Maybe because they are not big profit drivers and they...I dunno...suck to type on?
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Microsoft Announces New 'Surface' Tablet, New Hardware and Software Based on Windows 8
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Maybe because they are not big profit drivers and they...I dunno...suck to type on?
The Surface Pro is 1080p.
I have a feeling they are trying to undercut the iPad pricing with the RT version.
^ If you think that this isn't competition to the iPad then you should never, ever go into business.
With all due respect - specs don't really matter to the mainstream consumer for whom this is targeted for. The want something "like" the iPad... but with a keyboard. And it has to look nice. IMO Microsoft has accomplished that part. But like I've mentioned before... it comes down to the price and the breadth of the marketplace.
Amen brotha... And all these MS planted fanboys are kidding themselves if they think otherwise...
Priceless! I just clicked on the "major tablet initiative" link, which took me to the MS Surface page. All it said was, "An unexpected error has occurred."
Not an iPad competitor
Most of the kids on here weren't even born when Radio Shack had a portable computer that was like a laptop but not a laptop. That's what I kept thinking of with that tiny display. It screams toy and not business product.
Also, folks keep talking about how competition is good, but is it? Apple has never innovated based upon competition. In fact, Apple's ethos is built on the idea that they can make the best products in the world, period. They don't need competition to spur them on. While that idea may be debatable, I doubt the folks in Cupertino are losing sleep over this.
Where this product will create a stir is in Mountain View. MS has no real app store. They have no real music or video service. Rather than try to compete with Apple, they are leveraging their strengths in Office and business to go after Android. Have fun with that!
I'm just soooo glad they didn't do a funeral procession this time.
And is it just me, or did anyone else spew their beverage when the slide went up showing off their hardware innovations of the two button mouse and an ergonomic keyboard? John Gruber is going to have a field day.
Most of the kids on here weren't even born when Radio Shack had a portable computer that was like a laptop but not a laptop. That's what I kept thinking of with that tiny display. It screams toy and not business product.
Also, folks keep talking about how competition is good, but is it? Apple has never innovated based upon competition. In fact, Apple's ethos is built on the idea that they can make the best products in the world, period. They don't need competition to spur them on. While that idea may be debatable, I doubt the folks in Cupertino are losing sleep over this.
Where this product will create a stir is in Mountain View. MS has no real app store. They have no real music or video service. Rather than try to compete with Apple, they are leveraging their strengths in Office and business to go after Android. Have fun with that!
I'm just soooo glad they didn't do a funeral procession this time.
And is it just me, or did anyone else spew their beverage when the slide went up showing off their hardware innovations of the two button mouse and an ergonomic keyboard? John Gruber is going to have a field day.
Ok, so lets get this straight.. they spent way to much time on talking about the cover and the keyboard, which most people probably dont even care about. Yet they couldnt even provide a pricing structure or a a timeframe for realease. Yea lets schedule a "MAJOR" event and then at the end say ****** you, youll have to wait even longer to find out more details. If there trying to come anywhere close to being like apple they are failing misserably. If Apple ever held an event like this, it would be headlines that it was the most dissapointing event. If you are going to scheduale a event in one of the biggest media markets in America you are obviously going for exposure. It was not scheduled like that on accident, release all the major details so you can create a 'buzz' and 'hype' for it. Dont beat around the bush and release partial details. People want to know everything about it.
On another note
What doesnt microsoft get about fragmentation. Why would you release a standard version and a pro version? Why not cut costs on R&D, Manufacturing, Advertising, like apple does and create a product that uses the best of the best with one product name that serves the purpose of both a consumer and a professional. You will get much better Brand Recognition from your customers if they can refer to the device with one name and relate to it using one name, and not no standard and pro ******. That just confuses your customers. And leads to confusion that will ultimately lead the customer to a competitor.
Another thing is, if Microsoft is releasing Windows RT to other manufactures, why would you make a product with your own branding just to compete with other devices that you endorsed running the same software that your 'amazing' device runs. Its just another piece thats going to add to the fragmentation of Windows tablets in the near future (like google and andorid) and to the eventual slow death of microsoft.
Bottom Line Is, Apple is lightyears ahead of the so called 'competitors' on all aspects.
Microsoft you have a long tough and expensive road ahead of you, Apple is far more supperior and much more respected company nowadays then Microsoft ever will be. The only thing you have on Apple is the Xbox 360.... for now
Thats My Take..
On another note
What doesnt microsoft get about fragmentation. Why would you release a standard version and a pro version? Why not cut costs on R&D, Manufacturing, Advertising, like apple does and create a product that uses the best of the best with one product name that serves the purpose of both a consumer and a professional. You will get much better Brand Recognition from your customers if they can refer to the device with one name and relate to it using one name, and not no standard and pro ******. That just confuses your customers. And leads to confusion that will ultimately lead the customer to a competitor.
Another thing is, if Microsoft is releasing Windows RT to other manufactures, why would you make a product with your own branding just to compete with other devices that you endorsed running the same software that your 'amazing' device runs. Its just another piece thats going to add to the fragmentation of Windows tablets in the near future (like google and andorid) and to the eventual slow death of microsoft.
Bottom Line Is, Apple is lightyears ahead of the so called 'competitors' on all aspects.
Microsoft you have a long tough and expensive road ahead of you, Apple is far more supperior and much more respected company nowadays then Microsoft ever will be. The only thing you have on Apple is the Xbox 360.... for now
Thats My Take..
13.5 + smart case at 3.5 = 17mm
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I don't think people realise that Windows RT does NOT have a desktop environment. Will not run your existing windows software, and will remain in Metro environment.
A lot of people could get very confused purchasing this tablet if they just assume it has Windows on it.
