The Microsoft Surface Tablet

[Ruissimo]

Hey guys... I wanted to chat to some of the other geeks out there about the new Microsoft Surface Tablet that is supposedly coming out to coincide with the Windows 8 release. The last time I checked... it was supposed to be in late October of this year.

ANYWAYS... here's the full keynote in case you don't know anything about it:

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jozTK-MqEXQ"]Microsoft Surface Keynote - YouTube[/ame]

Here are some of the specs:

• Two tablets will be available: A 9.3mm thick, 1.5 lb, Windows RT-based "light" model and a full-blown 13.4mm thick, 2 lb, WIndows 8 Pro-based model
• CPU's: Nvidia Tegra3 for the Windows RT model; Intel Core i5 for the Windows 8 Pro model
• Display size: 10.6"
• Resolution: 1280x720 for RT; 1920x1080 for 8 Pro
• Built-in Storage: 32GB or 64GB for RT; 64GB or 128GB for 8 Pro
• Ports: microSD, USB 2.0, Micro HD Video for RT; microSDXC, USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort for 8 Pro
• A protective, magnetic cover that doubles as a... keyboard? Yes.
• A built-in kick-stand, 'cause why WOULDN'T you include one?

I'm sure there are some other key features that I am missing. However, I wanted to start the conversation... who's excited about this product? What would you use one for? What do you foresee as the potential capabilities of the Surface?

And.... begin.

 

[gameday22]

It seems like a nice device and I have been interested in one for a while now, though I am not fully sold on Windows 8 yet for an operating system. I could see this as a nice platform for LogMeIn to remotely work on a clients computer when having the laptop out isn't convenient. I'm sure it will also make a nice accessory to your home media center setup, possibly using it as a command remote to the main media PC. What I would truly like to see is a tablet option for vehicles, something similar to what the Tesla electric car has in it. I just purchased a Nexus 7 and so far it is a nice tablet for the price.

 

[raw6464]

As much as I'm NOT an Apple fan the iPad is the best piece of hardware amongst the Tablet market.... IMHO.

I have both an iPad and a Samsung Android the iPad is far superior. Just an example is the sleep mode and start up. The iPad will sleep for over 300 hours and startup is almost instant. The Android won't last 2 days in sleep mode so I have to shut it down and it takes several minutes to boot up.

Microsoft: Personally I would stay away from any of their hardware. Their track record is not good. Their phone was a bomb.

IMHO MS is making a big mistake going into the hardware market ticking off all their customers like HP an Dell. This could lead to very bad things for MS. When MS is selling an operating systems update for $30 gotta tell you the situation their in. I would not buy a MS tablet for at lest 2 years, if ever. It only took them 20 years to provide FREE virus protection for their Windows operating system. When they first provided virus protecting they CHARGED you for it... it took a lot of control to stop throwing my laptop against the wall.!

No question Apple products are VERY overpriced but it's their ease of use and they do work well. You can still get a 16Gig iPad 2 for less than $400 if you shop around.

 

[Ruissimo]

I hear some of what you're saying. I agree with you that they're gonna be pissing off their hardware partners. I am also thinking that this thing won't be much cheaper, if cheaper at all than the Apple product, since Intel is going to be charging full price for their licensing in the Pro model.

However, I think they've got their crap together when it comes to hardware now. I have an Xbox 360, and it is really well-built and reliable (now). You might also be correct about buying the first few models - though that really applies to any new hardware.

I'm excited about the expansion possibilities of the Surface, to be honest. Unlimited portable storage and free peripherals is ALWAYS a good thing. And I've been using Windows since forever.

 

[dcuccia]

@raw6464 The Windows Phone is awesome. It has had carrier-induced setbacks (esp Verizon), but the usability and power efficiency is the best of the phone platforms IMO. The wife loves it (her first smartphone) and she's pretty picky on new technology. Biggest downside to market adoption is the third-place attention of developers (ie apps), but here's hoping there's a shift with phone/tablet/desktop 8, which will all share the same NT kernel and be app-compatible, thus large market opportunity for devs.

 

[Ruissimo]

@raw6464 The Windows Phone is awesome. It has had carrier-induced setbacks (esp Verizon), but the usability and power efficiency is the best of the phone platforms IMO.

Funny you should say that - my father is in town, and I took him phone shopping yesterday - he's coming from a Blackberry Curve, and we spent quality time at the zoo (Apple Store) and the circus (MS Store) and at the end of the day, the $50.00 Nokia Lumia 900 Windows phone was the best of the bunch for what HE needs it for.

Makes me jealous - I don't NEED a phone since my work pays for my berry... but I want one!

One thing that bugs me about the supposed Surface tablets? The RT model comes with a 720p screen, and no 1080p.... but the Pro model doesn't come with MS Office!

I want both Office *AND* 1080p! Not cool, Microsoft. Not cool.

 

[dcuccia]

Makes me jealous - I don't NEED a phone since my work pays for my berry... but I want one!

Haha, you didn't NEED that 5.0 either.

 

[Ruissimo]

Haha, you didn't NEED that 5.0 either.

OH HOW YOU WRONG YOU ARE, SIR.