Why Microsoft Surface will have an open window in India

The first reviews of the Microsoft Surface, a 10.6'' tablet featuring a ClearType HD display, are in. Most of them are positive. The Surface seems to be a viable alternative to Apple's iPad.

Let us not use the word killer here. For, the iPad, whichever version of it you want to talk about, is a very good tablet as has been proven over the past few years.

Its Android competitors have not really been able to give it a kick in the butt, for they are grappling with problems of their own. However, the Surface promises to be different. To start with, it will feature operating systems which have been built with the tablet and a touch interface in mind. The entry-level Surface will feature the Windows RT OS while the high-end will have Windows 8 Pro.

For India, Windows is the key word. India is still a Windows country. Apple is becoming popular, but it is yet to even scratch the surface of Microsoft's clout in India. So to have a Windows OS in a tablet will sound like home made food for most Indian computer users. Just this tag will make it easier for them to take a serious look at the Surface, which will seamlessly integrate with the Microsoft ecosystem that rules India - from office computers to school systems. For instance, it is not that easy to configure a Microsoft Exchange account on an Android device. Apple is still easier. But the same should be a breeze with Windows 8. And that will be a plus for the corporate clients.

Another stumbling block for the iPad in India has been the fact that is very difficult to play external media on the device. At least, those who are not aware of iTune and apps likes Xplayer think it will need a degree in rocket science. The Surface, on the other hand, comes with microSD, USB 2.0, Micro HD Video and 2x2 MIMO antennae for wireless. Just USB is enough to make this more acceptable to pen drive loving Indians. And, yes, it has a slightly bigger screen than the iPad and a 16:9 aspect ratio, real HD standard.

Microsoft has also pulled a smart one on its own OEMs by creating the Surface as an alternative to the sleek ultrabooks. When the world shifts to Windows 8, which is essentially an OS optimized for touch, it would make better sense to have a device with a touchscreen. In a few months you will see ultrabooks integrating touchscreens for the new OS, but for many Windows users it would be better to just get a tablet, in this case the Surface. It helps that Microsoft has integrated a keyboard into the smartcover, definitely some brownie points on the iPad. A tablet will also be lighter - the heaviest Surface is 903 g - and cheaper (hoepfully) than the ultrabook.

But whether the Surface has a smooth or bumpy landing in India will depend on the price. Any price around the iPad will be competitive, anything beyond will be hard for Indians to swallow.