On the Call: Microsoft CFO Peter Klein

REDMOND, WASH. (AP) - The runaway success of Apple Inc.’s newest gadget, the iPad, has Microsoft watchers on high alert for signs of competing devices from Windows computer makers, which so far have flashed prototypes but have not started selling any of the keyboardless touch-screen devices.

Microsoft Corp. CFO Peter Klein took a question on the topic during a conference call Thursday.

QUESTION: What impact do you think tablets will have on the market, and what may be your share in that area, and how does that affect your growth rate?

RESPONSE: “We think tablets are very interesting and remind us that there are always new scenarios and new opportunities. And we are constantly working with our partners and our OEM (original equipment manufacturers) partners. In fact, I think one of the things that has driven the PC market and Windows growth this year has been the work we have done with our OEM partners on multiple scenarios and form factors and price points to hit all those.

“Tablets, I think, are interesting and great, because I think they enlarge the overall opportunity. I think they are additive to the opportunity. Again, it reminds us that there are lots of interesting new scenarios that we are continuing to work on, and so we are excited by that.”

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