bank account and you will be rewarded, Acer. Other OEMs, take note. If Acer cuts its cost per PC by $100, what will happen to your market-share?
see Acer begs Microsoft to 'think twice' about Surface tablet | Microsoft – CNET News.
http://store.steampowered.com/news/8584/
Its not only OEM looking for plan B. Valve is extending outside there old home of just games because MS in Windows 8 is including a Store.
Next question what effect will this have on Valve competition. So just like Android we are going to have many application sources.
Neither Acer nor Microsoft will solve this puzzle. More likely the much greater player – The Tyrant Of Conditions – will make the decision: mobile revolution trowing away old and tired non-mobile pc dominance. That will be end for Microsoft and it’s unholy OEM Kingdom.
Q2 2012: 68,5% of new devices were mobiles, only 31,5% non-mobile pc-computers. World is changing with or without Microsoft Windows.
To quote the Bard, “The lady doth protest too much, methinks…”.
Else Mr. Wang may be a dullard bean counter in the stereotype PHB mold attributed to many CEOs in the world today. Surface is just a price umbrella sort of reference product that Microsoft sees as necessary to frame Windows RT where they want it to be.
Watch the future unfold with a more open mind, Mr. Pogson, and you may yet see the wisdom behind this.
Great idea. And every Acer computer with Debian comes together with a voucher for a lobotomy.
Mr. Pogson, you’ve got it all figured out. Acer should hire you as a long-term strategist.