Microsoft Announces "Surface" Tablet (1 Viewer)

[Otis]

Congrats on the tablet, Microsoft.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Ipad will dominate tablets until there is some major breakthrough by competition. This is nice, especially having usb, and people who prefer/need windows will buy it. But the apps and entrenchment of the ipad and its amazing display keep it in a tier of its own.

 

[Otis]

So microsoft put out some pretty sweet iPad accessories today?

 

[The Commish]

GAME CHANGER!!!!The death of iPad is imminent.

Death, no, but an increasing number of people are realizing that the iPad isn't the only tablet on the block.

HATER!!!!Down goes Apple. Down goes Apple.

he's just the official asus fanboy here at fbg , I'm shocked he isn't knocking this while trying to prop up the failed prime

Failed? Isn't it a top 5 device? It's one we have for mobile testing along with the samsung and iPad.

Sales figures for the Transformer Prime were released in the court decision, stating that the company had delivered --as of Feb. 24 -- only 2,000 preorders, and another 80,000 units to retailers worldwide.  If those figures sound bad, it's because they are. (Granted, this was a month ago, but it seems unlikely things have changed substantially.)

from an article written in the 1st week of apriland considering the Fire has 54% of the android market I'd say its failed

It's the best tablet currently for sale but there's no question that it's a failure in terms of sales.

I really didn't know it's sales were that bad. I'm wondering why we have to use it in our testing. I think it's a pretty slick device. If I felt the need to own a tablet, it would probably be this one.

 

[SacramentoBob]

Nintendo Wii >>> MS Kinect

You played either of these gaming systems?

Yes. Microsoft jumped on motion gaming bandwagon after Wii created the market.(I didn't mean the ">>>" to say better than. Each example shows Microsoft again being late to market.)

I think going from hand controllers to full body interface is pretty innovative. The PS3 version, forget what it is called, is the knock off of Wii not the Kinect.

Yes, I'll agree that Kinect was a step ahead in motion controls. But that fact remains that Microsoft ( and Sony) were blindsided by the Wii and motion control gaming. It's another market they came into years after a competitor defined it.

Wii is the best gaming system product concept everPeople were making fun of the name before they saw it, asking what the hell Nintendo was thinking. Then when they came out, everybody "got it". They opened up a huge new market of people who don't play video games and little kids.

They just stole the idea from themselves 20 years ago really.

 

[SacramentoBob]

6 minute abs!!!

 

[Borat]

I can't imagine being so loyal to a brand the way some of you are. Get a life.

 

[SacramentoBob]

no offense to anyone but I'm not digging Win 8 at all. I warmed up to 7 eventually but 8 - not feeling it.XP is still the best

I've moved on from Server 2003 and XP. Love 2008 and Win7 much better.

 

[SacramentoBob]

Geez, they are really pushing the "high design" angle. We get it, you want to be Apple.

Objective and insightful as usual.

 

[Rooster]

Disclaimer:

1) I make my living using Microsoft Server technologies & ASP.net

2) I prefer using a mac desktop, when I can. I run on a Macbook Pro at work, and a combo of Macbook Air & iMac at home.

3) I own an iPad, several iPhones and an iPod touch in my household, so we're heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem

4) I didn't watch any video of the presentation

All that said, if this tablet runs a full OS when the keyboard is present and does a good job with a tablet-style UI when it's not, it's kind of a big deal and it makes a lot of sense with what's happening on the Windows 8 front. It's sort of suspect that they'd be able to put enough power into something as thin and light as a tablet would need to be, but I think that's where they're *trying* to go. Using my iPad to take notes, I don't use the on-screen keyboard very well, so I bought a bluetooth keyboard to take notes, which is awesome. You mostly forget the real full OS stuff you're missing like windows and multitasking, but the instant you need to select some text or move the cursor and you reach for your mouse there's this moment of confusion where you transfer from this "interacting with a computer" to "interacting with a tablet" mode. I think Microsoft may be taking aim at both the ultrabooks and the tablet market with this device, I hope they're successful because if when I had a bluetooth keyboard and mouse hooked up, my iPad operated mostly as a macbook air running full OSX, it'd be awesome and, quite frankly, Apple needs a little competition and it's something we all benefit from.

