The answer, according to Steve Ballmer and the gang in Redmond, is to build its own laptop computers (Surface Pro) and smaller computers (aka Surface tablets) and most likely build its own smartphones too.

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The move from Bill Gates to Steve Ballmer was one thing, but a CES without Redmond?

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Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer hosted 120 CEOs and corporate leaders last week at the 15th annual Microsoft CEO Summit in Redmond, Washington.

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Despite the setback Microsoft's chief executive, Steve Ballmer appeared satisfied with the various Windows 8 launches when he appeared at a developers conference in Redmond, Washington, on Tuesday.

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