Yeah, Windows 8 is crap. It is the next Vista and businesses will stay on Windows 7 for a very long time now.
i agree. everyone here seems to be frantically hysterical with negative things to say about these tablets.
i think these tablets are sick, and i'm an iPad 2 owner.
something tells me that people already had their opinion decided before the product was even announced
If you think it is competition to the iPad then you likely think that the Coby tablets you can pick up at CVS are too... We don't have enough information right now to know if it's going to be "competition" or not...
Then why even announce it this early? I mean, sure, Apple's announced things ahead of time too but still... When the iPad was announced, there wasn't another company making an iOS tablet. This would just make people ignore other companies tablets while waiting for the Microsoft one. Basically hurting the other tablet makers. Especially the ones who have already shown off their machines.
It's both!
Actually, it's even better than that: on the ARM platform, only MS applications can be run in desktop mode: the MS Office Suite. I keep wondering what sort of backlash this MS-preferential "feature" will have on the platform.
The whole Win 8 offering is massively confusing.
Just imagine how pleased manufacturers shipping Win 8 systems are with MS's announcement.
I wonder how well the keyboard will function, I've seen plenty of people carry a bluetooth apple keyboard with them that they've paired to their iPads. Placing the keyboard in the cover is an interesting idea, as long as it functions well.
Microsoft copying Apple is interesting, Microsoft has been paying close attention to Apple but are mimicking Apple more than understanding them. The lack of people using the Surface in a functional manner was disappointing, why not demonstrate what it can do and why I should buy it.
The slow rollout of information is pretty lame though, Microsoft clearly isn't as adept at creating excitement. The tablet is no longer a brand new product and the capabilities are relatively well known. The announcement would have been much more interesting if they'd just announced all of the information today, I'm not going to work to find out what the battery life is, the screen resolution, the availability of apps, accessories and other details. Not when the new iPad is clearly so far ahead of anything else that is out there.
Microsoft has plenty of legacy users who are just dying for them to do something good again. All Microsoft really has to do is create a really good product to release, the clever advertising and re-imaging isn't as important. But it's been a really long time since Microsoft has put out a really great product. The Kinect may be the only caveat but it's a toy.
Microsoft copying Apple is interesting, Microsoft has been paying close attention to Apple but are mimicking Apple more than understanding them. The lack of people using the Surface in a functional manner was disappointing, why not demonstrate what it can do and why I should buy it.
The slow rollout of information is pretty lame though, Microsoft clearly isn't as adept at creating excitement. The tablet is no longer a brand new product and the capabilities are relatively well known. The announcement would have been much more interesting if they'd just announced all of the information today, I'm not going to work to find out what the battery life is, the screen resolution, the availability of apps, accessories and other details. Not when the new iPad is clearly so far ahead of anything else that is out there.
Microsoft has plenty of legacy users who are just dying for them to do something good again. All Microsoft really has to do is create a really good product to release, the clever advertising and re-imaging isn't as important. But it's been a really long time since Microsoft has put out a really great product. The Kinect may be the only caveat but it's a toy.
If you really think that, you're either a troll or high.
Go look at the comment history of everyone posting here. We are all huge mac fans.
However, we are not the stereotypical fanboys. When credit is deserved, credit is what we will give, be it microsoft or someone else.
The reason there is so much hate against android is because it's a blatant ripoff.... Microsoft did something different and original with WP7 and Windows 8. While windows 8 may feel awkward with a mouse, it's most definitely great on a touch surface, and thus deserves credit.
On top of all this, microsoft actually integrated hardware and software for once! :O This is totally unexpected, and is one of the reasons I really like Apple, because integrated hardware and software work VERY well together.
I stand by my comment. This thread does not represent the usual array of comments I read every day on this forum. Unlike many people here I will reserve my judgement as to whether this device is any good or not until I can see it for myself. I notice there was no price or release date.
Just because you marry hardware and software together doesn't necessarily mean it will be any good. Remember their last attempt - the Zune. What a pile of ***** that was.
I'm by no means an Apple cheerleader, I make my own mind up. However in my experience of Microsoft products over many years I fully anticipate this to be another pile of *****.
As for the Metro UI. It may work well on a tablet but the reviews of the desktop version have been scathing. Thank god I won't have to endure it as I shall be ditching the last of my Windows computers once I can get my hands on the new MBP Retina.
I have no animosity towards Android. I think the Galaxy S series are cracking smartphones.
I really think Microsoft kinda missed the point of the tablet. It's trying too much to be a desktop while looking like a tablet computer. If you really need a mouse/keyboard to work get a netbook or regular laptop that has a full fledged OS and can support your needs.
A tablet is for quick consumption and light work - a computer that you can have fun with.
Steve was right... Microsoft really doesn't have any taste.
A tablet is for quick consumption and light work - a computer that you can have fun with.
Steve was right... Microsoft really doesn't have any taste.
I'll tell you what is fecking irony on this forum. The sheer fact that MANY on here have stated this is what APPLE is going to turn into!! One OS across ALL devices weather they are PC's or tablets etc all with touch screens haha.
If Apple did do that, well Microsoft would have done it first!!
Not trolling, but seriously, just HOW many threads or posts have we seen state this very fact about Apple based on the patents it's posted in the past...
If Apple did do that, well Microsoft would have done it first!!
Not trolling, but seriously, just HOW many threads or posts have we seen state this very fact about Apple based on the patents it's posted in the past...
Wonder if the Intel version will have sufficiently standard PC hardware so that it can run Linux or if Microsoft plans to lock it down using UEFI secure boot.
This thing + Linux/FreeBSD would be a nice portable laptop like device.
Free BSD on a touch tablet? Yeah, have fun with that.
