iPad vs. Microsoft Surface: Windows RT Tablet Not Recommended by Best Buy, ‘Modest’ for Staples, Report; Two Surface Tablets Sold in Two Weeks At NYC Store

The Microsoft Surface tablet is done selling well.

R.W. Baird analyst William Power made the conclusion to investors after conversations with Best Buy and Staples retailers.

According to Power, Apple's iPad tablets were said to be the most recommendable device, followed by the Amazon Kindle Fire series and Samsung's Galaxy Tab series as alternatives.

Power's conversation with sales reps with both Best Buy and Staples retailers said the Surface was not recommended by the reps unless they were asked about it.

"When asked about sales to date [in Best Buy], reps noted that the device was new and indicated that early demand has been modest relative to the iPad and Kindle Fire. We would also note that the device was in stock at every store we contacted [...] We contacted Staples stores in an effort to further gauge Microsoft Surface sales, though our impression from speaking with reps was tablets are not a major seller at Staples," said Power.

"Tellingly, Staples doesn't currently carry the iPad," added Power. "When pressed for details, Staples reps indicated that Surface volumes have been modest to date. Most reps told us that the primary appeal to Surface buyers is the ability to run Microsoft Office. Consistent with our Best Buy checks, the Surface was also in stock at all Staples stores we contacted. Outside of the Surface, the Google Nexus 10 was cited as another strong tablet option."

According to a source to Latinos Post, the Surface tablet has not sold well following its retail release in a local Staples store in New York City, noting only two of the Windows RT tablets have been sold in two weeks.

The Surface tablet started surfacing in Best Buy and Staples during the week of Dec. 12,

According to Staples, it will be selling the Surface with Windows RT tablet as follows:

- Surface with Windows RT 32 GB  (tablet only): $499

- Surface with Windows RT 32 GB with Black Touch Cover: $599

- Surface with Windows RT 64 GB with Black Touch Cover: $699

Related Articles:

For reviews on the Microsoft Surface with Windows RT, click here.

For the Microsoft Surface with Windows RT specs and definitions, click here.

For the Microsoft Surface with Windows RT tablet drop test, click here.

For rumors on three upcoming Surface tablets in 2013, click here.

For the iPad 4 vs. Microsoft Surface with Windows RT, click here.

For the iPad Mini vs. Microsoft Surface with Windows RT specs, click here.

For the comparison of the Microsoft Surface vs. Kindle Fire HD 8.9, click here.