As much attention as the Microsoft Surface tablet has received since it was announced last week, tech reporters are still uncertain about how well the device will do once it finally enters the marketplace. After all, according to the International Data Corporation (IDC), the Apple iPad has dominated in recent years, accounting for over 60 percent of tablet sales in 2011.

However, that reign may not last for ever. According to TechCrunch, the IDC predicted in March that Android tablets, like the Asus Transformer Pad, could overtake the technology giant by 2016. And, that was before the new Surface tablet was even hinted at.

But, experts across the industry have seemingly come to a consensus that the Surface is not the device to bump the iPad from its current standing. Various computer publications have noted that the new hardware will probably be the most appealing to businesses, rather than individual consumers. After all, as a Windows device, it will have no problem running Microsoft Office, plus most IT departments have been working with Microsoft software for years.

ComputerWorld's Lucas Mearian notes, however, that few companies are currently supplying tablets for employees. Since many offices allow employees to bring their own devices, winning over the consumer directly is essential. And Microsoft may have an uphill battle ahead, as the ever-increasing popularity of the iPhone has increased PC to Mac migration rates across the board.

Mearian says that a key determinant of the Surface's success will be the price that Microsoft sets for the device, and that the company may have to sell the tablet at a loss to get a foothold in market. After all, as much flack as Microsoft has gotten for mimicking the iPad, Mearian points out that the company actually proposed a tablet PC in 2002, but it was largely ignored, in part because of its $700 pricetag.

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