Surface sales 'modest' so far, Ballmer modestly admits
But that's not the story. Let's talk Intel fondletops!
Updated Sales of Microsoft’s Windows RT-based Surface tablet are off to a “modest” start according to chief executive Steve Ballmer.
Ballmer is reported to have given the update to French news site Le Parisien.
Microsoft’s chief executive also used the occasion to boost January’s release of the Intel-based tablets.
Ballmer described the Intel Surface as “high-end” and unique, with a higher-resolution screen.
The Intel-powered device will feature a 1920x1080 10.6-inch screen versus 1366x768 for the RT, up to 128GB storage, and a better battery. The Intel machine will also be fatter and heavier – 13.5mm compared to 9.30 mm – and 2lb as against 1.5. The Intel machines will run Windows 8 Pro and be capable of running existing Windows 7 apps. You can see the spec comparison here.
Microsoft has been hit by shortages of Surface since its launch on October 26. Devices are only available at a selected number of Microsoft Stores internationally and at retail outlets; the company has run out of the cheapest 32-GB units in the US and the UK at times, although they are back in stock again.
It’s early days for Surface but launching in the current trading quarter is important: traditionally, the fourth quarter has been a strong period of sales for PC, phones and games with retailers cashing in on Christmas holiday shopping. Microsoft, meanwhile, likes to boast about new product launches once they’ve hit their first million milestone – whether that’s units shipped or licenses of new versions of Windows sold.
Given the general dropping sales in the PC business coupled with Microsoft’s relatively small inventory of Surface machines, it’ll be interesting to see how soon Surface can hit Microsoft’s million milestone. ®
Update
Microsoft has released an official statement on Ballmer's comments:
“When asked about Surface, Steve’s use of the term 'modest' was in relation to the company’s approach in ramping up supply and distribution of Surface with Windows RT, which has only been available via our online store and Microsoft retail and holiday stores in the U.S. and Canada. While our approach has been modest, Steve notes the reception to the device has been 'fantastic' which is why he also stated that 'soon, it will be available in more countries and in more stores,'" the company said.
COMMENTS
Well thats no surprise is it
its over priced, under spec'ed and a M$ product so its about as cool the surface of the sun. No one is going to want it.
It always amazes me that companies seem incapable of assessing whats required to sell, take a look at the Blackberry playbook and the palm products, there are lessons to be learn all over the market, all you have todo is to read, if they only ever read the register its obvious they are going to struggle from the offset.
No shit Sherlock - because the clues are out there and you dont need a detective to find them. I think even Bing may contain the answer...
Low res screen, virtually no apps, and not compatible with existing Windows apps, high price, poor UI ( Metro or what ever they're calling it these days ), no desktop apps are allowed so direct x86 -> ARM ports (recompilation) is out. That means a complete rewrite for the new RT API. Good luck convincing software devs to do that Ballmer.
All these pixels
Just to show the ugly rectangles for colour-blind people?
Oh, wait, I see - Mr Ballmer must have finally learned BASIC's graphics functions!
<tap><tap><tap><tap><tap>
SET BACKGROUND COLOR "green"
...Wow, look at this!
<tap><tap><tap><tap><tap><tap><tap>
SET COLOR "magenta"
BOX AREA 100,300,100,200
...Yippee! Quick! Run it into production! I've made it myself!!! It's gonna be big!!!
Not surprising
They cost too much. Make them cheaper and they might sell better.
Although it may seem early to call it..
..I still don't see why I would want to pay 600 quid for something as locked down as an iPad, but backed with the software library of a washing machine.
Moreover, what software it does come with isn't fantastic- and the "included" version of Office isn't allowed to be used for "commercial" work. I blink in a bewildered way at exactly what the "value proposition" is here- maybe other folks are the same.
(Also, regarding WinPho takeup.. "ha HA!"</nelsonmuntz>. Even if people wanted the bloody things, the stupid exclusivity deals make them all but impossible to get.. When a device isn't all that popular to start with, requiring people to jump through onerous hoops to get one isn't going to drive sales to a particular piggy vendor, it's going to make them buy something else.)
