You mention that the software problem is a big considerable for you... RT has a lackluster app store, but the Pro will run any desktop app you can throw at it. How is this a problem? Is this not far, far better than any tablet that's come out yet?
For me, the ability to run any Win8/Win7 capable desktop applications is the sole reason I'm going to get one. For that, I can take the hit on battery life.
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Hi Jack,
The problem with Windows 8 isn't the over all software catalog, but applications that specifically work in tablet mode. As I tried to convey in the article, my ideal machine would be one that works like a traditional laptop (a use case Surface Pro nails) and one that can compete with the iPad in Tablet mode (where Surface Pro and RT fail).
Frankly, I don't care if Apple creates an iPad that will run Photoshop and Word, or Microsoft gets the Tablet side of Windows 8 working, neither can do both at this stage of the game. I find Microsoft seems to be thinking more clearly in this direction, and has come frustratingly close to executing on it, but for the reasons articulated in the article it's not yet there for my usage.
The problem with Windows 8 isn't the over all software catalog, but applications that specifically work in tablet mode. As I tried to convey in the article, my ideal machine would be one that works like a traditional laptop (a use case Surface Pro nails) and one that can compete with the iPad in Tablet mode (where Surface Pro and RT fail).
Frankly, I don't care if Apple creates an iPad that will run Photoshop and Word, or Microsoft gets the Tablet side of Windows 8 working, neither can do both at this stage of the game. I find Microsoft seems to be thinking more clearly in this direction, and has come frustratingly close to executing on it, but for the reasons articulated in the article it's not yet there for my usage.
Ah, I didn't see that come through very well in the article. A fair point, though for myself it's more the "tablet that acts like a PC" that's the selling point. After all, we can expect that the available apps will grow, likely at an exponential rate from here on out.
I'm really rooting for the concept of "one device to rule them all," especially since MSFT seems to be the one that "gets" it conceptually at this point. We just need execution to catch up to the concept.
MSFT has got the concept right, the Surface W8 is not an annoying toy, I have to run virtualbox, Linux virtual machines and eclipse on whatever I use to replace my current Core i5 notebook running W8 Pro. My current notebook is fast and sort of light. I would go for a Surface if it had the power of my current Asus K-53.
"the Pro will run any desktop app you can throw at it" Not my experience! We've tried our astronomy software on Win 8 and most it and/or drivers won't install or run. Everything works on Win 7...
That's a W8 issue, not a Surface Pro one. I acknowledge you can't get a Surface without W8, but if the application won't run on any W8 platform then it's not a hardware issue.
If the Surface is a true Wintel platform, then it should be able to run Win7, and possibly Win XP 64-bit (drivers being an issue.) 7 And XP may not handle the touch screen too well, but (again with the drivers) could handle the pen input. An interesting thing to look at is to see if someone can get the touch screen input to translate to something like touch pad input, for times when it's inconvenient to use the actual pad on the keycover. As for the rest of the hardware, the specs look like about everything else that Win 7 already runs on with Ultrabooks. Don't forget there's always virtual XP mode over Win7/8--have fun with that.
It still has the same issues as its ancestors--the full desktop Windows. Yes, it does have everything so many people demanded was "absolutely necessary for any tablet" when the iPad came out, but every one of those arguments ignored the fact that tablets with desktop Windows had been out for almost a decade even then. The only difference now is that the device is easier to carry and lighter in weight, yet still suffers with next to no battery life which was one of its main failings originally. Add to this that the vast majority of Windows apps are STILL not touch-centric and the Surface Pro simply loses every advantage it should have.
While it is true that legacy programs built for windows 7 and earler windows operating systems are not "touch centric", programs on the Surface pro and other windows 8 tablets with a stylus are "stylus friendly".
I have been using a stylus with all of my Windows tablets since 2003.
You can do anything with a non-capacitive stylus in Windows 8 that you can do with a mouse. Often times, you can do it much faster and more accurately with a stylus vs. a mouse. This has been true since Windows XP for Tablets.
Please refrain from repeating the old stylus-causes-screen-damage story. It just has not been true any of the Windows Fujitsu, InMotion, HP, and Lenovo tablets I have ever used.
I have been using a stylus with all of my Windows tablets since 2003.
You can do anything with a non-capacitive stylus in Windows 8 that you can do with a mouse. Often times, you can do it much faster and more accurately with a stylus vs. a mouse. This has been true since Windows XP for Tablets.
Please refrain from repeating the old stylus-causes-screen-damage story. It just has not been true any of the Windows Fujitsu, InMotion, HP, and Lenovo tablets I have ever used.
