What's up with the Microsoft Surface?

[HotelUser]

Back when people thought the Surface would be between $200 and $350 ish I thought it would do well, but after that bubble was burst I guess it hasn't been doing so good. I've seen a few reports like this: http://hothardware.com/News/Analysts...les-Estimates/

We've always known that Microsoft's Surface had an uphill fight ahead of it. Launching a new version of Windows based on an entirely different CPU architecture was a dicey move, as was the decision to push Redmond's own vision for the hardware. In some ways, Microsoft's bets have paid off; the $499 Surface tablet looks and feels like a much more expensive device and the Touch Cover works remarkably well.

Other factors, however, are reportedly dragging sales downwards. Last week, DigiTimes reported thatMicrosoft had slashed its Surface orders to two million, down from 4M for Q4. Other analysts predicted sales in the two million range. Today, brokerage firm Detwiler Fenton broke ranks, claiming that Microsoft's totalSurface sales for Q4 are likely to be well under a million units. Detwiler suggests MS has moved between 500-600,000 units.

And then some reviews:



So that's sort of a bummer. I was happy when they announced the existence of the pro surface tablet because I think the experience would be better with all my friendly neighbourhood apps. But then this happened which really ticks me off because if I want a surface with x86 it's going to cost a lot more and have absolutely pathetic battery life.

I guess I'll have to wait a year or two for folks to expand the availability of apps for RT and to make it more functional, or I'll have to wait until the price of x86 tablets to drop and for battery life to become satisfactory.

[xxMATTGxx]

To be fair, you could say the battery life was some what expected with those sort of specs. You you should read the article on The Verge where it recommends Microsoft to start adapting the Surface brand more and dropping the Windows brand from specific products.

http://www.theverge.com/2012/12/7/37...-mobile-future

[Tomm]

I think they needed to come in at a lower price point. If it did not cost so much then I'd say that it would of been more likely that reviewers and customers would of not cared so much about some of the issues with the tablet and Windows RT.

Also speaking personally if it was quite a bit cheaper then I'd of bought a Surface just for the simple reason to play around with a Windows RT tablet. At its current price point I'm not going to pay that kind of money just to play around with it.

[HotelUser]

I think they needed to come in at a lower price point. If it did not cost so much then I'd say that it would of been more likely that reviewers and customers would of not cared so much about some of the issues with the tablet and Windows RT.

Also speaking personally if it was quite a bit cheaper then I'd of bought a Surface just for the simple reason to play around with a Windows RT tablet. At its current price point I'm not going to pay that kind of money just to play around with it.

That's exactly how I feel, and exactly what I was hoping to do

To be fair, you could say the battery life was some what expected with those sort of specs. You you should read the article on The Verge where it recommends Microsoft to start adapting the Surface brand more and dropping the Windows brand from specific products.

http://www.theverge.com/2012/12/7/37...-mobile-future

Expected yes, but disheartening nonetheless. I wanted to carry around a full version of Chrome, Eclipse and Java with me all the time

[peteyt]

Sorry but am I the only one who can't stand Chris Prillo. I think it's because from what I've watched he'll find as many flaws in any product he reviews but then refuses to admit any flaws with any apple products - Not watched the review myself but I wouldn't get the RT one if any I'd get the pro but a 3g model would be handy. Not a massive tablet person anyways

[HotelUser]

Sorry but am I the only one who can't stand Chris Prillo. I think it's because from what I've watched he'll find as many flaws in any product he reviews but then refuses to admit any flaws with any apple products - Not watched the review myself but I wouldn't get the RT one if any I'd get the pro but a 3g model would be handy. Not a massive tablet person anyways

The reason his video surprised me wasn't his views (although RT including Windows defender is pretty funny), but what surprised me was the amount of negative reviews he cited at the start of the video. I'd still love to get my hands on a Windows RT tablet, but not for its expensive price, and maybe a little later when/if more software becomes available for it.

[Stephen]

desktop on tablets should be touchscreen friendly YOU ******.

[mrwoooooooo]

never buy first gen products

[HotelUser]

desktop on tablets should be touchscreen friendly YOU ******.

amen to that! *quietly deletes my comment*

[xxMATTGxx]

Sorry but am I the only one who can't stand Chris Prillo. I think it's because from what I've watched he'll find as many flaws in any product he reviews but then refuses to admit any flaws with any apple products - Not watched the review myself but I wouldn't get the RT one if any I'd get the pro but a 3g model would be handy. Not a massive tablet person anyways

The reason his video surprised me wasn't his views (although RT including Windows defender is pretty funny), but what surprised me was the amount of negative reviews he cited at the start of the video. I'd still love to get my hands on a Windows RT tablet, but not for its expensive price, and maybe a little later when/if more software becomes available for it.

He got a Nexus 4 not that long ago and said a load of good things about it. He does like his Apple products for sure but he has said good things about non-Apple products as well.