Microsoft and the Surface Pro

I've been looking for a new laptop for a while.  I have taken a shine to the ultrabooks, MacBook Air, etc... and decided that would be my next machine.  I like tablets just fine, but sometimes, a more robust environment is needed.  I was not interested in the least when the Surface RT released, as I see RT as just another IOS.  In that paradigm, RT has no benefit over IOS, and the Surface RT would be a poor choice over the iPad, given the breadth of apps available.

Best Buy did a weekend deal on the MacBook Air a few weeks ago.  I strongly considered getting one, but then decided I would go with the Surface Pro.  Reason being - Mac OSX for me is more of a hobby OS.  My life, work and gameplay (on PC) all revolve around windows.  When I'm learning, or doing special projects, I'll pull out my old MacBook or boot up a Linux VM, or create a micro instance on the amazon ec2 cloud.

So, I walk into Best Buy, and inquire about how I can preorder a Surface Pro 128GB device.  They sell me a $50 gift card and put me in the reservation list.  All is well, except for the small part about Microsoft only sending 2-3 devices per store (as in 1 demo, 1 64gb and 1 128gb).  So I was left unfulfilled, as were many others.  

Of course, Microsoft is claiming total victory with the Surface Pro flying off of shelves.  However, they have provided no sales numbers.  My estimate is that Microsoft made no more than 100,000 units available across Best Buy, Staples their own Microsoft stores and their web orders.  This number may be way over though.  I've seen other estimates at 10,000 - 20,000 units - for shits n' grins, let's call it 50,000.  It is evident to me that Microsoft is playing the same game they played with the Zune HD and the Xbox 360.  Keep supply low, so that initial demand is not quenched.  Give the impression that the machine is in very high demand, rather than letting the market truly decide how "in demand" it is.  I do believe the Surface Pro is, by itself, an impressive machine.  I think it's got a lot to offer in personal computing and could be the start of a new way we use our laptops.  

Microsoft's mistake here is that they are trying to play the Apple game.  Keep supply low so keep the device talked about and give added impression that the device is in high demand.  The problem is, Apple has a completely captive audience.  If I want a tablet running IOS - I have one option - Apple.  If I want a hybrid ultrabook running Windows 8, I have 30 options.  Microsoft also doesn't enjoy the level of rabid zealotry that Apple enjoys.  They don't have a nation of fanboys to constantly prime the hype machine.  What Microsoft does have is normal people who use personal computers to accomlish their work/play - not as a quasi religious exercise.  With that said, yes, I want a Surface Pro - however, if I can't get one - the Lenovo Yoga 13 is my next choice. 

Your move Microsoft.  I want to spend $1300 on you, but your PR games may drive me to another machine.  

This is also giving me the heebie jeebies for the next Xbox release, which is almost surely going to happen later this year.