Explain what you mean.
Microsoft and the tablet manufacturers continued to make win tablet OSes and hardware up to now.
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I think I know what Vulpine may be getting at but I disagree with the conclusion reached.
Tablet PCs have been about for ages but to my mind two factors prevented them becoming a real force in the computing world and changing that face of what's to come until the Apple iPad showed up:
1) Lack of matured portable tech to provide the platforms we're starting to see now
2) Lack of marketing focus from MS and key hardware partners
The solutions to #1 could have been found if proper effort to #2 had been applied. Hell, I'd have bought early tablets had they been marketed effectively in the UK. So useful for me.
So, while I disagree that tech was set back 10 years, I will say that the development of a viable market segment for tablet computing was indeed delayed because the proper focus was not applied in the early years of tablet computing. Simply put, MS didn't appreciate what they may have had on their hands until it was too late.
@Vulpine Is this what you're getting at or have I missed your point entirely?
Tablet PCs have been about for ages but to my mind two factors prevented them becoming a real force in the computing world and changing that face of what's to come until the Apple iPad showed up:
1) Lack of matured portable tech to provide the platforms we're starting to see now
2) Lack of marketing focus from MS and key hardware partners
The solutions to #1 could have been found if proper effort to #2 had been applied. Hell, I'd have bought early tablets had they been marketed effectively in the UK. So useful for me.
So, while I disagree that tech was set back 10 years, I will say that the development of a viable market segment for tablet computing was indeed delayed because the proper focus was not applied in the early years of tablet computing. Simply put, MS didn't appreciate what they may have had on their hands until it was too late.
@Vulpine Is this what you're getting at or have I missed your point entirely?
Numbers 1 and 2 are very tightly related. Yes, I will agree that today's tablets are far more compact and lightweight than the tablet/convertible laptops available prior to the iPad. However, they were also full-powered PCs with capabilities that the iPad still doesn't offer, though the iPad has also proven that a full desktop OS really isn't necessary to a tablet. Really, the hardware technology was available from the beginning and nearly every major brand of Windows-based PCs included at least one convertible laptop in their catalog for almost the entire 10 year period. Especially during the later half of that period HP in particular started really trying to push its touch-sensitive desktops; commercials aired regularly showing how the user could sweep back and forth between apps (even simply and more intuitive than ctrl-tab) and do almost everything with your fingertip that you previously needed a mouse to perform. Still, the touch format simply languished with almost no third-party support from software developers. As such, it wasn't hardware tech or even hardware marketing that emphasized the failure of the tablet.
No, the failure was in software development from day one. This is why I say the technology was set back 10 years. Microsoft didn't drive software support--at least not visibly. The closest thing they came to even offering lip service was their "ribbons" menu bars that nobody understood and even now most complain about how much harder Office is to use because of them.
Keep in mind that I'm using Apple as an example here not because I'm a fan (I admit it) but because of the methods they used to drive the market. When Microsoft announced Windows for Tablets, Apple had already canceled the Newton as a "distraction" at a time when they needed to focus on the desktop. Shortly after that announcement, Apple released an MP3 player that, while only a little different from the Creative and other brands of MP3 players was a lot easier to load and use. They created their first true mobile operating system. Over the years this became even more refined but still required physical controls one way or another. Or did they? By the third generation, the 'clickwheel' was replaced by a fixed contact area that functioned just like the moving part of the first-gen device. Not long after that, they announced and released the iPod Touch and the first iPhone, with almost no moving parts and an all-glass display. Even more, they took some of the 'features' of PDAs and even existing smartphones and made them so easy to use a two-year-old child could figure it out and use it--without the need for a stylus that was a necessity with every previous PDA on the market. That touch OS gradually grew in power and developed a software base to the point that when Apple finally released its second tablet--the iPad--it already had a developer core and a software base that pulled it into the market rather than needing any concerted push from Apple itself.