 

[Chadstroma]

I can't imagine being so loyal to a brand the way some of you are. Get a life.

Sorry, Skippy beats all other PB and it is not close.

 

[HellToupee]

where android has been a complete diaster in the tablet market I think W8 will eventually prove to be a winner

 

[flapgreen]

where android has been a complete diaster in the tablet market I think W8 will eventually prove to be a winner

Sup

 

[Chaka]

In my experience iPads and Androids fall woefully short when it comes to handling anything but the most basic manipulation of Office files. If this tablet can give full editing ability for Office files I might actually be willing to jump into the tablet market.

 

[Fennis]

In my experience iPads and Androids fall woefully short when it comes to handling anything but the most basic manipulation of Office files. If this tablet can give full editing ability for Office files I might actually be willing to jump into the tablet market.

well then, welcome to the tablet market

 

[Rayderr]

I like the Apple fanboys saying Microsoft is late to the tablet game, even though Microsoft practically invented the tablet back in 2001, nearly a full decade before the iPad.

 

[Otis]

I like the Apple fanboys saying Microsoft is late to the tablet game, even though Microsoft practically invented the tablet back in 2001, nearly a full decade before the iPad.

Nearly invented it, if not for that pesky Newton 4 or 5 years earlier.

 

[Rayderr]

I like the Apple fanboys saying Microsoft is late to the tablet game, even though Microsoft practically invented the tablet back in 2001, nearly a full decade before the iPad.

Nearly invented it, if not for that pesky Newton 4 or 5 years earlier.

That's really more of a PDA, which Psion released in 1986.

 

[Slapdash]

I don't own an iPad yet, but do have the iPhone and Macbook air. Can someone breakdown why I should buy this over the iPad?

Do you have any use for a keyboard, Windows apps, USB or flash sites?

 

[Who Dat Ninja]

Never knew the word Apple and ipad were synonymous with doosh. Is this really how the rest of the Apple community acts when a competitive product is released?

 

[goonsquad]

I like the Apple fanboys saying Microsoft is late to the tablet game, even though Microsoft practically invented the tablet back in 2001, nearly a full decade before the iPad.

Good lord, this again? Yes, Microsoft "invented" the tablet computer years ago. And it was never more than a niche product because they shoehorned a desktop OS into a tablet form factor. Due to their design incompetence and lack of foresight they left the door open for Apple to create an entirely new tablet market and become the world's largest publically traded company in the process. Good job Microsoft!Feel better?

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Can somebody summarize the specs and features?

 

[Slapdash]

I like the Apple fanboys saying Microsoft is late to the tablet game, even though Microsoft practically invented the tablet back in 2001, nearly a full decade before the iPad.

Nearly invented it, if not for that pesky Newton 4 or 5 years earlier.

That's really more of a PDA, which Psion released in 1986.

Speak of the devil:

US firm Motorola Solutions is to buy UK tech icon Psion, the inventor of the personal digital assistant (PDA) and source of the one-time leading mobile operating system Symbian.The sale, announced on Friday, sees the firm – currently a maker of ruggedised mobile devices – go to the section of Motorola which remains, after the recent purchase of its phone division Motorola Mobility, by Google. The agreed price is $200 million (£127m).The deal, which marks the end of Psion’s existence as an independent company, is intended to help Motorola Solutions cut its costs, expand its range of mobile products and expand its reach with industrial clients. The all-cash offer of 88 pence per share represents a 45 percent premium on Psion’s closing price on the London Stock Exchange on Thursday and a 66 percent premium over Psion’s average price over the past six months.

http://www.techweekeurope.co.uk/news/motorola-buys-psion-for-200m-82951

 

[Slapdash]

Can somebody summarize the specs and features?

Here is part of what you are looking for: http://www.microsoft.com/global/surface/en/us/renderingassets/surfacespecsheet.pdfNot too much on the internals. I've read that i5s are rumored.

 

[Slapdash]

Never new the word Apple and ipad were synonymous with doosh. Is this really how the rest of the Apple community acts when a competitive product is released?

Seriously?

