After Microsoft announced its new Surface tablet on Monday, many were eager to know how PC developers felt about the software giant's foray into hardware production. After all, the company has close ties to several computer manufacturers, and has been crafting software for their devices for the last 37 years.

When asked if Microsoft had informed its business partners about its new tablet before the unveiling, Chief executive officer Steve Ballmer told journalists that the company's largest partners had been told, according to Reuters. However, they reportedly informed no earlier than last Friday.

Many tech employees were unwilling to go on the record because of Microsoft's influence in the industry, but the media outlet states that representatives from Acer and Asustek, two of the world's leading producers of desktops and laptops with Windows, said that that their companies found out about the tablet right along with the masses. 

The source reports that several PC developers had always been wary of Microsoft shifting focus from software to hardware, and the fact that the company failed to warn some of its partners before doing had offended some industry heavyweights.

Andrew Milroy, a vice president of ICT Research at the Singapore-based business research firm Frost & Sullivan, told news provider that this shift in strategy "may affect the willingness of device manufacturers to work so closely with Microsoft, as it will now be viewed as a competitor as well as a partner."

However, major computer manufacturers including Dell and Lenovo refused to comment on Microsoft's new endeavor, and issued statements that made it clear that they had no intention of distancing themselves from the company.

At the moment, it's unclear how Microsoft's tablet with stack up against the Apple iPad as well as other devices that use Windows. But, for now, anyone looking for a new tablet or laptop can consult a PortableOne retailer about the hardware available now.