Microsoft is now trying to use Apple's methods to match that drive but doesn't have the time (or the patience) to move slowly; they not only have to compete with Apple for the tablet market, but they're having to also compete with Android for the mobility market in general and they've really got to prove that their Windows solutions are better than Android's. WinMob's reputation for the last 10 years or so has really hurt them and they've got to prove that WP7/WP8 (RT) are far more stable and reliable than their predecessors. Microsoft as such is now having to push even harder than ever on the product side while convincing developers that they need to create software for those products for anything to happen. They can't just 'invite' developers any more, they're having to push developers into touch. We'll just have to wait and see how well that works out.
No, the failure was in software development from day one. This is why I say the technology was set back 10 years. Microsoft didn't drive software support--at least not visibly. The closest thing they came to even offering lip service was their "ribbons" menu bars that nobody understood and even now most complain about how much harder Office is to use because of them.
Keep in mind that I'm using Apple as an example here not because I'm a fan (I admit it) but because of the methods they used to drive the market. When Microsoft announced Windows for Tablets, Apple had already canceled the Newton as a "distraction" at a time when they needed to focus on the desktop. Shortly after that announcement, Apple released an MP3 player that, while only a little different from the Creative and other brands of MP3 players was a lot easier to load and use. They created their first true mobile operating system. Over the years this became even more refined but still required physical controls one way or another. Or did they? By the third generation, the 'clickwheel' was replaced by a fixed contact area that functioned just like the moving part of the first-gen device. Not long after that, they announced and released the iPod Touch and the first iPhone, with almost no moving parts and an all-glass display. Even more, they took some of the 'features' of PDAs and even existing smartphones and made them so easy to use a two-year-old child could figure it out and use it--without the need for a stylus that was a necessity with every previous PDA on the market. That touch OS gradually grew in power and developed a software base to the point that when Apple finally released its second tablet--the iPad--it already had a developer core and a software base that pulled it into the market rather than needing any concerted push from Apple itself.
Microsoft is now trying to use Apple's methods to match that drive but doesn't have the time (or the patience) to move slowly; they not only have to compete with Apple for the tablet market, but they're having to also compete with Android for the mobility market in general and they've really got to prove that their Windows solutions are better than Android's. WinMob's reputation for the last 10 years or so has really hurt them and they've got to prove that WP7/WP8 (RT) are far more stable and reliable than their predecessors. Microsoft as such is now having to push even harder than ever on the product side while convincing developers that they need to create software for those products for anything to happen. They can't just 'invite' developers any more, they're having to push developers into touch. We'll just have to wait and see how well that works out.
I knew I'd missed something:
#3 - Lack of software development.
Got to agree the lack of focus here is a factor but the question in my mind always comes back to, 'why develop software for a market that doesn't exist?'
Like Apple, I'll bet MS had their hands full with other concerns and touch apps and tablet friendly computing would not have been at the forefront. We've seen that with other MS technologies before so it seems feasible.
To my mind Apple knew they couldn't directly compete with Windows on Desktop or sever platforms so they pushed niches where MS hadn't invaded. Places where a strong foothold could be acquired more easily. A great example of this is the iPod - I've always preferred Sony MP3 players myself (better sound and battery life IMHO) but I'd NEVER bet against Apple in this field now.
The force is strong with this one.....at least where certain tech lies. lets hope that MS' new Dark Lord of the Sith isn't wiped out by the far more numerous but slightly less powerful Jedi hordes...
#3 - Lack of software development.
Got to agree the lack of focus here is a factor but the question in my mind always comes back to, 'why develop software for a market that doesn't exist?'
Like Apple, I'll bet MS had their hands full with other concerns and touch apps and tablet friendly computing would not have been at the forefront. We've seen that with other MS technologies before so it seems feasible.
To my mind Apple knew they couldn't directly compete with Windows on Desktop or sever platforms so they pushed niches where MS hadn't invaded. Places where a strong foothold could be acquired more easily. A great example of this is the iPod - I've always preferred Sony MP3 players myself (better sound and battery life IMHO) but I'd NEVER bet against Apple in this field now.