 

[Who Dat Ninja]

Never new the word Apple and ipad were synonymous with doosh. Is this really how the rest of the Apple community acts when a competitive product is released?

Seriously?

Well I know now.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Can somebody summarize the specs and features?

Here is part of what you are looking for: http://www.microsoft.com/global/surface/en/us/renderingassets/surfacespecsheet.pdfNot too much on the internals. I've read that i5s are rumored.

Interesting. Considering how much i hate Pages on my ipad this could be a nice product.

 

[goonsquad]

Never new the word Apple and ipad were synonymous with doosh. Is this really how the rest of the Apple community acts when a competitive product is released?

Seriously?

Well I know now.

And knowing is half the battle. GI JOE!

 

[The Commish]

Good Lord these threads are terrible...why can't I stay away?!?!?!?!

 

[SacramentoBob]

Good Lord these threads are terrible...why can't I stay away?!?!?!?!

These threads would be fine if not for goonsquad. He's the LHUCKS of technology threads.

 

[Slapdash]

Good Lord these threads are terrible...why can't I stay away?!?!?!?!

These threads would be fine if not for goonsquad. He's the LHUCKS of technology threads.

iHUCKS

 

[The Commish]

Good Lord these threads are terrible...why can't I stay away?!?!?!?!

These threads would be fine if not for goonsquad. He's the LHUCKS of technology threads.

I was enjoying the discussion between you, DrJ and mattdaddy. I know very little of the server side technologies that MS has developed in the last several years, so it was interesting stuff.

 

[SacramentoBob]

Good Lord these threads are terrible...why can't I stay away?!?!?!?!

These threads would be fine if not for goonsquad. He's the LHUCKS of technology threads.

iHUCKS

That's gonna stick.

 

[Brock Middlebrook]

Good Lord these threads are terrible...why can't I stay away?!?!?!?!

It's like the Shark pool for nerds

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Good Lord these threads are terrible...why can't I stay away?!?!?!?!

These threads would be fine if not for goonsquad. He's the LHUCKS of technology threads.

iHUCKS

Ouch.

 

[The Commish]

Good Lord these threads are terrible...why can't I stay away?!?!?!?!

These threads would be fine if not for goonsquad. He's the LHUCKS of technology threads.

iHUCKS

That's gonna stick.

Only question left is who steps up to be "the new iHUCKS"

 

[Who Dat Ninja]

Do we have any psychologists/iatrists in the FFA? If so please do a study on the Apple Fanboyism that is becoming quite rampant within and report your findings.

 

[DrJ]

Disclaimer: 1) I make my living using Microsoft Server technologies & ASP.net 2) I prefer using a mac desktop, when I can. I run on a Macbook Pro at work, and a combo of Macbook Air & iMac at home. 3) I own an iPad, several iPhones and an iPod touch in my household, so we're heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem 4) I didn't watch any video of the presentationAll that said, if this tablet runs a full OS when the keyboard is present and does a good job with a tablet-style UI when it's not, it's kind of a big deal and it makes a lot of sense with what's happening on the Windows 8 front. It's sort of suspect that they'd be able to put enough power into something as thin and light as a tablet would need to be, but I think that's where they're *trying* to go. Using my iPad to take notes, I don't use the on-screen keyboard very well, so I bought a bluetooth keyboard to take notes, which is awesome. You mostly forget the real full OS stuff you're missing like windows and multitasking, but the instant you need to select some text or move the cursor and you reach for your mouse there's this moment of confusion where you transfer from this "interacting with a computer" to "interacting with a tablet" mode. I think Microsoft may be taking aim at both the ultrabooks and the tablet market with this device, I hope they're successful because if when I had a bluetooth keyboard and mouse hooked up, my iPad operated mostly as a macbook air running full OSX, it'd be awesome and, quite frankly, Apple needs a little competition and it's something we all benefit from.

