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

[iMacFarlane]

If this thing has an open architecture and can run windows (XP/Vista/7) programs, wow. iPad is awesome, incredible, beautiful, and quite limited. My wife has the new iPad, and the only reason I really want one is for software development purposes, not the gadget itself. Microsoft may have actually pulled off their biggest thing since Windows 95 (which was huge if you were around to remember it). Good for them.

 

[crazy4apple]

I disagree. I think MS does get it. They are offering both solutions and giving the consumer a choice to have 1 experience or both experiences.
Windows RT is also much more full featured in what it can support, and that support addresses every shortcoming of the iPad. Forget that some Windows RT apps can almost be full blow desktop apps...

Keyboard and mouse driver support
Peripheral support

Just those 2 tiny things make their entry level tablet appealing to someone who might not want to cart a laptop, but needs to work some Office suite. Can you do this on the iPad? Yeah, but less featured, and keyboards on the iPad don't function as they do in a pc environment. You still have to tap at the screen all the time.

Add in other features and it puts heat on apple, which is good imo. The iPad is just a big iPod Touch! It should stand out a little more than it does.

just to take your top point and Apple is not offering you this? apple is offering this to consumers already. Ipad and the Macbook Air!

your I/O defence is weak because before MS alot of android OEMs have already tried this and have failed.

and your Ipod touch comment alone warrants me not to even go this has been covered before

 

[dazzer21]

If I understand this correctly...

(and at over 1400 posts on this, I'm sure someone is going to flame me)

...it's a laptop with a touchscreen. Your fingers need to switch between the keyboard and the screen for input. I've tried a five minute exercise 'pretending' to do just that - over a prolonged period, it's going to be tiring! Having a trackpad, or even a mouse in close proximity to my keyboard, is FAR more intuitive and relaxing. The same goes for the iPad on-screen touchpad - just makes sense.

The Pro version has a hard drive? And an i5 processor? That's getting into current PC laptop-spec territory, isn't it? Which run Windows. So effectively, could Microsoft's own tablet (in this 'post PC era') be robbing their partners of the sales of their laptops that run Microsoft's own operating system? Could they really be looking at sacrificing their current core business in the hope that this will be a success? What have I missed?

I don't have an iPad. I'd LOVE an iPad - I find using one to be a joy, in the same way that I love using my Mac. I DON'T like using a Windows PC. It's my preference - I find it clunky where-as I find OSX just works (unless it's 10.6.8, but I digress!). But I don't think I'd see a Surface as an addition to my laptop in the way I would an iPad. If Surface runs Windows, then a) why own a Windows laptop when I already have a Surface, or b) why own a Surface if I already have a Windows laptop?

It's an intreaguing product. I'm almost inclined to say that I don't know if it will be a runaway success like the iPad. But I'm not and by a margin, I don't think it will - the iPad is way too established; even if Microsoft do catch up, it will take years.

And for that reason, I'm out...

 

[ctdonath]

are you saying that Microsoft is going to make this type of case/keyboard popular?

There will be a brief burst of "me too" popularity, as makers of cheap accessories pound out knockoff "smart keyboard covers" (which another poster notes already exists). People will soon find they won't want it.

Yes, M$ does inspire such "me too" behavior when they make some innovation. Ergonomic keyboards were around, but when M$ made one (loved mine, bought two) popularity, such as it was, surged.

There is a semantic difference between "will make X popular" vs. "will make X more popular". The latter is relative; there may be a large percentage boost, but total quantities may still be small. Not expecting much.

 

[toph2toast]

I wonder what kind of testing they did on that kick stand. It seems like if it got snapped off the tablet wouldn't lay flat. If that happens, or it stops working/gets jammed, then the keyboard cover becomes pointless. Time will tell if they thought that through.

 

[rjohnstone]

I can't wait to see some doofus in an airport trying to use one of these on his lap. I don't get a lot of big laughs when I travel. That will be a golden moment.

Wow... another person who failed to understand the concept of having options.
The kickstand is for desktop use and the keyboard is an option.
Any moron attempting to use this configuration in his lap deserves to be laughed at.

