Steve Ballmer has admitted that Apple has sold more iPads than he'd have liked, as he defended the lack of a credible Windows 7 tablet alternative.
Speaking at a conference, Ballmer insisted that the Windows 7 tablets would not be rushed out, but that everybody was aware of the pressing need for options.
"They'll be shipping as soon as they are ready," Ballmer said. "It is job one urgency. No one is sleeping at the switch."
Apple
When asked about the popular iPad, which has sold well globally despite people's reservations about Apple's closed garden approach, Ballmer confessed that he was not enjoying the success.
"They've sold certainly more than I'd like them to have sold," added Ballmer.
The Microsoft chief executive has consistently pointed to Windows 7 tablets as a key part of the company's immediate future along with Windows Phone 7.
Via CNet
Your comments (5) Click to add a new comment
duskrider
July 30th 2010
5. @Bravadon - Bingo on all fronts!
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bradavon
July 30th 2010
4. I'm amazed Balmer thinks a Windows 7 tablet will work. It didn't work with Windows XP Tablet Edition, so why would it suddenly work now?
Scale up Windows Phone 7 or you've got no chance.
Windows on a desktop platform is going nowhere though. Android, iOS or even Chrome are far to limited as a Desktop OS competitor.
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funkmaster
July 30th 2010
3. I can't agree more, MS had it's time in the market with dominance, but this dominance has now been slipped out from under them while they poncing around in their arrogance from previous success.
The only way to make a come back is wipe clean their hard drives of all the **** and start fresh, just like I have to do, almost once a year with all the MS PC's I have!
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ripsnorter
July 30th 2010
2. Yes! Eat fruit-flavoured defeat, Ballmer! Microsoft have sold far more operating systems and software than I'd like. They are a big, lumbering brontosaurus being outrun and outmanoeuvred by faster, leaner and meaner raptors - with opposable thumbs!
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smokemonster
July 30th 2010
1. Too slow Microsoft. When desktop PC's were all people wanted you had the market to yourself, but since people moved on to smaller more portable devices you have been left behind.
MS are far too reliant on third parties to take the plunge for them by making this kit. They are looking increasingly like a dinosaur being overrun by faster, nimbler mammals.
I fully expect the replacement for my laptop will be an Android or Chrome touchpad.
MS have been far too slow to adapt and change to what consumers are looking for; they continue to feed them what they think they want.
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