Although Microsoft has done a number of interesting things with their new tablet, the question is:
Does it stand a chance?
Will the Surface follow the same fate as the Zune?
The iPad and Android tablets have been on the market for years, is it too little too late for Microsoft to get into the game?
Surface
Learn more on the Surface website.
It’s hard to say without any price points, but what do you think?
Likes? Dislikes? Zune 3.0?
This things going to be a flop.
Wah-wah
My interest is piqued. I’ve been an avid and loyal Zune user since 2006 and I’m sad they’re discontinuing the service. If it does flop, I don’t think it will be because the device is bad hardware or the software is clunky. I also don’t think they need to “compete” directly with Apple for the device to be a success. I think they should market it more along the lines of part of a lifestyle solution along with Xbox and WindowsPhone. All your media, shared across all your devices, at all times is a pretty compelling package.
Unless the price is just insane, I’ll plan on selling my iPad to pick up a Surface.
Good thoughts, Jonathan. I agree with you and think they have taken the best approach and not trying to take the iPad head-on. I really like the fact that the one model has the full Windows version running on it.
Might go the way of Zune…then again, might become a success like Xbox.
If it ends up running all PC programs, the lack of apps may not matter much. That could tip the balance in its favor…for windows users especially…and there are many of them!
Whatever be the outcome, the race is certainly on and the consumer stands to gain!
True, true and TRUE!
Maybe this will add some more competition in the tablet race, and your assessment of apps is spot-on.
I think it will do well, the keyboard cover is awesome and have a full version of Windows will make it full PC. The specs are really good too.
This all depends on the price. If it costs too much, it might fail.
Yeah. I’m really interested in seeing how it prices.
They’ve got two versions (as I understand it) an ARM version which will be like an iPad and only run Metro interface apps and an Intel version which will run metro and regular pc apps. They’ve got two problems here: “why won’t it run my pc apps?” and “the ui is horrible for these pc apps on my tablet”.
I think there’s a price issue too or they would have announced that it totally trounces Apple. I bet you can get the one with Windows 8 Pro Excellent Rad Networking Included Awesome version for a mere $1500 or Windows 8 cheapo, always crashes and sucks at everything for $200. Most people will buy the latter and it will drag down the brand (like some netbooks do).
Some will be great, but Microsoft has been trying to run Windows on tablets for years, heck I’ve got 4 or 5 Windows Mobile tablets that I never use because they’re almost useable, but not quite (saved them from the trash at a job). The Zune was good, but the iPod was already so entrenched.
It could be an Xbox type success, but as excited as my friend who always buys the tech that fails is about it, I kinda doubt it.
True, true, true …
First thoughts…
The hinge on the stand will be a point of failure. I don’t get the desire for a keyboard on a tablet if you need a keyboard get a laptop. Can’t see how it will go as a keyboard when sitting on the couch.
Full windows will grab the corporate IT departments fancy to be able to secure it. This will give it a leg up in adoption.
What is the word on battery life? This will also be a significant point to get right. Cost too will be important. But if the price is awesome and the battery life not it will flop.
The big one will be the patent case Apple will bring against the magnetic power connector! Lawyers everywhere are rubbing their hands with glee i am sure!
True.
Good thoughts, Andrew — thanks!