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Microsoft Debuts New Dual-Screen Devices, Updated Surface Laptops and More
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If I'm interested in Mac rumors, why do I have to read this? Oh. I don't.
They're a better company than the were when Mr. Clippers ran the joint.
They're a better company than the were when Mr. Clippers ran the joint.
And this is where it gets interesting.
- When rumors fly around about Apple making an ARM MacBook people claim it will be DOA because developers won't convert their software to work on ARM. They make claims that most software/code has been written specifically and/or optimized for x86, and you can't simply recompile to ARM. Since it will be too much work to convert to ARM, nobody will bother.
- When people talk about Windows on ARM they forget all that and suddenly we're at a point where clicking a check box when compiling suddenly gives you an ARM compatible App with no further work required.
So which is it? It's either going to be easy for developers to convert to ARM for Windows or macOS or it's going to be a lot of work. It's not going to be easy for one and difficult for the other or vice versa.
An interesting event, the updates to the Surface line is great for anyone who wants an upgraded Surface Pro/Laptop or the new Surface X.
But the two devices which caught my eye were the Surface Neo and the Surface Duo.
The Neo was a very interesting take on a foldable tablet. I'll be interested to see how that turns out, how Windows 10X handles on it and how the final design will be (not to mention price)
That's all fine, a curiosity from the Surface team. They're trying to create a paradigm shift in tablets. Great, tablets are in dire need of that.
The Duo, on the other hand, has me almost ... confused. The only word that came up, after thinking about it was: Why?
Are there not thousands of Android phones out there already, of all sorts, shapes and sizes? Dual-screen, big screen, small screen, curved screen... you name it. Why is Microsoft making another entry into Android phones?
Who is it for? Why does it have the Microsoft logo on it and the Surface branding, when it's 100% incompatible with all other devices with the same branding?
Let's say you're a Windows enthusiast. Then the Duo is not for you. You might as well go for an iPhone. Why not? It's just as much (or rather little) Windows as an Android. So, this is not a device for the Windows enthusiast.
Well, how about an Android enthusiast? Then the Duo is also not really for you, at least not any more than any other Android device, and you can already buy one of those today. You don't have to wait over a year for it. What Android enthusiast wants a Microsoft Android branded phone? A Pixel perhaps, but Microsoft? No, this is not a device designed for the Android enthusiast either.
Well, how about an Apple enthusiast? Eh, no. Need I explain that. Would you rather have an iPhone or a Microsoft Android phone?
Having said all that, there's the matter of pricing too, and by the looks of it the Duo will not be cheap. Perhaps it will be among the most expensive Android phones out there.
The Duo is for you if:
- You have a large disposable income
- Require Android
- Require a dual-screen device
- Require a Microsoft device
- Can wait a year
- Is ready to partake in a long beta-test of a very expensive first-gen device
- Is ok with Microsoft cancelling the line for arbitrary reasons
If you don't meet these prerequisites, then the Surface Duo is probably not for you. So, besides the Microsoft execs, who is this device for? I don't have a clue.
But the two devices which caught my eye were the Surface Neo and the Surface Duo.
The Neo was a very interesting take on a foldable tablet. I'll be interested to see how that turns out, how Windows 10X handles on it and how the final design will be (not to mention price)
That's all fine, a curiosity from the Surface team. They're trying to create a paradigm shift in tablets. Great, tablets are in dire need of that.
The Duo, on the other hand, has me almost ... confused. The only word that came up, after thinking about it was: Why?
Are there not thousands of Android phones out there already, of all sorts, shapes and sizes? Dual-screen, big screen, small screen, curved screen... you name it. Why is Microsoft making another entry into Android phones?
Who is it for? Why does it have the Microsoft logo on it and the Surface branding, when it's 100% incompatible with all other devices with the same branding?
Let's say you're a Windows enthusiast. Then the Duo is not for you. You might as well go for an iPhone. Why not? It's just as much (or rather little) Windows as an Android. So, this is not a device for the Windows enthusiast.
Well, how about an Android enthusiast? Then the Duo is also not really for you, at least not any more than any other Android device, and you can already buy one of those today. You don't have to wait over a year for it. What Android enthusiast wants a Microsoft Android branded phone? A Pixel perhaps, but Microsoft? No, this is not a device designed for the Android enthusiast either.
Well, how about an Apple enthusiast? Eh, no. Need I explain that. Would you rather have an iPhone or a Microsoft Android phone?
Having said all that, there's the matter of pricing too, and by the looks of it the Duo will not be cheap. Perhaps it will be among the most expensive Android phones out there.
The Duo is for you if:
- You have a large disposable income
- Require Android
- Require a dual-screen device
- Require a Microsoft device
- Can wait a year
- Is ready to partake in a long beta-test of a very expensive first-gen device
- Is ok with Microsoft cancelling the line for arbitrary reasons
If you don't meet these prerequisites, then the Surface Duo is probably not for you. So, besides the Microsoft execs, who is this device for? I don't have a clue.
