Microsoft Announces "Surface" Tablet (1 Viewer)

[HellToupee]

Zune 2.0

The Zune HD rocks and IMO is better than anything than Apple or any other mp3 maker has put out (grantsd, there is a surprisngly lack of 64gb mp3 players)

Pretty sure your opinion is in the minority GB.

I think you'd be surprised if you actually asked people who used both.

I'm always amazed by how much people love their Zunes

Zune as a device was ok, but what sold me was the Zune pass, which for 15/mth I have access to any an all music with DRM and I get 10 non DRM downloads per mth. That service lives on and won't change since they have now ported it over to Xbox. Wish Apple would have done something like that.

Yes the Zune is a great device. Not only did it do everything an iPod could but it also had a radio and wireless sharing among other features. What it didn't have was a cool marketing campaign to back it up.All that is OBE now. My phone does everything now so there's no need for another device other than my small MP3 player I use for runnign.

the 1st gen Zune flat out sucked. Zune HD with its oled was a great device that deserves to still be around

 

[Mario Kart]

$300 sounded so much better. $400 would have been just fine. Seems like the price leak is getting nothing but bad reviews and the cost of the full Windows 8 has not even been announced. And, those full 8 tablets come with more memory (probably due to the OS using more) so those have to be at least $200 more. So, those prices are going to be $800 - $1,000.

Microsoft took a swing and did a Bugs Bunny by missing three times with one pitch.

Unfortunately, in my position, with the dumb setup my district has, I either buy one and utilize its capabilities or sit back and teach the old fashioned way. I would like to do new things. Does MSFT have an educator's discount? I can hope, right?

The only other concern I will have is, can I plug it into my MacBook to transfer files directly or will I have to go through the USB drive? I'm thinking the USB drive will be the way to go.

 

[Socrates11]

Only justification for the high price that I can see is that Microsoft thinks that businesses will step up and start buying these things, since most businesses use Windows. Can't see them pricing these thinking the average individual will be clamoring for them.

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

Are we seeing the first signs of keen consumer interest in Microsoft Surface?

Answer: at this stage -- the first day of preorders -- we have no idea if Microsoft's first branded PC is a hit. But one backordered model may point to some momentum.The $499 model is already showing shipments pushed back to "within 3 weeks," while the two other pricier models are available for delivery by October 26, when Surface goes on sale.

Without knowing how many Surface tablets Microsoft has in the sales channel ready to ship, we don't know what a three-week backorder means. Though it is interesting to note that consumers are apparently opting for the model without the Touch Cover combination cover/keyboard.

Cnet

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Only justification for the high price that I can see is that Microsoft thinks that businesses will step up and start buying these things, since most businesses use Windows. Can't see them pricing these thinking the average individual will be clamoring for them.

It runs windows, has a keyboard, HDMI port, big screen. It's closer to a laptop replacement than an iPad or the other tablets, isn't it?

 

[Walter Slovotsky]

Only justification for the high price that I can see is that Microsoft thinks that businesses will step up and start buying these things, since most businesses use Windows. Can't see them pricing these thinking the average individual will be clamoring for them.

It runs windows, has a keyboard, HDMI port, big screen. It's closer to a laptop replacement than an iPad or the other tablets, isn't it?

I don't get this line of argument either. As an uninterested observer it appears that Microsoft is offering more for the same price, yet they are the ones with the high price? Unless you are already locked into Apple's environment the Surface appears to be a much better deal to me. But then I have no interest in this form factor, so maybe I am missing something obvious.

 

[Fennis]

I preordered one.

 

[Mario Kart]

I would not mind preordering one if I knew I could make it do what I want... with the setup at school.

I would also preorder one if I could choose a different color. Why do I want two keyboards that would cost me ~$240 or so. Makes no sense.

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

If there was not a 10" Nexus on the horizon I would be ordering one today.

 

[Slapdash]

Only justification for the high price that I can see is that Microsoft thinks that businesses will step up and start buying these things, since most businesses use Windows. Can't see them pricing these thinking the average individual will be clamoring for them.

It runs windows, has a keyboard, HDMI port, big screen. It's closer to a laptop replacement than an iPad or the other tablets, isn't it?

