Microsoft, in its patented way of entering the electronics market late with its offerings, was hoping that its first Windows-based tablet, the Surface RT, would strike a chord with consumers when if first launched in October 2012.
But according to Bloomberg today, not only is the RT doing poorly in sales, its big brother, the Surface Pro, is in the weeds as well.
High hopes
Three anonymous sources familiar with sales figures of Microsoft’s Surface RT told Reuters that the company was expecting to sell at least 2 million of the tablets during December 2012 alone. Microsoft had an inventory of 3 million units.
According to the sources, only 1 million Surface RT tablets have been sold since its launch date—well below estimated sales expectations. The Surface Pro, the full-fledged Windows 8 version from Microsoft, fared a bit better with sales numbers amounting to 400,000 units since its launch in February 2013.
A failure to launch
The weak sales of the Surface RT have been centered on its inability to run Windows applications because of its ARM processor, which is incompatible with Windows programs. In the real world, this means it cannot use computing staples such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and a host of other mainstream software under the Windows umbrella.
The much touted detachable keyboard, which held center stage in Microsoft’s advertising campaign, turned out to be an option rather than standard equipment.
The Surface Pro, which promised to bring full compatibility for Windows programs ran aground as its entry level device clocked in at a whopping $899, and again, without the keyboard.
Everybody else is doing fine
IDC estimates that tablets sold by other companies will realize a 49 percent jump in business. Williams Financial is so sanguine on the outlook of tablets that it predicts they will overtake sales for laptop computers for the first time ever, this year.
Righting the wrongs
Microsoft’s Surface tablets could be an important force in the tablet industry, but seems to be heading in the wrong direction by offering devices that cannot run Windows programs or by pricing themselves out of the market.
For Microsoft to truly succeed in the tablet business, it will have to scrap the Surface RT and produce a reasonably priced tablet that will have full compatibility with Windows programs, plus throwing in the detachable keyboard in for free.
The Surface Pro can be successful if it has a drastic price cut, in addition to a free keyboard.
If these things cannot be accomplished by Microsoft, its days as a tablet manufacturer may be severely numbered.
Via Bloomberg
via Examiner National Edition Gadgets & Tech Channel Articles http://www.examiner.com/article/surface-rt-tablet-sales-fall-way-short-of-estimates-surface-pro-trouble-too?cid=roadrunner