I think that releasing Surface RT first will confuse a lot of customers. Many people are saying incorrectly that Surface will run Windows apps, but my understanding is that Surface RT won't, but a subsequent version will. If this is true, and if this gets Microsoft a lot of bad press, it will basically kill the Surface. Also, the iPad mini, despite my belief that it will completely cannibalize iPad sales and hurt Apple, will likely inhibit people from buying Surface as well.