Surface RT users: Microsoft wants to hear from you
If you've bought a Microsoft Surface RT pablet/TC, Microsoft is interested in hearing about your experience with it.
Via the “Surface Owner Feedback Program,” the Redmondians are looking to gather input from users about their devices. Microsoft posted an invitation to participate in the survey on the Surface Facebook page. (Thanks to Softpedia.com for the heads up on the survey.)
To entice participants, Microsoft is allowing those (U.S.-based only, according to the rules) who submit data to enter a sweepstakes with $200 in Surface accessories as the prize.
After submitting their Surface serial numbers, age, gender, date of purchase and address, users will receive an e-mail with an invitation for a survey about their experiences with the product in approximately two weeks, according to the survey sign-up page.
I've been wondering about how many Surface users have experienced some of the documented problems with the product, ranging from splitting touch keyboards and sound muting issues, to power-unit and stuck screen-pixel problems. I've heard from readers claiming all of these issues. Some have received replacement units rapidly from Microsoft Customer Support; others have been less-than-pleased about support responsiveness. (For the record, I have had no hardware issues with my Surface RT, knock wood.)
It would be interesting to know what kind of quality bar the first Surfaces have hit, given the Surface RT marks the first time Microsoft is making its own PC device. I asked Microsoft if the company would share any data on Surface returns or quality levels. No go. The response, via a spokesperson: “Microsoft makes every effort to ensure our customers receive a high quality product. Customers can contact Microsoft Customer Support if they have any questions.”
Microsoft officials still have not shared any Surface RT sales figures. They also have not shared any figures around sales of Windows RT vs. Windows 8 devices. (The 40 million Windows 8 licenses sold in month one seemingly includes both operating systems.)
Microsoft is on track to ship the Intel-based Surface Pro in January 2013. Pricing for that device still has not been revealed, but many are expecting it to come in around $1,000 or more.