Paul Thurrott (via MG Siegler):

Sales of Windows 8 PCs are well below Microsoft’s internal projections and have been described inside the company as disappointing. But here’s the catch: The software giant blames the slow start on lackluster PC maker designs and availability, further justifying its new Surface strategy.

Well, isn’t that convenient. So, if the designs of Microsoft’s partners are so lousy, why do they sell them in their stores?

Microsoft has clearly decided where they hope to get their growth in the future, and it’s not from attracting new customers. I’m sure they hope that happens but it’s not their main strategy. Their main strategy is from eating their partners’ lunch. Their partners, recognizing this, have attacked the Surface and now Microsoft is firing back. Popcorn, etc.

But this is just petty. Does anyone really think that PC designs today are any worse than they’ve ever been? With the possible exception of the Dell XPS, I mean? It should be amusing if Microsoft continues to follow this line that they just woke up and noticed how crappy Windows hardware is.