Microsoft Surface RT tablet is still the most popular Windows 8/RT device out there, though its usage share has fallen considerably since the release of competing products by third party OEMs.

It's no surprise that the Surface RT is popular among consumers. After all, it is the first to go on sale and the only Windows/RT device with a huge marketing blitz. Microsoft has been plastering everywhere with advertisements of Windows 8 and the Surface RT even before these products were available. If the Surface RT wasn't the most popular device with so much push, it would have been better off if Microsoft just exited the business altogether.

The popularity ranking information came from AdDuplex, the same guys who pronounced the Nokia Lumia 920 as the most popular Windows Phone 8 smartphone. AdDuplex collected data information from 71 active Windows 8/RT applications to come up with its findings on Dec. 7, 2012.

Before this, Microsoft Surface RT tablet computer had a bigger lead over other products. However, this lead is dwindling due to OEMs finally pushing out a lot of Windows 8-based computer for consumer consumption. The Surface RT lead fell to 5 percent from its 11 percent lead it had enjoyed earlier, with HP laptops following close behind with a combined 3 percent share.

According to AdDuplex, the network has so far registered 5,500 different Windows 8/RT devices, which is up from 3,000 back in November.

When Microsoft releases the Surface Pro, it will be interesting to see how it performs compared to the Surface RT. Many folks find the Surface Pro a better deal since it is able to play well with legacy applications. But for others, the Surface RT is just fine when used as a tablet and nothing else.