Rumor: First Microsoft Surface tablet units to be Wi-Fi only - Page 2

Quote:

Originally Posted by AaronJ 

I know this is going to sound like just a slam on MS, or pure Apple fanboy-ism, or what have you.  But I really don't mean it that way.

 

That thing looks like a Fisher Price toy.  It really does.  I guess I'm just not the demographic.

Well they wanted to make the most UN iOS looking UI they could and they succeeded. Some folks will probably like the simple look. My issue with it looking like a toy is the colored keyboards. Until then I was okay but that really toys it up to me. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by JerrySwitched26 

You cannot use a trackpad with iOS.  Keyboards with no pointing device are already available for the iPad - have been since day 1.

 

When the entire item is a trackpad why do you need to add one on. 

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by SactoMan01 

Before you all say this is a bad idea, consider that the majority of iPads sold out there are Wi-Fi only. Both AT&T and Verizon offer 4G data connectivity devices that work through the USB port, so if you still insist on cellular data connectivity, you just connect such a device to the Surface's USB port.

 

And have to carry an extra piece. No thanks. I'd rather spend $130 to have that function in my device than the same (or some monthly rental charge) to have something I could leave in a hotel room. I suspect many others are the same. 

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmvsm 

I think that RIM also decided to launch a Wifi only version of their Playbook. We all know how much of a steamy pile that entire situation became. I think I'm smelling it again.

 

the issue with the Playbook wasn't that it was wifi only. It was that it sucked and they pulled stupid moves like you couldn't read your email on it because there was no app for that. All you could do was mirror your blackberry email to it. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by mausz 

Also don't forget the surface tablets have a usb port, so you can just plug in a 3g dongle (which most companies use anyway for their current laptops). Companies who would consider the surface as a laptop replacement (as we would be), are only looking at the pro edition, so driver support is a non-issue. As these tablets are in fact compatible with everything current laptops are compatible with (domain login, group policy, largest "app store" in the world ;)

Does the surface have an optical drive? How would you install currently available programs on it? Oh, so they'll need an external optical drive? so bascially the Surface is like a laptop with all the dongles attached to it. sounds like a good plan. /s

Quote:

Originally Posted by jungmark 

Does the surface have an optical drive? How would you install currently available programs on it? Oh, so they'll need an external optical drive? so bascially the Surface is like a laptop with all the dongles attached to it. sounds like a good plan. /s

I personally wouldn't install a dongle, I would just tether when I need it.  Most iPad users also agree, as WiFi is the biggest selling version.

As for software.  You can downloand and install.  Most programs including Adobe software are available to download.  In addition the Windows Store will have software, both Metro and traditional.  In the rare case you have software on a CD/DVD you could use an external drive.  Just like the MacBook Air.  You can also prepare and legally create backups of your CDs unto a USB Flash or HDD Drive.  Then install that way.

I wonder how much M$ paid for this review. :lol: I say that b/c the review sounds like a M$ press release and Tech Radar appears to be the only one who got extensive time with this tablet. I'm always suspicious when one person gets an exclusive.  I have yet to come across one where the review was anything but positive. They claim the device works just fine sitting on your lap typing on the soft keyboard but from the picture it looks quite awkward/annoying.  And honestly while I like my bright colored smart cover (as a fashion accessory) I don't know that I'd much care for a keyboard of the same color, especially if I'd be typing on it for any length of time.  I think it would give me a headache.

http://www.techradar.com/reviews/pc-mac/tablets/microsoft-surface-tablet-1085839/review

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rogifan 

I wonder how much M$ paid for this review. :lol: I say that b/c the review sounds like a M$ press release and Tech Radar appears to be the only one who got extensive time with this tablet. I'm always suspicious when one person gets an exclusive.  I have yet to come across one where the review was anything but positive. They claim the device works just fine sitting on your lap typing on the soft keyboard but from the picture it looks quite awkward/annoying.  And honestly while I like my bright colored smart cover (as a fashion accessory) I don't know that I'd much care for a keyboard of the same color, especially if I'd be typing on it for any length of time.  I think it would give me a headache.

 

http://www.techradar.com/reviews/pc-mac/tablets/microsoft-surface-tablet-1085839/review

Wow, you guys are something else.  Complaining about keyboard colours when you can easily get black to match the device or white/grey.   We will find out soon enough if it works on laps, but it does appear it does.  The anti fanbois were screaming about no profile mode, when of course anyone folllowing W8 knew it existed and this review shows it.  Its obvious from the pictures (not seen anywhere else) that they have had extra time with the tablet.

The Verge, which was really hard on the Lumia 900, was also positve about the Surface.  They didn't have the same hands on, but said the Smart Cover was very innovative and did solve a tablet issue.

Oh wait, you are trying to compete with Apple?  I thought you were just giving them something to crush.

Quote:

Originally Posted by johndoe98 


I think you are using a different definition than I am.

@jragosta, don't bother arguing with this guy.  Anyone who puts netbook and workstation in the same sentence, and also doesn't bother defining his terms (as above) despite saying they're different, ends up giving his arguments such wide berth that they become pointless.

"I feel like they've noticed that Apple doesn't enter a market with every feature possible ..."

Amazingly though, Apple actually has a real product when they announce it.

I have a feeling Surface will be Zune II.  If a hundred other manufactures can't get it right, why does Microsoft think they can?