When Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) made a big push with its new platforms late last year, Windows RT always stood out as a curious strategic choice. The dumbed-down version of Windows 8 has caused more confusion among consumers than anything else, in part because Microsoft hasn't done a good job at educating the average buyer. Exec Julie Larson-Green recently acknowledged that the software giant has some work to do with consumer education.

There had previously been reports of Microsoft's own sales reps not properly fielding questions before launch. Samsung has decided to sit on the sidelines in the U.S. with its Windows RT devices because the OEM felt it would have to pick up too much of Microsoft's slack.

Even if Microsoft improves in this department, Windows RT's strategic positioning becomes even more dubious this year with Intel's (NASDAQ:INTC) new Haswell chips, which will render Windows RT even more superfluous.

In the video below, Fool contributor Evan Niu, CFA, discusses how Microsoft may have its work cut out.