I get a lot of advantages out of using Apple's ecosystem- all my information on all my devices, a familiar interface everywhere I go, top-notch security and privacy, etc. Apple's ecosystem, overall, is still what I would consider the best.
However, I have to admit with this announcement that Microsoft is making HUGE strides in both hardware and software, which is good for consumers (more competition will hopefully result in a true hybrid device running Mac OS) and good for the overall industry. Windows 10 looks to me like the best of Windows 7 and 8 combined and an acknowledgement on Microsoft's part that customers' needs change when they switch from a mouse and keyboard interface to a touch interface. The new update system, while contentious, seems like a smart move too- Microsoft can likely prevent a lot of security issues by having your devices auto-update, and it saves (lazy/technologically-challenged) customers the hassle of updating devices themselves. Honestly, with how many updates Apple has been pushing on iOS users lately, I kind of wish my devices did this!
And the hardware Microsoft is launching... As others have pointed out, I hope this lights a fire under Apple to push their products further and make better devices. I'm sure Apple fans will criticize plugging your devices into Microsoft's USB-C hub, but let's be honest here: the Lumia devices producing a full-fledged Windows environment when plugged into a monitor, mouse and keyboard is really cool, the Surface Pro 4 is the device we all wish iPads were (ideally running Mac OS, which, like Windows, is a much more productive environment than iOS), and the Surface Book is absolutely amazing- something I'd love to see in the MacBook arena.
If Apple refuses to innovate and I get to where I need a new laptop in a few years, honestly I'll probably get that Surface Book. I write a lot and prefer typing on a genuine laptop because, well, I can put it in my lap! Tablets with keyboard cases and kickstands are all well and good... on a flat surface (heh, surface). They're obnoxious when they're falling over on your lap and ultimately ruin your productivity. But at the same time, I like having a tablet for reading articles, watching movies, and relaxing, and the Surface Book looks like a great option for a device that serves both purposes without any significant compromises.
Now if only I could go drop $1500-2000 on one.
Apple's event was pretty cool and Microsoft's was pretty cool. The real loser, I think, was Google. What a load of garbage that was. Literally nothing interesting was announced there and their employees announcing them barely even seemed interested. I don't care if Google lets its employees eat cereal at work, their hardware is $***.