I don't get this line of argument either. As an uninterested observer it appears that Microsoft is offering more for the same price, yet they are the ones with the high price? Unless you are already locked into Apple's environment the Surface appears to be a much better deal to me. But then I have no interest in this form factor, so maybe I am missing something obvious.

This line of argument is that it isn't priced well enough to seriously take away marketshare from Apple. Sure you get more functionality from the Surface, but the iPad is an established and extremely popular brand. Microsoft has a deservedly terrible reputation on their first gen hardware and I just can't see consumers taking a risk on the Surface when the price points are the same. IMO, they needed to put out a tablet that was priced more similar to Android tablets and low-end laptops/netbooks. It is going to have to be a really well done device to make an impact.

 

[Mario Kart]

Talked with some Microsoft employees from South America. Currently there is no accessory similar to the Apple TV that will allow the surface to connect to it and project the surfaces screen onto the projector.

An alternative would be to run the surface wirelessly through a laptop that is connected to a projector which will then project the surface screen onto the board. However, I was not given confirmation that that would work either.

All I want to do is to be mobile with a tablet in hand and move around the room with a wireless connection. Can this be done with any Windows tablets? Does the laptop idea make sense? This seems so easy yet so dumb that it would not work.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Talked with some Microsoft employees from South America. Currently there is no accessory similar to the Apple TV that will allow the surface to connect to it and project the surfaces screen onto the projector.

An alternative would be to run the surface wirelessly through a laptop that is connected to a projector which will then project the surface screen onto the board. However, I was not given confirmation that that would work either.

All I want to do is to be mobile with a tablet in hand and move around the room with a wireless connection. Can this be done with any Windows tablets? Does the laptop idea make sense? This seems so easy yet so dumb that it would not work.

So what is the HDMI used for?

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

Talked with some Microsoft employees from South America. Currently there is no accessory similar to the Apple TV that will allow the surface to connect to it and project the surfaces screen onto the projector.

An alternative would be to run the surface wirelessly through a laptop that is connected to a projector which will then project the surface screen onto the board. However, I was not given confirmation that that would work either.

All I want to do is to be mobile with a tablet in hand and move around the room with a wireless connection. Can this be done with any Windows tablets? Does the laptop idea make sense? This seems so easy yet so dumb that it would not work.

So what is the HDMI used for?

He wants to walk around the classroom.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Talked with some Microsoft employees from South America. Currently there is no accessory similar to the Apple TV that will allow the surface to connect to it and project the surfaces screen onto the projector.

An alternative would be to run the surface wirelessly through a laptop that is connected to a projector which will then project the surface screen onto the board. However, I was not given confirmation that that would work either.

All I want to do is to be mobile with a tablet in hand and move around the room with a wireless connection. Can this be done with any Windows tablets? Does the laptop idea make sense? This seems so easy yet so dumb that it would not work.

So what is the HDMI used for?

He wants to walk around the classroom.

Yeah... I should read better.Streaming wirelessly through another device to the projector would be simple enough but I'm not sure how you could make it interactive.

 

[cstu]

Talked with some Microsoft employees from South America. Currently there is no accessory similar to the Apple TV that will allow the surface to connect to it and project the surfaces screen onto the projector.

An alternative would be to run the surface wirelessly through a laptop that is connected to a projector which will then project the surface screen onto the board. However, I was not given confirmation that that would work either.

All I want to do is to be mobile with a tablet in hand and move around the room with a wireless connection. Can this be done with any Windows tablets? Does the laptop idea make sense? This seems so easy yet so dumb that it would not work.

How about the Dell XPS 12 I've been talking about? You can use it as a tablet and a laptop and use something like this to stream to the projector.

 

[cstu]

Only justification for the high price that I can see is that Microsoft thinks that businesses will step up and start buying these things, since most businesses use Windows. Can't see them pricing these thinking the average individual will be clamoring for them.

It runs windows, has a keyboard, HDMI port, big screen. It's closer to a laptop replacement than an iPad or the other tablets, isn't it?