The force is strong with this one.....at least where certain tech lies. lets hope that MS' new Dark Lord of the Sith isn't wiped out by the far more numerous but slightly less powerful Jedi hordes...
Between 2001 and 2010 tablets were, at best, a niche tool that needed specially-written software since no commercial developers were designing tablet-based applications. It wasn't until the iPad came out and showed how properly-written software could make the tablet and incredibly useful device (despite all the "content consumption only" arguments.) Had Microsoft pushed for touch back when they first announced "Windows for Tablets" Apple wouldn't have had a chance to pull the lead it has now.
I keep emphasizing it's all about the apps!!
I've owned several Windows tablets... I wanted to love the device. The concept is good.
The bad part has always been the apps that run on Windows have never done justice to a touchscreen device.
It wasn't until the iPad hit and Apple had made sure the app developers were on the same page that the true experience of a tablet was allowed to show it's strengths.
My experience for over ten years has been that Photoshop on a Windows tablet is a horrible experience... I usually end-up using Photoshop on a regular computer.
But... most Photoshop-type image apps on the iPad are an incredible experience! This is how image manipulation should be! As an artist and a photographer, I've waited twenty-something years for a device to allow me to replace my paintbox when the urge hits. Eleven years ago I had hoped the Windows PC tablets would be that device, but they weren't.
If Microsoft doesn't insist on a whole reworking of apps for their new device, it doesn't stand a chance.
I've owned several Windows tablets... I wanted to love the device. The concept is good.
The bad part has always been the apps that run on Windows have never done justice to a touchscreen device.
It wasn't until the iPad hit and Apple had made sure the app developers were on the same page that the true experience of a tablet was allowed to show it's strengths.
My experience for over ten years has been that Photoshop on a Windows tablet is a horrible experience... I usually end-up using Photoshop on a regular computer.
But... most Photoshop-type image apps on the iPad are an incredible experience! This is how image manipulation should be! As an artist and a photographer, I've waited twenty-something years for a device to allow me to replace my paintbox when the urge hits. Eleven years ago I had hoped the Windows PC tablets would be that device, but they weren't.
If Microsoft doesn't insist on a whole reworking of apps for their new device, it doesn't stand a chance.
I noticed you said "Photoshop-type image apps". That's because they are lightweight apps - very good at what they do within a limited scope.
I bet most professional graphics designers would still go to a desktop to do complex work.
I bet most professional graphics designers would still go to a desktop to do complex work.
it was the hard ware not soft ware .the dam things wieghed all most as cheep laptops today. peace
... that a tablet would never succeed without a full desktop version of the OS installed. Well, for 10 years tablets didn't succeed and quite honestly I've watched people carry paper and pen clipboards with pounds of paper on/in them with no trouble. No, it wasn't the weight of the device that shot them down, it was simply the lack of viable software and -- I'll grant this one -- the PRICE of the hardware.
HP proved that a cheap enough tablet will sell even without software for it.
But who wants to pay 2 or 3 thousand on a tablet that will, as you have pointed out, be very difficult to use as the software is not touch centric.
But who wants to pay 2 or 3 thousand on a tablet that will, as you have pointed out, be very difficult to use as the software is not touch centric.
It wasn't until Verizon started pumping those 2fers that Android phones really started moving and if you look now, it's still the low-priced models that are selling the most. Obvious proof of this is the fact that only 7% of Android users have adopted ICS despite the update on the market for over a year. I really don't see Jelly Bean doing any better.
As a result, there is almost no Android here. Its all iPhone and blackberry
Sure. For example, 2 ounces is 0.125 pounds of paper.
This discussion has been taken to The Water Cooler / View thread
That means that the average hardboard clipboard holding a pen/pencil and 50 sheets of paper (by no means unusual) weighs about the same as a tablet like the iPad. Now, why can't the tablet be able to serve the exact same purpose as that clipboard without forcing you to manually transfer that data later into a desktop/laptop machine?
