Microsoft Announces New 'Surface' Tablet, New Hardware and Software Based on Windows 8

[Renzatic]

Will Microsoft win anything if all their laptop user move into tablet but just use the tablet the same way as their old laptop?

Yeah, because they bought MS stuff.

The biggest thing you've got to understand is that it isn't quite a traditional laptop. It's an attempt to be the best of both worlds. You can use it like a laptop if you want. Lay it out on your desk, grab a mouse, and start typing away on the (apparently pretty good) thin keyboard thing. Or if you want to, you can flip the keyboard around back, pick it up, and start using more touch friendly apps.

...or even better, you can grab a stylus, and start doodling in Photoshop on the thing.

It's not a tablet as Apple envisioned it. It's not a supplemental item to a much more powerful machine. It's a powerful machine in its own right, and has the potential to be far more capable and flexible than the iPad.

Problem is, adding more capability and flexibility makes it that much less easier to just pick up and use right away. Even the RT, the more consumer oriented rev, isn't quite as straightfoward as the iPad. It's for this reason I don't think it'll be nearly as popular in the mom 'n pop sector. The iPad is more than good enough for them as is. It's practically designed for them. But for the enthusiast, the hobbyist, and the professional? There's really no competition.

One good thing, though. If the Surface does succeed, I'm sure it'll hurry Apple along to release their eventual and inevitable iPad/MBA hybrid.

 

[xofruitcake]

Problem is, adding more capability and flexibility makes it that much less easier to just pick up and use right away. Even the RT, the more consumer oriented rev, isn't quite as straightfoward as the iPad. It's for this reason I don't think it'll be nearly as popular in the mom 'n pop sector. The iPad is more than good enough for them as is. It's practically designed for them. But for the enthusiast, the hobbyist, and the professional? There's really no competition.

One good thing, though. If the Surface does succeed, I'm sure it'll hurry Apple along to release their eventual and inevitable iPad/MBA hybrid.

So the question is how long before surface make customer comfortable to buy it? and in the mean while everyone else will move on technology-wise and so will the customer. What will be a successful launch for Surface? Apple set the bar at 17M Ipad sales (Ipad 2 + Ipad 3) in 2Q12. And look to set the bar again this Q with IPad 2 + Ipad 3+ Ipad 4+ Ipad mini at around 20-25m. I would think Microsoft will have to sell at least 3M to 5M to make it a successful debut. I just don't see that kind of buzz for Surface in internet. Ipad mini is buzzing the last few months and the sales projection from Analyst is anywhere between 5-10m units in 4Q. The review for Surface so far is mixed at best. Reviewers like the new interface but pan W8 for mixing the old Window with Metro. It is going to be a hard pill to take for both tablet user who are use to touch based and simple interface and classic window user who like keyboard and mouse. It has one killer app in MS Office. But you can get the same apps in tradition laptop which cost less..

 

[VenusianSky]

So the question is how long before surface make customer comfortable to buy it? and in the mean while everyone else will move on technology-wise and so will the customer. What will be a successful launch for Surface? Apple set the bar at 17M Ipad sales (Ipad 2 + Ipad 3) in 2Q12. And look to set the bar again this Q with IPad 2 + Ipad 3+ Ipad 4+ Ipad mini at around 20-25m. I would think Microsoft will have to sell at least 3M to 5M to make it a successful debut. I just don't see that kind of buzz for Surface in internet. Ipad mini is buzzing the last few months and the sales projection from Analyst is anywhere between 5-10m units in 4Q. The review for Surface so far is mixed at best. Reviewers like the new interface but pan W8 for mixing the old Window with Metro. It is going to be a hard pill to take for both tablet user who are use to touch based and simple interface and classic window user who like keyboard and mouse. It has one killer app in MS Office. But you can get the same apps in tradition laptop which cost less..

People will be able to use Surface with a keyboard and mouse, just like a laptop (Surface has USB). And sure a laptop will cost less, but there will be people willing to spend the extra cash for something that is more lightweight and portable with builtin cellular service. In addition, there are future customers that still have never bought any tablet or laptop, so they can decide what is best for their needs, which could either be a laptop or tablet from any manufacturer. Microsoft Office is an excellent point. Many people want Office because it is the standard in businesses. Those users may also want a tablet because it is more portable. Only time will tell the success of Surface. People can speculate all they want, just like they speculated about Apple's success years ago when they decided to enter into the mobile device market with the iPod, another device that came out well after portable music players were in the market. Regardless, Microsoft's true success is their software and Xbox. I am still surprised that they decided to get into tablet hardware. If it doesn't work out, it will not put the company out of business. They already know that or else they wouldn't be doing it. I am confident that they have smart people doing those figures.
I like my iPad, but I will most likely get a Surface at some point to replace my laptop. That is just me though. I guess I just like this technology stuff no matter who makes it.

 

[smoledman]

The kickstand is THE killer feature!

 

[DingleButt]

The kickstand is THE killer feature!

Kickstand, USB support, charge your stuff on the go, touch cover, and Office make it a pretty good product.

