Microsoft unveils 'Surface' Windows 8 tablet - Page 2

 

We already know it has Xbox integration because it runs Windows 8.

 

We already know what apps it runs. The basic model will run only Metro apps, while the Pro model will run any Windows app (in Metro or Desktop mode).

 

Which will do neither very well. 

gosh, where have i seen something like that before? hmmm, maybe from Logitech, the (beautiful) Ultrathin iPad cover you can buy today? but yeah, that's smaller. 'cause you don't need a trackpad on it too.

Steve Ballmer brings the term 'doofus' to life. Here we have photographical evidence.

 

Balmer practising for his next career as a waiter if this thing tanks lol

I love the magnetic stylus that snaps to the side of the Surface tablet.  It also recharges it via inductance.  So not only can I lose a stylus but it requires a battery and recharging?  They advertised the keyboard cover then later on state that you can get a "real" keyboard as the cover is so thin there isn't much in the way of key travel if at all you can just feel the key caps but they don't move or hardly move so you can get a more traditional keyboard that is thicker.  

 

I've been testing the Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover for the new iPad and it's pretty darn good.  Best Bluetooth keyboard there is for portability and battery life (months worth).  Connects just like the Surface keyboard cover but it doesn't fold behind as it's not made of rubber.  

 

Main selling points of the iPad are as follows: 

- Light and Thin

- Instant On and Crazy Battery Life

- Insane resolution screen (Surface is 1080p on Pro)

- Doesn't get hot (yes it gets warm in one place on one side but never hot)

- Leave it in your carry-on bag when going through security checkpoints.

It has xbox intergration via smartglass announced at E3.  It will ship with windows 8 later this year.  What content are you after?  You have a very nice touch interface on top but underneath is a standard windows desktop.  You can run apps made for either.  

OMG!  Microsoft needs to stay out of the hardware business.

 

They can't make up their minds whether to make a desktop, a laptop, a netbook or a tablet.

 

They try to fit all 4 in there and it all FUBAR.

 

Oh well.  Thanks for playing but it will be DOA.

An iPad is already enough to do any thing.

Can you imagine how slow (and hot) it's going to run once it's loaded up with all the necessary Windows crud that you need to stay safe, like resource hogging anti-virus, firewalls, etc.

 

And, what was that? No cellular connectivity? Only Wifi?

 

And it's got a twin mimo wifi aerial? Woopydo. Still won't stretch further than the end of your back yard.

 

So basically it's essentially a touch screen netbook with a detachable membrane 'keyboard' similar to a Sinclair ZX81. THAT's going to be SO fun to 'type' on...

... wow, is that real or is someone having some photoshop fun?

I think it's adorable when MS tries to be Apple. 

 

They're so lame it's almost cute. 

Why would you turn a tablet into a laptop?  Wow, that dumb in my opinion.  If I had a surface to use a kickstand and keyboard, I would use a laptop.  In tablet mode, it is too big and thick, in laptop mode, you need a kickstand?  stupid.

 

Why not call it the "ultra book with touch screen?"

Looks great actually.  Not sure why some people here are bashing it.  Does it look similar to an iPad?  Sure.  But it's a very different machine software-wise, and from the looks of it, it'll be much more capable as a laptop replacement with the versatility of a tablet.  That sounds good from where I'm at.

 

Not the most flattering photo I bet. Honestly you would think they would get some professional photos done to show on the presentation. I hope it looks better in the flesh.

Microsoft should stage a funeral parade for the iPad!

 

 

It appears the true battle between Microsoft and Apple has begun.

 

(Note, the font in the above lines are heavily coated with three luscious coats of sarcasm)

 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njos57IJf-0&list=FLWBsW-JQH0cnzDs0iPmrH-Q&index=3&feature=plpp_video

Edited by GTR - 6/18/12 at 5:47pm

 

 

One word:  Zune. 

 

This thing is a disaster in the making. 

"everyone on the tech blogs" = stupid Winfans. this Surface tablet has hopeless schiziophrenia. it can't decide if it is a confused laptop (the trackpad) or a confused tablet (the touchscreen). this is the same old MS kitchen sink strategy. i like it. i like it a lot.

Gorilla ass!

I'd rather have two things that can do what each does best than one thing that can so everything less than half as good. I still don't see iOS and OS X merging for quite a while. They are just good by themselves.