On a resistive screen, you have to put enough pressure on the plastic overlay to create a kind of contact on the sub-layer. Over time and with heavy usage, the more-used pressure areas become unusable or at best intermittent in operation. Mind you, I'm talking a minimum of one year of heavy use; the machine itself may or may not die before the contact pad.
On the other hand, a capacitive display requires NO pressure and as such will not wear out with use. Granted, it is notably more sensitive to inadvertent contact, but the display is not damaged in any way and can remain as clear and sensitive years later as though it were new. So your request to refrain from the old "stylus-causes-screen-damage story" is still in-valid. The newer technologies are notably better than the old resistive displays.
Personal opinion: I like the Wacom type of stylus better than the typical capacitive foam tip--but it's also more expensive and needs its own charging or power supply which increases cost of ownership. You get the accuracy of the older resistive system with the sensitivity and variable-pressure capabilities of the Wacom tablets--on your active screen. It's unfortunate for now that the Wacom pen stylus doesn't work on the iPad--as far as I know. I would take it in a heartbeat.
On the other hand, a capacitive display requires NO pressure and as such will not wear out with use. Granted, it is notably more sensitive to inadvertent contact, but the display is not damaged in any way and can remain as clear and sensitive years later as though it were new. So your request to refrain from the old "stylus-causes-screen-damage story" is still in-valid. The newer technologies are notably better than the old resistive displays.
Personal opinion: I like the Wacom type of stylus better than the typical capacitive foam tip--but it's also more expensive and needs its own charging or power supply which increases cost of ownership. You get the accuracy of the older resistive system with the sensitivity and variable-pressure capabilities of the Wacom tablets--on your active screen. It's unfortunate for now that the Wacom pen stylus doesn't work on the iPad--as far as I know. I would take it in a heartbeat.
As I have said at least 20 times before. In the 8 years (of daily use) that I have been using a resistive stylus on a tablet I have never experienced any damage to the screen.
Every resistive stylus I have used has had some give when you apply pressure to the screen. Wacoms do it too. This is how it determines line weight and it would help prevent applying too much pressure on the screen.
All of the stylus nibs have been replaceable because they do wear down ove time. The nibs usually last 1 year for me.
There is no power (no batteries) in the resistive stylus.
The only stylus that I use that requires batteries is in the n-trig stylus for my Android HTC Flyer - but that's a different technology.
Repeating the same thing over and over again does not make it true.
Every resistive stylus I have used has had some give when you apply pressure to the screen. Wacoms do it too. This is how it determines line weight and it would help prevent applying too much pressure on the screen.
All of the stylus nibs have been replaceable because they do wear down ove time. The nibs usually last 1 year for me.
There is no power (no batteries) in the resistive stylus.
The only stylus that I use that requires batteries is in the n-trig stylus for my Android HTC Flyer - but that's a different technology.
Repeating the same thing over and over again does not make it true.
What apps will you not have? How long it the battery life? If you stay in Metro and not Desktop, how slow are the apps you are running?
supported by a significant number of people who have reviewed the Windows 8 experience.
You won't have Facebook. You won't have Twitter. Sure, you can just drop into Classic mode and run those in a full fledged app - but that model doesn't work well when you're trying to use the device in a tablet mode, and the People tile is OK for light consumption, but poor for interaction. There are too many areas where the suggestion is, "you've got a full fledged PC there, why would you *want* to do this using a mobile app"?
Because, there are times when I'll write an entire two or three paragraph response on my Nexus 7 on Google Plus or Facebook. That kind of experience sets the benchmark for the mobile device experience, and Windows 8 isn't there, yet.
Speaking of which, no Google Plus app. Sharing isn't as well integrated into the Modern-UI apps in Windows 8 as it is on Android and iOS. I can name countless things about Windows 8 that disappoint me. I'm not the only Windows 8 reviewer who has noticed that the Modern-UI apps are too slow starting up. There are a *lot* of ways that I feel like the experience is superior to either iOS or Android, too, though.
I'm with Patrick on this. I've got an ASUS ultrabook with touch screen and Windows 8 pro at my desk right now, I'm writing a blog on it in Google Docs in the desktop browser (Chrome). That experience is superior to anything any Android or iOS device can currently deliver. But too frequently I find myself going right to the desktop and not using the Modern UI. Microsoft is headed in generally the right direction, but things are still rough right now.
Social media is where Windows 8 is weakest. If I had a hybrid or convertible or Surface Pro, it *would* have Netflix and Kindle - and those are two of the biggest mobile apps for a decent mobile experience. There are just some really big gaps in their app market offerings.
