An Unflattering Comparison For Microsoft Surface

Software giant Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT ) has never had a good track record with consumer hardware. That's why the company's departure from its modus operandi with Surface is such a big deal. The new tablet is arguably Microsoft's biggest and boldest attempt at first-party hardware. Considering Steve Ballmer's proclamation of Microsoft's future as a "devices-and-services" company, Surface is of paramount strategic importance, even if its financial results are negligible right now.

However, one analyst is now making an unflattering comparison for Surface and also expressing skepticism about Microsoft's bigger picture. Is Surface destined to be the next Zune or Kin?