Tim Cook Says 'Exciting Things' Coming to iPad as Tablet Sales Continue to Drop

[rowspaxe]

While the iPad surely wins in its simplicity and battery life; and the Apple Pencil has to be the best digital writing utensil on the planet - for the average student spending $1000 on a single device, they would much rather have the full functionality of a standard computer as their only machine. I can only imagine for Engineering-centric universities like mine this is even worse because of all the special windows software we have to use.
...
I was skeptical of Surface at first, but I enjoy mine.

If MS could streamline the windows experience to be more ipad like--it would reaally help. I hate all the weird sleep/wake issues, intrusive updates and so many little issues--like not being able to play a podcast with the screen off. I really like windows 10--as i have customized it. But if you don't know how to optimize it, I can see why people get discouraged. I see MS pushing more cortana and 3d, and I just wonder wtf? Windows is so close--just refine the experience. And--not to be disagreeable-apple pencil is fine but massively overhyped

 

[jlc1978]

Remember, Timmy said.

“I think if you’re looking at a PC, why would you buy a PC anymore? No really, why would you buy one?” ...
“Yes, the iPad Pro is a replacement for a notebook or a desktop for many, many people. They will start using it and conclude they no longer need to use anything else, other than their phones.

What an idiot.

Not really. We forget that many people' primary use for a PC is web surfing, email, looking at pictures, etc., all tasks a tablet does quite well in a smaller, more portable form factor. You can also do the occasional letter or spreadsheet on it as well. As a result, unless you do the more traditional tasks a PC has no inherent advantage. Add in th camera and ability to use as an eReader and in some cases a tablet is more useful.

There will be a day when the tablet replaces most laptops for many of today's users who need a PC's capabilities as well. External keyboards, monitors and mice will connect to provide a traditional desktop while retaining the tablet form factor when not at a desk. It's a continuation of the march from desktop -> Luggable -> Portable - > Notebook we've seen with the PC. Only people who need a lot of raw power will need a separate PC. Even then, offloading the heavy tasks to a mainframe may be more prevalent as broadband speeds go up, harking back to the dumb terminal big iron days.

 

[I7guy]

Not really. We forget that many people' primary use for a PC is web surfing, email, looking at pictures, etc., all tasks a tablet does quite well in a smaller, more portable form factor. You can also do the occasional letter or spreadsheet on it as well. As a result, unless you do the more traditional tasks a PC has no inherent advantage. Add in th camera and ability to use as an eReader and in some cases a tablet is more useful.

There will be a day when the tablet replaces most laptops for many of today's users who need a PC's capabilities as well. External keyboards, monitors and mice will connect to provide a traditional desktop while retaining the tablet form factor when not at a desk. It's a continuation of the march from desktop -> Luggable -> Portable - > Notebook we've seen with the PC. Only people who need a lot of raw power will need a separate PC. Even then, offloading the heavy tasks to a mainframe may be more prevalent as broadband speeds go up, harking back to the dumb terminal big iron days.

Tablets have already replaced laptops. My SP4 is a prime example. But I agree the netflix-emailer-web surfer-message-video chatter type consumer, theoretically doesn't need a laptop or desktop. Yet in my circle, there is at least one laptop or desktop or both.

My house with 4 individuals has 4 iphones, 2 ipads, 1 apple tv, 2 macbooks, 2 laptops, 1 sp4 and a desktop.

 

[Mainsail]

It's terribly inconvenient to lug around an extra bluetooth keyboard (have one myself). You also neglect to mention how moving the cursor around on the screen with a finger for line editing is less exact and more tedious than can be achieved with a mouse or trackpad; likewise other editing options are constrained or more rudimentary on the iPad than on a standard computer. There's much she can't do with this setup. I imagine many would feel liberated going to the library and using a PC of any kind for basic productivity use.

I agree. If you find that you frequently need to use a keyboard, I would not buy an iPad as my main device. If you only occasional need to do heavy typing at home, then I don't think it is such a big deal. The premise of my post is that this is not a work computer.

At the risk of repeating a latter post: "Don't get me wrong, I am not suggesting dragging a keyboard around everywhere with an iPad....kind of defeats the purpose. But, you can buy a decent Logitech bluetooth keyboard for less than $50 and keep it in the top drawer of the your desk for those few times you need to write something lengthy."
[doublepost=1486243981][/doublepost]

Do you want to do your taxes on an employers computer? Do you want to save personal/private information on a work computer? I can think of tons of things I wouldn't want on a work computer, and it would not be wanted by my employer either.