You won't have Facebook. You won't have Twitter. Sure, you can just drop into Classic mode and run those in a full fledged app - but that model doesn't work well when you're trying to use the device in a tablet mode, and the People tile is OK for light consumption, but poor for interaction. There are too many areas where the suggestion is, "you've got a full fledged PC there, why would you *want* to do this using a mobile app"?
Because, there are times when I'll write an entire two or three paragraph response on my Nexus 7 on Google Plus or Facebook. That kind of experience sets the benchmark for the mobile device experience, and Windows 8 isn't there, yet.
Speaking of which, no Google Plus app. Sharing isn't as well integrated into the Modern-UI apps in Windows 8 as it is on Android and iOS. I can name countless things about Windows 8 that disappoint me. I'm not the only Windows 8 reviewer who has noticed that the Modern-UI apps are too slow starting up. There are a *lot* of ways that I feel like the experience is superior to either iOS or Android, too, though.
I'm with Patrick on this. I've got an ASUS ultrabook with touch screen and Windows 8 pro at my desk right now, I'm writing a blog on it in Google Docs in the desktop browser (Chrome). That experience is superior to anything any Android or iOS device can currently deliver. But too frequently I find myself going right to the desktop and not using the Modern UI. Microsoft is headed in generally the right direction, but things are still rough right now.
Social media is where Windows 8 is weakest. If I had a hybrid or convertible or Surface Pro, it *would* have Netflix and Kindle - and those are two of the biggest mobile apps for a decent mobile experience. There are just some really big gaps in their app market offerings.
There isn't a facebook app yet so I access it through the browser. I would be surprised if one is not being developed though.
Google is intentionaly dragging there feet in writing apps for Win8 and Wp8. this is a strategic decision that is intended to hurt Microsofts new efforts because they are in direct competition with Goolge. So much for Google's "Don't be Evil" mantra. That left behind when they became a publicly traded company.
You're completely wrong about sharing too. Sharing is massively integrated into Win8 and WinRT. Maybe you don't know all of the features yet.
I do agree with you on some of the Modern UI. Some of the apps are great but some of them are too blocky (like the browser). Microsoft should automatically sense whether you are using the device as a laptop or a tablet and adjust the UI accordingly. Maybe detecting a mouse or something with the gyroscope would be successfuly.
Win8/Metro is definitely a first generation effort and hopefully will be tweaked to make it better with each iteration.
Google is intentionaly dragging there feet in writing apps for Win8 and Wp8. this is a strategic decision that is intended to hurt Microsofts new efforts because they are in direct competition with Goolge. So much for Google's "Don't be Evil" mantra. That left behind when they became a publicly traded company.
You're completely wrong about sharing too. Sharing is massively integrated into Win8 and WinRT. Maybe you don't know all of the features yet.
I do agree with you on some of the Modern UI. Some of the apps are great but some of them are too blocky (like the browser). Microsoft should automatically sense whether you are using the device as a laptop or a tablet and adjust the UI accordingly. Maybe detecting a mouse or something with the gyroscope would be successfuly.
Win8/Metro is definitely a first generation effort and hopefully will be tweaked to make it better with each iteration.
Last time I checked, maybe two weeks ago, it wasn't. Good. Although Twitter is the LEAST important social media outlet to me to have a native mobile app for.
And it doesn't matter if Google is dragging their feet or not... it is Microsoft's problem if they don't have hot apps for their platform. I used to make this argument about Linux all the time. If Linux doesn't have the competitive apps that users want, they don't care if it is because the vendors won't *write* for Linux... they'll go with the platform that has what they want. So Linux distros had to figure out that problem... how do we get Netflix, for example. Now Microsoft is in that situation. They better figure it out.
Sharing is massively POORLY integrated into Windows 8 for cerain, and if it works the same way in RT, for that platform, too. I'm not wrong. If you're at all familiar with how well integrated sharing is in Android and iOS, you can't deny that Windows 8 has a poor attempt at integrated sharing. Conceptually the IDEA is cool... but, just to double check, I'm staring right now at a Windows 8 Desktop with a side-bar that reads, "Share, Nothing can be shared from the Desktop".
Now I've opened an image in the Moder-UI image browser. I've opened Share, and my options are "Fresh Paint, Mail, Skydrive and Windows Phone". Sharing and sharing integration is massively LAME in Windows 8.
When I pull down the sharing menu in gallery on my Android device, it automatically has my LAST sharing destination selected, and has the following destinations.
Amazon Send to Kindle, Backup Assistant Plus, Bluetooth, Email, Facebook, Gmail, Google+, Online Album, Photo Share, Picasa, Text Messaging, Blogger, Color, Drive, Dropbox, Foursquare, Instagram, Messenger (FB), Perfectly Clear, Skype and Twitter.
