Microsoft Surface?

[gunner]

Anyone got one yet? What do you think?

Paul

 

[Zyphlin]

I'm interested to use it. I'd probably hold off a year or two to let the application base for WindowsRT mature a bit.

I absolutely LOVE the touch cover idea and it's something I hope Apple and Android copy soon (I loved the apple magnetic attached smart cover, as I've been a sucker for covers on my mobile devices dating back to my Jornada 545).

Windows Phone is my second favorite core Mobile OS however (WebOS still wins this one for me by a mile), so I like the general look and feel of Windows 8.

If only I could dream. I'd take an apple external build quality with android internals using Windows RT with iOS's tablet app library complete with webOS style gestures/notifications/multitasking complete with a smart cover that folds like apples but types like microsofts...

 

[Chickenhawks]

with an avie like that, i think we will be making sure you wont be allowed to purchase one of these

how can you hate America so much?

bigots

 

[Zyphlin]

....cowboys fan I take it.

 

[American]

I've only seen their new touch pad on TV, no in person. How does this compare with the iPad?

 

[Zyphlin]

I've only seen their new touch pad on TV, no in person. How does this compare with the iPad?

Well...a lot's going to depend on two three things:

1. Which Surface as we talking about
2. What do you want to use the tablet for?
3. How Mobile do you want to be with the device?

In terms of #1, there's going to actually be two versions of Surface. One is going to be with an actual copy of the full desktop version of Windows 8. That's set to come out later and will be a bit more expensive. The current version runs off Windows RT which is kind of a stripped down, tablet focused version of Windows made specifically for low power processors. If you're wanting a full computer experience in a tablet, Surface would probably be a good one. Since you're comparing it to the iPad however, I'll look at the RT version.

In terms of that, it's kind of a crap shoot. The iPad currently has SIGNIFICANTLY more specialized tablet applications available for it than WindowsRT. Windows 8 RT is a newborn OS with app support just barely really beginning. In it's favor is the full office suite, but beyond that there's a lot of question marks. However, Microsoft has managed to get I believe over 40 of the top 50 phone apps ported over to Windows Phone now so I imagine within the year most of your MAJOR apps will be on Windows RT, but they're not currently. Windows RT is a more powerful OS and can give you a bit more of a true "computer" experience than iOS. It's also more "active" on it's primary screen.

In terms of question 2...that's going to be the big thing. Are you wanting something that you'll use often as a laptop but also want that portability and use of a tablet often as well, the Surface works well for it. The way the touch cover for it works, along with the kick stand and the long dimensions, it probably actually functions a bit better sitting down almost like a laptop than it does as a pure tablet. If you're a power user, that's going to want a full fledged type of computer OS, it'll probably be very good for you as I have a feeling there will be a lot of hacking and tweaking of RT pretty quickly (and the full Windows 8 verison would be that for you out of the box). On the flip side, if you're more of a casual user or someone who wants a simple and straight forward interface and experience out of the box, the iPad may be a better choice. If you're someone who is looking at this primarily for entertainment type purposes and media consumption, the iPad is also probably a better choice. Essentially, the Surface would likely work a bit better as a "laptop replacement" where as the iPad probably a bit better in terms of how tablets are currently stereotypically thought of being used.

That plays into option 3 a bit too. Currently, there's not a 3g/LTE option for the Surface to my knowledge. It's also a bit more bulky than the iPad (and especially the new mini) and from reviews seems to be a little more cumbersome to use in portrait mode. This goes back to that somewhat typical tablet experience that people think of today, where it's easy to walk around with the tablet, possibly jump on the couch and surfing the net or reading a book in bed, etc.

The Surface is definitely a very attractive option and it's going to be a fun device to watch grow along side Windows RT to see if it catches on in the market.

 

[Aberration]

I am waiting to see the Pro as I am looking at the active stylus. If it sucks I may get, or wait for the next, Samsung Note 10.1.