Not luring me just yet, but Im going to have to play with one before I say definitely no. I mostly say no because I have a semi recent laptop and I want to see the Pro or other Windows 8 "click in style" laptop/tablets.

 

[AppleScruff1]

The kickstand is THE killer feature!

According to Anand Tech, it is an outstanding feature. And it's Windows, so sales should be more than adequate.

 

[xofruitcake]

People will be able to use Surface with a keyboard and mouse, just like a laptop (Surface has USB). And sure a laptop will cost less, but there will be people willing to spend the extra cash for something that is more lightweight and portable with builtin cellular service. In addition, there are future customers that still have never bought any tablet or laptop, so they can decide what is best for their needs, which could either be a laptop or tablet from any manufacturer. Microsoft Office is an excellent point.

This is the review round up by WSJ.. the review is mixed at best.. And couple with corporate normal review cycle, the sales to corporate world will be very low in 4Q.. And how many they sell from 1Q13 on will depend on real user reaction. My bet is that everyone will see Window tablet as a half baked solution between laptop and tablet and not particularly good in either...

http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2012/10/24/microsoft-surface-review-roundup/

The Bottom Line

Mat Honan, Wired: “It is a new thing, in a new space, and likely to confuse many of Microsoft’s longtime customers. People will have problems with applications — especially when they encounter them online and are given an option by Internet Explorer to run them, only to discover this won’t work. But overall it’s quite good; certainly better than any full-size Android tablet on the market.”

Anand Lal Shimpi, Anandtech: “It makes sense that Microsoft’s OEM partners are feeling the pressure as there’s very little that I would change about Surface from a design perspective… I don’t believe Surface is perfect, but it’s a platform I can believe in. What I’m most excited about is to see what happens after a second or third rev of the design.”

Sam Biddle, Gizmodo: “Surface RT gets so many things right, and pulls so many good things together into one package. But it is undercooked. For all Microsoft’s claims to hardware perfection and software revolution, Surface RT is undone by too many little annoyances, cracks, and flaws.”

Walt Mossberg, WSJ: “Microsoft’s Surface is a tablet with some pluses: The major Office apps and nice optional keyboards. If you can live with its tiny number of third-party apps and somewhat disappointing battery life, it may give you the productivity some miss in other tablets.”

Josh Topolsky, The Verge: “It does the job of a tablet and the job of a laptop half as well as other devices on the market, and it often makes that job harder, not easier. Instead of being a no-compromise device, it often feels like a more-compromise one.”

David Pogue, The New York Times: “How incredible that this bold, envelope-pushing design came from Microsoft, a company that for years produced only feeble imitations of other companies’ fresh ideas. And how ironic that what lets the Surface down is supposedly Microsoft’s specialty: software.”

Matt Buchanan, BuzzFeed FWD: “The irony here is that Microsoft, a software company, has mostly nailed the hardware but fallen down when it comes to the software. The deeper irony still is that what matters more and more with devices like Surface is the software, apps and ecosystem that go into and surround the device — not the hardware itself, beyond its ability to be a stage for the software.”

 

[balamw]

something that is more lightweight and portable with builtin cellular service.

i.e. not Microsoft Surface. Unfortunately this current version that is available for preorder doesn't have any built-in cellular service. Not even 3G, much less LTE.

IMO this is the killer feature the iPad mini has.

We'll see if the 3G Nexus 7 shows up tomorrow or not, yet it still won't have LTE.

B

 

[S.B.G]

i.e. not Microsoft Surface. Unfortunately this current version that is available for preorder doesn't have any built-in cellular service. Not even 3G, much less LTE.

IMO this is the killer feature the iPad mini has.

We'll see if the 3G Nexus 7 shows up tomorrow or not, yet it still won't have LTE.

B

Fascinating, I wasn't aware it didn't have cellular. I'm going to have to advise someone at work tomorrow about that whom is considering getting one.

 

[Renzatic]

My bet is that everyone will see Window tablet as a half baked solution between laptop and tablet and not particularly good in either...

Those reviews aren't what I'd call glowing endorsements, but they're not exactly damning, either. They're all problems usually inherit with a brand new, first rev product. It's solid overall, but has a few bits of janky in there keeping it from being as good as it could be.

 

[VenusianSky]

i.e. not Microsoft Surface. Unfortunately this current version that is available for preorder doesn't have any built-in cellular service. Not even 3G, much less LTE.

IMO this is the killer feature the iPad mini has.

We'll see if the 3G Nexus 7 shows up tomorrow or not, yet it still won't have LTE.

B

My mistake. My uncle works for AT&T and he told me that they are preparing for Windows 8 tablets with cell service. Come to think of it, he was talking about offerings from other manufacturers, like Samsung. However, his information may have been wrong. I guess we will see soon.

I'm interested in the Pro model (which I should have been clear about in my previous post), but if it doesn't have cell either, I will wait for a brand that does. I am in no rush.
EDIT: just checked MS site and Pro doesn't have cell either. Guess I will wait to see what is coming from other manufacturers.