Yes, seriously. Pounds of paper.
Yes, seriously. Pounds of paper.
The apps that currently exist on tablets couldn't have been made for the hardware back then. In addition to the lack of processing power and storage, GPS and built in cameras were rare and expensive. And cellular data was slow and charging by the kilobyte.
While the early tablets may have weighed as much as cheap laptops today, many of them weighed less than the laptops of the '00s they were competing against. I agree there was a hardware issue, but it was that they were underpowered. I disagree that hardware was the only factor; a lack of software played at least an equal part.
I have to disagree with you on several points.
I have been using Windows based tablets since "Windows XP for Tablets".
Have you spent more than a week using a Windows Tablet?
1. After "Windows XP for Tablets", the software for touch was built into the operating system. Vista is Vista - tablet support was built in. The same goes for Windows 7 and 8. No special software outside of the OS was needed from Windows.
2. The hardware manufacturers were responsible for developing touch software that worked in the Windows tablet environment. They originally developed stylus based touch software to work with Windows and then moved on to finger touch software. In my opinion, the stylus is a much better solution for fine control of the touch screen. Since then, they have developed dual touch software (stylus & finger).
3. While I will agree that the developers of touch enabled software were few and far between outside of Microsoft, there was Corel Draw and there still is much of Microsoft's software. I use my stylus to write emails, sign electronic documents, draw diagrams, and take quick notes. I practically live in Microsoft OneNote. I used my finger in Win 7 to move between applications, scroll, and zoom in and out of screens. I do the same with Win 8, plus the Win apps.
4. You can't set something back 10 years if you never stopped developing it.
In my opinion Windows' tablets did not take off because the hardware was too expensive for the average user, the hardware manufacturers did not fully buy into the tablet idea, and Microsoft expected the user to want the same applications in a tablet form factor. We'll see what Microsoft does now that they plan to make their own devices.
Apple came at the tablet from a whole other perspective - entertainment first. The iPad is the grandchild of the iPod. It has very little to do with the Mac. iPods were originally simple entertainment devices (music). Successful but simple. Building on that success, Apple came out with the iPod Touch - a bit more complex but still mostly an entertainment device (music & games) with a little awkward browsing and clunky email functionality. Building on that success, Apple released the iPad. The iPad was originally just a big iPod Touch with a few more apps designed for the larger screen size. It has only been within the last two years that it has become a lightweight productivity tool.
Windows for Tablets started out as mostly a productivity tool. It's only lately that it has started encouraging the development of app-sized lightweight entertainment.
These are two very different approaches.
iPad: Entertainment first. Productivity second.
Windows tablet: Productivity first. Entertainment second.
I have been using Windows based tablets since "Windows XP for Tablets".
Have you spent more than a week using a Windows Tablet?
1. After "Windows XP for Tablets", the software for touch was built into the operating system. Vista is Vista - tablet support was built in. The same goes for Windows 7 and 8. No special software outside of the OS was needed from Windows.
2. The hardware manufacturers were responsible for developing touch software that worked in the Windows tablet environment. They originally developed stylus based touch software to work with Windows and then moved on to finger touch software. In my opinion, the stylus is a much better solution for fine control of the touch screen. Since then, they have developed dual touch software (stylus & finger).
3. While I will agree that the developers of touch enabled software were few and far between outside of Microsoft, there was Corel Draw and there still is much of Microsoft's software. I use my stylus to write emails, sign electronic documents, draw diagrams, and take quick notes. I practically live in Microsoft OneNote. I used my finger in Win 7 to move between applications, scroll, and zoom in and out of screens. I do the same with Win 8, plus the Win apps.
4. You can't set something back 10 years if you never stopped developing it.
In my opinion Windows' tablets did not take off because the hardware was too expensive for the average user, the hardware manufacturers did not fully buy into the tablet idea, and Microsoft expected the user to want the same applications in a tablet form factor. We'll see what Microsoft does now that they plan to make their own devices.
