Microsoft has recently showed off not just one, but two Windows 8 Surface tablets. After Microsoft launches its own tablets in the market later this year, it will come in direct competition with Apple. Microsoft tablets undoubtedly have some advantages over iPad like faster processor, expandable memory slot and keyboard dock, but in reality can it outshine Apple iPad in popularity and sales?

Many rival tablets have been highlighted as "iPad killer" from time-to-time, but none of them was able to end the rule of mighty iPad. Even the moniker "iPad killer" means comparing the new tablet with the best one available in the market. Rival tablets like Kindle Fire, Samsung Galaxy Tab, Asus Transformer and Blackberry Playbook have definitely made some fans, but all of the competitive tablets combined fail to take over Apple iPad in sales.

In case of Windows 8 tablets, if you think that the Surface tablet may end the dominance of iPad just because it packs faster processor, microSD card slot, keyboard dock and some other impressive features, then this might not be the real world case as Android tablets have been offering these features for ages.

When Asus launched its Transformer lineup of Android tablet, it was speculate that the new tablet will turn out to be a true iPad killer because it packs physical dock keyboard, better battery life, microSD card slot and some other superior features. Nevertheless, Asus Transformer tablets failed to bring any major change.

Here are the reasons why we think that Windows 8 tablets will enter the similar fate as Android tablets:

Brand Awareness

Microsoft is a popular brand, but Apple has established itself as a true tablet market leader, boasting of technology finesse. Other than entertainment and business purpose, iPad is also a symbol of one's status, at least for half of Americans that own an Apple product. Rival tablets can never have the same fan following.

3G/4G Connectivity

The new iPad comes with 4G LTE connectivity, while iPad 2 offers 3G connectivity. Microsoft Surface tablets, on the other hand, will come in Wi-Fi version only, in the beginning, at least.

iTunes App Store

This is probably the most significant reason why Apple has a clear lead over rival manufacturers in tablet market. Since its debut in 2010, iPad-compatible apps are gaining a regular growth. According to recent reports, more than 225,000 apps in the App Store are compatible with iPad. In comparison, Windows RT platform is just build from scratch.

Display Resolution

Apple has bumped up the display resolution to a completely new level with the debut of new iPad. Windows 8 Pro Surface tablets comes with fullHD resolution of 1920 X 1080 pixels, but the new iPad is still at big with its Retina display featuring 2048 X 1536 pixels resolution.

Pricing

The success or failure of Surface tablets is significantly dependent on price. if recent reports are to be believed, Microsoft will sell Windows RT version of Surface tablet for at least $600, while Windows 8 Pro Surface tablet is likely to be priced around $800. The pricing of Apple tablets start at $399 for iPad 2 16GB Wi-Fi only version to $829 for new iPad 64GB (4G + Wi-Fi) version.