 

[PirateMk1]

I'm interested to use it. I'd probably hold off a year or two to let the application base for WindowsRT mature a bit.

I absolutely LOVE the touch cover idea and it's something I hope Apple and Android copy soon (I loved the apple magnetic attached smart cover, as I've been a sucker for covers on my mobile devices dating back to my Jornada 545).

Windows Phone is my second favorite core Mobile OS however (WebOS still wins this one for me by a mile), so I like the general look and feel of Windows 8.

If only I could dream. I'd take an apple external build quality with android internals using Windows RT with iOS's tablet app library complete with webOS style gestures/notifications/multitasking complete with a smart cover that folds like apples but types like microsofts...

Sounds like a business opportunity, to me.

 

[PirateMk1]

Well...a lot's going to depend on two three things:

1. Which Surface as we talking about
2. What do you want to use the tablet for?
3. How Mobile do you want to be with the device?

In terms of #1, there's going to actually be two versions of Surface. One is going to be with an actual copy of the full desktop version of Windows 8. That's set to come out later and will be a bit more expensive. The current version runs off Windows RT which is kind of a stripped down, tablet focused version of Windows made specifically for low power processors. If you're wanting a full computer experience in a tablet, Surface would probably be a good one. Since you're comparing it to the iPad however, I'll look at the RT version.

In terms of that, it's kind of a crap shoot. The iPad currently has SIGNIFICANTLY more specialized tablet applications available for it than WindowsRT. Windows 8 RT is a newborn OS with app support just barely really beginning. In it's favor is the full office suite, but beyond that there's a lot of question marks. However, Microsoft has managed to get I believe over 40 of the top 50 phone apps ported over to Windows Phone now so I imagine within the year most of your MAJOR apps will be on Windows RT, but they're not currently. Windows RT is a more powerful OS and can give you a bit more of a true "computer" experience than iOS. It's also more "active" on it's primary screen.

In terms of question 2...that's going to be the big thing. Are you wanting something that you'll use often as a laptop but also want that portability and use of a tablet often as well, the Surface works well for it. The way the touch cover for it works, along with the kick stand and the long dimensions, it probably actually functions a bit better sitting down almost like a laptop than it does as a pure tablet. If you're a power user, that's going to want a full fledged type of computer OS, it'll probably be very good for you as I have a feeling there will be a lot of hacking and tweaking of RT pretty quickly (and the full Windows 8 verison would be that for you out of the box). On the flip side, if you're more of a casual user or someone who wants a simple and straight forward interface and experience out of the box, the iPad may be a better choice. If you're someone who is looking at this primarily for entertainment type purposes and media consumption, the iPad is also probably a better choice. Essentially, the Surface would likely work a bit better as a "laptop replacement" where as the iPad probably a bit better in terms of how tablets are currently stereotypically thought of being used.

That plays into option 3 a bit too. Currently, there's not a 3g/LTE option for the Surface to my knowledge. It's also a bit more bulky than the iPad (and especially the new mini) and from reviews seems to be a little more cumbersome to use in portrait mode. This goes back to that somewhat typical tablet experience that people think of today, where it's easy to walk around with the tablet, possibly jump on the couch and surfing the net or reading a book in bed, etc.

The Surface is definitely a very attractive option and it's going to be a fun device to watch grow along side Windows RT to see if it catches on in the market.

I've got a Samsung series seven slate running windows 7 which I like quite a bit. I aint jumping to 8 just yet I want to see how the OS shakes out first. The slate works quite well as I needed somehing that could run several applications at once without significanr dificulty. The I5 processor and 4gigs ram are plenty and run everthing I need it to. Mine has a 128 gig ssd in and it boots in less than 15 seconds I love that part. I can shut it down whenever I want and boot it back up quick when I need it. Its quite good. The only bad thing about it is getting assesories for it is a pain there arent many. I have pretty much had to make my own vehicle mount for it. I like the dock for it and the bluetooth keypoard. They are selling them with windows 8 now so I imagin it should improve the performance even more, not that it needds much improving. If you need a work horse laptop substute in tablet form factor, I would check it out. I will probable buy another one here shortly.

