Latest Tablet Shipment Report Shows Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) Needs Help

Microsoft’s mobile game
I’ve said before that now’s the time for Microsoft to get mobile right. The latest tablet shipment numbers aren’t very encouraging, though, and it remains to be seen whether consumers want a tablet that functions more like a PC. With the high popularity of mobile apps, and their increasing ability for real productivity, one has to wonder if the a Surface Pro running Windows 8 is worth it for consumers and businesses when cheaper and similarly capable alternatives already exist.

Investors should look for signs that Surface sales are turning around and that the new Pro lineup is well received. A better distribution strategy, (i.e., selling in more stores than just its own and Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE:BBY)) for the Surface tablets would also help the company get more tablets into more hands. If stronger distribution and higher sales don’t come to fruition in the next quarter or two, Microsoft will be even further behind in the tablet race than it is now.

The article Latest Tablet Shipment Report Shows Microsoft Needs Help originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Chris Neiger.

Fool contributor Chris Neiger has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Amazon.com, Apple, and Google. The Motley Fool owns shares of Amazon.com, Apple, Google, and Microsoft.

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