From the AnandTech review of the Microsoft Surface:

“After using Microsoft’s Surface for the past week I can say that I honestly get it. This isn’t an iPad competitor, nor is it an Android tablet competitor. It truly is something different. A unique perspective, not necessarily the right one, but a different one that will definitely resonate well with some (not all) users.”

I think that’s a smart move by Microsoft – they can’t compete with the iPad and they are finally embracing doing something new – even if some people won’t get it. Apple has been doing this forever and it MIGHT help Microsoft stay relevant in the future. A rare kudos to Redmond.