Microsoft Launches New Surface RT vs. iPad Ad Highlighting iPad Shortcomings - MacRumorsOpen MenuShow RoundupsShow Forums menuVisit ForumsOpen Sidebar
Skip to Content

Microsoft Launches New Surface RT vs. iPad Ad Highlighting iPad Shortcomings

Microsoft is continuing its anti-iPad ad campaign, today releasing a new commercial comparing the Surface RT to the fourth generation iPad. The ad, which displays a Surface RT tablet and an iPad side-by-side, highlights both pricing and size differences between the two products.


Microsoft also uses the spot to summarize other iPad shortcomings that it has highlighted in previous ads, including the iPad's lack of an integrated kickstand and keyboard, the absence of dedicated productivity software on the tablet, its poor multitasking capabilities, and its failure to offer expandable storage.

Despite its vigorous advertising campaign, Microsoft revealed last week that its Surface lineup had earned just $853 million in revenue for the company, less than a $900 million writedown the company took for the Surface RT earlier this month.

As a result of the tablet's weak sales, Microsoft was forced to drop the price of the Surface RT by $150 in July, pricing its entry level offering at just $349.99. The company has since dropped the price of the Surface Pro as well, offering it for $100 off through the end of August.

Popular Stories

iOS 27 on iPhone 17 1

iOS 27 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Saturday May 2, 2026 8:43 am PDT by
Apple is expected to unveil iOS 27 during its WWDC 2026 keynote on June 8, and there are already many rumored features and changes for iPhones. The first developer beta of iOS 27 will likely be available immediately following the keynote, and a public beta typically follows in July. Following beta testing, the software update should be released to all users with a compatible iPhone in...
Apple Event Logo

Apple Just Released a New Accessory

Monday May 4, 2026 8:13 am PDT by
Apple today released a new Pride Edition Sport Loop for the Apple Watch. The band features a rainbow design with 11 colors of woven nylon yarns. The new Pride Edition Sport Loop is available to order now on Apple.com and in the Apple Store app in 40mm, 42mm, and 46mm sizes, and it will be available at Apple Store locations starting later this week. In the U.S., the band costs $49. There...
Apple Announces 2026 Pride Band Watch Face and iPhone Wallpaper Article 2

iOS 26.5 Coming Soon With These New Features

Monday May 4, 2026 8:40 am PDT by
iOS 26.5 is expected to be released next week, following more than a month of beta testing. The update is relatively minor, but there are a couple of new features and changes across the operating system that we have recapped below. iOS 26.5 lays the groundwork for end-to-end encryption for RCS in the Messages app and ads in the Apple Maps app, and it will include a new Pride wallpaper and a...

Top Rated Comments

Chrjy Avatar
166 months ago
Oh jeez....is it me or are these ads just getting more embarrassing?!
Score: 72 Votes (Like | Disagree)
166 months ago
Microsoft: Die Apple, die!

Apple: Hey, free advertising :D
Score: 64 Votes (Like | Disagree)
166 months ago
Seriously Microsoft, stop touting that awful kickstand. Especially if you're not even going to show the iPad's Smart Cover in the comparison.
Score: 56 Votes (Like | Disagree)
166 months ago
Hmm, it should be more like this: ;)

Score: 48 Votes (Like | Disagree)
aristotle Avatar
166 months ago
Ironically, the 16GB iPad has more free space for data and apps than the 32GB Surface RT.

BTW. The Surface RT (or otherwise) cannot be used on the lap with that kickstand and that flimsy keyboard whereas an iPad with a keyboard case can.

If you want a stand, get a smartcover.
Score: 33 Votes (Like | Disagree)
12vElectronics Avatar
166 months ago
Why does Microsoft keep thinking people want a keyboard and USB connectivity on their tablets. If I wanted to connect my USB and have a full keyboard, I'd use a laptop, not a tablet.
Score: 26 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Related Apple News: Technology | Mac | Health | South Africa | Education