The company set out its Surface achievements this year in a blog post today. According to Microsoft, November was the best month ever for sales of Surface devices to consumers. In the U.K., the best single week ever was observed. A Best Buy-exclusive Surface bundle sold out entirely during its first day of availability in the U.S.
Microsoft attributed some of these sales to people switching over from Apple’s MacBook. The company said its trade-in program that lets MacBook owners get discounts on Surface devices has been the “best ever.” In the light of the “disappointment” of the new MacBook Pro, Microsoft claims “more people than ever” are switching to Surface.
“Our trade-in program for MacBooks was our best ever, and the combination of excitement for the innovation of Surface coupled with the disappointment of the new MacBook Pro – especially among professionals – is leading more and more people to make the switch to Surface,” Microsoft asserted. “It seems like a new review recommending Surface over MacBook comes out daily. This makes our team so proud, because it means we’re doing good work.”
Microsoft’s comments haven’t been independently verified. Surface has been selling strongly throughout the year though, driving Microsoft’s stock price to a record high in October. Sales leapt 38 percent during the last quarter to total $926 million. Microsoft said the stock growth is evidence of the company’s continuing to “grow engagement” with its products.
By contrast, the MacBook Pro was received with scepticism by some industry professionals. A lack of high-end internals and Apple’s eradication of “legacy” ports has left many questioning its “Pro” credentials. However, the MacBook Pro has also sold strongly since launch. There are no official figures that confirm how many people have chosen to switch ecosystems.
Microsoft said it’s also seeing strong sales of its new Surface Studio all-in-one PC. The company pointed to the 10 million views on its YouTube launch video and the interest from professionals as signs that it’s onto another success. Microsoft also said it’s seeing executives, architects and artists relying on Surface Studio as their sole PC.
The Surface Hub whiteboard is exceeding expectations too. So far, Microsoft has shipped the gigantic boardroom device to over 2,000 customers. The average order is for 50 units but one unnamed car manufacturer bought 1,500 in a single transaction.
Microsoft said it’s increasing production to meet demand. It’s also launching a new Try-and-Buy program that will let prospective customers use a Surface Hub in their business for 30 days before committing to a purchase of the device. It retails at $8,999 for the 55-inch model or $21,999 for the full 84-inch experience.
