Meanwhile, recent data from Web analytics company Net Applications put Windows 8 on a slower uptake pace than either Windows 7 or Windows Vista, the latter the 2007 edition that has been decreed a rare Microsoft flop. Through its first two months of availability, Windows 8 collected less than a third of the online usage share Windows 7 had at the same stage in its release, and was slightly behind even Vista.
But Reller's explanation of Windows 8 sluggish retail sales -- that touch-ready devices were in short supply -- jibes with other data, including the NPD Group's, which said five weeks ago that sales of touch-enabled notebooks were one of few bright spots in Windows 8's first four weeks.
It was clear that Microsoft has heard that message.
"We, I think, collectively as an ecosystem and as an industry, want more and more touch assortment," said Reller. "Like if we say, sort of what do we want more of, and what does the market want more from us of? It's more touch assortment, and that's certainly tablets, that's certainly convertibles, touch laptops, touch laptops at great prices, all-in-ones, all-in-ones at great prices, I mean, all of those are proving to be high-demand items."
But Reller also urged patience with Windows 8, and not just because the devices that showcase it aren't available in the numbers Microsoft would like.
In fact, the sheer number of competing Windows 8 devices -- Reller said Microsoft had certified 1,700 so far, up 700 in just a month -- was a stumbling block. "Customers have a lot of choice. So, they are essentially evaluating a new OS and they are then having the opportunity to look at quite a diverse set of hardware options," Reller said. "That takes some time for customers to digest and make choices."
Reller also took questions about Surface RT and Surface Pro, the latter the x86-powered tablet Microsoft is expected to start selling later this month, but she did not reveal any new information, such as Surface RT sales figures or the ship date for Surface Pro.
A transcript of the Q & A with Reller has been posted on Microsoft's investor relations website. A webcast can also be viewed from the same page.
Gregg Keizer covers Microsoft, security issues, Apple, Web browsers and general technology breaking news for Computerworld. Follow Gregg on Twitter at 
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