So then You would have to out this info onto an iPad(oops I dropped it), with a cloud backup??? Thanks to Apple not allowing true filesystem access, nor allowing you to use your own storage. You now have all your files are at the mercy of a paid monthly subscription.

So many negatives there, I can't possibly even think of moving to an all iPad, primary device.

Again, any single roadblock, prevents this magical computing transformation.

I wouldn't use a work computer for any of my personal stuff. I feel very comfortable keeping my personal documents and photos in the Cloud. I am sure there are Apps for simple tax preparation.....if I had something really complex, I would use an Accountant.

 

[Count Blah]

I wouldn't use a work computer for any of my personal stuff. I feel very comfortable keeping my personal documents and photos in the Cloud. I am sure there are Apps for simple tax preparation.....if I had something really complex, I would use an Accountant.

I was giving a counter example to a previous post, but the point stands. Any one of those examples(plus many more) that does not sit well with people, is cause for NOT having an iPad as you only device - no matter what Tim and iPad only fans say.

 

[Abazigal]

Would you rather perform something as simple as write a 1 page paper on a macbook with a lovely trackpad/keyboard or an ipad? How about take notes, write an email, keep a simple spreadsheet database or shop online?

Depends on the situation ultimately.

On a desk at home with ready access to wifi? Probably a laptop or desktop.

When I am on the move outside? A tablet's form factor can be a godsend. I remember last year when I was one of the emcees for my school's prize award ceremony. The script was typed out in google docs, which I accessed from my iPad. During the rehearsal, numerous changes were made to the script, all of which were made directly to the document via my iPad. Either onstage or backstage. The poor wifi was remedied with my iPad's inbuilt 4g capabilities.

I have done my fair share of typing on my iPad and it's something that can be mastered with a little practice and dedication.

And you don't appreciate how thin and light the iPad Pro is until you have had to hold it for 3 hours at a stretch while standing.

 

[BarracksSi]

They're just grousing about how you can't get confused by what files go into which folders (which is the most consistent bottleneck in any workflow... remember trying to explain it to Mom?).

So then let's gimp the whole device/environment!

brilliant!

Is it truly "gimped", though?

The one thing I do on my MBP that I can't do at all on my iPad is download movies and reformat them via Handbrake. (at least, I don't think I can do it) But access and edit all my Pages documents? Edit my photos and insert them into documents and emails? Record sounds and turn them into ringtones? I've been able to do those things on my iPad and iPhone—and for a few years, too, now that I think about it.

There are some tasks that can be accomplished with direct access to the file system, sure, I get it. There are some things that are best done via CLI commands in Terminal, too.

But let's be honest here: How many general purpose "Mom and Pop"-type activities really need a typical Finder interface? Tell me if you've never said this: "Ok, now click File, and then click Open... now where did you put your English paper? You don't remember...? Ok, try clicking Documents... no, not in the top of the screen, it should be in the window that appeared after you clicked Open, and it should be in the sidebar. Got it? Ok, did you put it in a folder inside Documents?..."

Wouldn't it be easier if, when you're using an app and you select "Open", you only see the files that you'd edit with the app? And, even better, if you didn't have to browse through multiple folders and directories like a shelf full of Russian nesting dolls?

More often than not, additional complexity only adds additional confusion, not more "power".

 

[DevNull0]

Not really. We forget that many people' primary use for a PC is web surfing, email, looking at pictures, etc., all tasks a tablet does quite well in a smaller, more portable form factor.

So many people talk about this hypothetical "many people" who have such limited needs. Even if for most people, their primary use is as you say, everyone has some secondary use for which a tablet doesn't cut it. Then they have to beg friends and family with real computers for help.

I'll believe Timmy believes his own idiocy when Apple does all their R&D and software Dev using iPads. Until then, yeah, he's a lying idiot.

 

[ValO]

Apple is at a junction between ipads and macs.
If they make the ipad as capable as a mac, they' ll loose income and sales of the macbooks. Previously apple bettet on the fact that apple users would buy and iphone plus an ipad , plus a mac. Times have changed though...
But they could release an ipad pro that is even a little more expensive with better specs, and they could release an updated mac mini in the same form factor of the keyboard part of the 12/13 inch macbook (pro) with usb-c, additional more powerfull(intel?) hardware, storage, perhaps even a touch bar, but without a display.
You would be able to put these 2 devices together and have a macbook , and make it dual boot ios/macos, or use this new macmini with an external monitor with a powerfull integrated gpu, made by apple to turn it into a regular (i) mac .