I can already run a full windows session on my iPad with VMware View. Word, excel? Covered. I want to run that same exact instance from my desktop, droid, kindle fire? No problem, covered too. To me, that model is far superior and is definitely the way of the future. You really only need a full OS on a machine/tablet for your high end power users.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Disclaimer: 1) I make my living using Microsoft Server technologies & ASP.net 2) I prefer using a mac desktop, when I can. I run on a Macbook Pro at work, and a combo of Macbook Air & iMac at home. 3) I own an iPad, several iPhones and an iPod touch in my household, so we're heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem 4) I didn't watch any video of the presentationAll that said, if this tablet runs a full OS when the keyboard is present and does a good job with a tablet-style UI when it's not, it's kind of a big deal and it makes a lot of sense with what's happening on the Windows 8 front. It's sort of suspect that they'd be able to put enough power into something as thin and light as a tablet would need to be, but I think that's where they're *trying* to go. Using my iPad to take notes, I don't use the on-screen keyboard very well, so I bought a bluetooth keyboard to take notes, which is awesome. You mostly forget the real full OS stuff you're missing like windows and multitasking, but the instant you need to select some text or move the cursor and you reach for your mouse there's this moment of confusion where you transfer from this "interacting with a computer" to "interacting with a tablet" mode. I think Microsoft may be taking aim at both the ultrabooks and the tablet market with this device, I hope they're successful because if when I had a bluetooth keyboard and mouse hooked up, my iPad operated mostly as a macbook air running full OSX, it'd be awesome and, quite frankly, Apple needs a little competition and it's something we all benefit from.

I can already run a full windows session on my iPad with VMware View. Word, excel? Covered. I want to run that same exact instance from my desktop, droid, kindle fire? No problem, covered too. To me, that model is far superior and is definitely the way of the future. You really only need a full OS on a machine/tablet for your high end power users.

How do you run word on the ipad?

 

[Jojo the circus boy]

Disclaimer: 1) I make my living using Microsoft Server technologies & ASP.net 2) I prefer using a mac desktop, when I can. I run on a Macbook Pro at work, and a combo of Macbook Air & iMac at home. 3) I own an iPad, several iPhones and an iPod touch in my household, so we're heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem 4) I didn't watch any video of the presentationAll that said, if this tablet runs a full OS when the keyboard is present and does a good job with a tablet-style UI when it's not, it's kind of a big deal and it makes a lot of sense with what's happening on the Windows 8 front. It's sort of suspect that they'd be able to put enough power into something as thin and light as a tablet would need to be, but I think that's where they're *trying* to go. Using my iPad to take notes, I don't use the on-screen keyboard very well, so I bought a bluetooth keyboard to take notes, which is awesome. You mostly forget the real full OS stuff you're missing like windows and multitasking, but the instant you need to select some text or move the cursor and you reach for your mouse there's this moment of confusion where you transfer from this "interacting with a computer" to "interacting with a tablet" mode. I think Microsoft may be taking aim at both the ultrabooks and the tablet market with this device, I hope they're successful because if when I had a bluetooth keyboard and mouse hooked up, my iPad operated mostly as a macbook air running full OSX, it'd be awesome and, quite frankly, Apple needs a little competition and it's something we all benefit from.

I can already run a full windows session on my iPad with VMware View. Word, excel? Covered. I want to run that same exact instance from my desktop, droid, kindle fire? No problem, covered too. To me, that model is far superior and is definitely the way of the future. You really only need a full OS on a machine/tablet for your high end power users.

So can I, but you need a decently strong internet connection (i.e. not from a sailing boat), and you still cannot edit documents (w/o a keyboard and realistically a mouse - ever try highlighting text from your VMware View)? It's not nearly the same as being able to do anything you need w/o plugging into the cloud and still having difficulty copying/pasting editing.

 

[Jaysus]

lol @ iHucks

 

[DrJ]

Disclaimer: 1) I make my living using Microsoft Server technologies & ASP.net 2) I prefer using a mac desktop, when I can. I run on a Macbook Pro at work, and a combo of Macbook Air & iMac at home. 3) I own an iPad, several iPhones and an iPod touch in my household, so we're heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem 4) I didn't watch any video of the presentationAll that said, if this tablet runs a full OS when the keyboard is present and does a good job with a tablet-style UI when it's not, it's kind of a big deal and it makes a lot of sense with what's happening on the Windows 8 front. It's sort of suspect that they'd be able to put enough power into something as thin and light as a tablet would need to be, but I think that's where they're *trying* to go. Using my iPad to take notes, I don't use the on-screen keyboard very well, so I bought a bluetooth keyboard to take notes, which is awesome. You mostly forget the real full OS stuff you're missing like windows and multitasking, but the instant you need to select some text or move the cursor and you reach for your mouse there's this moment of confusion where you transfer from this "interacting with a computer" to "interacting with a tablet" mode. I think Microsoft may be taking aim at both the ultrabooks and the tablet market with this device, I hope they're successful because if when I had a bluetooth keyboard and mouse hooked up, my iPad operated mostly as a macbook air running full OSX, it'd be awesome and, quite frankly, Apple needs a little competition and it's something we all benefit from.