Apple came at the tablet from a whole other perspective - entertainment first. The iPad is the grandchild of the iPod. It has very little to do with the Mac. iPods were originally simple entertainment devices (music). Successful but simple. Building on that success, Apple came out with the iPod Touch - a bit more complex but still mostly an entertainment device (music & games) with a little awkward browsing and clunky email functionality. Building on that success, Apple released the iPad. The iPad was originally just a big iPod Touch with a few more apps designed for the larger screen size. It has only been within the last two years that it has become a lightweight productivity tool.
Windows for Tablets started out as mostly a productivity tool. It's only lately that it has started encouraging the development of app-sized lightweight entertainment.
These are two very different approaches.
iPad: Entertainment first. Productivity second.
Windows tablet: Productivity first. Entertainment second.
"It wasn't until the iPad came out and showed how properly-written software could make the tablet and incredibly useful device ..."
It helped that the iPad could take advantage of the existing applications and delivery model already developed for the iPhone. MS lacked a pre-existing app base, but the failure to develop one was their fault. Apparently they're applying that lesson to Metro apps for W8.
I just don't get what MS was thinking. I don't know if they saw a need that didn't really exist at the time, or if developers gad no motivation to write for it, or if the hardware was too overpriced and underpowered to warrant purchasing outside niche applications. Probably all of the above, although my experience with three models from two manufacturers push me towards the 'overpriced / underpowered' factor. I don't know that MS set tablets back as much as it failed to advance them.
It helped that the iPad could take advantage of the existing applications and delivery model already developed for the iPhone. MS lacked a pre-existing app base, but the failure to develop one was their fault. Apparently they're applying that lesson to Metro apps for W8.
I just don't get what MS was thinking. I don't know if they saw a need that didn't really exist at the time, or if developers gad no motivation to write for it, or if the hardware was too overpriced and underpowered to warrant purchasing outside niche applications. Probably all of the above, although my experience with three models from two manufacturers push me towards the 'overpriced / underpowered' factor. I don't know that MS set tablets back as much as it failed to advance them.
Microsoft announced an OPERATING SYSTEM for other manufacturer's tablet PCs. MS never announced an MS-branded hardware product in the tablet form factor before last week.
The ARM based Surface tablet, running Windows RT, can be expected to function just as Microsoft has promised all along. This means no desktop mode allowed for anyone but Microsoft (the only ones allowed to use Win32 APIs on ARM), and it won't support full networking with domain logins... unless they're forking RT to give the MS version special powers. Yeah, the x86 version will.. it is, after all, just another tablet PC.
So what's actually interesting here, tech-wise? Keyboard in a lid? Well, that's been done 100x poorly... I had a calculator that did that in the 80s. I wouldn't place any bets on real touch typing here.. but pretty much any tablet with USB or Bluetooth let's you use a real keyboard
Heck, my phone does... mouse too.
So what's actually interesting here, tech-wise? Keyboard in a lid? Well, that's been done 100x poorly... I had a calculator that did that in the 80s. I wouldn't place any bets on real touch typing here.. but pretty much any tablet with USB or Bluetooth let's you use a real keyboard
Heck, my phone does... mouse too.
Desktop PC with fast processors are a dime a dozen, I must have 6. You can pick them up anywhere. My next purchase will be the Microsoft Surface. I'm using Win 8 on my primary PC at work and love it. I love pads for the portability. It's about time they got into the hardware side and complete the circle in my view.
It would be so convenient for log-in if the Surface Pro had a built-in fingerprint scanner.
I have had one on my ThinkPad and Fujitsu tablets and they do save time when logging in.
It is just as fast as "slide to unlock" but much more secure and much faster than keyboard entry.
I suppose facial recognition would work and the front facing camera is already there but it does not seem like the available software is ready.
I have had one on my ThinkPad and Fujitsu tablets and they do save time when logging in.
