Apple Inc. (AAPL), Research In Motion Ltd (BBRY), Nokia Corporation (ADR) (NOK): Don’t Pass Up This Tech Deal

Microsoft is the newcomer in the market, apparently struggling to find a way to sell its devices, and thus not even landing a top five spot. The Redmond, California-based company launched its Surface tablet in late October 2012, as an effort to diversify while sales of PCs and notebooks have been on a steady decline. Its shipments during the fourth quarter were of less than 1 million units. IDC’s Program Manager Ryan Reith said, “Reaction to the company’s Surface with Windows RT tablet was muted at best. Microsoft and its partners need to quickly adjust to the market realities of smaller screens and lower prices”.

Nokia slipping in China

What about investors who are looking for extreme value? Would buying Nokia Corporation (ADR) (NYSE:NOK) or Research In Motion Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) BlackBerry make sense as cheaper alternatives to Apple?

Two years ago, Nokia Corporation (ADR) (NYSE:NOK) controlled about 50% of China’s smartphone market, but after foregoing its Symbian operating System and replacing it with Microsoft Windows, rivals Apple, Samsung Electronics, Lenovo Group and China Wireless Technologies wrestled much of Nokia’s share leaving it a minuscule 1% of the Chinese market.

Nokia might miss out on a chance for a comeback after supply constraints held back sales for the Chinese New Year shopping season. Out of 90,000 orders for its Lumia 920T model only 30,000 were shipped. China Mobile spokeswoman Li Yan said, “Nokia’s production is still very low and supply isn’t meeting demand at this point.  Many of our stores don’t have any units.”

London’s Strategy Analytics analyst Neil Mawston said, “China is the hottest market by far now and everybody is circling around trying to get in as much presence as they can. Nokia must not fail in China because it would place their entire worldwide recovery effort at risk.”

Conclusion

There really isn’t a compelling reason to bet on a comeback like this when Apple is doing so well and is trading at attractive price multiples.

The article Don’t Pass Up This Tech Deal originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Bill Edson.

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