Can Microsoft dethrone the iPad?

Microsoft is certainly playing a tough game of catch-up against Apple’s iPad. But the software giant can make a comeback in the market for tablet computers. At least that’s the opinion of Citigroup, which predicts that Microsoft can attain “a meaningful share of the market in 2013 and beyond,” according to a Reuters report.

The Citigroup report notes that Apple shipped more than 15 million iPads last year, which accounted for nearly the entire market. The Citigroup analysts also warned that Microsoft could stumble, yet again, in the market for tablet computers.

“Of course this is dependent upon the company’s ability to deliver a competitive operating system on partner hardware that is priced competitively,” they wrote.

Microsoft does have deep relationships with hardware device makers, many of whom want to compete with Apple in the fast-growing market.

The company is expected to release a Windows 8 beta later this year, and Citigroup suggests that Microsoft may release the new operating system on a tablet prior to desktop PCs. That would be a bold move by Microsoft to show that it is serious about the threat from Apple’s iPad.

Previously on GeekWire: Now leaving: The guy who led Microsoft’s iPad rival … years before the iPad existed

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