“On one hand Microsoft is our partner, but on the other, Microsoft’s move makes them compete not only with us but all PC makers,” Henry Wang, a rep for Acer told Bloomberg. “We think that Microsoft’s launch of its own-brand products is negative for the whole PC industry.”
Wang was referring to Surface, a Microsoft-made tablet that the company plans to introduce in October.
Henry Wang's comments came after JT Wang, chairman and CEO of Acer, told The Financial Times that the move was a "negative for the worldwide ecosystem" in computing.
“We have said [to Microsoft] think it over,” he told the publication. “Think twice. 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.”
Campbell Kan, Acer’s president for personal computer global operations, also told the FT that his company was considering other software options. “If Microsoft … is going to do hardware business, what should we do? Should we still rely on Microsoft, or should we find other alternatives?,” Kan said.
The company's comments come as Windows 8 is rolling out to PC manufacturers. The consumer release of the OS is set for Oct. 26. Reps from Acer and Microsoft could not be reached for further comment.