Microsoft to launch its own tablet: Microsoft Surface

[tizmeinnit]

Originally Posted by Chris

Looks like they're trying to have their cake and eat it ... They want to get into the tablet market but they just can't help seeing everything as basically another PC. Or perhaps they want the rest of the world to see everything as just another PC, because that's the only realm where people can be relied on to choose Microsoft without considering an alternative. If even Microsoft thinks the only way to get anyone to buy a Surface is to make customers think its just another PC, I don't hold out much hope for it.

When I first saw the photo this morning, with the built in stand and the keyboard integrated into the cover, I thought it all looked very clever. But that, combined with the information about the different chipsets available and the different versions of Windows they will run, is beginning to make me think MS may be trying to be too clever, aiming to please everyone and pleasing no-one instead.

The Windows RT versions are in direct competition with the ipad. The full windows 8 versions are trying to tempt the laptop market into tablets this has already failed once however this time they are using a good cpu .

I think the Arm Based RT versions have a chance if they do not price them to high

[techguyone]

Originally Posted by cookie_365

Looks gorgeous to me. Only question will be whether it has a 3g slot.

At the moment I'm waiting for the Asus Infinity but this could sway me away.

Various tech sites I've looked at indicate that the RT version is Wi-fi only and the Pro version is ultra portable derived and wouldn't have it either.

Maybe it will later on, interesting times..

---------- Post added at 15:55 ---------- Previous post was at 15:44 ----------

Originally Posted by tizmeinnit

The Windows RT versions are in direct competition with the ipad. The full windows 8 versions are trying to tempt the laptop market into tablets this has already failed once however this time they are using a good cpu .

I think the Arm Based RT versions have a chance if they do not price them to high

ARM RT Versions

Last time I looked at the windows Marketplace equivalent it was well... rubbish to put it bluntly, granted that was some 6 months ago, but they're still a long way behind the curve of Android/IOS in app terms.

I still think that once people 'pick an initial platform' and buy into apps, particularly ones that cost money, they tend to be locked into that ecosystem thereafter. After all if we take me as an example, I've probably spent 100-150 £ on apps for my Android, If I were to go to either MS or IOS, I'd have to spend the same again to get similar functionality. Not going to happen while my chosen platform is alive and running.

To be honest the only people I've seen going to MS for their smartphone platform are those who are already locked into MS via their X-box.

That said I'd perhaps get a pro Surface as I'm already locked into the Windows PC platfrom. I'd pass on the Surface RT though as I don't believe that MS mobile is ready yet, definitely worth watching though, who knows in a year or two they might pull an 'android' as that too was in a similar position when it first began and look where it is now.

[cookie_365]

If it's wifi only, then it ain't going to be cookiefied

If I can't wait for the infinity I might be forced to by an Archos and then throw it away when the infinity comes out later.

[tizmeinnit]

The new Arnova G3 devices look quite decent for cheaper models cookie

[cookie_365]

Thanks, not half an hour ago I've ordered a G9 101 Turbo especially since the Asus Infinity looks like it won't be out until at least August for the standard version, with no word on the 3g version.

[Matt D]

Specs, prices, and a release date at long last.

http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/...ctID.257929400

Ship by 26th October, arrive by 30th October.

£399: 32GB Surface RT

£479: 32GB Surface RT + Touch Cover

£559: 64GB Surface RT + Touch Cover


The same price points as the iPad 3, but...

- The lower end one is 32GB rather than 16GB.

- The mid- and top-price ones have the same storage as the equivalent priced iPad 3s, but also come with a Touch Cover.

[Maggy J]

That's still out of my price range..

[Matt D]

How about a Nexus 7 or Kindle Fire HD? Very good, and under £200.

[Zee]

The surface is going to be a success for sure. The design is amazing, and the fact it runs Windows is a plus. It may not be as successful as xbox 360, but it sure wont fail like zune. I liked zune and if it was being sold here i too would have bought it instead of an ipod.

[alferret]

No GPS! (not shown on spec spec page) if so thats a fail IMO.
£80 for an extra 32gb! It has a micro SD slot so upgrade to 64gb for only a few quid.
It runs windows It'll be slow