Sorry, I'm completely RIGHT about Windows 8 sharing. Wish I wasn't, but I am.
And it doesn't matter if Google is dragging their feet or not... it is Microsoft's problem if they don't have hot apps for their platform. I used to make this argument about Linux all the time. If Linux doesn't have the competitive apps that users want, they don't care if it is because the vendors won't *write* for Linux... they'll go with the platform that has what they want. So Linux distros had to figure out that problem... how do we get Netflix, for example. Now Microsoft is in that situation. They better figure it out.
Sharing is massively POORLY integrated into Windows 8 for cerain, and if it works the same way in RT, for that platform, too. I'm not wrong. If you're at all familiar with how well integrated sharing is in Android and iOS, you can't deny that Windows 8 has a poor attempt at integrated sharing. Conceptually the IDEA is cool... but, just to double check, I'm staring right now at a Windows 8 Desktop with a side-bar that reads, "Share, Nothing can be shared from the Desktop".
Now I've opened an image in the Moder-UI image browser. I've opened Share, and my options are "Fresh Paint, Mail, Skydrive and Windows Phone". Sharing and sharing integration is massively LAME in Windows 8.
When I pull down the sharing menu in gallery on my Android device, it automatically has my LAST sharing destination selected, and has the following destinations.
Amazon Send to Kindle, Backup Assistant Plus, Bluetooth, Email, Facebook, Gmail, Google+, Online Album, Photo Share, Picasa, Text Messaging, Blogger, Color, Drive, Dropbox, Foursquare, Instagram, Messenger (FB), Perfectly Clear, Skype and Twitter.
Sorry, I'm completely RIGHT about Windows 8 sharing. Wish I wasn't, but I am.
It appears that the iPad is still the best overall option since integration is more capable, but I will also note that the current concept for RT/Win8 is still the better one. This may be a case, again, that even though Apple doesn't do the job first, they'll be the one that gets it right--first.
Will make it available to the masses under a more ethical business model.
But I would certainly say, 'less expensive business model.'
Can't find it in the market. Please elaborate.
If it isn't in the official market, by the way, even if it exists, it might as well *not* exist.
If it isn't in the official market, by the way, even if it exists, it might as well *not* exist.
I found it through the Store icon which came as part of Windows 8. I am at work now so I can't give you many more details but I believe that it is the official Twitter app for Win8 Metro. I don't trust using 3rd party apps to login to anything so I am pretty good about checking who the developer is.
If it isn't coming up for a search for Twitter... that is a problem, too.
When you search from the store and the Search interface pops up on the right hand side you might need to click on the "Store" entry. It was searching my machine and Apps instead of the store. I think that it was because of some settings that I chose previous to that.
My favorite kind...
"I don't like what you say enough to ding you, but not enough to tell you why..." Helpful readers are helpful.
"I don't like what you say enough to ding you, but not enough to tell you why..." Helpful readers are helpful.
Sorry about that. I don't know what happened. I checked the developer for the Twitter app and it is not official Twitter. I rarely trust anyone other than the official site with my credentials but I only use twitter to read tech tweets so maybe I decided it wasn't important in this case.
There isn't a twitter app for the start menu. There are third party apps but no app from Twitter.
Once logged into Google +, twitter, or facebook, you can pin them to the start menu. From then on, you will have a tile on your start screen to get directly into the browser version of the app.
Doesn't this work for you?
Doesn't this work for you?
Directing you to a legacy desktop web app that is optimized for mouse/keyboard input is a huge elephant in the room for Windows 8 RT and IA (8 and Pro) right now.
It is a crutch. When I am in the Modern-UI gallery and I want to share a picture, and the options are Fresh Paint, Mail, SkyDrive, and Windows Phone - Microsoft has an integration problem with the maturity of their touch-oriented interface. Windows 8 needs to have *all* social media as integrated throughout the OS as Android and iOS, and right now, they're not even in the same ballpark. Windows needs stand alone Modern-UI apps for Facebook, Twitter and Google+ that meet or exceed what is available for Android and iOS, and in some of those cases, the decision to create an authorized 1st party app for those media services is outside of Microsoft's control. That could be a big liability for adoption of Windows 8 *outside* of professional productivity models.
Right now that is EXACTLY how I do things like sharing images or links or other information to social sites - I drop back into Classic mode and do it in a regular web browser. That works, and arguably having that flexibility can be an *advantage* (things that I wouldn't be able to do on an Android or iOS device until I got back to a "real" PC, I can do on one Windows 8 device, right then) - but it also doesn't offer the convenience or transparency of execution that mobile platform users expect.