This one doesn't run Windows - it runs RT, which is a mobile OS like Apple's iOS and not compatible with regular Windows. You can only run RT apps on it.

 

[Mario Kart]

Talked with some Microsoft employees from South America. Currently there is no accessory similar to the Apple TV that will allow the surface to connect to it and project the surfaces screen onto the projector.

An alternative would be to run the surface wirelessly through a laptop that is connected to a projector which will then project the surface screen onto the board. However, I was not given confirmation that that would work either.

All I want to do is to be mobile with a tablet in hand and move around the room with a wireless connection. Can this be done with any Windows tablets? Does the laptop idea make sense? This seems so easy yet so dumb that it would not work.

How about the Dell XPS 12 I've been talking about? You can use it as a tablet and a laptop and use something like this to stream to the projector.

Price point for that is way to high. Plus, I just need a tablet as I should have a laptop in my room anyway. So, I would have too much technology as is.

 

[mattdaddy]

WinRT is Windows 8 minus the legacy Win32 support. So if you're happy running Metro style apps then you won't need the higher end tablet. If you expect to have to run applications developed for Windows 7 on your tablet then you may want to consider buying the full blown Windows 8 version. Keep in mind that Office is moving to a Metro style front end with a cloud based back end. You should also be able to use remote desktop within WinRT. I wouldn't expect surface to make a huge dent in the market share right out of the gate but as more developers make use of C#, XAML (or HTML5,JavaScript if thats your thing) with WCF on the back end there should be an explosion of feature rich metro style apps in the near future.

 

[Mario Kart]

Any insider updates as to the effectiveness of this thing inside of a classroom? The searches I come up with do not give any specifics. So, just wondering if anyone has had any other luck finding out information.

 

[Maelstrom]

I have seen some of the Windows 8 tablets - a Microsoft rep was using one at Windows 8 Dev camp I went to for her entire presentation. It did coding (Visual Studio), multi-monitor, desktop (i.e. regular Windows) and the tile based "Metro" interface all pretty nicely. I don't remember which model it was, but it was pretty slick. Although I asked about other models coming out and she said it would probably be wise to wait until closer to the end of the year, but couldn't tell me why. Just that there was cool stuff coming out.

 

[cstu]

I have seen some of the Windows 8 tablets - a Microsoft rep was using one at Windows 8 Dev camp I went to for her entire presentation. It did coding (Visual Studio), multi-monitor, desktop (i.e. regular Windows) and the tile based "Metro" interface all pretty nicely. I don't remember which model it was, but it was pretty slick. Although I asked about other models coming out and she said it would probably be wise to wait until closer to the end of the year, but couldn't tell me why. Just that there was cool stuff coming out.

IMO, it's the keyboard that is the big selling point on the RT. Besides that I don't see any reason to buy it over the Asus TF700.

 

[Mario Kart]

I'm torn because I need this thing to work in conjunction with my classroom. Do I wait for the full version which is coming out who knows when or do I jump in now with minimal cost (office already loaded, higher price for full version, etc) not knowing yet if it will even work how I want it to. Our computers do not have windows 8 on them and will not for who knows how long so comparability could be an issue if I have the win 8 tablet and the room computer won't connect with it or something.

What other bells and whistles could there be with the full version that Msft is keeping secret right now? Do I or don't I?

 

[Mario Kart]

http://www.techradar.com/us/news/mobile-computing/tablets/windows-8-tablets-release-date-specs-and-prices-916134

I'm thinking of going another route. The article above lists the tablets that will have Windows 8. Which one is the one to get? I'm looking through them now.

 

[Mario Kart]

http://www.techradar.com/us/news/mobile-computing/tablets/windows-8-tablets-release-date-specs-and-prices-916134

The list has many tablet/laptop hybrids so I am not going to go through all of them. Acer Iconia W510 = $499, available Nov. 9th- Windows 8 Pro- Atom processor- 9 hour battery- is a hybrid (comes with a keyboard with extra battery power adds to the price)- apparently has a plastic shell and not metal (so not too sturdy)Acer Iconia W700 = $799, available Oct. 26th- comes with a dock- 11.6 inch screen- top end tabletAsus Vivo Tab = $799, available Oct. 26th- Windows 8- 11.6 inchesLenovo ThinkPad 2 = $649, available Oct. 26th- 10 inches- 10 hour battery- **** ships with a full version of Office 2013Pricing is from a variety of web pages and some have discrepancies. The Acer Iconia W510 seems like a good buy. It seems to have similar specs as the others but possibly not as durable. That said, if the Lenovo ThinkPad 2 is actually $629 (with no accessories) that seems like a good price for a full Windows 8 tablet on Oct. 26th.

