Microsoft Unveils Surface Tablet

[Willie Kool]

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303703004577474910029263198.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

http://money.cnn.com/2012/06/18/technology/microsoft-windows-tablet/index.htm?hpt=hp_t2

The full Windows 8 version will be available three months later in 64- and 128-GB versions... users will be able to use work-oriented tools like Microsoft Word and Excel programs, not just be used for watching movies and surfing the Web... "The Surface is a PC, the Surface is a tablet and the Surface is something new that we think people will really love," Mr. Ballmer said in wrapping up the event

Looks like Windows 8 based tablets could give the iPad some real competition.

Microsoft didn't say whether the device would connect to cellular data networks or would be Wi-Fi only.

That's pretty important. If it's wi-fi only, I think this thing is DOA.

[tifosi77]

I have a WiFi-only iPad, and I use it nearly every day. Sure, I have my complaints..... but not a one of them is rooted in it being non-network. In fact, I'm hoping to replace it with a WiFi-only ASUS Transformer Prime in the next month or so.

[AlexPKeaton]

The pro version that runs full windows 8 and comes with a stylus look pretty darn hot. The problem is that it is probably not going to be cheap.

[canaan]

so the microsoft surface has been transformed into just a tablet? yuckers. although, i will say this is the first time in a long time that microsoft threw some actual money into their product's aesthetics.

[JS©]

...and that it runs Windows 8.

[mac5155]

so the microsoft surface has been transformed into just a tablet? yuckers. although, i will say this is the first time in a long time that microsoft threw some actual money into their product's aesthetics.

Their OS's have been leaning towards tablets for a long while now. I like it. If its sub-$400, I'll consider buying one.

[canaan]

this is what i was talking about:



it was prototyped as "table" and "surface"

[columbia]

I'm holding out for the Minority Report OS.

[DelPen]

Pricing will be key. It needs to walk that fine line between the iPad and say a Samsung Windows 8 superlight laptop. Anything over $850 for the best model and it will bomb.

I hope it suceeds, it will be good for Apple to actually have to innovate the iPad instead of just adding nicer hardware incrementaly.

[pittsoccer33]

ARM processors are cheap, so I cant imagine the cheaper version being more than $500 max.

The i5 version I don't understand. The HP Slate come with an i5 and its close to $1000. Why in the world does it need a processor like that? A G530/G620 would be fine for a tablet and use much less energy.

[Digitalgypsy66]

Zune 2: Electric Boogaloo

Will it be different enough from the iPad to gain customer support? Will app makers embrace Windows 8?

[canaan]

Zune 2: Electric Boogaloo

Will it be different enough from the iPad to gain customer support? Will app makers embrace Windows 8?

I started to read the post, stopped at Zune, looked at the username, and smiled my biggest smile.

[pittsoccer33]

Hopefully starting with Win8 and the next gen Xbox Microsoft gets their media delivery strategies in order.

Zune Pass, Xbox Live, Windows Media Player, PlaysForSure, Windows Media Connect, Zune Marketplace, Windows Media Center, DLNA, PlayReady, Zune Player.

All of those brand names to get music and movies purchased, delivered, and enjoyed.

[mac5155]

lol.

[viva la ben]

Yep, it's gonna be buggy junk.

[Pitt87]

Yep, it's gonna be buggy junk.

If you own a tablet, you know that most of them are 'buggy' upon release. All that matters is display and hardware; firmware is easily changed.

[pittsoccer33]

making their own tablet is probably the best thing microsoft can do to compete with apple. apple sells consumer electronics devices - guaranteed experiences. with windows products you get a mixed bag. im willing to bet the people who like using windows the most build their own computers. why? you know exactly what youre going to get that way.

its the same thing android is experiencing now. "android" supports all kinds of things, but does your specific phone? and is it stuffed with bloatware in an attempt to differentiate itself?

[eddysnake]

http://gizmodo.com/5919521/microsoft-surface-just-made-the-macbook-air-and-the-ipad-obsolete?tag=surface

a glowing write up of surface

[Puffymuffin]

this is what i was talking about:



it was prototyped as "table" and "surface"

That will be named something else. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_PixelSense

[canaan]

i would love to have a restaurant that implemented this. it would be killer.

[columbia]

What's up with the Beverages tab?

[demondg1]

That said, I have a professional obligation to get one.

[Letang Is The Truth]

when does this thing come out

[canaan]

What's up with the Beverages tab?

the table is an integrated, interactive dining experience. you can view your tab, split tabs, pay your bill, read reviews on cocktails, view events, listen to music, etc. it really would change the dining experience.

[columbia]

What's up with the Beverages tab?

the table is an integrated, interactive dining experience. you can view your tab, split tabs, pay your bill, read reviews on cocktails, view events, listen to music, etc. it really would change the dining experience.