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Windows tablets are stumbling out of the gate so far

Published Dec 4th, 2012 8:55AM EST
Microsoft Surface Launch

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The early signs for Microsoft’s (MSFT) entry into tablet market haven’t been very good. Bloomberg reports that “of more than a dozen tablets Microsoft and Intel (INTC) touted for the new version of Windows, only five can be purchased for immediate U.S. delivery.” The five tablets, for anyone who’s curious, are the Microsoft Surface, the Asus Vivo Tab RT, Lenovo’s IdeaPad, the Samsung (005930) ATIV Smart PC, and the Acer (2353) Iconia. To make matters worse, it isn’t easy to find these tablets in retail outlets either since both the Surface and the Iconia “are only available at Microsoft’s own stores, which number just more than 60 for the holidays.” Or as IDC analyst Bob O’Donnell told Bloomberg, “You can hardly even find one… even if you wanted to buy it, it would be difficult.”

Brad Reed
Brad Reed Staff Writer

Brad Reed has written about technology for over eight years at BGR.com and Network World. Prior to that, he wrote freelance stories for political publications such as AlterNet and the American Prospect. He has a Master's Degree in Business and Economics Journalism from Boston University.