I can already run a full windows session on my iPad with VMware View. Word, excel? Covered. I want to run that same exact instance from my desktop, droid, kindle fire? No problem, covered too. To me, that model is far superior and is definitely the way of the future. You really only need a full OS on a machine/tablet for your high end power users.

So can I, but you need a decently strong internet connection (i.e. not from a sailing boat), and you still cannot edit documents (w/o a keyboard and realistically a mouse - ever try highlighting text from your VMware View)? It's not nearly the same as being able to do anything you need w/o plugging into the cloud and still having difficulty copying/pasting editing.

Network connectivity is definitely a downside, for me it's VERY rare that poses any problems though and things are going to just continue getting better on that front. Personally not heavy on the editing side of things, and that's something that falls more to the higher end users who I really dont think things like View and tablets are geared towards. People that have these needs should just get a laptop IMO, I really don't get the constant motivation to turn these devices into something that was already on the market. These appear to be the concerns MS was listening to. It'll be interesting to see if this causes them to gain traction in the "it's a toy, I want a mouse and keyboard" market. Not sure those people are really hyped to get this though. My prediction is that it'll suck more at being a laptop than an actual laptop, and will suck more at being a tablet than an actual tablet.

 

[gianmarco]

Wonder if they'll hold an iPad funeral in Redmond like they did for the iPhone when Windows Phone 7 launched?

I wish I was capable of loving something as much as you love Apple.

lol @ iHucks

 

[DrJ]

Disclaimer: 1) I make my living using Microsoft Server technologies & ASP.net 2) I prefer using a mac desktop, when I can. I run on a Macbook Pro at work, and a combo of Macbook Air & iMac at home. 3) I own an iPad, several iPhones and an iPod touch in my household, so we're heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem 4) I didn't watch any video of the presentationAll that said, if this tablet runs a full OS when the keyboard is present and does a good job with a tablet-style UI when it's not, it's kind of a big deal and it makes a lot of sense with what's happening on the Windows 8 front. It's sort of suspect that they'd be able to put enough power into something as thin and light as a tablet would need to be, but I think that's where they're *trying* to go. Using my iPad to take notes, I don't use the on-screen keyboard very well, so I bought a bluetooth keyboard to take notes, which is awesome. You mostly forget the real full OS stuff you're missing like windows and multitasking, but the instant you need to select some text or move the cursor and you reach for your mouse there's this moment of confusion where you transfer from this "interacting with a computer" to "interacting with a tablet" mode. I think Microsoft may be taking aim at both the ultrabooks and the tablet market with this device, I hope they're successful because if when I had a bluetooth keyboard and mouse hooked up, my iPad operated mostly as a macbook air running full OSX, it'd be awesome and, quite frankly, Apple needs a little competition and it's something we all benefit from.

I can already run a full windows session on my iPad with VMware View. Word, excel? Covered. I want to run that same exact instance from my desktop, droid, kindle fire? No problem, covered too. To me, that model is far superior and is definitely the way of the future. You really only need a full OS on a machine/tablet for your high end power users.

How do you run word on the ipad?

Technically you don't. It's running on a back end server that your iPad simply connects to. The effect is basically the same though. Other than View there's also the CloudOn software referenced in the iPad app thread. Not a fan on their solution, but it's workable depending on how much you're concerned with security and things. And things like Citrix/Citrix receiver or even *gasp* plain RDP.