Starting price of $1100 for the ipad and more expensive with more storage, starting with $1100 for the mac mini and more expensive for better cpu/gpu/more storage , $2000 for the monitor with choice of more powerfull integrated gpu for a higher price.

With the rumors of the monitor with an integrated gpu, and the fact apple is developping customized arm chips for taking over dedicated task for the intel cpu(T1 for touchbar, etc), this is a real possiblity.

From about $4200(cheapest config) you' ll get an ipad, macbook and imac(although you wouldn' t be able to use all 3 devices at the same time) .
From $2200 you' ll get a macbook and ipad.(but you' ll not be able to use the 2 devices at the same time.
From $3100 you' ll get an imac.
And you would be able to use the ipad as a drawing tablet for the imac.

I know this all sounds complicated, and not the apple way of handling bussiness. but it is upgradeable and offers a lot of flexibility, and will spurr sales of each of these devices.

 

[Radon87000]

Tablets have already replaced laptops. My SP4 is a prime example. But I agree the netflix-emailer-web surfer-message-video chatter type consumer, theoretically doesn't need a laptop or desktop. Yet in my circle, there is at least one laptop or desktop or both.

My house with 4 individuals has 4 iphones, 2 ipads, 1 apple tv, 2 macbooks, 2 laptops, 1 sp4 and a desktop.

No they havent.Tablets are tanking faster than the PC market.Microsoft Surface runs a PC OS. Its more of a touch laptop than a tablet

 

[absynth]

No they havent.Tablets are tanking but nowhere near as fast as the PC market.Microsoft Surface runs a PC OS. Its more of a touch laptop than a tablet

Don't let facts stand in your way of making wild claims. The tablet market is shrinking much faster than the PC market.

And regarding the Surface Pro, yes it can replace both a tablet and PC. Having a tablet like PC device with a touch optimised full fledged OS is truly 'best of both worlds' for an increasing amount of users. Hybrid PC's are the only device category growing right now, and it's growing fast. I'd wager the 2:3 aspect ratio is also better suited both in landscape and portrait mode, but that's personal preference.

 

[sracer]

Don't let facts stand in your way of making wild claims. The tablet market is shrinking much faster than the PC market.

And regarding the Surface Pro, yes it can replace both a tablet and PC. Having a tablet like PC device with a touch optimised full fledged OS is truly 'best of both worlds' for an increasing amount of users. Hybrid PC's are the only device category growing right now, and it's growing fast. I'd wager the 2:3 aspect ratio is also better suited both in landscape and portrait mode, but that's personal preference.

Have you actually owned a Surface? Has it been your daily driver for an extended period of time? It is not the "Best of both worlds" in the traditional sense.

You correctly state that the tablet market is shrinking faster than the PC market. And the Surface is more of a PC and less of a tablet (which tracks with those overall trends). It is NOT an excellent tablet. It is an adequate tablet for doing basic things that one could do with a $100 no-name Android tablet. Microsoft knows this. That is why they NEVER advertised the Surface WITHOUT the TypeCover. I don't know anyone personally who owns a Surface without also owning a TypeCover. Microsoft doesn't even make a non-keyboard SmartCover for it.

There continues to be a lack of a quantity of quality touch-optimized Modern UI apps. Although it runs desktop apps, that is a stop-gap, it isn't preferred. There is more to designing an OS for touch than magnifying the UI elements.

It DOES make a fine ultrabook and that is where it excels. That is where Microsoft places its energy.

Apple has been taking a slow (glacially slow) pace at making iOS and macOS consistent in look and feel. The hardware is getting to the point where within 2-3 years it will be possible create a truly hybrid device that can run iOS when it is "screen-only" and macOS when the screen is attached to a keyboard. (possible... not that it will happen)

But with iOS 10 (from an iPad perspective) being little more than iOS 9+emoji pack and iOS 11 rumored to included animated emojis, I'm not hopeful that I'll be around to see such a hybrid device should Apple come around to it.

 

[Radon87000]

Don't let facts stand in your way of making wild claims. The tablet market is shrinking much faster than the PC market.

