Acer's Tablet Play: 10 Reasons It's a Threat to Apple, Samsung

Acer announced on Nov. 23 a couple tablets that it hopes will help it take on Apple's iPad in that space. One model features a 7-inch display, while the other includes a 10.1-inch screen. Those devices will be available in the spring of 2011, with a tentative release date of April.

Some are wondering what Acer will actually offer in the tablet space. The company is well-known for its computers, but in the mobile market, it's unproven. And with such an entrenched competitor in the iPad, it might seem like an uphill battle for Acer to even try competing with Apple's option in the tablet space. But compete it will. And further inspection reveals it might just do better than some think.

Acer really is a threat in the tablet space.

Read on to find out why:

1. Its computing business is growing

Acer wasn't such an important PC maker a few years ago, but now the company is central to the success of the PC industry. In fact, it's one of the top PC makers in the world and could eventually become the de facto leader in the space. Realizing that, and considering Acer has been able to appeal to PC buyers, there's no reason to suggest it can't do the same with tablets.

2. It has both screen sizes covered

When Acer releases its tablets next year, the company will be offering both a 7- and 10.1-inch option to consumers. That's important. Apple has been touting the 9.7-inch size of its iPad display, while Samsung has been saying that its Galaxy Tab's 7-inch option is better. By covering both sizes, Acer can say that it offers solutions for customers looking for either option.

3. Windows and Android is a good combination

Acer realizes that the tablet market is expanding at a rapid rate, and as that expansion continues, consumers and enterprise customers will be looking for different options. That's why the vendor's decision to offer both Windows and Android in its upcoming tablets is a good one. It gives consumers more options, and it makes both Google and Microsoft worry even more about how they will appeal to tablet customers.

4. Acer gets design

A quick glance at Acer's tablet designs proves that the company understands what consumers are looking for when it comes to the look and feel of a product. The tablets feature prominent displays and a nice finish that should appeal to those who want a good-looking product. With its tablets, Acer has undoubtedly watched Apple and realized that design really matters.

Next: Acer a Threat to Tablet Makers >>