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

MacBook Pro Low Angle Wide Lens

Apple to Launch 'MacBook Ultra' With These Six New Features

Friday April 24, 2026 10:32 am PDT by
While the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro were just updated with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips last month, bigger changes are reportedly around the corner. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the higher-end MacBook Pro models will be receiving a major redesign by early 2027, and he said that Apple might use "MacBook Ultra" branding for them. If so, the MacBook Ultra would likely be a...
Dynamic Island iPhone 18 Pro Feature

This Is What the iPhone 18 Pro Looks Like

Saturday April 25, 2026 10:00 am PDT by
A recent leak provides our best look yet at the design of Apple's upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models. Leaker Sonny Dickson recently shared images of the first iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and foldable iPhone dummy models. The images largely conform with rumors about the designs of the three devices and provide the first real visual confirmation of how they will look. ...
app store monthly sub commitment

Apple Introduces App Store Monthly Subscriptions With 12-Month Commitment

Monday April 27, 2026 12:52 pm PDT by
Apple today announced the launch of a new subscription option for App Store developers: monthly subscriptions with a 12-month commitment. The new option allows developers to offer subscribers discounted pricing typically associated with an annual subscription but paid on a monthly basis to keep payments more affordable. This new payment option allows you to offer subscribers more affordable...

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)