And regarding the Surface Pro, yes it can replace both a tablet and PC. Having a tablet like PC device with a touch optimised full fledged OS is truly 'best of both worlds' for an increasing amount of users. Hybrid PC's are the only device category growing right now, and it's growing fast. I'd wager the 2:3 aspect ratio is also better suited both in landscape and portrait mode, but that's personal preference.

Yeah I dunno why I typed that lol.Edited my post

 

[jlc1978]

So many people talk about this hypothetical "many people" who have such limited needs. Even if for most people, their primary use is as you say, everyone has some secondary use for which a tablet doesn't cut it. Then they have to beg friends and family with real computers for help.

And as tablets get better that percentage continues to drop; and even now there are users that don't have a secondary need that requires a computer. For many, computer may be currently easer to use because it has a keyboard and mouse or the program has more features on a PC but as tablets become more powerful those benefits fade.

I'll believe Timmy believes his own idiocy when Apple does all their R&D and software Dev using iPads. Until then, yeah, he's a lying idiot.

Use the right tool for the job. Just because car manufacturers use racing to develop technology that finds its way into production that doesn't mean I need a race car or that they should only use production cars for development.

 

[Sevendaymelee]

Part of the problem was making their phones so large that owning an iPad seems less enticing. When we owned 3.5 inch phones, an iPad was such an amazing leap that we all wanted one. With the 7 Plus, the difference is much, much smaller and most people think "I can get by with my iPad mini-mini".

 

[absynth]

Have you actually owned a Surface? Has it been your daily driver for an extended period of time? It is not the "Best of both worlds" in the traditional sense.

You correctly state that the tablet market is shrinking faster than the PC market. And the Surface is more of a PC and less of a tablet (which tracks with those overall trends). It is NOT an excellent tablet. It is an adequate tablet for doing basic things that one could do with a $100 no-name Android tablet. Microsoft knows this. That is why they NEVER advertised the Surface WITHOUT the TypeCover. I don't know anyone personally who owns a Surface without also owning a TypeCover. Microsoft doesn't even make a non-keyboard SmartCover for it.

There continues to be a lack of a quantity of quality touch-optimized Modern UI apps. Although it runs desktop apps, that is a stop-gap, it isn't preferred. There is more to designing an OS for touch than magnifying the UI elements.

It DOES make a fine ultrabook and that is where it excels. That is where Microsoft places its energy.

Apple has been taking a slow (glacially slow) pace at making iOS and macOS consistent in look and feel. The hardware is getting to the point where within 2-3 years it will be possible create a truly hybrid device that can run iOS when it is "screen-only" and macOS when the screen is attached to a keyboard. (possible... not that it will happen)

But with iOS 10 (from an iPad perspective) being little more than iOS 9+emoji pack and iOS 11 rumored to included animated emojis, I'm not hopeful that I'll be around to see such a hybrid device should Apple come around to it.

Indeed I have and I prefer it over an iPad. My question is have YOU actually used one for an extended period of time? If yes, you don't fall into the category that sees this as best of both worlds and that's perfectly fine. Mind you I did NOT say this is 'best of both worlds period'.

Reasons I prefer the Surface:
1. amazing split screen multitasking. This is leaps beyond the clunky implementation on the iPad pro and my #1 reason why I love it both in desktop and tablet use
2. 2:3 screen aspect ratio
3. the kickstand
4. excellent type cover that is leaps beyond that clunky ipad type cover, they don't even compare
5. USB inputs and magsafe
6. a full fledged OS with desktop browser and perfectly fine touch interface

I have no idea why you take issue with the type cover not being included. By not including the type cover you can upgrade from Surface Pro 3 to 4 without having to buy a new type cover.

"It is NOT an excellent tablet. It is an adequate tablet for doing basic things that one could do with a $100 no-name Android tablet." This is patently false for the reasons above. But those no-name android tablets do offer the same functionality as an iPad pro.

I think you're full of crap if you say that and have the nerve to ask me this: "Have you actually owned a Surface? Has it been your daily driver for an extended period of time?"

Yes it's my daily driver as a tablet at home and my daily driver for productivity as well when outdoors. But even if I didn't there are a *lot* of satisfied Surface users out there so it wouldn't make my argument any less true or valid. You should stop projecting your own thoughts and preferences on someone else when that particular person makes a statement about a certain device. It's obnoxious and disrespectful behaviour.