If MS can pull this off, I'll be incredibly impressed! I wouldn't even worry about the 2 hour battery life since I seem to keep things plugged in anyway. The major problem is that this runs Windows. I've installed Windows (including Windows 8 and ran it on my iPad) on my Macs in virtual machines, but I end up never using them except for occasional telephone tech support.

but the future will be wireless.

As for the design of the tablet itself, it really looks like a rather nasty 1980s throw-back.

 

Remember the original ugly blocky MS Mouse? I think that's where they got their design cues from. 

 

Even allowing for the shortcomings this thing has as a device, you'd think they could have found an industrial designer with some smarts... certainly the one they've got isn't going to be giving Sir Jonny Ive a run for his money any time soon. The back of the thing is hideous.

 

I predict that it'll be dead by summer 2013.

 

This is the "Pro" model with the tactile keyboard. Easily a replacement for my MacBook Air. It has an i5 Processor and runs both metro and desktop apps, so I can use it as both a laptop and tablet. Best part is, no syncing, ever.

No pricing announced. Battery life? Is this thing supposed to sit on a desk or on your lap? Will the kick stand snap? How much are those smart covers with keyboards on them? What is Windows RT, I thought it was for tablets but now it seems it's only for half the tablets? There's a keyboard and a pen and a USB port for a mouse!

It doesn't look similar to an iPad. (except for the raw dimensions.) The iPad has curved surfaces. Actually, the only continuously flat surface on the iPad is the screen!

I do not see how they can make this item at a price that is lower then the iPad.  And at a price higher then the iPad it will not sell.  So either MS is going to lose money or they are going to sell very few. 

 

Sounds awesome here. Barring poor reviews, I'd easily consider this over the new iPads and MacBooks.

How does that knife feel in your back Dell, HP, Lenovo, Acer, Samesung, etc...?  Typical Microsoft, back stabbing their suckers, i mean partners.  This thing has fail written all over it.  The Fugly, Unusable Metro UI simply does not work, as evidence in the failed Zune and the failed Windows Phone.  The Hardware looks horribly ugly too.  Wonder if Ballmer will finally get the axe when this thing fails big time.
 

 

You appear to be mistaking marketing fail with functionality fail. In what way does Metro "not work" on Windows Phone? 

 

Well, we DO know that MS just threw a big f*ck-you to their partners. 

 

It brings nothing really worthwhile to the table. 

 

Like Windows Phone. 

Will you take all your pictures with the "Surface"? If not, how will you get your pictures on to the "Surface" without syncing? Syncing is for much more than pictures too.

I like having a 24 logical core computer, and iPhone, an iPad, an iMac, and a MacBook Pro, that have all the same data through syncing. Each machine has it's strengths. I wouldn't expect to do 4K video encoding on my iPhone, nor will I carry a Mac Pro in my pocket.

If this "Surface" can actually do everything you want very well, then you've got your dream machine!

It looks positively uncomfortable to hold, especially if that kickstand starts flapping about.

 

There was a reason why Apple ditched the angular edges of the iPad1 for the gently curved bevelling of the '2 and '3. My new iPad is so much nicer to hold sans-case than my first gen iPad. 

 

I can see that Microsoft are hoping for enterprise adoption for this thing, but the problem is, the enterprise sees computers as sit-down-in-front-of work machines and laptops are for commuting or working on at home. There won't be many directly enterprise related applications for this Windows tablet that will overcome the drawbacks of buying a laptop-alike that will regularly fall apart at the seams (those keyboard cover things aren't going to stay put that well).

 

It's going to bomb, and it's going to bomb big time.

Why on earth is Windows RT called that? Terrible name.

As for this device - I don't think it looks too bad but with the competition from Apple I think it will fail.

 

It won't need a jailbreak to enable basic features. That's something. I'm willing to give it a chance.

hey, Jay, tell me you're not an MS astroturf PR contract guy?

Mistake. MS offering too many devices and not coordinated with an OS, And not available now, and not in stores, no price mentioned. Poorly done annoincement.

Might be an interesting product.

How the hell does he stand with his feet like that. Lol.

 

Re-branded Acer Iconia.

 

Same idea. 

My thoughts exactly.   what a joke this is..