It is one of the biggest obstacles to getting mainstream consumer adoption of Windows 8 as a single unified platform across their devices.
It is a crutch. When I am in the Modern-UI gallery and I want to share a picture, and the options are Fresh Paint, Mail, SkyDrive, and Windows Phone - Microsoft has an integration problem with the maturity of their touch-oriented interface. Windows 8 needs to have *all* social media as integrated throughout the OS as Android and iOS, and right now, they're not even in the same ballpark. Windows needs stand alone Modern-UI apps for Facebook, Twitter and Google+ that meet or exceed what is available for Android and iOS, and in some of those cases, the decision to create an authorized 1st party app for those media services is outside of Microsoft's control. That could be a big liability for adoption of Windows 8 *outside* of professional productivity models.
Right now that is EXACTLY how I do things like sharing images or links or other information to social sites - I drop back into Classic mode and do it in a regular web browser. That works, and arguably having that flexibility can be an *advantage* (things that I wouldn't be able to do on an Android or iOS device until I got back to a "real" PC, I can do on one Windows 8 device, right then) - but it also doesn't offer the convenience or transparency of execution that mobile platform users expect.
It is one of the biggest obstacles to getting mainstream consumer adoption of Windows 8 as a single unified platform across their devices.
I am talking about using the "Metro UI" version of IE 10 to access FB, Twitter and Google + - Not the desktop version of IE 10. It is slightly more touch friendly than the desktop version with Pin to Start, Tools, Refresh, Find on page, drag down to see open windows, swipe, etc.
I can zoom in and out if I want to use my finger to interact with the screen but that is not really my style.
Personally, I do not like virtual keyboards taking up 1/4 to 1/3 of my screen so I will always opt for a real keyboard for more than 140 character input. In addition, I am a stylus user. I have been using it for so long on Windows tablets (8 years) that it's just second nature to use it to navigate legacy programs (I'm talking about non Metro-ized Windows 8 apps) just like most people use a mouse or trackpad. I also use my stylus a lot on my Galaxy Note 2.
I use touch (finger) input only for large motor function tasks - swiping a window or scrolling tiles.
I am probably pretty rare in this respect.
I fully agree with you about the ability to share from different "Metro apps".
It is certainly not as prevalent as it is in Android.
I can zoom in and out if I want to use my finger to interact with the screen but that is not really my style.
Personally, I do not like virtual keyboards taking up 1/4 to 1/3 of my screen so I will always opt for a real keyboard for more than 140 character input. In addition, I am a stylus user. I have been using it for so long on Windows tablets (8 years) that it's just second nature to use it to navigate legacy programs (I'm talking about non Metro-ized Windows 8 apps) just like most people use a mouse or trackpad. I also use my stylus a lot on my Galaxy Note 2.
I use touch (finger) input only for large motor function tasks - swiping a window or scrolling tiles.
I am probably pretty rare in this respect.
I fully agree with you about the ability to share from different "Metro apps".
It is certainly not as prevalent as it is in Android.
What I'm hearing in all these comments is that Surface Pro is great for a lot of uses, and has deficits for some Android- and iOS-style uses. Given that Surface AND Win 8 have just emerged, and the others have been refining for years, I give full marks to Microsoft development.
So it might take 8.1, .2, .3 to achieve nirvana, what's new? I hear everyone saying Surface is the right strategy, so I'm getting on board, and can't wait for the day when I run a single OS on Server, Client, Laptop, Tablet, and Phone, and that OS runs them ALL really well. Knowing quite a lot about product development and planning, I can see nirvana from here, while Android & iOS just don't have that kind of potential. All aboard the Microsoft express.!
So it might take 8.1, .2, .3 to achieve nirvana, what's new? I hear everyone saying Surface is the right strategy, so I'm getting on board, and can't wait for the day when I run a single OS on Server, Client, Laptop, Tablet, and Phone, and that OS runs them ALL really well. Knowing quite a lot about product development and planning, I can see nirvana from here, while Android & iOS just don't have that kind of potential. All aboard the Microsoft express.!
I just picked up an ASUS Q200 touch screen ultrabook with Windows 8. I agree - for a first stab at this, Microsoft has done a good job.
But there are significant liabilities they need to correct quickly. The market won't wait for them on this. If they don't deliver, people won't give them a second chance once they get things fixed.
But there are significant liabilities they need to correct quickly. The market won't wait for them on this. If they don't deliver, people won't give them a second chance once they get things fixed.
