Microsoft must 'think twice' about Surface, Acer warns

Microsoft must 'think twice' about its upcoming Surface device, Acer has warned, saying the kickstand-sporting tablet could negatively impact the entire computer business.

Acer boss JT Wang told the Financial Times that the Taiwanese company had given Microsoft the stern warning.

"We have said, 'Think it over. Think twice,'" Wang intoned, possibly waggling his finger in an authoritative manner. "It will create a huge negative impact for the ecosystem and other brands may take a negative reaction."

Rather than worrying about whether shoppers will take to Microsoft's own-brand Windows 8 tablet, Acer seems a bit more concerned with whether Surface could shove Windows kit built by other companies (let's say Acer, just for example) out of the limelight.

"If Microsoft is going to do hardware business, what should we do?" said Wang, whose company, one of the biggest computer makers in the world, builds some decent Windows laptops, and the Aspire S3 ultrabook. "Should we still rely on Microsoft, or should we find other alternatives?"

Tough talk, and I'm sure there are other Windows partners feeling snubbed by Microsoft's decision to craft its own hardware. But having seen so many Android partners -- including Acer -- failing to make an impact in the bitterly fought tablet war, I can understand why Microsoft wants to take matters into its own hands.

Google seems to be thinking along the same lines, having recently released its own-brand (and excellent) Nexus 7 tablet. Although built by Asus, Google is doubtless hoping it can use its recognisable name to persuade shoppers to take a chance on a non-Apple slate.

Microsoft is rocking the boat, but could building its own tablet sink the software giant? Or sail the Redmond-built ship toward a brave new horizon? Send me your predictions in the comments or on our Facebook wall.