 

[cstu]

The Acer Iconia W510 looks like good value, but it has an Atom Z2760 chip in it that's pretty weak (Core 2 Duo level). Not bad though if you are only doing basic tasks with it.

 

[Mario Kart]

The Acer Iconia W510 looks like good value, but it has an Atom Z2760 chip in it that's pretty weak (Core 2 Duo level). Not bad though if you are only doing basic tasks with it.

Check out the Lenovo. Talked with some guy in India on their webpage chat. Might be able to preorder them before October 26th but said they would be in hand by November 16th. Comes with full Office 2013... that is a huge selling point for me at this time. All of these tablets seem to have similar chip sets, except the one you mentioned above.

 

[cstu]

The Acer Iconia W510 looks like good value, but it has an Atom Z2760 chip in it that's pretty weak (Core 2 Duo level). Not bad though if you are only doing basic tasks with it.

Check out the Lenovo. Talked with some guy in India on their webpage chat. Might be able to preorder them before October 26th but said they would be in hand by November 16th. Comes with full Office 2013... that is a huge selling point for me at this time. All of these tablets seem to have similar chip sets, except the one you mentioned above.

I think the Lenovo also has the Atom chip.

 

[Mario Kart]

Found another site to look at. The Lenovo is nice because it comes with MS Office. I'm not sure how much that will be if I would go with another option.

Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet 2,

Samsung Series 5 Slate, Intel Atom, $649 (no keyboard), 11.6"

Acer Iconia W700, Core i3, $799, 11.6"

Dell Latitude 10, Atom, 10"

 

[Mario Kart]

http://www.theverge.com/products/compare/6041/6193/6148/5951/5717

These are the five I am considering. Right now, the order below is where I have them:

5. Acer Iconia W700 (price too high)

4. Lenovo IdeaTab Lynx (availability in December )

3. Dell Latitude 10 ($760, availability date, looks great otherwise, removable battery)

1b. Samsung Series 5 Slate/no keyboard (screen size , flaps covering ports , note taking )

1a. Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet 2 (comes with Office 2013, taking notes )

I'm not familiar with Samsung stuff although they tend to be well built. The school has all Dell stuff so things would connect better, if there was an issue.

 

[Mario Kart]

The Dell Latitude is ready for preorder. Its a nice looking thing but no Office included, which costs another $200 if you want it.

I believe I will need the Windows 8 Pro system on whichever one I do buy. It offers Remote Desktop which sounds like something I will need to connect to the laptop in my room. I may be wrong in that assumption though.

 

[Fennis]

Surface Review on Anandtech

It is a very indepth review, below is the final section:

Pricing and Final Words

Last week Microsoft announced pricing for Surface. The base configuration starts at $499 with 32GB of internal storage, you can get a bundle with a black Touch Cover for $599 and finally there’s a 64GB model with Touch Cover for $699. All versions of Surface come with Office 2013 Home & Student Edition preview, and will be upgraded (for free) to the final build of Office 2013 once it’s available.

Whether or not Surface is priced appropriately really depends on how much you value Windows RT and getting Office 2013 for free. I suspect if you’re already a big Office user, you’ll see a lot of value in the bundle. On the Windows RT side, whether or not that platform has value really depends on how frustrated you are by the multitasking, task switching and lack of screen sharing (two apps on the screen at once) of other mobile OSes. Depending on your feelings on those two issues Surface will either feel like a bargain, or too much.

