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Microsoft Introduces New "Surface" Tablet

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Re: Microsoft Introduces New "Surface" Tablet

#351

Post by trout »

Bud wrote: post #243
jrockway wrote: post #165

Earlier quoted context omitted.

On the other hand, nearly ever doctor or professional I've seen using a tablet was using a Thinkpad with a pen rather than an iPad with their finger. Screwing around with iTunes and doing work are two completely separate use cases, and it seems that Microsoft is more interested in "the Enterprise" than Apple is. So with that in mind, they're trying to accommodate all use cases. (I did have one doctor that insisted on…

"Screwing around with iTunes"? You've either both not worked in any large companies lately AND never really used an iPad, or you are just blinded by platform bias. The fact is that iPads are being massively adopted in Fortune 500 companies. And I can assure you that those users are not "screwing around with iTunes". In fact, iTunes doesn't even exist on the iPad, so you don't really know what you are talking about, a…

I work with a pretty decent chunk of the fortune 500, and I would disagree.

What I've seen is an aversion to the iPads, but there are certain places where they can't keep them out. If wireless is authenticated on AD or PSK, it's very difficult to stop them(though there are a growing number of options). If the executive has the power to override IT policy on approved devices, they have no choice.

For what it's worth, it's commonly referred to as the "Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)" movement or "the iPad problem".

Very few have truly accepted and encouraged iPad use since it's not an enterprise device. If you do have IT sponsorship for it, most companies are having to draw new lines around it rather than simply owning it like they historically did with Blackberries. Examples: you have to pay for your own, it has to be managed by MDM and have wipe privileges, you will have to access all applications through VDI, etc.

That said, enterprises aren't thrilled end users can take them home and sync them with their own iTunes and mess with what IT has built on the tablets. Plus Apple's grip on all aspects of the device don't lend to being controlled by MDM very well.

Enterprises are still looking for a replacement for Blackberry, and Microsoft is looking poised to make a shot. Apple doesn't seem interested in compromising their product to fit into the enterprise market.

Re: Microsoft Introduces New "Surface" Tablet

#352

Post by [deleted] »

greedo wrote: post #43

Good to see MS trying to compete with the iPad. Not sure that they'll have any more success than the Android based systems, but at least they're not ceding the market to Apple. I'll be very interested to see how the OEM partners view this. The key will be in pricing. If it's $499 for the base version, it might have a chance. Pricing it "on par with Ultrabook-class PCs" will leave it Zuned. I'm also surprised that Mic…

[deleted]

Re: Microsoft Introduces New "Surface" Tablet

#353

Post by phmagic »

I was pretty excited about this device as well. Until I downloaded and played with Windows 8. Windows 8's inconsistent and confusing UI blows. The Metro integration into Windows 8 looked like a last minute decision because most apps still have the Aero interface.

Microsoft has realized that the hardware to software integration is crucial to a great user experience. However, they spent so much time on the hardware of this tablet that I'm wondering if the Windows 8 software can match.

That said if this tablet is under $600, it will sell like hotcakes.

Re: Microsoft Introduces New "Surface" Tablet

#354

Post by homerowilson »

sho_hn wrote: post #224
chj wrote: post #216

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I don't think MS is going after MBA. sure, keyboard may be nicer than bt keyboard for ipad, but that doesn't make it a laptop replacement. the os -- windows rt -- may be as restrictive as ipad is, quite different from the windows for desktop. There is nothing inspiring in this product, at least they didn't answer a question: is there something new we can do with this tablet?

You're making a bunch of key mistakes there: a) Only the ARM version is running Windows RT. The Intel version I wrote about is using "Windows 8 Pro", which contains the regular Windows desktop. b) A BT keyboard for the iPad is something you need to select separately, and schlepp around inconveniently. A cover goes together with the device. Stuff like this matters. As for whether it's doing anything new, dunno. The th…

I am writing this from a Transformer Prime, which has totally replaced my laptop. But I have to augment the Android OS with Debian to make the machine useful to me (which I run in a chroot jail).

