With Christmas behind us, only the final tallies are left to ponder. In the competition that is the Microsoft Surface vs. iPad, the winner isn’t in question, but the margin of victory is. That said, these Christmas eve photographs of an Apple Store and Microsoft Store pretty much sum up the battle so far.
And, this impression — Microsoft stores were empty except for store associates and, one assumes, lots of unsold products — is indirectly backed up by analyst boots on the ground.
R.W. Baird’s William Power found that Best Buy sales reps weren’t recommending the Microsoft Surface and supplies of the device were plentiful (i.e. not sold out).
“When asked about sales to date, reps noted that the device was new and indicated that early demand has been modest relative to the iPad and Kindle Fire,” said Power. “Consistent with our Best Buy checks, the Surface was also in stock at all Staples stores we contacted.”
It would be foolish to count Redmond out as it plays the long game and the tablet space continues to be volatile and highly competitive. Still, there’s little question that the first round of the Microsoft Surface vs. iPad battle clearly goes to Apple…
What’s your take?
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