"When we first heard of WOA, we all assumed Microsoft would make Windows [software] run on it," said Cherry. "Instead, they have the amount of Windows on it that they could get to run on it. Given more time, they could have done more."

Time was a factor because Microsoft has fallen seriously behind rivals Apple and Google, said Cherry, who noted that Apple's iPad is already in its third-generation.

Apple debuted the iPad in April 2010, and , which boasts a higher-resolution screen, a month ago.

Cherry expects Microsoft to fill in some of the blanks in Windows RT down the road, perhaps by adding the ability of those devices to support domain joining or support Group Policies.

Another option for Microsoft would be to simply wait for the appearance of lower-powered Intel processors that can compete on battery longevity with ARM, then push Windows 8, not Windows RT, for tablets.