 

[Slapdash]

Disclaimer: 1) I make my living using Microsoft Server technologies & ASP.net 2) I prefer using a mac desktop, when I can. I run on a Macbook Pro at work, and a combo of Macbook Air & iMac at home. 3) I own an iPad, several iPhones and an iPod touch in my household, so we're heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem 4) I didn't watch any video of the presentationAll that said, if this tablet runs a full OS when the keyboard is present and does a good job with a tablet-style UI when it's not, it's kind of a big deal and it makes a lot of sense with what's happening on the Windows 8 front. It's sort of suspect that they'd be able to put enough power into something as thin and light as a tablet would need to be, but I think that's where they're *trying* to go. Using my iPad to take notes, I don't use the on-screen keyboard very well, so I bought a bluetooth keyboard to take notes, which is awesome. You mostly forget the real full OS stuff you're missing like windows and multitasking, but the instant you need to select some text or move the cursor and you reach for your mouse there's this moment of confusion where you transfer from this "interacting with a computer" to "interacting with a tablet" mode. I think Microsoft may be taking aim at both the ultrabooks and the tablet market with this device, I hope they're successful because if when I had a bluetooth keyboard and mouse hooked up, my iPad operated mostly as a macbook air running full OSX, it'd be awesome and, quite frankly, Apple needs a little competition and it's something we all benefit from.

I can already run a full windows session on my iPad with VMware View. Word, excel? Covered. I want to run that same exact instance from my desktop, droid, kindle fire? No problem, covered too. To me, that model is far superior and is definitely the way of the future. You really only need a full OS on a machine/tablet for your high end power users.

So can I, but you need a decently strong internet connection (i.e. not from a sailing boat), and you still cannot edit documents (w/o a keyboard and realistically a mouse - ever try highlighting text from your VMware View)? It's not nearly the same as being able to do anything you need w/o plugging into the cloud and still having difficulty copying/pasting editing.

Network connectivity is definitely a downside, for me it's VERY rare that poses any problems though and things are going to just continue getting better on that front. Personally not heavy on the editing side of things, and that's something that falls more to the higher end users who I really dont think things like View and tablets are geared towards. People that have these needs should just get a laptop IMO, I really don't get the constant motivation to turn these devices into something that was already on the market. These appear to be the concerns MS was listening to. It'll be interesting to see if this causes them to gain traction in the "it's a toy, I want a mouse and keyboard" market. Not sure those people are really hyped to get this though. My prediction is that it'll suck more at being a laptop than an actual laptop, and will suck more at being a tablet than an actual tablet.

Yeah, I much prefer to use those programs without a strong or any internet connection needed. As far as the second part of what you wrote though, I am one of those people that thinks the iPad is just a a toy and am excited to get a tablet that is much more functional. Jury is still out on if MSFT can pull it off but it looks much more promising than anything to date.Laptops just have not been durable enough for me; I have no desire to buy another one.

 

[culdeus]

lol @ iHucks

That's the best thing ever. Love it.

 

[culdeus]

Do we have any psychologists/iatrists in the FFA? If so please do a study on the Apple Fanboyism that is becoming quite rampant within and report your findings.

This has already been done. Brain studies have shown it to have the same effect as radical religion.

 

[culdeus]

Digesting this thing I wonder about battery life to power all that hardware. The biggest knock of Apple mobile products is their hardware and port support without adapters, but this greatly extends battery life. This seems to attack that head on, but (HDMI?) a few are missing. I do think this thing has a bigger market than the Ipad. The olds out there want a keyboard and the ipad+keyboard implementation has been really half-assed so far. If this thing is dockable to a replicator of sorts then I think it's a real winner and really a tablet that can get things done, not just a toy that people set aside after a few months of light usage.

 

[HellToupee]

I like the Apple fanboys saying Microsoft is late to the tablet game, even though Microsoft practically invented the tablet back in 2001, nearly a full decade before the iPad.

true but it was terrible execution. I bet Apple averages more ipad sales in any given day than ms tabs sold total.

 

[Fennis]

I like the Apple fanboys saying Microsoft is late to the tablet game, even though Microsoft practically invented the tablet back in 2001, nearly a full decade before the iPad.

true but it was terrible execution. I bet Apple averages more ipad sales in any given day than ms tabs sold total.

Ill take that bet