No. 4 carrier T-Mobile was originally slated to carry Surface computers in its stores--around 1, 200 by fall 2007, according to Microsoft.

FORBES: Surface Surfaces At AT&T

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.

FORBES: Microsoft Paradox: Can Windows Be Everywhere and Nowhere at the Same Time?

Microsoft has started shipping its first Surface tablet computers ahead of their official launch on Friday.

BBC: Surface tablets start shipping ahead of Windows 8 launch

The panicky media coverage of Surface sales carries over to Windows 8 computers with even more alarmed punditry.

ENGADGET: Editorial: Microsoft is singing the right tune with some wrong notes

The rover is installing its full surface operations software after the landing because its computers didn't have room for it during flight.

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Instead, it will look like any silicon chip as found in computers but "with an open window on the surface that will allow chemicals to transfer in and to be sensed by the system, " explained Dr Pearce.

BBC: Scientists develop 'nose-on-a-chip'

The Surface slate is on the skids in retail, as are Windows 8 computers.

ENGADGET: Editorial: Microsoft is singing the right tune with some wrong notes

Some Microsoft allies argue that Surface could help spur innovation, by setting expectations for what new tablets computers should be.

WSJ: Microsoft's Surface Rivals Both Tablets and Laptops

In theory, to unscramble the signal completely you need two things: good computers and, not so easy, a second infinitely large surface, this time covered with radio telescopes.

ECONOMIST: Pulsars: In a wink | The

While Pegatron migh seem to be a newcomer on the surface, the Taipei-based company's Apple ties run deep, with its earlier incarnation packaging Apple computers by candlelight more than a decade ago.

WSJ: Apple Shifts Supply Chain Away From Foxconn to Pegatron