Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates had a lot to say about tablets and PCs in a recent Squawk Box interview. Gates bemoaned the current state of tablets and claimed most users are frustrated with the experience of a keyboard-less device.
“With Windows 8, Microsoft is trying to gain market share in what has been dominated by the iPad-type device. But a lot those users are frustrated. They can’t type. They can’t create documents. So we’re providing them something with the benefits they’ve seen that has made that a big category but without giving up what they expect in a PC.”
Gates, referring to Microsoft’s line of tablets, added that “if you have Surface or Surface Pro, you have the portability of the tablet but the richness of terms of the keyboard, Microsoft Office of the PC.”
Tablet sales numbers, though, contradict Gates’ statement. Recent analysis places the iPad at the top of the tablet market and Android in second. The Surface is only a blip when compared to its competitors. The iPad also continues to lead in customer satisfaction surveys, which suggests people buy the iPad and like it.
I don’t want to knock the Microsoft founder too hard for his statement as this market is still in the early stages of development and a lot of things can change. With tablet sales forecasted to grow exponentially in the next five years, I have a feeling this is a debate that will continue to rage.
[Via Business Insider]