As a device, Surface is incredibly well executed. It makes sense that Microsoft’s OEM partners are feeling the pressure as there’s very little that I would change about Surface from a design perspective. The chassis is well built and the integrated kickstand is seriously one of the most useful features to ever meet a tablet. The optional Touch and Type Covers complete the package. While a full sized notebook is going to deliver a better typing experience, when paired with its Touch/Type covers Surface results in a more productive platform than any other tablet.

Surface is the most flexible tablet I've ever used. Through two seemingly simple additions to the design (but incredibly complex to actually develop and implement), Microsoft took a tablet and turned it into something much more. If you're frustrated by productivity limits of currently available tablets, Surface really seems to be the right formula for a solution. It's important to note that Microsoft's execution with Surface establishes the company as a competitive powerhouse in the mobile design market. I can only imagine what multiple revs of the design will give us, not to mention what could happen if Microsoft set its obsessive sights on smartphones or notebooks.

The Windows RT experience, in many senses, is clearly ahead of what many competitors offer in the tablet space today. Multitasking, task switching and the ability to have multiple applications active on the screen at once are all big advantages that Microsoft enjoys. For productivity workloads, Surface is without equal in the tablet space.

Content consumption is also great on the device. Surface's display isn't industry leading but it's still good. Reading emails, browsing the web flipping through photos and watching videos are all good fits for the platform - just as good as competing solutions from Apple or Google.

More impressive than the fact that Microsoft brought competitive parity to the Windows tablet usage model is the fact that power efficiency doesn't seem to be an issue for Windows RT. Microsoft has built a mobile OS that is capable of, at least based on what we've seen today with Surface, being competitive with Android and iOS solutions when it comes to battery life. With lower power silicon inside, Microsoft could do even better.

I don't believe Surface is perfect. I would have liked to have seen faster hardware inside, and there are some rough edges that could use smoothing out (e.g. the power connector and HDMI output come to mind) but overall the device is easily in recommendable territory. The biggest issue I have with recommending Surface is that you know the next iteration of the device is likely going to be appreciably better, with faster/more efficient hardware and perhaps even a better chassis.

If you're ok being an early adopter, and ok dealing with the fact that mobile devices are still being significantly revved every year, Surface is worth your consideration. If you've wanted a tablet that could really bridge the content consumption and prodcutivity device, Surface is it.

 

[cstu]

The base configuration starts at $499 with 32GB of internal storage, you can get a bundle with a black Touch Cover for $599

I was under the assumption that the Touch Cover was included in the $499 price. Without the keyboard it's just another device.

 

[Rayderr]

The base configuration starts at $499 with 32GB of internal storage, you can get a bundle with a black Touch Cover for $599

I was under the assumption that the Touch Cover was included in the $499 price. Without the keyboard it's just another device.

The $499 version has the "Type cover". The upgraded models get the fancier "Touch cover."

Touch vs. Type CoverTouch Cover and Type Cover are revolutionary ways to click in and do more with Surface. With full keyboards, touchpads, and Windows and media shortcuts, you can type, chat, blog, and get stuff done, faster! Both covers click into Surface easily, and protect your display when folded closed.Touch Cover is an amazingly thin and ultra-light dual keyboard cover, with a spill-resistant surface, it comes in several vibrant colors to express your personal style.Need to do more, faster? Try Type Cover, the dual keyboard cover that lets you work the way you’re used to working. With a full row of function keys, Type Cover marries the comfort and speed of a traditional keyboard with an incredibly thin form factor so you can be productive anywhere, anytime.Your purchase of Surface with Windows RT may include a sleek black touch cover. Other vibrant colors are also available for individual purchase. If you prefer a more traditional work experience, consider purchasing an additional Type Cover.

 

[goonsquad]

The $499 version has the "Type cover". The upgraded models get the fancier "Touch cover."

No they don't.Touch cover is an additional $119, Type cover is $129.

 

[Rayderr]

The $499 version has the "Type cover". The upgraded models get the fancier "Touch cover."

No they don't.Touch cover is an additional $119, Type cover is $129.

Thank you for the correction iHucks. The Type cover is indeed extra. However, the $119 Touch cover is only if you want a color one. If you don't mind the black one, you can get that with the Surface for $599.

