Acer:

“If Microsoft is going to do hardware business, what should we do? Should we still rely on Microsoft, or should we find other alternatives?”

Yes! I recommend Debian GNU/Linux. In addition to the limited abilities of M$’s software you get a diverse set of applications for client and server and a wonderful software management system. Spend money on advertising instead of propping up M$’s bank account and you will be rewarded, Acer. Other OEMs, take note. If Acer cuts its cost per PC by $100, what will happen to your market-share?

see Acer begs Microsoft to 'think twice' about Surface tablet | Microsoft – CNET News.

I have long used XFCE4 as a comfortable and efficient desktop environment for Debian GNU/Linux. Now, it seems, the bloat may have knocked GNOME off the “default” pedestal in the Debian Installer. GNOME just doesn’t fit on the first CD any longer…
“switch default desktop task to xfce
This ensures that the desktop will fit on CD#1, which gnome currently does not.
There may be other reasons to prefer xfce as the default as well, but that is a complex and subjective topic. Unfortunatly, Debian does not have a well defined procedure for making such choices, though it certianly has well-defined procedures for reviewing them. So, I’ve decided to be bold, and continue the tradition of making an arbitrary desktop selection for Debian in tasksel.”
see switch default desktop task to xfce.

It is often said in the world of IT/software that a firm “eats their own dog-food” meaning they use the product they sell/produce. I have been doing the same. This is breakfast:

• hamburger bun baked in my kitchen from 50% whole and 50% white wheat flour,
• home made salami made from lean ground beef in my kitchen,
• ripe bell pepper picked minutes ago from the garden,
• ripe tomatoes picked minutes ago from the garden, and
• mayonnaise from the store…

It’s good to eat the fruits of one’s labour. For IT I recommend Debian GNU/Linux, a cooperative project of the world. The world can and does make its own software.