I'ts just amateur hour around here - the same short blog style posts with no new content.
This is what passes for tech journalism these days; it's become a race to the bottom.
This is what passes for tech journalism these days; it's become a race to the bottom.
Geekend had the most intelligent articles.
I'm using the Samsung Smart PC Pro, so very similar to the the Surface Pro. Samsung has a larger screen and different keyboard. And I'm told the active digitizer is better on Samsung.
I love mine. Finally great processor, RAM, screensize and active digitizer all rolled into one.
And OneNote is the best program ever.
I love mine. Finally great processor, RAM, screensize and active digitizer all rolled into one.
And OneNote is the best program ever.
I have been waiting a long time for this release. What interests me the most is the ability to run VBA macros in Excel. Currently this cannot be done on any tablet without third party servers (or at least I haven't found another way).
Aside from software though, I think the surface pro is great in regards to battery life. Yeah it may not outlast the Ipad on a single charge, but you can't replace an Ipad battery like you can with the surface. Carry an extra battery or two with you!
The two things I would truly like to read about in an article/review are the heat dissipation and noise level of this tablet. I work in sales and and clients will not be fascinated if this tablet is too hot to hold or too noisy to have a conversation over.
Aside from software though, I think the surface pro is great in regards to battery life. Yeah it may not outlast the Ipad on a single charge, but you can't replace an Ipad battery like you can with the surface. Carry an extra battery or two with you!
The two things I would truly like to read about in an article/review are the heat dissipation and noise level of this tablet. I work in sales and and clients will not be fascinated if this tablet is too hot to hold or too noisy to have a conversation over.
Remember that Li-ion batteries only have a shelf life of 3 years typical, up to 5 if you only use it or store it in an air-conditioned room with great circulation. So 3 years then. How many iPads in the landfill needlessly?
Keep in mind that nearly every hybrid and electric car on the market uses Li-ion batteries and have an expected battery operational life of over 7 years, not three. As such, the argument about the Li-ion on the iPad as a weakness is hardly valid. I'm still using a first-gen iPad and still get more than 5 days of standby time with no usage and it really depends on how I use it as to how fast it depletes its charge. Since I don't use it at home as much as I do on the road, three days of intermittent use is normal for me and almost two days of fairly heavy use when relying on a weak 3G signal where no other internet source is available. It still recharges to full power in about 3-4 hours of charging off the car battery port.
When will I buy a new iPad? When this one dies, or iOS itself advances to where its integration with OS X makes it that much closer to fully replacing a laptop so that I can do anything on it that I do on my desktop at home--including playing the same games.
When will I buy a new iPad? When this one dies, or iOS itself advances to where its integration with OS X makes it that much closer to fully replacing a laptop so that I can do anything on it that I do on my desktop at home--including playing the same games.
Dreamliner uses which type of battery and is currently grounded because of problems with their batteries?
What you may use and what happens in Rea Life with the majority of people can be completely different. )
Col
What you may use and what happens in Rea Life with the majority of people can be completely different. )
Col
"...Im left with carrying a laptop and tablet for most of my computing tasks."
I've read similar comments from others who say they have to carry a laptop and a tablet. I'm not a mobile worker, and my tablet experience is limited to loading an OS and apps on XP-era equipment and handing it to the end user. With that background in mind, I ask:
If you're going to carry the laptop, why bring the tablet along? What functions does it provide that the laptop can't, and are they worth toting two devices?
I've read similar comments from others who say they have to carry a laptop and a tablet. I'm not a mobile worker, and my tablet experience is limited to loading an OS and apps on XP-era equipment and handing it to the end user. With that background in mind, I ask:
If you're going to carry the laptop, why bring the tablet along? What functions does it provide that the laptop can't, and are they worth toting two devices?
Here are a couple of examples:
1) On the plane, if I want to relax my tablet (these days usually an iPad) goes in the seatback pocket. I'll catch up on a book via Kindle, read the WSJ through their app, or read RSS feeds. There are no good "standard" Windows 8 equivalents to these apps (except perhaps Kindle), since desktop apps are designed for a connected, keyboard/mouse-driven experience.
2) In meetings, I use the iPad as a digital notepad. I know many people use their laptops to take notes, but I find this diminishes the client interaction (ever try talking to someone while furiously pecking away and staring at a screen)? A nuance perhaps, but 95% of my job is interacting with people in a small conference room setting, so this is a major factor for my type of work.
I use the laptop for standard business tasks: spreadsheets, email composition, document creation. The tablet doesn't do this well, but does the above tasks so well it's worth the space in my bag.