 

[Fennis]

funny stuff

 

[BigTex]

http://www.theverge.com/products/compare/6041/6193/6148/5951/5717These are the five I am considering. Right now, the order below is where I have them:5. Acer Iconia W700 (price too high)4. Lenovo IdeaTab Lynx (availability in December )3. Dell Latitude 10 ($760, availability date, looks great otherwise, removable battery)1b. Samsung Series 5 Slate/no keyboard (screen size , flaps covering ports , note taking )1a. Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet 2 (comes with Office 2013, taking notes )I'm not familiar with Samsung stuff although they tend to be well built. The school has all Dell stuff so things would connect better, if there was an issue.

I like that ThinkPad the USB and HDMI is a great feature.

 

[BigTex]

Surface Review on Anandtech

It is a very indepth review, below is the final section:

Pricing and Final Words

Last week Microsoft announced pricing for Surface. The base configuration starts at $499 with 32GB of internal storage, you can get a bundle with a black Touch Cover for $599 and finally there’s a 64GB model with Touch Cover for $699. All versions of Surface come with Office 2013 Home & Student Edition preview, and will be upgraded (for free) to the final build of Office 2013 once it’s available.

Whether or not Surface is priced appropriately really depends on how much you value Windows RT and getting Office 2013 for free. I suspect if you’re already a big Office user, you’ll see a lot of value in the bundle. On the Windows RT side, whether or not that platform has value really depends on how frustrated you are by the multitasking, task switching and lack of screen sharing (two apps on the screen at once) of other mobile OSes. Depending on your feelings on those two issues Surface will either feel like a bargain, or too much.

As a device, Surface is incredibly well executed. It makes sense that Microsoft’s OEM partners are feeling the pressure as there’s very little that I would change about Surface from a design perspective. The chassis is well built and the integrated kickstand is seriously one of the most useful features to ever meet a tablet. The optional Touch and Type Covers complete the package. While a full sized notebook is going to deliver a better typing experience, when paired with its Touch/Type covers Surface results in a more productive platform than any other tablet.

Surface is the most flexible tablet I've ever used. Through two seemingly simple additions to the design (but incredibly complex to actually develop and implement), Microsoft took a tablet and turned it into something much more. If you're frustrated by productivity limits of currently available tablets, Surface really seems to be the right formula for a solution. It's important to note that Microsoft's execution with Surface establishes the company as a competitive powerhouse in the mobile design market. I can only imagine what multiple revs of the design will give us, not to mention what could happen if Microsoft set its obsessive sights on smartphones or notebooks.

The Windows RT experience, in many senses, is clearly ahead of what many competitors offer in the tablet space today. Multitasking, task switching and the ability to have multiple applications active on the screen at once are all big advantages that Microsoft enjoys. For productivity workloads, Surface is without equal in the tablet space.

Content consumption is also great on the device. Surface's display isn't industry leading but it's still good. Reading emails, browsing the web flipping through photos and watching videos are all good fits for the platform - just as good as competing solutions from Apple or Google.

More impressive than the fact that Microsoft brought competitive parity to the Windows tablet usage model is the fact that power efficiency doesn't seem to be an issue for Windows RT. Microsoft has built a mobile OS that is capable of, at least based on what we've seen today with Surface, being competitive with Android and iOS solutions when it comes to battery life. With lower power silicon inside, Microsoft could do even better.

I don't believe Surface is perfect. I would have liked to have seen faster hardware inside, and there are some rough edges that could use smoothing out (e.g. the power connector and HDMI output come to mind) but overall the device is easily in recommendable territory. The biggest issue I have with recommending Surface is that you know the next iteration of the device is likely going to be appreciably better, with faster/more efficient hardware and perhaps even a better chassis.

If you're ok being an early adopter, and ok dealing with the fact that mobile devices are still being significantly revved every year, Surface is worth your consideration. If you've wanted a tablet that could really bridge the content consumption and prodcutivity device, Surface is it.

That's freakin nice!!!

 

[Slapdash]

Has anyone here gotten one of these?

 

[gianmarco]

Saw one in the mall today and looks/feels pretty slick. Might have to try this out.

 

[Slapdash]

Anyone have one of these that can share your thoughts?