 

[AxiomaticRubric]

The Surface tablets are going to be a huge hit... for software developers. Windows 8 app programmers are spoiled for choice: traditional Windows C++, C# / VB, HTML5 with JQuery/Javascript, or Windows Presentation Foundation. I may buy one of these just to see what can be done from a software perspective. Another advantage for Microsoft is that these should integrate well with most of the IT infrastructure in the business world.

 

[APlotdevice]

Goes way beyond that.

Full USB support (implied by having the port built in) means supporting classic file systems - something which Apple desperately wanted to sever from the user experience. No more convoluted trees of hundreds of folders with tens/hundreds of thousands of files with all the user-interface overhead to access them. User-facing file systems are now a crippling factor in moving the user experience forward; better to let each app manage its own files, not worrying that someone/something else will move stuff around or that users may do something stupid. .

Until you want to upload some of those files to the Internet. Or open the same file in different apps.

A file system doesn't have to be complicated. Just a simple document folder would do. All the application and system directories can remain hidden.

 

[AustinIllini]

Until you want to upload some of those files to the Internet. Or open the same file in different apps.

A file system doesn't have to be complicated. Just a simple document folder would do. All the application and system directories can remain hidden.

I agree with the "Somewhere in between" Windows' thirty-five level folders in folders approach and iOS's no folder approach. I think the Mac really gets it right. I think it's only fair if OS X is going to be more like iOS that iOS meet in the middle in order to retain functionality.

 

[ZBoater]

Citation needed. Chrome is still in the 20s for market share percentage with IE having fallen to the high 40s recently last I heard. As a Chrome user, I'd be darned pleased if Chrome passed Internet Explorer.

Google is your friend.

Chrome passes Internet Explorer to become world’s most popular browser.

 

[samcraig]

But I don't think I'd see a Surface as an addition to my laptop in the way I would an iPad. If Surface runs Windows, then a) why own a Windows laptop when I already have a Surface, or b) why own a Surface if I already have a Windows laptop?

If you don't own a laptop or in the market to upgrade/ready for a change - the Surface might appeal to you. If you get a Surface - you might not need a Windows laptop - just like if you own an iPad - you might not need a MacBook Air or whatever else.

Different techs for different use cases. Not everyone is the same.

 

[rjohnstone]

(and at over 1400 posts on this, I'm sure someone is going to flame me)

...it's a laptop with a touchscreen. Your fingers need to switch between the keyboard and the screen for input. I've tried a five minute exercise 'pretending' to do just that - over a prolonged period, it's going to be tiring! Having a trackpad, or even a mouse in close proximity to my keyboard, is FAR more intuitive and relaxing. The same goes for the iPad on-screen touchpad - just makes sense.

The Pro version has a hard drive? And an i5 processor? That's getting into current PC laptop-spec territory, isn't it? Which run Windows. So effectively, could Microsoft's own tablet (in this 'post PC era') be robbing their partners of the sales of their laptops that run Microsoft's own operating system? Could they really be looking at sacrificing their current core business in the hope that this will be a success? What have I missed?

I don't have an iPad. I'd LOVE an iPad - I find using one to be a joy, in the same way that I love using my Mac. I DON'T like using a Windows PC. It's my preference - I find it clunky where-as I find OSX just works (unless it's 10.6.8, but I digress!). But I don't think I'd see a Surface as an addition to my laptop in the way I would an iPad. If Surface runs Windows, then a) why own a Windows laptop when I already have a Surface, or b) why own a Surface if I already have a Windows laptop?

It's an intreaguing product. I'm almost inclined to say that I don't know if it will be a runaway success like the iPad. But I'm not and by a margin, I don't think it will - the iPad is way too established; even if Microsoft do catch up, it will take years.

And for that reason, I'm out...

You should actually look at what was presented.
Judging by your post, you skimmed comments and assumed what a lot of other posters who failed to actually watch the presentation are assuming.
It's a touch tablet with an OPTIONAL keyboard smart cover.
Both the ARM and Intel version use flash memory, no hard drives and no fans.

It's about the form factor.
Having PC class hardware in a compact form that will run all your current software (Intel version).

 

[Bernard SG]

Okay, now I watched that video and... gosh...
Let me make a bold prediction:
The Surface tablet is DOA, and so is Windows 8.
Microsoft. Doesn't. Get. It.