1) On the plane, if I want to relax my tablet (these days usually an iPad) goes in the seatback pocket. I'll catch up on a book via Kindle, read the WSJ through their app, or read RSS feeds. There are no good "standard" Windows 8 equivalents to these apps (except perhaps Kindle), since desktop apps are designed for a connected, keyboard/mouse-driven experience.
2) In meetings, I use the iPad as a digital notepad. I know many people use their laptops to take notes, but I find this diminishes the client interaction (ever try talking to someone while furiously pecking away and staring at a screen)? A nuance perhaps, but 95% of my job is interacting with people in a small conference room setting, so this is a major factor for my type of work.
I use the laptop for standard business tasks: spreadsheets, email composition, document creation. The tablet doesn't do this well, but does the above tasks so well it's worth the space in my bag.
I want my leisure device and my content creation device to be a single, thin, light, quick, silent device that runs for an entire coast-to-coast flight with juice left over when I land and can sit on standby for an entire day and still have most of its battery left when I need it.
But I also want something that will work with web apps like Google Docs, that will get me into Facebook and Google Plus and Tech Republic so I can write posts like this.
Without having to lug around a backpack full of so many cables and wires and electronic devices that I end up holding the entire TSA patdown line up an extra 20 minutes while they figure out what to do with me.
It is a holy grail for highly mobile users who do a lot of content creation, I think, especially those ones who like to use their devices for personal as well as professional pursuits.
Android is moving in that direction, and Windows 8 is moving in that direction, but they both still have enough challenges that I see myself carrying around a Windows laptop and an Android tablet for at least the next 11-18 months.
I don't really care if ARM gets me there or Intel gets me there, if Windows, Android or iOS gets me there. Whoever can get me there first will get to take my money.
But I also want something that will work with web apps like Google Docs, that will get me into Facebook and Google Plus and Tech Republic so I can write posts like this.
Without having to lug around a backpack full of so many cables and wires and electronic devices that I end up holding the entire TSA patdown line up an extra 20 minutes while they figure out what to do with me.
It is a holy grail for highly mobile users who do a lot of content creation, I think, especially those ones who like to use their devices for personal as well as professional pursuits.
Android is moving in that direction, and Windows 8 is moving in that direction, but they both still have enough challenges that I see myself carrying around a Windows laptop and an Android tablet for at least the next 11-18 months.
I don't really care if ARM gets me there or Intel gets me there, if Windows, Android or iOS gets me there. Whoever can get me there first will get to take my money.
I agree completely. I don't care who gets the feature set correct first, but right now it looks like Surface Pro is my jam. I need that USB-Serial support. I need that "external monitor that isn't just duplicating my tablet display" support. I need that digitizer pen support, not the usually-pathetic capacitive stylus that forces awkward palm-rejection solutions.
Unfortunately I also want 10 hour battery life but I guess that's the thing to go for now.
Unfortunately I also want 10 hour battery life but I guess that's the thing to go for now.
Both Gray and dcolbert above point out that they want a single device that can do everything they need. As yet, no one device really meets those needs, though the Surface tablets and the iPad come close--with Android carrying a couple of different advantages. Still, if they don't have the battery life, would any of them truly meet mobility needs?
A small anecdote:
I write fiction and do private tech consulting for income. I use an iPad whenever I'm not at home. This past Wednesday, I had to take my wife to the doctor's for a followup after cancer surgery (no, I'm not asking for condolences or pity, just making a point). My iPad was fully charged and by the time my wife came out I'd used about 10% of that battery. On returning home, I accidentally left the iPad in my car--where it remained for 48 hours in temperatures that went from near-70 degrees on Wednesday to 26 degrees on Thursday night. When I retrieved the iPad from the car, the battery still read 89% despite the 36 hours off of a charger and sitting in sub-freezing temperatures for a minimum of 16 hours. Please note that this is a first-generation, 3G model, not one of the 'latest and greatest' with the newest battery technologies.
With this, I personally feel that the iPad is still the best all-around product for productivity and entertainment in a mobile device--despite the other platforms' other advantages. The Surface RT is, to me the best non-Apple device despite its other limitations while honestly Android for now seems to be the better productivity platform--on a hybrid device like the ASUS Transformer. Microsoft has the concept down, but doesn't yet have the execution. Android lacks the concept and the execution of integration while iOS lacks the concept but succeeds with the execution as far as it goes (based on this article Apple's integration and automatic synchronization of data is still better, though it doesn't run desktop apps themselves.) Use what you like; hate what you will; no one product will meet everybody's needs or desires.