This is the review round up by WSJ.. the review is mixed at best.. And couple with corporate normal review cycle, the sales to corporate world will be very low in 4Q.. And how many they sell from 1Q13 on will depend on real user reaction. My bet is that everyone will see Window tablet as a half baked solution between laptop and tablet and not particularly good in either...

http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2012/10/24/microsoft-surface-review-roundup/

I only trust my own review. Fortunately, these Windows 8 tablets should be available in local stores, so I will check them out there, as well as review the technical specifications.

 

[Vetvito]

I'm siding with Tim Cook on the surface. It's a confused product.

Pro or nothing for me.

RT will die due technological advances and lack of interest. X86 chips will become more efficient.

 

[Sdahe]

I don't like it... would have to try it

 

[damir00]

Anandtech is saying the thing can't keep up with typing in Word.

That's just not acceptable for a "laptop replacement".

 

[VenusianSky]

Anandtech is saying the thing can't keep up with typing in Word.

That's just not acceptable for a "laptop replacement".

I don't think the RT/ARM model is considered a laptop replacement any more than an iPad being a MacBook replacement.

I have a new iPad and I have typed on its touchscreen faster than it can keep up with, however that even matters.

 

[rjohnstone]

i.e. not Microsoft Surface. Unfortunately this current version that is available for preorder doesn't have any built-in cellular service. Not even 3G, much less LTE.

IMO this is the killer feature the iPad mini has.

We'll see if the 3G Nexus 7 shows up tomorrow or not, yet it still won't have LTE.

B

Fascinating, I wasn't aware it didn't have cellular. I'm going to have to advise someone at work tomorrow about that whom is considering getting one.

It doesn't need to have it built in, but I expect MS will add it in the next version.
It has a USB port... simply plug in a USB LTE modem.
AT&T sells a 4G LTE USB modem for $30.
Problem solved.

 

[balamw]

It has a USB port... simply plug in a USB LTE modem.

You might as well say tether with your smartphone or use a MiFi/Jetpack WiFi hotspot.

Having cellular 3G/4G access built in is a major feature the iPads have, Surface does not.

(BTW the modem you mention is US$229.99 without contract. It's only US$30 when you agree to a 2 year contract. Not so for the iPad and its US$130 cellular option).

EDIT: Also FWIW, my iPad 1 is WiFi only as is my Kindle Fire and Nook, I have a Virgin 3G MiFi that I intended to use for them. Now, my iPad 3 has replaced the MiFi as a hotspot provider. I use it all the time, but don't have huge data demands so the cheapest Verizon plan works for me.

B

 

[smoledman]

You might as well say tether with your smartphone or use a MiFi/Jetpack WiFi hotspot.

Having cellular 3G/4G access built in is a major feature the iPads have, Surface does not.

(BTW the modem you mention is US$229.99 without contract. It's only US$30 when you agree to a 2 year contract. Not so for the iPad and its US$130 cellular option).

EDIT: Also FWIW, my iPad 1 is WiFi only as is my Kindle Fire and Nook, I have a Virgin 3G MiFi that I intended to use for them. Now, my iPad 3 has replaced the MiFi as a hotspot provider. I use it all the time, but don't have huge data demands so the cheapest Verizon plan works for me.

B

It's useless trying to argue with them. They think a USB port is a "feature" when it's a sign of failure.

 

[Eidorian]

It's useless trying to argue with them. They think a USB port is a "feature" when it's a sign of failure.

How is it not a feature?

 

[Geckotek]

It's useless trying to argue with them. They think a USB port is a "feature" when it's a sign of failure.

How exactly is it a sign of failure?

 

[balamw]

It's useless trying to argue with them. They think a USB port is a "feature" when it's a sign of failure.

It certainly is a feature, and a very useful one at that. I wish Apple had continued to let the USB port in the camera connection kit work for things like keyboards.

Where I agree with you is that it is not a killer, game-over, cures-all-ills feature. For one thing, anything that is not a simple mass-storage device or HID (keyboard, mouse, gamepad) may require a special driver. Will all interesting USB hardware provide ARM/RT drivers?

B

 

[Vetvito]

RT has all drivers that full blown windows has built in. However the problem comes when a third party has a new driver, not from Microsoft, so it won't install on RT. no third party installers are welcomed.

Surface RT with keyboard 599
Pro Tablets with full windows start at 700.

Why settle for the wannabe when you can get the real deal?

 

[balamw]

RT has all drivers that full blown windows has built in.

Sincerely doubt that. Why would RT have drivers present for every video card and network adapter W8 Pro supports out of the box.

Do you have a source/link for that assertion?

B

 

[rjohnstone]

RT has all drivers that full blown windows has built in. However the problem comes when a third party has a new driver, not from Microsoft, so it won't install on RT. no third party installers are welcomed.

Sure they are... that's what Windows Update is for.
If the vendor submits the driver to Microsoft, it can be made available through the update service.

 

[Eidorian]

I am holding out on the RT side of things unless TeamSpeak and VLC make a showing.