 

[mscice]

pretty amazed by this product ... really!

puts all android tablets to shame... & i think it gives apple a run! im just wondering what the price will be and battery life

 

[Andras5soul]

Everyone keeps saying that Microsoft's failure is not understanding what a tablet is, what a tablet needs to be. That they are still lost between the laptop and the tablet. They aren't. If anything, Apple is lost between the phone and the tablet. Don't get me wrong, iOS is a perfectly capable, quick, and reasonably efficient system on a phone, but on a tablet, it still looks foolish.

The iPad does well because it is, a. APPLE, b. The prettiest, and c. APPS. The operating system is not at all built for a tablet.

Windows 8 is an operating system built for tablets first, touchscreens, and laptops and desktops second. It embraces the functionality and usability of a tablet, as opposed to putting a bunch of small icons and crap notifications on a large super HD screen that is completely wasted, and living/dying by the app developers.

This tablet has a kickstand... if you don't like it, don't open it. Will you notice it? Maybe, but Microsoft just included a kickstand (opening is optional) and the Surface is thinner than the iPad. I don't see how an added function (oh, HDMI and USB as well) without the need of accessories in a smaller enclosure can be frowned upon... And the keyboard, also optional, seems incredibly functional to me, especially if on the road, a business trip, etc. Otherwise, it is an overpriced cover - one that Apple I'm sure would have no problem charging $100 for and selling out immediately. But that, of course, is with the power of the Apple logo. (A power which they absolutely earned).

At the end of the day, better device, better operating system, more functional, no iOS apps. And that, is the only reason this device will fail. (That and the fact the Microsoft is no longer cool and consumers, 99% of tablet owners, will look down at anyone using a tablet other than Apple's... Consumers care how they are perceived, especially in regards to a $700 investment used heavily in public). In all reality, all my existing Apple products and the quantity/quality of iOS Apps are the reason I will purchase the next iPad as opposed to the Surface, but I will most certainly envy every Surface owner I meet. (I'm estimating that to be 1-2 people in the next 12 months).

 

[cgk.emu]

In my opinion, it is too awkward. Imagine if you will sitting at an airport terminal waiting for your plane. A lot of airports just offer standard seating, no table in front of you while waiting. So, what, you prop this kickstand up on your lap and pull out the keyboard and start typing? Too many pieces, and it wouldn't be stable. Pull out your iPad on the other hand, and it is one piece, with a "built in" touch keyboard. In terms of convenience, I just don't see how this will work out very well.

 

[ctdonath]

Looking at the spec sheet, M$ is generating some problems:

1. Two different operating systems on identical-looking devices. A lot of users will get confused: "why can't I run X on my M$ tablet? it runs on Joe's M$ tablet!" Apple has, for most practical purposes, one tablet with minor (and understandable) variations. Different hardware for WinRT vs. Win8Pro is not a minor difference.

2. Two different card slots. One tablet takes microSD cards, the other microSDXC. Again, "why doesn't this card work on my M$ tablet? it works on Joe's M$ tablet!"

Other smaller variances exist and will be annoying.

Sure, these aren't terminal deficiencies. Thing is, Apple wins because they pay attention to such things - and resolve them. Then again, some people revel in such minute issues; there's a market for, and now a supplier of products providing such undue complexities.

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Funny, there's no mention of screen resolution...

 

[DougB541]

It is difficult to "see" weight. I've read many different specs on here about the size and weight so I don't know what the official weight is HOWEVER from the pictures it does not look like it is very thin or light weight. Pure judgement call but think M$ didn't do themselves any favors in how they shot this thing.

lol, ok well continue to ignore the hands on impressions describing how light the device was and how sturdy it felt.

 

[ctdonath]

I don't see how an added function (oh, HDMI and USB as well) without the need of accessories in a smaller enclosure can be frowned upon...

Something's gotta give. Spend a cubic inch on USB, HDMI, kickstand, whatever ... you can't apply that space/weight/cost on something else, like more battery or higher resolution or more storage or ... I'd rather those rarely-used peripherals be separate items, and devote critical capacity to something more interesting.

