Apple iPad mini Australian release.

Apple have certainly picked their time well to do maximum damage to Microsoft’s Windows 8 and Windows RT Surface tablet launch by having an announcement on the 23^rd of October (rumoured as nothing is confirmed), just days before Microsoft’s launch.

Whilst it is hard to compare the products because technically they serve different markets, if a consumer has some money to spare for a purchase they have a choice. Spending perhaps half the price on a fancy shiny new Apple iPad mini which is known to work like a regular iPad, versus Microsoft’s Windows RT Surface tablet which is no price leader and is a very restricted device, not able to run the range of software created for Windows, Microsoft will have a battle on its hands.

When Apple launched the original iPad I was extremely surprised with their aggressive pricing. This wasn’t something I’d seen from Apple. Microsoft in building Windows RT have produced a device which will confuse many consumers who think they’re buying a full Windows computer only to find out it has been restricted severely. It almost feels like Microsoft saw Apple’s success and copied their approach with a locked up restricted product. Software only available from their app store, bundled Office which has reduced functionality, at a price which only aims to largely match Apple.

Apple have an excellent return policy. If you’re not happy you can return the device within 14 days for a refund. Very easy to do because all you need to do is walk into an Apple store. I know because I did just that. Will Microsoft have the same policy. It certainly won’t be so easy because you’re buying over the internet from their online store, and if you return the unit, will you be up for costly postage including registered mail to protect against the return going astray. Again Apple makes it easy.

I should say from my own perspective I’m looking forward to the Windows 8 tablets running on Intel processors when they come out next year. Unfortunately Microsoft’s pricing probably won’t be aggressive. I hope it is because if it isn’t, Microsoft will find the market tepid to their new product.

Microsoft was once the company that came out with new products aggressively priced. Remember Microsoft Access when it was launched. Database products cost hundreds to thousands of dollars and Microsoft released Access 1.0 for $79 to buy market share and it worked. Microsoft needs to get aggressive and fast if they hope to keep market share.

The good thing for us consumers is the end of October will bring a good range of new devices for a bit of retail therapy. Apple’s launch date is a clever move.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

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