Report: Little demand for Microsoft's Surface RT tablet

Lackluster demand has reportedly prompted Microsoft to slash orders of its Surface RT tablet from 4 million to 2 million units.

According to DigiTimes, the slow start for Redmond's ARM-based tablet could ultimately persuade Microsoft to lower the price of its upcoming Intel x86-powered Surface Pro ($899 for 64GB and 128GB for $999) which is slated to ship in January.

Source

A Guy
 
Interesting, I posted the very same thing yesterday and it disappeared.
 

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Yep, nobody cares. They don't really want a stripped down Windows on their tablet. They either want an iPad or they want something else that is cheap.
 

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    Windows 7
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    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
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    Corsair 620HX modular
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    Antec P182
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    ABS M1 Mechanical
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    Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
This is fine with me, I hope the price does drop. i do plan on buying a Win8 Pro Tablet, weather that is Surface or not I do not know.
Bought the wife the Asus WinRT and I actually like it and so does she. Talked her out of a Nook HD+ for the WinRT as she now has Nook App and Kindle App, plus a whole lot more.

It's too bad you can't even run Portable Apps on it. This was a Upgrade Replacement for her Nook Color anyway, so it's not a big loss for her.
 

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    Win 8.1 Pro
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    Self Built
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    I7-3770K
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    ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77
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    CORSAIR 8GB 2X4 D3 1866
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    ASUS 24" LED VG248QE
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG E 256GB SSD 840 PRO -
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    SEAGATE 1TB PIPELINE
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    CORSAIR 600T
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    CORSAIR HYDRO H100I LIQUID COOLER
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    THERMALTA CHALLENGER ULT GAME-KYBRD
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    HAUPPAUGE COLOSSUS
Odd, didn't they also run out of the base 32 gig stock in like a few days in the US and later UK? The notion was that there was either too little stock or too much demand or both...

I don't think an ipad is cheap when the Surface RT is the same price with better capabilities. An android definitely doesn't come near the RT's capabilities.

So far, I don't think Microsoft is doing a good job of why Windows RT is a good platform to use. They need to express that RT is ideal for students, people who travel often, or for people that already have a Windows PC but need something in between the likes of a full fledged PC and the portability of the ipad.
 

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    Windows 8.1 Pro
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    PC/Desktop
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    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
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    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
So far, I don't think Microsoft is doing a good job of why Windows RT is a good platform to use. They need to express that RT is ideal for students, people who travel often, or for people that already have a Windows PC but need something in between the likes of a full fledged PC and the portability of the ipad.
I'm really starting to wonder if MS not doing a good job explaining it, or if consumers simply don't want that complexity and feature set in their portable device. As enthusiasts, I can see where we are drawn to it. But it seems like the "average joe" might be taking the "wait and see", or "I'll just get what everybody else is using" approach"
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
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    Self-Built in July 2009
    CPU
    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
    Memory
    8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Acer x233H
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
    Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
    PSU
    Corsair 620HX modular
    Case
    Antec P182
    Cooling
    stock
    Keyboard
    ABS M1 Mechanical
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    15/2 cable modem
    Other Info
    Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
So far, I don't think Microsoft is doing a good job of why Windows RT is a good platform to use. They need to express that RT is ideal for students, people who travel often, or for people that already have a Windows PC but need something in between the likes of a full fledged PC and the portability of the ipad.
I'm really starting to wonder if MS not doing a good job explaining it, or if consumers simply don't want that complexity and feature set in their portable device. As enthusiasts, I can see where we are drawn to it. But it seems like the "average joe" might be taking the "wait and see", or "I'll just get what everybody else is using" approach"

I just really have to think that when the box for the RT tablet says, "Windows RT cannot run existing desktop software and applications" it really makes wonder what's the purpose of it then? But, Office 2013 Home and Student is on it, which high school and college students really do need and want to use. There is also the idea that if you already have a PC, you might want a tablet. Sure, an ipad is great and all, but when you need it to have features, like a USB port, it's not there. So 500 dollars for a large ipod. Or, 500 dollars for something that does things that the ipad can do, and features a PC can do made into something that does that.