 

[DougB541]

In my opinion, it is too awkward. Imagine if you will sitting at an airport terminal waiting for your plane. A lot of airports just offer standard seating, no table in front of you while waiting. So, what, you prop this kickstand up on your lap and pull out the keyboard and start typing? Too many pieces, and it wouldn't be stable. Pull out your iPad on the other hand, and it is one piece, with a "built in" touch keyboard. In terms of convenience, I just don't see how this will work out very well.

Now you are just being silly.

THE KEYBOARD IS AN ATTACHMENT. WINDOWS 8 HAS A VIRTUAL KEYBOARD JUST LIKE THE iPAD.


Seriously...i get this is an Apple forum, but please do yourselves a favor and actually read OTHER tech news from time to time.

 

[Bernard SG]

In my opinion, it is too awkward. Imagine if you will sitting at an airport terminal waiting for your plane. A lot of airports just offer standard seating, no table in front of you while waiting. So, what, you prop this kickstand up on your lap and pull out the keyboard and start typing? Too many pieces, and it wouldn't be stable. Pull out your iPad on the other hand, and it is one piece, with a "built in" touch keyboard. In terms of convenience, I just don't see how this will work out very well.

This, exactly.
Not mentioning the software (OS).
Microsoft is, like 1 year into developing Windows 8 and at this point in time they are not able to say when this product will be available yet.
Compare that to how Apple releases a new version of iOS very year with new stuff, more or less successful...
What enrages me is that millions of that junk will be purchased by retarded IT departments in that innovation sinkhole called the Enterprise Market.

 

[cgk.emu]

Love the new Surface tablet. Probably the biggest competitor to the iPad, depending on the price.

This just might be a hit in college and enterprise especially. The only thing that Microsoft is lacking is good mobile ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8To-6VIJZRE

I highly doubt it will be a hit on college campuses. I teach, and what I see 99.9% of students using is the good old traditional laptop, whether Apple or some other brand. I do not see them in the libraries doing serious work on tablets, in fact it's quite rare to see a tablet period.

----------

Now you are just being silly.

THE KEYBOARD IS AN ATTACHMENT. WINDOWS 8 HAS A VIRTUAL KEYBOARD JUST LIKE THE iPAD.


Seriously...i get this is an Apple forum, but please do yourselves a favor and actually read OTHER tech news from time to time.

I do, good Sir. How dare you make an assumption about me? You do not know me. You don't know what web pages I visit, and I for one am extremely glad I don't know what YOUR web history says. See there, that is an example of an assumption. The lesson of the day? Don't make them.

 

[MacRohde]

In my opinion, it is too awkward. Imagine if you will sitting at an airport terminal waiting for your plane. A lot of airports just offer standard seating, no table in front of you while waiting. So, what, you prop this kickstand up on your lap and pull out the keyboard and start typing? Too many pieces, and it wouldn't be stable. Pull out your iPad on the other hand, and it is one piece, with a "built in" touch keyboard. In terms of convenience, I just don't see how this will work out very well.

I have two suggestions for you:

1. Keep the kickstand closed
2. Don't use the keyboard

You are simply creating a non-existing problem.

 

[DougB541]

I highly doubt it will be a hit on college campuses. I teach, and what I see 99.9% of students using is the good old traditional laptop, whether Apple or some other brand. I do not see them in the libraries doing serious work on tablets, in fact it's quite rare to see a tablet period.

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I do, good Sir. How dare you make an assumption about me? You do not know me. You don't know what web pages I visit, and I for one am extremely glad I don't know what YOUR web history says. See there, that is an example of an assumption. The lesson of the day? Don't make them.

Then how do you make the absurd mistake of assuming you had to use the keyboard attachment?


I'll wait.

 

[thejadedmonkey]

In my opinion, it is too awkward. Imagine if you will sitting at an airport terminal waiting for your plane. A lot of airports just offer standard seating, no table in front of you while waiting. So, what, you prop this kickstand up on your lap and pull out the keyboard and start typing? Too many pieces, and it wouldn't be stable. Pull out your iPad on the other hand, and it is one piece, with a "built in" touch keyboard. In terms of convenience, I just don't see how this will work out very well.

Well, chances are you'll fold the cover around the back, like you would with an iPad, and start using it while holding it in one hand, like you would with an iPad, and if you click on a text input area, a keyboard will pop up, like it would with an iPad, and you use the on-screen keyboard... just like you would with an iPad.