New Microsoft "Surface" tablet

[Marcos]

So Microsoft created an Apple-like event earlier today and announced Surface, a hybrid between a tablet and ultrabook... (an iPad and Macbook Air if you will!) hahaha

What do you think of it? Is this the iPad killer?

http://mashable.com/2012/06/18/microsof ... s-surface/

Just as Windows 8 is a reimagining of the Windows operating system, Microsoft describes Surface as a reimagining of the tablet.

A built-in kickstand on the rear of the tablet holds it up while you’re typing or viewing videos.

A Touch Cover for the device protects the screen. Unlike Apple’s cover, however, the inside of the 3mm cover doubles as a fully functional keyboard with a built-in trackpad when opened up.

Microsoft announced the mysterious Surface event just last week, simply telling press, “This will be a major Microsoft announcement — you will not want to miss it.”

[youtube]http://youtu.be/dpzu3HM2CIo[/youtube]

[abw1987]

This looks pretty sweet.

I don't think it will be an iPad killer because there's generally not much logic when it comes to purchasing Apple products. When people think of a tablet, they automatically think of an iPad.

I don't think it needs to be an iPad killer though. It's almost in its very own product category. There's a big difference between a blown-up mobile OS and a touch-enabled desktop OS. The fact that this tablet runs Windows 8 will set it into a class of its own.

I'm excited to see how it ends up performing, both speed and battery-wise.

The multitouch keyboard cover on the ARM version is intriguing, but it's tough to say how useful it will really be. I'm much more interested in the x86 version with the mechanical keyboard cover.

[JaredWard]

iPad killer? nah. I just find it funny how everyone has ripped Apple off over the past 5 years.

[Marcos]

Yeah, I liked it too, Alex. Actually this would be very helpful at work if I can drop my current heavy dell laptop while on the field.

I don't think it's an iPad killer as well. I think Google is the one to be worried right now, as Android tablets never really made success. And if MS builds an environment around Windows 8, including Surface and their Nokia/ Phone products, this could really be embraced by devs and the corporate market, leading Google to struggle. And the consumer market, seeing enough apps are available and being more familiar with Windows, won't have much reason to adopt Android.

And this pretty much kisses RIM goodbye as well.

[Andy92]

Meh. A little late to the game. I'll use my laptop if I wanna use Windows personally.

[psycosquirrel789]

I really don't get the whole tablet craze. Apple could release iShit and it would sell. I love my Macbook but iPad and the like seem pointless. When would you even use one... and for what?

[Andy92]

Bigger screen for Angry Birds.

[psycosquirrel789]

I seriously feel like that's what it is.

No keyboard = no serious work
Best game is Angry Birds = no play

Ah, a portable porn machine. Never mind.

[Ryan]

netflix app, streaming movies on the go...sucks on a phone cause the screen is so small.

[abw1987]

I really don't get the whole tablet craze. Apple could release iShit and it would sell. I love my Macbook but iPad and the like seem pointless. When would you even use one... and for what?

They're consumption devices.

That's why I roll my eyes every time I see a new story claiming the iPad is eating into PC market. Computers (including Macs and Windows machines) are productivity devices. Tablets are not. They're toys, essentially.

Maybe Windows 8 will bridge that gap a bit. I feel like it will be easier for Microsoft to bridge the gap from the desktop OS side than it is for Apple to do so from the mobile OS side.

[Andy92]

netflix app, streaming movies on the go...sucks on a phone cause the screen is so small.

How do you carry it? iPants?

[Ryan]

netflix app, streaming movies on the go...sucks on a phone cause the screen is so small.

How do you carry it? iPants?

for me, if i had one, in my backpack i take to work and keep in the truck with me. car charger so the battery doesn't die, i'm set.

[psycosquirrel789]

But laptops are also consumption devices - in addition to productivity. What is the benefit of consuming media via tablet over a laptop? Netflix? Laptop screens are bigger than tablets!!?!

I guess I just have zero need/use for one. I can't think of even one thing a tablet has over laptop. In fact, a tablet is worse in just about every way (except maybe weight). But apparently I'm wrong as Apple posts record billion dollar profits every quarter.

Microsoft's commercial was cute though. They and Samsung shamelessly rip off Apple.

[abw1987]

But laptops are also consumption devices - in addition to productivity. What is the benefit of consuming media via tablet over a laptop? Netflix? Laptop screens are bigger than tablets!!?!

I guess I just have zero need/use for one. I can't think of even one thing a tablet has over laptop. In fact, a tablet is worse in just about every way. But apparently I'm wrong as Apple posts record billion dollar profits every quarter.

Microsoft's commercial was cute though. They and Samsung shamelessly rip off Apple.

I fully agree with you, hence why I don't own a tablet. I guess the benefit is that a tablet is lighter and lends itself to more casual use (web browsing on the couch, etc). I sigh whenever I see someone on an airplane whip out an iPad with the keyboard dock... just use your laptop dude!

I don't understand this consensus that Microsoft are Apple ripoffs. Microsoft unveiled the first tablet PC in 2001. They had a mobile OS for years before iOS was created. Apple generally doesn't invent things; they tweak things that have already been invented.

[Ryan]

yeah, i could never justify an ipad or another tablet either. especially when i have my iphone and my laptop. the ipad does everything the iphone does, except text and make phone calls. no point in spending another $600 on one. now, if i won one or was given one, that is another story.

i always laugh at people when i see them pull out their huge ipad to take photos, instead of their camera or phone. looks ridiculous.

[Andy92]

i always laugh at people when i see them pull out their huge ipad to take photos, instead of their camera or phone. looks ridiculous.

I don't have to worry about seeing this in the rural area that is my home.

[psycosquirrel789]

I saw someone on Facebook with a mirror pic with her iPad. It was a mixture of dumb/awkward/pointless/large and dumb.

Ahh, lets just look at this one single product.

The magnetic latch of their keyboard - Apple
The speaker grill - Apple
The black bezel for wireless signal - Apple

These are all design choices that could have been implanted in a billion ways, but they shamelessly ripped it off. And this is just their latest product. A product that wouldn't even exist in this form before Apple.

Microsoft did have a tablet in 2001. And how many people cared? None! Apple doesn't invent a lot, I'll concede to that. But Apple makes things standard, they regulate the industry, they change and innovate how we use tech. The rest leech off of their success and implement half assed products or rip offs. Not to say that Apple doesn't take from others as well - they certainly do. But when they do, like you said, they tweak it and make it better.

[abw1987]

I won't argue that Apple tend to be game-changers whenever they intro a new product.

[Ubik]

They essentially make stuff very attractive and easy to use.

[Marcos]

When would you even use one... and for what?

If you're giving a lecture, you can use it as a keynote.

And if your work demands field work or travelling a lot, a tablet is smaller and lighter than the average corporate laptop.

And... is that it?!

At the consumer end, I agree with Ryan, it's just another toy. It bugs me off people go to church and open their Bible app instead of just taking the regular hardcase copy!