 

[Statcruncher]

I'm expecting [icon] or Goonsquad to post their review any minute now.

 

[SacramentoBob]

I'm torn because I need this thing to work in conjunction with my classroom. Do I wait for the full version which is coming out who knows when or do I jump in now with minimal cost (office already loaded, higher price for full version, etc) not knowing yet if it will even work how I want it to. Our computers do not have windows 8 on them and will not for who knows how long so comparability could be an issue if I have the win 8 tablet and the room computer won't connect with it or something.What other bells and whistles could there be with the full version that Msft is keeping secret right now? Do I or don't I?

What is it that you need to work with your classroom?

 

[[icon]]

http://techcrunch.com/2012/11/19/i-got-one-but-i-dont-get-it/

Ouch.

 

[Rayderr]

http://techcrunch.com/2012/11/19/i-got-one-but-i-dont-get-it/Ouch.

An iPad Lover’s Take On The Surface With Windows RT

I stopped there.

 

[cstu]

http://techcrunch.com/2012/11/19/i-got-one-but-i-dont-get-it/

Ouch.

I bought the baseline $499 model which comes with 32 GB of internal storage. And I bought a Touch Cover for an additional $119.99 (why Microsoft is selling the Surface for $499.00 flat and the Touch Cover for $119.99, I don’t know — but it goes nicely with the lack of synergy I feel across the entire product). Yes, it would have been cheaper to get a bundle for $599, but I wanted a red Touch Cover. And if I’m paying my own money for this thing, you’re going to be damn sure I’m going to get what I want.

That's so Apple.

 

[cstu]

Of course, that doesn’t even speak to a lack of apps in said store — which, let’s be honest, is the real problem. There are some you’ll know and want such as the Kindle app, the New York Times app, Skype (of course), and Netflix. And there are quite a few popular game apps like Cut the Rope, Doodle God, and even the new Star Wars Angry Birds. But, for the most part, it’s a ghost town.And it’s beyond buggy. I tried to install a trial version (before buying it) of the Star Wars Angry Birds app three times, and I got an error message each time. Microsoft is also featuring it in their Games app for Windows RT, and gives you a “Play” button to click which results in a message along the lines of: “No apps are installed to open this type of link (xboxliveapp-83727282)”. Below that was a link to get the app from the store, and that link continued to fail every single time. Awesome.And again, there is no official Twitter app (not yet, anyway). I downloaded an app called MetroTwit which isn’t the worst app, but isn’t great. Another, Tweetro, has already maxed out their Twitter API limit. To use Facebook, Microsoft recommends you use the web or their People app. Obviously, there’s no Flipboard, Instapaper, Pocket, Spotify, Rdio, Pandora, Dropbox, etc. There are simply not a lot of apps right now. Maybe that changes over time, but a lot of developers I talk to are taking the wait-and-see approach.

A quick check showed me that most of the apps mentioned are available now. A lot of complaining about lack of apps but how many did the Apple store have a few weeks into launch?

 

[[icon]]

http://techcrunch.com/2012/11/19/i-got-one-but-i-dont-get-it/Ouch.

An iPad Lover’s Take On The Surface With Windows RT

I stopped there.

Too bad.. there's some valid assertions in there.

 

[cstu]

Too bad.. there's some valid assertions in there.

"Strange, buggy and clunky"...exactly like every review of a Windows product by a Mac user in the history of computers.Complaining that you can't use Excel very well with the touchscreen is idiotic - any normal person is going to use a mouse.

 

[17seconds]

Too bad.. there's some valid assertions in there.

"Strange, buggy and clunky"...exactly like every review of a Windows product by a Mac user in the history of computers.Complaining that you can't use Excel very well with the touchscreen is idiotic - any normal person is going to use a mouse.

The guy #####ed about not knowing when the non-WinRT version will be out. Like Apple ever told him when anything was coming out.BTW.. the buggiest app I have on all of my Windows machines is iTunes. Detects my iPod about 60% of the time when I plug it in, crashes, and thinks my iPod is corrupt every once in a while too. I don't dare try managing my music library with it - I only use it for getting podcasts.