Or then again, the fact that the Surface RT is only available in retail purchase in like, 60 stores or available to purchase online might be something there. When something walks into a best buy for a new PC and asks where the Surface is and the sales person says they don't have them, that person will just go and buy whatever PC in stock there. Advertising is one thing, but physical availability is another. Not being able to physically handle a 500 dollar product versus the other one is an advantage.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Home x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    INTEL Core i5-750
    Motherboard
    ASUS P7P55D
    Memory
    KINGSTON HyperX Fury Black Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 1866Mhz
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GTX750
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LG 27MP33HQ 32" IPS LED
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 840 Evo 120 GB, 2 x SEAGATE 500GB Barracuda® 7200.12, SATA 3 Gb/s, 7200 RPM, 16MB cache
    PSU
    ANTEC TruePower New TP-550, 80 PLUS®, 550W
    Case
    ANTEC Three Hundred Illusion
    Cooling
    COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus, 3 x 120mm 1 x 140mm Case
    Internet Speed
    20 + Mbps
    Browser
    Vivaldi
    Antivirus
    Avast
This is fine with me, I hope the price does drop. i do plan on buying a Win8 Pro Tablet, weather that is Surface or not I do not know.
Bought the wife the Asus WinRT and I actually like it and so does she. Talked her out of a Nook HD+ for the WinRT as she now has Nook App and Kindle App, plus a whole lot more.

It's too bad you can't even run Portable Apps on it. This was a Upgrade Replacement for her Nook Color anyway, so it's not a big loss for her.
There you go, why have two different tablet devices when one LITERALLY does that in one?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
I don't if it's just me or where I live, but it seems ipads are becoming more or less devices older people are wanting to get as well as governments. I really haven't seen personally a lot of younger people flocking to the ipad much as much as middle aged and older people do.... Maybe it's the iphone young kids like more? It would make sense, an ipod touch for junior, and ipad for the senior.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
Oh my God Coke Robot, everybody that I know, who has a teenager or below if they don't already own an iPad are asking for them for Christmas. I've talked to many parents who are buying their kids iPads simply so the parents can get their iPad's back.

Geez, where do you live? Redmond, Washington?
 

My Computer

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  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-Built in July 2009
    CPU
    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
    Memory
    8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Acer x233H
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
    Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
    PSU
    Corsair 620HX modular
    Case
    Antec P182
    Cooling
    stock
    Keyboard
    ABS M1 Mechanical
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    15/2 cable modem
    Other Info
    Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
4 of the top 5 items on that Nielsen survey for 6-12 year olds were apple products. The surface is at the bottom. It's not about what's best. It's about what people want. A Guy
 

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  • OS
    Windows 10 Home x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    INTEL Core i5-750
    Motherboard
    ASUS P7P55D
    Memory
    KINGSTON HyperX Fury Black Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 1866Mhz
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GTX750
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LG 27MP33HQ 32" IPS LED
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 840 Evo 120 GB, 2 x SEAGATE 500GB Barracuda® 7200.12, SATA 3 Gb/s, 7200 RPM, 16MB cache
    PSU
    ANTEC TruePower New TP-550, 80 PLUS®, 550W
    Case
    ANTEC Three Hundred Illusion
    Cooling
    COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus, 3 x 120mm 1 x 140mm Case
    Internet Speed
    20 + Mbps
    Browser
    Vivaldi
    Antivirus
    Avast

My Computer

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  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo Y520
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 7300HQ
    Motherboard
    OEM Lenovo
    Memory
    4GB DDR4-2400
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1 (2)
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Seagate 1TB 5400 RPM
    Keyboard
    OEM Lenovo
    Mouse
    Logitech G502 Proteus Core
    Internet Speed
    100 Mbps
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Other Info
    PC:

    AMD Athlon X4 760K
    8GB DDR3-1866
    AMD Radeon RX 460
    Seagate 500 GB 7200 RPM

My Computer

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  • OS
    Windows 8 Enterprise 64-bit (7 Ult, Vista & XP in V-Box)
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire Ethos AS8951G 'Super-Laptop'.
    CPU
    Intel Sandy-Bridge i7-2670QM quad-core
    Motherboard
    Acer
    Memory
    8GB DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel 3000HD / Ge-Force GT555M 2 gigs
    Sound Card
    Realtek/5.1 Dolby built-in including speakers.
    Monitor(s) Displays
    18.4" full-HD
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1024
    Hard Drives
    2x750GB Toshiba internal, 1x500GB Seagate external, 1x2TB Seagate external, 1x640GB Toshiba pocket-drive, 1x640GB Samsung pocket drive.
    PSU
    Stock
    Case
    Laptop
    Cooling
    Air-cooled
    Mouse
    I/R cordless.
    Internet Speed
    Borderline pathetic.
Agree. It's about what people want. I think it's more about hype. It's hard to overcome that, especially with the young. They don't research products, parents do. So, kid A gets an iPad because his/her parents bought it for them. Kid B sees it and wants one. Peer pressure -> I got to have one because kid A has one!

I think we also have to remember that MS is just starting to get into the PADD business. It's hard to overcome the hype of something that Apple introduced 4 years ago. This is why I think MS should have had an introductory price. Even if they broke even on them and let the apps subsidize it. On the other hand, they'd have OEMs knocking on the door. Seems to me that MS is between a rock and a hard place here.