It is just as fast as "slide to unlock" but much more secure and much faster than keyboard entry.
I suppose facial recognition would work and the front facing camera is already there but it does not seem like the available software is ready.
i did nto tell and yone that the tool that works for them is crap i said that the right tool for the right job.i have told family and friend to by apple and windows for thier life style and work they wanted to do .just like i have done all my life .in every job i have held.from air planes .cars,computers .and i will tell you i have a bunch of tools including cnet.but i do not need some one to tell me i hurt some feelings because i did not agree with them .so who ever this moderator is need to grow up.and if you want to talk you have my email and my phone number witch only cnet has. no other site has it only you guys i live in san francisco when all you hadwas one small office. you mite not remember me but i remember you at the start
Not sure what you are talking about. Did you reply to the wrong tree?
http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-392734-3679416
Not sure, though. The typos sometimes make it difficult to follow.
Not sure, though. The typos sometimes make it difficult to follow.
It seems apparent by this specific posting that English is not your native language. As such, it may be possible that the way you said something came across as harsher than you intended. I admit that English is one of the more difficult languages in the world, especially when the syntax is so different, for example we say "I like you" where elsewhere it comes out as "I you like".
There will always be differences in opinion pretty much with everything in life. We try not to come across as too 'bossy', but some people's opinions are so strong that they believe theirs can be the only right answer. It's a 'give and take' world and you can only 'take' so much.
There will always be differences in opinion pretty much with everything in life. We try not to come across as too 'bossy', but some people's opinions are so strong that they believe theirs can be the only right answer. It's a 'give and take' world and you can only 'take' so much.
He says he's dyslexic.
He's also apparently unable to navigate this site. He's posting his responses across multiple threads and 'Take Offlines'. It's impossible to tell what he's replying to. His typing does indeed make his posts difficult to read, but I'm reaching the conclusion that his content would be questionable regardless.
He's also apparently unable to navigate this site. He's posting his responses across multiple threads and 'Take Offlines'. It's impossible to tell what he's replying to. His typing does indeed make his posts difficult to read, but I'm reaching the conclusion that his content would be questionable regardless.
Good to see it stick its head out every two years, but I thought it was supposed to revolutionize our dining room tables.
.....virtual D&D tabletop by the time D&D Next is launched. What the hell happened to that tech demo, anyway? So much promise!
Er......oopsie! Mixing up my geek credentials there. Forgot I wasn't on an RPG forum for a moment.
Er......oopsie! Mixing up my geek credentials there. Forgot I wasn't on an RPG forum for a moment.
... on my desktop--much less my tablet.
Anybody want to make some quick bucks? Start developing CR sheets for all the different tabletop RPGs.
Anybody want to make some quick bucks? Start developing CR sheets for all the different tabletop RPGs.
If D&D is your thing, DDI and the CB makes a good leg of it.
Failing that check iPlay4E or similar services. I know there's a load of similar fan generated stuff for Pathfinder, too.
To stay on-topic I'd very much like the Surface to allow to build interactive forms easily with the version of office that will be pre-installed. Apps like interactive character sheets, sales forms, timesheets and all sorts of things would be instantly helpful for all sorts of users.
Did I get away with that one? I think so.... (waits for off-topic deletion banhammor)
Failing that check iPlay4E or similar services. I know there's a load of similar fan generated stuff for Pathfinder, too.
To stay on-topic I'd very much like the Surface to allow to build interactive forms easily with the version of office that will be pre-installed. Apps like interactive character sheets, sales forms, timesheets and all sorts of things would be instantly helpful for all sorts of users.
Did I get away with that one? I think so.... (waits for off-topic deletion banhammor)
My primary point is that the tablet is fully intended to handle mobility computing, not the heavy number-crunching of pro-grade software. Spreadsheets can be displayed and modified easily on such a device but just as everyone else has said, I wouldn't use one to create a spreadsheet from scratch unless it were a very simple one.