<sarcasm>
Yeah, that ease of attaching multiple displays using a single DisplayPort cable is a shining example of how well Apple integrates software and hardware.
</sarcasm>
[automerge]1570123065[/automerge]
Now try connecting an external display to the iPad...
[automerge]1570123183[/automerge]
The inability to support an external display except to mirror the iPad dampened my enthusiasm for the iPad Pro.
I agree with the versioning but that's how they get some of their revenue. Free productivity software? Not going to happen, Office is a major revenue stream, and people actually use Office.
Microsoft actually has a history of making great input devices. The only area where Apple outdoes them is the trackpad. Microsoft mice and keyboards have been my mainstay for years. I very much miss the Trackball Explorer, it was without exception the single best trackball I ever used.
Mac is losing for iOS including iPadOS, watchOS & tvOS, Microsoft has nothing but Windows as an OS which is sad for them because now they have to offer there services in other company’s platforms. Point is, they are focusing on improving the horrible experience because they have no other option while Mac is taking baby steps because iOS.
If OS has issues then Hardware is useless.
Take a look at the new Thinkpads where fans are almost always running. Can hardly open up a few browsers or watch a YouTube video without fans spinning at their limits
Rarely have this issue with my MacBook Pro. Microsoft needs to polish up their OS[automerge]1570124703[/automerge]
I like the fact that they allow for the SSD to be replaced but that does not fix their OS issues and lack of Thunderbolt 3
No, it just enables smaller/lighter motherboards since they don't have to include the connector socket.
If OS has issues then Hardware is useless.
Take a look at the new Thinkpads where fans are almost always running. Can hardly open up a few browsers or watch a YouTube video without fans spinning at their limits
You will have this problem with your MacBook Pro if you run Windows 10 through Boot Camp. 😏
Probably, so it is an OS (software) issue then.
MS has caught the apple pricing disease. There is a $400 upcharge to upgrade the i5 128GB to and i5 256GB.
That said, the new laptop looks great. The old hinge was cringe.
The new pen looks good too, however I still think slotting them into the machine is a way to go. Still, for my "workflow," pens have always been more theoretical - I just haven't found a natural use for them.
That said, the new laptop looks great. The old hinge was cringe.
The new pen looks good too, however I still think slotting them into the machine is a way to go. Still, for my "workflow," pens have always been more theoretical - I just haven't found a natural use for them.
Darth Tulhu
macrumors 68020
Mac hardware is inherently inflexible.
A built PC will provide better value and more power.
To be honest, the Duo is the only non iPhone that got my attention ever since the iPhone 3GS which was my first iPhone. I kinda like and want to try one really bad. The generic Android king Samsung hasn't yet wowed me with their offerings but the Duo got me to think that this form factor might be 'it'. The next major design shift. So. Much. Possibilities.
I wanted to like the other offerings from android but none of them struck a cord with me. Even the newest Samsung devices...which are shiny and nice but it just doesn't make me 'want' it like I do with the iPhones. And no I don't even think about/consider the offerings from those Chinese companies with their inferior tech and loads of compromises. Stolen tech and patents, cheap materials, poor build, and most of all its from China...no thanks. Its always Samsung or Apple it always was and will always will be. Chinese tech companies should just stick to what they do best and what the world knows them for, cheap, last minute, last option choices for people who are broke. People with money just skip over them in an instant. Like I always say, why buy a cheap, low end brand like Huawei or Xiami when you can get a Samsung or an iPhone for the same price. No one does that and no one will. Makes no sense to do so. And yes I know that Huawei sells a lot of units but take a look at the price range of the phones that they sell well. Cheap, low end, phones starting 250~450 USD. But as long as there is Giant Samsung making the same priced models (as well as high end ones) Chinese companies will never sell high end phones because why want them.
Anyway I will be checking out the Duo when it comes out and will be hard to decide between it and the next iteration of the iPhone. We shall see.
I wanted to like the other offerings from android but none of them struck a cord with me. Even the newest Samsung devices...which are shiny and nice but it just doesn't make me 'want' it like I do with the iPhones. And no I don't even think about/consider the offerings from those Chinese companies with their inferior tech and loads of compromises. Stolen tech and patents, cheap materials, poor build, and most of all its from China...no thanks. Its always Samsung or Apple it always was and will always will be. Chinese tech companies should just stick to what they do best and what the world knows them for, cheap, last minute, last option choices for people who are broke. People with money just skip over them in an instant. Like I always say, why buy a cheap, low end brand like Huawei or Xiami when you can get a Samsung or an iPhone for the same price. No one does that and no one will. Makes no sense to do so. And yes I know that Huawei sells a lot of units but take a look at the price range of the phones that they sell well. Cheap, low end, phones starting 250~450 USD. But as long as there is Giant Samsung making the same priced models (as well as high end ones) Chinese companies will never sell high end phones because why want them.
