Acer CEO warns Microsoft to ‘think twice’ about its Surface plans

Acer CEO and chairman JT Wang has revealed his own feelings about Microsoft’s foray into PC hardware. Speaking to the Financial Times, Wang criticizes Microsoft’s choice to manufacture its own Surface tablet hardware — warning the company to think it over. “Think twice,” he says. “It will create a huge negative impact for the ecosystem and other brands may take a negative reaction. It is not something you are good at so please think twice.”

Acer’s founder Stan Shih also previously criticized Microsoft’s hardware intentions, saying that he feels the Surface is simply an effort to encourage other hardware manufacturers to create Windows 8 tablets. Microsoft has admitted that its Surface devices could affect OEM commitment to Windows, but the company appears to be pushing forward with its plans to offer an ARM-based tablet at the same time as the Windows 8 launch. For Acer’s Campbell Kan, president for personal computer global operations, this leaves the company debating its next move. “Should we still rely on Microsoft, or should we find other alternatives?,” says Kan, in an interview with the Financial Times. A question that a number of OEMs, who rely on Microsoft to produce Windows, will likely be asking in the coming months.