"I really think it's too early to call," agreed Moorhead, adding that it may be months before outsiders can get a grip on how well Windows RT and its hardware are doing.

Moves by major third-party developers would help. There have been no signs of Modern apps from Facebook, for instance, or Twitter -- although independent Twitter apps such as , are available -- or LinkedIn.

"There's no doubt that the hardware is high-quality," said Moorhead. "But Microsoft needs to seal the deal with consumers by improving [the app selection]."

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Gregg Keizer covers Microsoft, security issues, Apple, Web browsers and general technology breaking news for Computerworld. Follow Gregg on Twitter at , on or subscribe to . His email address is .