You do understand that the problem is not necessarily what Microsoft is doing, its HOW Microsoft is doing it. Your table argument is a perfect example.
Given Microsoft has had tablets for years, why werent they selling?
You mean those laptops with swivel screens that you would flip around and use with a stylus werent appealing to consumers???
Given Microsoft has had smartphones for years, why werent they selling?
Youre telling me that your typical consumer couldnt navigate through Windows mobile, configure their wifi connection (encryption key and all), search the web, download, sync, and install their own apps (that is if it wasnt a virus), and use task manager to maintain performance.
Their biggest problem for a long time, is they didnt know how to make products for consumers because all their products were being designed and developed by techs and programmers. Consumers bought them because they had no choice, but that has changed. And Microsoft only RECENTLY started changing this approach when they started recruiting designers and artist from Nike, Apple, and other large companies.
Just think about it. Do you have any idea the inexplicable number of industries Microsoft has delved into over the years? Everything from gaming, communications, robotics, automotive, the list goes on! And guess what? Their biggest sellers are only Windows (given its 10+ year strong hold on the computer industry due to lack of competition), Office (their best software product in my opinion), and Xbox (small market only 2 other competitors, and they had a 9 month head start on Sony).
Now I'm really not hating on Microsoft, but trust me if they didnt have deep pockets, the news today would be "Microsoft goes under", rather than "Microsoft Downgraded by FBR". And its only gonna get worse when Google jumps into the OS business (unless they do something... right).