 

[Infinite Chaos]

Anyone got one yet? What do you think?

Paul

If you can wait, the Surface Pro should be out in December / January or soon after.

I've got a Samsung series seven slate running windows 7 which I like quite a bit. I aint jumping to 8 just yet I want to see how the OS shakes out first. The slate works quite well as I needed somehing that could run several applications at once without significanr dificulty. The I5 processor and 4gigs ram are plenty and run everthing I need it to. Mine has a 128 gig ssd in and it boots in less than 15 seconds I love that part. I can shut it down whenever I want and boot it back up quick when I need it. Its quite good. The only bad thing about it is getting assesories for it is a pain there arent many. I have pretty much had to make my own vehicle mount for it. I like the dock for it and the bluetooth keypoard. They are selling them with windows 8 now so I imagin it should improve the performance even more, not that it needds much improving. If you need a work horse laptop substute in tablet form factor, I would check it out. I will probable buy another one here shortly.

The series 7 is an awesome tablet but I hear the battery is soldered in so once that goes there's no replacing it. I also wouldn't get a series 7 new when the new Samung Ativ PC Pro has come out

 

[Mycroft]

I currently have an Asus TF300T w/keyboard running Jellybean. I like it...it's good...but it's nowhere near a Windows PC-type computer. To that end, I'm seriously looking at getting an Asus Transformer Book.



Here are the specs for the various sizes: ASUS Transformer Book specs - gdgt

And here's an article for the various devices announced so far (including the Surface): Windows 8 tablet roundup: A complete list of launch tablets | Digital Trends

So...no matter what your spec requirements and price range, it looks like there's a Win8 device coming for you.

 

[gunner]

If you can wait, the Surface Pro should be out in December / January or soon after.

That's my thinking

My Laptop is pretty much on it's last legs and it looks to me this will be the closest thing to the Lap/Tab combi, for the time being. Other than Office (which for me is a must) I don't class myself as needing much else other than a fast browsing experience. I am a bit of a techie though, just purchased a Kindle Fire, my boy has an Ipad and my phone is the Galaxy s 3 :lol:

The click on keyboard appeals very much.

Paul

 

[Infinite Chaos]

-- just purchased a Kindle Fire --

The kindle fire is Amazon's private route to your wallet. It integrates absolutely seamlessly with Amazon's store which is why Amazon is prepared to sell so many for so much less than they cost.

Personally, if anyone builds an all in one with wacom stylus input at 20+ inches, I would sell an arm or some other body part to buy.

 

[The Giant Noodle]

From what Ive heard Surface is damn nice! Win8 works well on the tablets. I prefer laptops if I had to choose one device though.

 

[Mycroft]

From what Ive heard Surface is damn nice! Win8 works well on the tablets. I prefer laptops if I had to choose one device though.

You're in luck. There are a boatload of good laptops, w/touchscreen, being released right now.

Here's one:




(please forgive me for the HSN video...I present it in a tongue-in-cheek manner)

 

[The Giant Noodle]

Well now that looks pretty good. I really like the tablet / laptop hybrids. Would I still get rid of Metro? In this case... maybe. Not sure. But Win8 will fit well for this type of application.

 

[Mycroft]

Well now that looks pretty good. I really like the tablet / laptop hybrids. Would I still get rid of Metro? In this case... maybe. Not sure. But Win8 will fit well for this type of application.

Cool...now all you'll need to do is get a touch screen monitor for your desktop system. Then you can use the same apps, the same programs and the same interface on both your systems.

The only thing stopping me from adding a third monitor (touchscreen) to my set up is cost. 27" 1080p touch screen monitors are way out of my price range right now. I expect that to change in the next year.

 

[The Giant Noodle]

Cool...now all you'll need to do is get a touch screen monitor for your desktop system. Then you can use the same apps, the same programs and the same interface on both your systems.

