Microsoft taking “a step back” with Tablet PC |
I was wondering about WinHEC (Seattle) coverage and since have discovered a little more including this statement from Bill Mitchell, corporate vice president for the Windows client business (thanks vnunet):
“The first models of the Tablet were a noble attempt to get to the end goal very quickly. But, as it goes with any new technology, it is very difficult to move customers to the end goal. So we have taken a step back,” he said.
“Step back” could mean a number of things, and not necessarily a Tablet death knell, although the perception is that a step back is as the name implies: going backward, not forward. Statements like these are going to be eye candy for nay-sayers. Can already hear the told ya so’s in the crowd.
The Tablet PC was released in 2001 and I took the plunge in December 2004. I’ve been working on an update for what I’m currently using the Tablet PC for these days. Certainly the novelty, if that’s the right word, is wearing off of owning a Tablet PC at the 130+ day mark of tablet ownership, but it’s being used every day. More on that in a separate entry is coming.
I still think Microsoft’s biggest problem is retail penetration. They need (badly) to get tablets in more retail stores. The last time I heard they were pushing for getting Tablets in more retails stores by summer 2005. The health of the platform is defined by the exposure and though I’ve seen a few Tablets, it’s certainly not something you see very often. My one fear for the platform is that if there isn’t enough exposure, Microsoft will drop it and put it on the legacy train to death.
Tablet PC Buzz has upgraded their server and tablet owners are talking about Mr. Mitchell’s statements.
tags: winhec
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Yeah, I wouldn’t read too much into a colloquialism. Bill Mitchell followed “step-back” with a description of the thin and light entries into the market this past year. In context, he was building out the timeline from first generation slate designs on launch to “carry everywhere” PCs of the future.
Comment by Lora Heiny — April 28, 2005 @ 7:41 pm PST