I agree that Windows in such a form factor could be quite compelling to lots of users.

I think the Asus Transformer has a better form factor though since it does not need a desk to support the screen/keyboard--you can use it on your lap like a laptop.

Re: Microsoft Introduces New "Surface" Tablet

#355

Post by adolph »

InclinedPlane wrote: post #229
galenward wrote: post #154

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I don't buy the complaint about CPU or RAM - featuring specs is not the way things are done anymore.

Who said? Assuming that Apple and the iPad is "the way things are done these days", then there's plenty of in depth specs available: http://www.apple.com/ipad/specs/ Exact pixel resolution and ppi of the screen. Number of CPU cores and the precise CPU model. Exact listing of wireless protocols and bands supported. Megapixel counts of the cameras and video recording format limits. It would be nice to have even this da…

Apple specs missing the number (and dimension?) of "antennae."

http://www.microsoft.com/global/surface/en/us/renderingasset...

Re: Microsoft Introduces New "Surface" Tablet

#356

Post by prezjordan »

steverb wrote: post #328
prezjordan wrote: post #264

Earlier quoted context omitted.

See, I always get this response, but no one has yet to prove to me that VS can open and be ready to use in less than a minute. I'd like to see video, until then I'll keep believing VS users are incapable of keeping time.

Actually, I was responding to the bit about it crashing when you move the mouse wrong. Complaining about how long VS takes to start up is about as useful as complaining about how long it takes the computer to boot. Neither are part of my daily work flow. I don't shutdown the computer, and I don't generally close VS 2010. Anyway, I was curious and I timed it. I clocked about 12 seconds to completely start VS2010 on a…

A+ for following through, thank you. I wish my experience weren't so sour.

Re: Microsoft Introduces New "Surface" Tablet

#357

Post by dorian-graph »

podperson wrote: post #318
lunchbox wrote: post #235

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Successful companies have learned that a (shockingly) large proportion of consumers form impressions and make decisions on a primarily emotional , rather than rational or practical, basis. That's what this video is designed for. It inaugurates the brand, piques the viewer's interest, and plants the seeds of desire. Trust me, there will be plenty of time in the coming months for in-depth product reviews, spec comparis…

Really, you think that the video succeeds on that level? I think there's about 10s worth of content there.

Don't pretend you're the world.

Re: Microsoft Introduces New "Surface" Tablet

#358

Post by srkiranraj »

kulkarnic wrote: post #122
sho_hn wrote: post #83

So they're not just going after the iPad, they're also going after the MacBook Air: The Intel version + Touch Cover was repeatedly shown with the regular desktop and apps on it, and generally spun as a sort of light laptop. Ambitious, and finally makes sense of their Metro/desktop combo OS strategy to a degree. The hardware to go along with it was a missing puzzle piece, and I guess shows just how important it can be…

Pen+touch+type seems like a great idea. It is something no other manufacturer has tried to do. I think the devil will be in the details, but this sure is interesting, because Apple's strategy is "people should buy multiple devices-- iPad, Macbook Air, Mac Pro...". MSFT wants one device that is a lot more versatile.

I dont see any reference to pen input in surface. Is it true that Surface has pen input too ?

Re: Microsoft Introduces New "Surface" Tablet

#359

Post by prezjordan »

dag11 wrote: post #342
prezjordan wrote: post #264

Earlier quoted context omitted.

See, I always get this response, but no one has yet to prove to me that VS can open and be ready to use in less than a minute. I'd like to see video, until then I'll keep believing VS users are incapable of keeping time.

I made this just for you: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A78RVmhoGMw Visual Studio opens in 2 to 3 seconds.

Wow that's quick. Would it be too much to ask to see video of you opening a "not-so-small" project? Maybe startup time isn't my chokepoint.

But thanks for making the video. And nice title, ha.

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