I remember buying a GameBoy for my sons back in the 90's because they were the hot item. I did not research. It's what they wanted. Now in their 20's they both bought themselves Xbox consoles. I'll ask them why, but I bet they'll tell me that kid A has one. :)
 

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System One

  • OS
    8.1 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer T690
    CPU
    Intel Pentium D Dual Core
    Motherboard
    Acer/Intel E946GZ
    Memory
    2GB (max upgrade)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3000 - PCI Express x16
    Sound Card
    Integrated RealTek ALC888 high-definition audio with 7.1 channel audio support
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer AL1917W A LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1440 X 900
    Hard Drives
    350 GB Seagate Barracuda 7200.10
    Thumb drives
    PSU
    Standard 250 watt
    Case
    Desktop 7.2" (183mm) W x 17.5" (445mm) L x 14.5"
    Cooling
    Dual case fans + CPU fan
    Keyboard
    Acer Windows PS/2
    Mouse
    Wireless Microsoft Arc
    Internet Speed
    54mbp/s
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    Office Pro 2013 / Nokia Lumia 1520 Windows Phone 8.1DP GDR1
Remember the X-Box when it first came out to challenge Sony and Nintendo and what people thought, and look where it ended up. Microsoft are in it for the long haul and may make mistakes, but learn very quickly.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows Phone 6, Windows CE 5, Windows Vista x32, Windows 7 x32/x64, Windows 8 x64
For me, Windows is more useful than iOS, why?
1. Support for LEGO Mindstorms NXT program development for Robotic Extracurricular,
2. Better for practice for VB Application development in ICT class,
3. Microsoft Office!

P.S That makes me different from teenagers at my age, I don't use computers for entertainment, I use computers to study!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo Y520
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 7300HQ
    Motherboard
    OEM Lenovo
    Memory
    4GB DDR4-2400
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1 (2)
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Seagate 1TB 5400 RPM
    Keyboard
    OEM Lenovo
    Mouse
    Logitech G502 Proteus Core
    Internet Speed
    100 Mbps
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Other Info
    PC:

    AMD Athlon X4 760K
    8GB DDR3-1866
    AMD Radeon RX 460
    Seagate 500 GB 7200 RPM
This is true, the Xbox is something that took the long haul to get to where it is, being the most sold console for almost two years in a row and selling 750,000 units when the PS3 or Wii didn't get close to that, just on Black Friday alone.

Actually, speaking about what people want and iProducts, I read recently a survey that mentioned the Surface. Apparently, the Surface Pro was as desired as the ipad. And who wouldn't want it, best tablet PC out there. Pricy, but worthwhile.

Maybe it's because of Windows 8, maybe the Surface tablets, maybe malaria, but seeing the Microsoft alternative to android phablet fails and a large ipod touch, those two don't peak any interest from me anymore. It's only a matter of time once people realize what they get from Windows 8 or RT tablets far outweighs what an iDevice has to offer. Honestly, just because it's something everyone has doesn't mean it's the greatest thing out there. You wouldn't jump off a bridge without a parachute because everyone and your mother were doing it, you'd want a parachute or walk away. I say posh to doing what everyone else does! Break the norm! Don't be a follower, the only great achievements and progress of man were when someone decided to break from the mainstream norm.

As this is to why I use a Windows Phone and a parachute... :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
I think it's too late now for ms to get into the tablet market... just got my daughter a nexus 7 32gig for £200
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8
    System Manufacturer/Model
    acer ax3950
    CPU
    i3 530
    Memory
    4 gig ddr 3
    Graphics Card(s)
    dont need one as i go on onlive cloud gaming
    Sound Card
    none
    Monitor(s) Displays
    i-inc 19 inch wide
    Hard Drives
    640 gig
    Cooling
    fan
    Keyboard
    logitec s540
    Mouse
    motor mouse
    Internet Speed
    60 meg virgin media uk
In Perth West Aussie, take a casual walk thro any major shopping mall on any weekend and almost every young person has an Apple ifone hanging from their belt or on their ear. It's pandemic. Also ifone displays in smartfone shops far outweigh any other single brand; and in many shops all other brands combined.

It's a fashion status icon.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 Ult Reatil & Win 8 Pro OEM
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Built as DIY
    CPU
    6 core 12 thread & 4 core
    Motherboard
    Inel Extreme & Intel standard
    Memory
    12GB & 8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    3 top end SLI linked & onboard
    Sound Card
    In built in graphics card & onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    24 & 23 inch Samsung LED backlit
    Screen Resolution
    High def
    Hard Drives
    Corsair Force 128GB SATA3 SSDs in each machine. Plus several external USB3 and eSATA spinner HDs
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