"Pacific Crest Securities analyst Brendan Barnicle on Sunday raised his estimates for Microsoft because of in-line sales for the Surface. Barnicle surveyed retailers in the U.S., Canada and Germany, about 75% of whom say Windows 8 is meeting expectations, while 25% said the computers are selling faster than expected."

"Cowen & Co. analysts Robert Stone and James Medvedeff said in a research note the new Windows 8 Surface tablet will likely "exploit new price/feature niches" and likely gain market share.

Only 21% of the 1,225 U.S. PC and Mac owning consumers were however planning to buy an new Windows 8 laptop, desktop or ultrabook computer in the next 18 months. They also found only 10% of consumers said Windows 8 is "not as cool as a Mac", likely equating to the 10% who actually own Apple computers, while 58% of current PC owners saying they did not want to adjust to the new interface."

From MSFT PR regarding the "modest" comment

“When asked about Surface, Steve’s use of the term “modest” was in relation to the company’s approach in ramping up supply and distribution of Surface with Windows RT, which has only been available via our online store and certain Microsoft retail stores in the U.S. While our approach has been modest, Steve notes the reception to the device has been “fantastic” which is why he also stated that “soon, it will be available in more countries and in more stores.”

I have no idea how the sales of the Surface are going but I would love to get some real numbers from MSFT. Maybe next quarter?