Microsoft expands tablet line
微软拓展平板电脑业务

Microsoft is expanding its line of tablet computers -- unveiling the new Surface Pro 3 tablet in New York on Tuesday. The move comes as the company is trying to fuel interest in its struggling tablet line.

Microsoft has launched a new tablet that is faster and thinner than its previous models. The new Surface Pro 3 is the company’s latest attempt to try and win market share amid increasing competition from rivals Apple and Samsung.

With a base price of $799, the device features a 12-inch screen, runs an Intel Corp processor and supports a stylus. Microsoft has high hopes that the Surface Pro 3 will be able to replace consumer laptops.

"During the presentation, Microsoft said that 96% of people who own iPads also own laptops so there obviously is going to be some overlap when you buy a tablet versus a laptop.

I Don’t think that Microsoft’s new Surface Pro 3 is going to really change that. People are kind of set in their ways and they see that tablet is more for content consumption and a laptop is for content creation," technology editor of The Street Chris Ciaccia said.

Microsoft’s announcement comes at a time when there is much debate in the industry over the popularity of tablets. Growth in the tablet market has slowed recently and Microsoft has struggled to sell tablets in a market dominated by Apple with its iPads and Samsung with its series of Android tablets.

Tech watchers say the latest product is part of Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella’s global market strategy.

"What Nadella really wants Microsoft to be is Microsoft to be a one-stop shop for all consumers and enterprise technology needs. What the Surface is, it allows them to have access to one drive, to office, to Windows, all in one device. They don’t have to go anywhere else for Microsoft products. That remains to be seen whether that’s effective.

Right now, he’s communicating that to Wall Street and Wall Street is very positive on Microsoft stock but if that actually translates into actual sales that’s a different story," Chris Ciaccia said.

With the launch of its latest tablet, Microsoft is hoping to eliminate the conflict it sees between having to choose between a tablet and a laptop. Tech analysts point out CEO Satya Nadella is eager to leave his own mark on the company and he isn’t afraid to enter tough markets.