The same essentially holds true for word processing, photography, image editing, etc. It lets you look; it lets you make minor changes (somewhat gross changes in the case of image editing) and simply gives you the ability to have all your files pretty much at hand wherever you go and do almost anything with them even when you're away from your desk. It also doesn't take up near as much tabletop area as a laptop because, well, you don't have to put it on the tabletop in the first place.
The same essentially holds true for word processing, photography, image editing, etc. It lets you look; it lets you make minor changes (somewhat gross changes in the case of image editing) and simply gives you the ability to have all your files pretty much at hand wherever you go and do almost anything with them even when you're away from your desk. It also doesn't take up near as much tabletop area as a laptop because, well, you don't have to put it on the tabletop in the first place.
I'll stick with a desktop and/or laptop, thank you!
I'm tired of being a guinea pig for Microsoft's 'beta' products.
http://www.wimp.com/newtablet/
I'm tired of being a guinea pig for Microsoft's 'beta' products.
http://www.wimp.com/newtablet/
I honestly can't wait to see the Surface perform. This looks like the best thing MS has done since the Xbox. The design looks clean and the device looks well thought out. Now I am just hoping they put as much thought into Windows 8 because, if they bring the BSOD to the tablet..well lets just say i wont hold my breath. I am worried they may have rushed this product in an attempt to re-enter the market before Apple pulled to far ahead. But I think even with the demo they had, it is too soon to hop on or off the Surface wagon. There is still much we dont know. Furthermore I would be interested to see pricing, because I would love to see the same people who cried over Apple's "high" prices, standing in line for the Surface. I think it's hilarious that if you love Apple products your a fanboy. Alot of the negative comments about Apple clearly reveal the persons ignorance to the product. We all have preferences, we all like different things. Then MS vs Apple debate is like arguing cars. There are plenty of ppl all over the world who like sedans(MS). But some people like high performance cars that cost more (Apple). You can argue numbers, but a Ferrari is always gonna beat a Toyota. Sorry.
Unless that keyboard works really well, the Surface tablet will be relegated by serious users to consuming content only. And in that case, it has nothing to recommend it over an iPad.
It's not an iPad and has some differences as users in this thread have already pointed out.
Until we get our hands on one we won't know the extent of it but MS Office, possible hardware encryption, better integration to WinTel architectures all spring to mind immediately. Perhaps a browse of the 5 pages of comments may turn up a few more for you.
Until we get our hands on one we won't know the extent of it but MS Office, possible hardware encryption, better integration to WinTel architectures all spring to mind immediately. Perhaps a browse of the 5 pages of comments may turn up a few more for you.
Apple could also approach the courts and claim a Patent Infringement to prevent sales of the Surface just like they have with Samsung. 
Col
Col
That question is what this is all about. From the tail of the article:
There is still a big question about whether users are going to find the Windows 8 interface as easy to use as the iPad. And, will spyware and malware become a big problem on the Surface since its running the full version of Windows? Above all, how much is it going to cost? The Pro version of the Surface tablet that most businesses are going to want is expected to cost about the same price as an Ultrabook in the $800-$1000 range.
If you want the Metro GUI and the only variant suitable for a business use is the same price as a laptop, just get a touch screen laptop with Win 8. That way you have more data storage capability, more flexibility in usage, and much more power. You also get a reasonable keyboard to use and a stronger case.
There is still a big question about whether users are going to find the Windows 8 interface as easy to use as the iPad. And, will spyware and malware become a big problem on the Surface since its running the full version of Windows? Above all, how much is it going to cost? The Pro version of the Surface tablet that most businesses are going to want is expected to cost about the same price as an Ultrabook in the $800-$1000 range.
If you want the Metro GUI and the only variant suitable for a business use is the same price as a laptop, just get a touch screen laptop with Win 8. That way you have more data storage capability, more flexibility in usage, and much more power. You also get a reasonable keyboard to use and a stronger case.
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