Microsoft Surface has a promising future, risks remain

The point about too many choices is invalid really.

There are four options with the Surface as there are with the iPad.

I don't really get what the point was.
 
Why is it that MS always just seem to be playing catch up these days? Yay you brought out a Tablet but so has everyone else.
 
McCrazieGoalz said:
The point about too many choices is invalid really.

There are four options with the Surface as there are with the iPad.

I don't really get what the point was.
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Explain to the average guy coming into Incredible Connection what each does and what's the difference between them?

In Apple's case it is simple:
* 3G means you can use the internet anywhere, while Wifi means you can only use it at home or in the office.
* 16GB versus 32GB versus 64GB is simple to understand
* Black means it is black, white means it is white.

(What is actually more confusing in the new iPad is the different 4G networks available - that's sure to confuse some people eventually).

Microsoft's options:
* One is an ARM based processor, the other is Intel. The one runs a special version of Windows called Windows RT which does not support "legacy applications" which runs in Windows desktop mode, except Microsoft Office.
* One has better battery life, but can run less apps.


Seems too complex to me....?
 
TheGuy said:
Why is it that MS always just seem to be playing catch up these days? Yay you brought out a Tablet but so has everyone else.
Click to expand...

Maybe because this is the first desirable tablet that competes with the form factor of existing high end tablets, yet, it isn't just an oversized smartphone?

I think many people have it wrong. This wasn't Microsoft playing catch up, this was MS taking their time to wait for hardware to catch up so they could mold the most widely used OS in the world into something that could take advantage of people's need for tablets.

It might take more than one iteration of Win8 to get it right, too early to tell so who knows. Fact is though, I think if it works out for them it will be Apple and Android trying yo catch up in the next year or two.
 
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ebendl said:
Explain to the average guy coming into Incredible Connection what each does and what's the difference between them?

In Apple's case it is simple:
* 3G means you can use the internet anywhere, while Wifi means you can only use it at home or in the office.
* 16GB versus 32GB versus 64GB is simple to understand
* Black means it is black, white means it is white.

(What is actually more confusing in the new iPad is the different 4G networks available - that's sure to confuse some people eventually).

Microsoft's options:
* One is an ARM based processor, the other is Intel. The one runs a special version of Windows called Windows RT which does not support "legacy applications" which runs in Windows desktop mode, except Microsoft Office.
* One has better battery life, but can run less apps.


Seems too complex to me....?
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No, you are over complicating this.
If I were to explian this to my mom I would say this: "If you would like to run programs from your big computer then get the more expensive one, else if you want to run apps downloaded from the store (like your cellphone) then get the cheaper one. As time progresses more and more of the old big computer apps will move to being in the store."

They don't need to know what CPU it has!
Are you really complaining that MS isn't forcing you to buy extra processing power you don't need?
 
+1 (to what @roguemat said).

The choice is simple really.

It is either or.

Either RT or ARM. Either 32 or 64GB. Either 64 or 128GB.

You complicate the difference between RT and ARM unnecessarily. This is where marketing would play a great part - so perhaps, yes. There is that risk. In simple terms however, ARM is more a full on laptop essentially while the RT is more a tablet.

They should just keep it simple and sexy.
 
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I'm definitely getting the Intel one. I think the overall build quality is excellent from what I could see from watching the keynote. The keyboard/cover is a very good idea as it doesn't limit you such as carrying around a Bluetooth keyboard everywhere. This will definitely be a business favorite. I know my company is going to order a few on release.
 
ChocolateBadger said:
I'm definitely getting the Intel one. I think the overall build quality is excellent from what I could see from watching the keynote. The keyboard/cover is a very good idea as it doesn't limit you such as carrying around a Bluetooth keyboard everywhere. This will definitely be a business favorite. I know my company is going to order a few on release.
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I understand they will only be sold in MS flagship stores in the US and online only though. I got that from the keynote.

So, would your company be buying it online then?
 
I fear that demand for Surface will be so massive that Microsoft (or its manufacturer, whoever that is - Nokia?) will not keep pace, perhaps for up to a year. Users will scream. And if they manufacture in the Far East, will they face the same problems and bad press at Apple/Foxcon? This is fraught with risks...
 
Arthur said:
I fear that demand for Surface will be so massive that Microsoft (or its manufacturer, whoever that is - Nokia?) will not keep pace, perhaps for up to a year. Users will scream. And if they manufacture in the Far East, will they face the same problems and bad press at Apple/Foxcon? This is fraught with risks...
Click to expand...

True and I can't even spell Steers ...
 
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