Anyway I will be checking out the Duo when it comes out and will be hard to decide between it and the next iteration of the iPhone. We shall see.
I wonder when Apple will simply need to add touch to their laptops.
The landscape is changing, looking at Laptops at Costco and my mother (68) tried touching the screen.
MS recent ad for the surface featuring "Mac Book" makes a MacBooks look pretty dated without touch.
The landscape is changing, looking at Laptops at Costco and my mother (68) tried touching the screen.
MS recent ad for the surface featuring "Mac Book" makes a MacBooks look pretty dated without touch.
To be fair, I thought the new Apple pencil and AirPods were really cool when they first showed them off. These MS devices look kind of next level interesting and productive. Kudos.
Unfortunately, the Surface Duo, in it’s current form, is destined to fail right out of the gate, if it ever ships at all. Why? Well, it has two 5.8” screens, which is cute and all, but tell me how you use it as a phone? It has no outside screen for notifications and the like, unless they add one. In order to use it for anything, you must unfold it and it just doesn’t look like it can be held comfortably with one hand, especially not up to one’s ear. None of the marketing shots have it being grasped with one hand and the shot with it showing the phone dialer has no hands because they have it floating in space. I would love to have a floating phone, but I don’t think anyone, including Apple, has solved that problem as of yet (a battery powered, localized field anti-gravity generator).
This thing reminds me of the Kin - nicer, more refined, even desirable, but ultimately a product in search of an audience. They’re already not positioning this device as a Smartphone, but as a device that fills in the cracks between a Smartphone and a traditional computer (https://www.wired.com/story/microsoft-surface-duo-neo-phone/), which begs the question - Despite the enormous size of Windows user base and the Android user base, are there enough people willing to purchase it. Time will tell, but my gut says no. Just my 2¢.
The rest of the event was throwaway as well. The Surface Pro 7 is more of the same, which is not to say that it’s bad. The Surface Laptop 3 is still the same old crap it’s ever been. Don’t believe me? Go price one out and compare the 15” version with the 15” MacBook Pro. Cheaper? Yes, but not that much and nowhere near as capable. The Surface Pro X is a complete non-starter, no matter how much money Microsoft throws at it, they simply don’t have the wherewithal to make it work. Intel always wins in the end. I suspect another Surface RT fiasco on their future. I don’t know what to say about the Neo...the compactness, while nice, does not obviate the fact that there is a great big hinge between the two screens...perhaps users will accept it, but I have my doubts.
The distinct lack of a SurfaceBook 3 or a Surface Studio 3 should not be discounted. This may be the end of the road for both of them.
This thing reminds me of the Kin - nicer, more refined, even desirable, but ultimately a product in search of an audience. They’re already not positioning this device as a Smartphone, but as a device that fills in the cracks between a Smartphone and a traditional computer (https://www.wired.com/story/microsoft-surface-duo-neo-phone/), which begs the question - Despite the enormous size of Windows user base and the Android user base, are there enough people willing to purchase it. Time will tell, but my gut says no. Just my 2¢.
The rest of the event was throwaway as well. The Surface Pro 7 is more of the same, which is not to say that it’s bad. The Surface Laptop 3 is still the same old crap it’s ever been. Don’t believe me? Go price one out and compare the 15” version with the 15” MacBook Pro. Cheaper? Yes, but not that much and nowhere near as capable. The Surface Pro X is a complete non-starter, no matter how much money Microsoft throws at it, they simply don’t have the wherewithal to make it work. Intel always wins in the end. I suspect another Surface RT fiasco on their future. I don’t know what to say about the Neo...the compactness, while nice, does not obviate the fact that there is a great big hinge between the two screens...perhaps users will accept it, but I have my doubts.
The distinct lack of a SurfaceBook 3 or a Surface Studio 3 should not be discounted. This may be the end of the road for both of them.
Could you explain this please? I use both Windows 10 and macOS.Windows is far worse with updates and notifications and getting in the way of my work. Not to mention forcing these big updates like 1903 which causes more issues than it fixes. There’s an update to 1903 that breaks eGPU support. So I have to disable Windows updates to keep using my eGPU. I believe it was 1809 that deleted user’s documents. 1511 broke Windows Update, made all desktop shortcuts and start menu items not work. These are widely known issues.
Windows update is still a massive issue. Why, on a freshly new Windows 10 install, does Windows Update hang for hours sometimes causing me to forcefully shut down the computer?
Looking at some of the features that Macbooks could use: silent keyboard... USB port... Magnetic cable charger... ability to access easily the inside keyboard and SSD...It looks like Microsoft is listening to frustrated Apple users.
If only Apple could learn to listen too.
If only Apple could learn to listen too.
Sorry. I know some people want this. But I’m a Pro, not a computer builder. I don’t want to open my WORK computer and break something. Not all Pros have this requirement.