The only thing stopping me from adding a third monitor (touchscreen) to my set up is cost. 27" 1080p touch screen monitors are way out of my price range right now. I expect that to change in the next year.

With my desktop its not wanted nor needed. I prefer my keyboard and mouse. I see no benefit to add a touchscreen with a desktop except the "cool" factor. Apple users would jump on it though. They LOVE cool stuff that isnt practical.
I strongly feel the best solution is to use the Win8 kernal and be able to simply enable / disable Metro like an option or access it like Windows Media Center. Just launch it when wanted. Keep the Win7 desktop exactly the way it is.

 

[Mycroft]

With my desktop its not wanted nor needed. I prefer my keyboard and mouse. I see no benefit to add a touchscreen with a desktop except the "cool" factor. Apple users would jump on it though. They LOVE cool stuff that isnt practical.
I strongly feel the best solution is to use the Win8 kernal and be able to simply enable / disable Metro like an option or access it like Windows Media Center. Just launch it when wanted. Keep the Win7 desktop exactly the way it is.

Okay. But, I predict that after you've gotten your Win8 touch screen laptop and have used it for a while, you'll find yourself instinctively reaching out to touch your desktop monitor to do things. I find myself doing that because I use the same browser for my phone, tablet and desktop.

 

[The Giant Noodle]

Okay. But, I predict that after you've gotten your Win8 touch screen laptop and have used it for a while, you'll find yourself instinctively reaching out to touch your desktop monitor to do things. I find myself doing that because I use the same browser for my phone, tablet and desktop.

It is possible. Although using my mouse is more efficient. My monitor is about 3.5 feet from me. My mouse is in my hand. I dont want to spend the coin for a touch sceen. Its not wanted. As much as I love ST: TNG I feel my mouse is spiffy for my config.
Which I go back and say Win* is great for phones and tablets. Even tablets with a niffty keyboard extension. Just not for my desktop. And in no way is it good for serious business users.(ANd not for gamers neither)

 

[Mycroft]

It is possible. Although using my mouse is more efficient. My monitor is about 3.5 feet from me. My mouse is in my hand. I dont want to spend the coin for a touch sceen. Its not wanted. As much as I love ST: TNG I feel my mouse is spiffy for my config.
Which I go back and say Win* is great for phones and tablets. Even tablets with a niffty keyboard extension. Just not for my desktop. And in no way is it good for serious business users.(ANd not for gamers neither)

You should get used to it. Business uses and gaming will adapt to touch, voice and motion controls. Win8 is just the start. Heck, I talk to my phone and tablet more than type on them right now. The PC will be no different.

 

[The Giant Noodle]

You should get used to it. Business uses and gaming will adapt to touch, voice and motion controls. Win8 is just the start. Heck, I talk to my phone and tablet more than type on them right now. The PC will be no different.

Stop sounding like a QVC bit. Windows 8 is great with phones and tablets. Its HORRIBLE with standard laptops and desktops. Windows 8 has ONE YEAR to catch on and guess what....... no one wants it! Its made for phones and tablets. Now to make everyone feel ok, here is a photo of a cute kitten:

 

[Mycroft]

Stop sounding like a QVC bit. Windows 8 is great with phones and tablets. Its HORRIBLE with standard laptops and desktops. Windows 8 has ONE YEAR to catch on and guess what....... no one wants it! Its made for phones and tablets. Now to make everyone feel ok, here is a photo of a cute kitten:

LOL!!!

Tell you what...you stop sounding like an anti-MS hack and I'll promise to stop sounding like a pro-MS hack. Okay?

 

[The Giant Noodle]

LOL!!!

Tell you what...you stop sounding like an anti-MS hack and I'll promise to stop sounding like a pro-MS hack. Okay?

Hold your horses buddy! I have endorsed Win7 many times! Win8 is a mess. If you like it... great. Youre in the HUGE minority. Use Win8 without a touch screen. If you have a computer.... Win7. If you have a tablet or phone... Win8.