I'm seeing this pattern a lot around here. Mac fanboys that think everybody that likes Windows or a Surface tablet is a paid Microsoft shill.

 

[Uofmtiger]

Just want to mention that the articles I have read say that Microsoft made less than a billion dollars in revenue on their combined Surface mobile devices in the prior quarter ( could not find any info from the last quarter). Conversely, Apple made 5.5 billion in revenue on the iPad line. As has been mentioned, the Surface is on the upswing and the iPad is on the downswing, but we probably have a while to go before they meet in the middle. Not to mention that Apple had supply issues that hurt iPad sales. Apple also made 7.2 billion in Mac revenue last quarter.

Anyway, I wonder if they worry about hurting iPad sales and Mac sales by trying to steal a market that is currently one fifth the size of their iPad market? Not to mention that the Surface has almost no competition and while their overall revenues may be growing, it is still a bit like killing off Coke and bringing out New Coke to compete with Pepsi. As most of us realize, part of the iPad's issue is market saturation. When does the Surface hit that point?

Personally, I would love a touch screen Mac with Pencil input, but I think Apple will ride it out with the iPad and a Mac for a while and try to convince us to buy both. While they are saying the iPad could replace your 5 year old PC, they do sell Macs and I am sure they feel that if your iPad can't do everything you want, you can fill in those holes with something from their Mac line up. After all, they spend time showing us how the Mac continues to get more of your iOS features to make using their ecosystem easier and more cohesive.

 

[I7guy]

Yeah I dunno why I typed that lol.Edited my post

This is not about the O/S, it's about the form factor. The tech has gotten so good, a tablet form factor can replace most of what is done on a desktop in my household. Sales agnostic of any brand.

 

[absynth]

Just want to mention that the articles I have read say that Microsoft made less than a billion dollars in revenue on their combined Surface mobile devices in the prior quarter ( could not find any info from the last quarter). Conversely, Apple made 5.5 billion in revenue on the iPad line. As has been mentioned, the Surface is on the upswing and the iPad is on the downswing, but we probably have a while to go before they meet in the middle. Not to mention that Apple had supply issues that hurt iPad sales. Apple also made 7.2 billion in Mac revenue last quarter.

Anyway, I wonder if they worry about hurting iPad sales and Mac sales by trying to steal a market that is currently one fifth the size of their iPad market? Not to mention that the Surface has almost no competition and while their overall revenues may be growing, it is still a bit like killing off Coke and bringing out New Coke to compete with Pepsi. As most of us realize, part of the iPad's issue is market saturation. When does the Surface hit that point?

Personally, I would love a touch screen Mac with Pencil input, but I think Apple will ride it out with the iPad and a Mac for a while and try to convince us to buy both. While they are saying the iPad could replace your 5 year old PC, they do sell Macs and I am sure they feel that if your iPad can't do everything you want, you can fill in those holes with something from their Mac line up. After all, they spend time showing us how the Mac continues to get more of your iOS features to make using their ecosystem easier and more cohesive.

The Surface line-up is definately a slow burner and already a few years around that billion revenue per quarter mark. But sales were steady the last quarter with strictly 15 months' old models versus completely revamped new models the year before, and an entry model that has been discontinued. So that's pretty solid performance in itself. The Surface Studio was the only new device but that's a niche device for the moment.

Even so, sales only tell part of the story. Mac sales are less than Windows PC sales but is that a qualifier to which OS is best? But the underlying trend is clear: hybrids -not just Surface models- (alongside gaming PC's) have become the sales driver in an overal declining market of tablets and PC's.

 

[Radon87000]

This is not about the O/S, it's about the form factor. The tech has gotten so good, a tablet form factor can replace most of what is done on a desktop in my household. Sales agnostic of any brand.

You cant even run 3 programs simultaneously on a conventional tablet. Its a toy compared to a real computer

 

[I7guy]

You cant even run 3 programs simultaneously on a conventional tablet. Its a toy compared to a real computer

Sure, my SP4(a conventional and popular tablet format) runs full fledged windows, what does yours run? However, we are talking a tablet format, my desktop has 3 monitors and obviously running multiple monitors allows for much more flexibility in a workflow. But on the road, it's a dream.

(and a little o/t, but how did you like apples latest quarter?, amazing, huh?)

 

[Count Blah]

With the rumors of the monitor with an integrated gpu.

That is such a horrible combination.

Video not cutting it anymore? Time to buy a new monitor.

UGH!!!!

Sadly, that is 100% nuApple

 

[ValO]

That is such a horrible combination.

Video not cutting it anymore? Time to buy a new monitor.

UGH!!!!

Sadly, that is 100% nuApple

What is the difference? Imac gpu not cutting it anymore? You have to replace your imac.
It has never been different.
Perhaps the really old mac pro being the only exception.

 

[Uofmtiger]

The Surface line-up is definately a slow burner and already a few years around that billion revenue per quarter mark. But sales were steady the last quarter with strictly 15 months' old models versus completely revamped new models the year before, and an entry model that has been discontinued. So that's pretty solid performance in itself. The Surface Studio was the only new device but that's a niche device for the moment.

Even so, sales only tell part of the story. Mac sales are less than Windows PC sales but is that a qualifier to which OS is best? But the underlying trend is clear: hybrids -not just Surface models- (alongside gaming PC's) have become the sales driver in an overal declining market of tablets and PC's.

It isn't solid performance by Apple standards. It is a trend up, but if Apple generated less than a billion from their Mac or iPad sales, I think people would be telling them it is time to try something new (they already are with 5.5+ billion in revenue). In other words, the Surface Studio isn't the only niche. The entire Surface line up is a niche by Apple standards. When has the iPad line up generated less than a billion in a quarter? Of course, the trend is up for the Surface, but that can happen when you come out of the gate at a snail's pace.

Almost all Windows laptop are moving to this so-called "hybrid" category by adding touch screens to their laptops. I have a 15 inch so-called "hybrid" Toshiba laptop. It does not compete with the iPad, which is the market we are talking about. The Surface Pro is one of the only so-called "hybrids" that really fits that category. Unless it can easily be hand held and have 10 hours or so battery life, I have a hard time considering it competition for the iPad or tablet market.

As far as Windows PCs vs Macs, it is a discussion for another thread. It has less to do with the tablet or hybrid market than how Microsoft license their OS. I would love to see Apple license MacOS, but that really has nothing to do with Apple deciding to make a hybrid at this point. As I said, I would love for Apple to make a hybrid, it would replace my need for both a Mac and an iPad...which is why I don't think we will see one until the iPad line has been exhausted....and with 5 times the revenue of the Surface line up, I don't think it will happen anytime soon. I would love to be wrong, though.

 

[ValO]

Indeed I have and I prefer it over an iPad. My question is have YOU actually used one for an extended period of time? If yes, you don't fall into the category that sees this as best of both worlds and that's perfectly fine. Mind you I did NOT say this is 'best of both worlds period'.

Reasons I prefer the Surface:
1. amazing split screen multitasking. This is leaps beyond the clunky implementation on the iPad pro and my #1 reason why I love it both in desktop and tablet use
2. 2:3 screen aspect ratio
3. the kickstand
4. excellent type cover that is leaps beyond that clunky ipad type cover, they don't even compare
5. USB inputs and magsafe
6. a full fledged OS with desktop browser and perfectly fine touch interface

I have no idea why you take issue with the type cover not being included. By not including the type cover you can upgrade from Surface Pro 3 to 4 without having to buy a new type cover.

"It is NOT an excellent tablet. It is an adequate tablet for doing basic things that one could do with a $100 no-name Android tablet." This is patently false for the reasons above. But those no-name android tablets do offer the same functionality as an iPad pro.

I think you're full of crap if you say that and have the nerve to ask me this: "Have you actually owned a Surface? Has it been your daily driver for an extended period of time?"

Yes it's my daily driver as a tablet at home and my daily driver for productivity as well when outdoors. But even if I didn't there are a *lot* of satisfied Surface users out there so it wouldn't make my argument any less true or valid. You should stop projecting your own thoughts and preferences on someone else when that particular person makes a statement about a certain device. It's obnoxious and disrespectful behaviour.

I'm seeing this pattern a lot around here. Mac fanboys that think everybody that likes Windows or a Surface tablet is a paid Microsoft shill.

Sjeez relax man!
I wonder why you even bother responding on an apple forum on a topic abour ipads. When you are so happy about your surface. What is the point?
We are seeing this a lot lately. People pushing their galaxies in an iphone thread and bashing an iphone, etc.
What is the use? In my opinion that is looking for an argument/" fight" .
Be happy with your stuff and just let it be.