A small anecdote:
I write fiction and do private tech consulting for income. I use an iPad whenever I'm not at home. This past Wednesday, I had to take my wife to the doctor's for a followup after cancer surgery (no, I'm not asking for condolences or pity, just making a point). My iPad was fully charged and by the time my wife came out I'd used about 10% of that battery. On returning home, I accidentally left the iPad in my car--where it remained for 48 hours in temperatures that went from near-70 degrees on Wednesday to 26 degrees on Thursday night. When I retrieved the iPad from the car, the battery still read 89% despite the 36 hours off of a charger and sitting in sub-freezing temperatures for a minimum of 16 hours. Please note that this is a first-generation, 3G model, not one of the 'latest and greatest' with the newest battery technologies.
With this, I personally feel that the iPad is still the best all-around product for productivity and entertainment in a mobile device--despite the other platforms' other advantages. The Surface RT is, to me the best non-Apple device despite its other limitations while honestly Android for now seems to be the better productivity platform--on a hybrid device like the ASUS Transformer. Microsoft has the concept down, but doesn't yet have the execution. Android lacks the concept and the execution of integration while iOS lacks the concept but succeeds with the execution as far as it goes (based on this article Apple's integration and automatic synchronization of data is still better, though it doesn't run desktop apps themselves.) Use what you like; hate what you will; no one product will meet everybody's needs or desires.
Maybe Apple got the standby thing right from the get-go. Android didn't. My first tablet drained so fast, I had taken to shutting it down on longer periods of inactivity. Nothing to do with battery chemistry or capacity, thus was all software.
My replacement, a Transformer, seems to use no power for even days on standby. Even with a faster clock, it seems way ahead of what I've heard of the Surface RT. The good news is, they're similar enough hardware, this might be a patch to the Surface and/or WinRT. First place to look: Android uses the tiny 5th processor in the Tegra 3 during standby. The Surface, not yet.
As for the Pro, sleep mode on regular windows may be more evolved, but with hotter hardware, that may just take some time...
My replacement, a Transformer, seems to use no power for even days on standby. Even with a faster clock, it seems way ahead of what I've heard of the Surface RT. The good news is, they're similar enough hardware, this might be a patch to the Surface and/or WinRT. First place to look: Android uses the tiny 5th processor in the Tegra 3 during standby. The Surface, not yet.
As for the Pro, sleep mode on regular windows may be more evolved, but with hotter hardware, that may just take some time...
and only lose 1% of battery charge in 48 hours--with a first-generation model. Why?
Yes, I would have to say it's in the software, but it's also in the design of the device. An ARM or Atom processor doesn't draw as much power as an x86 and as such automatically extends the life of a given battery by some factor. It has already been reported that the Surface RT gets roughly 8 hours of battery in use while the Surface Pro gets about 3 hours. Assuming all else the same for just the moment and we see that the different processor alone makes a huge difference in performance. By turning things around and jailbreaking the SurfaceRT, you find you get access to all of Windows 8--but desktop performance is abysmal.
In other words, it's not just software that gives longer battery life, it's the combination of hardware and software--the engineering of the device along with the operating system that controls how well a given product will perform. This is also why the so-touted "tech specs" are such a poor measure of how well a machine will work for any given individual.
Yes, I would have to say it's in the software, but it's also in the design of the device. An ARM or Atom processor doesn't draw as much power as an x86 and as such automatically extends the life of a given battery by some factor. It has already been reported that the Surface RT gets roughly 8 hours of battery in use while the Surface Pro gets about 3 hours. Assuming all else the same for just the moment and we see that the different processor alone makes a huge difference in performance. By turning things around and jailbreaking the SurfaceRT, you find you get access to all of Windows 8--but desktop performance is abysmal.
In other words, it's not just software that gives longer battery life, it's the combination of hardware and software--the engineering of the device along with the operating system that controls how well a given product will perform. This is also why the so-touted "tech specs" are such a poor measure of how well a machine will work for any given individual.
Apple is miles ahead of anyone else on battery technology in these areas, although it looks like Android smartphone manufacturers have caught up and even exceeded Apple on the iPhone/iPod Touch.
But even the Macbook Air does magic things with standby and battery runtime that the best Windows Ultrabooks can't quite match.
I think it has something to do with Steve Jobs and black magic.
But even the Macbook Air does magic things with standby and battery runtime that the best Windows Ultrabooks can't quite match.
I think it has something to do with Steve Jobs and black magic.
I had my Android tablet just yesterday, in a meeting that went from 8AM to 6:30PM, taking notes with a stylus all the while. Most everyone else had to plug in, and type. I had a keyboard when I needed it (some involved emails at lunch), but I find this far superior to a laptop for this kind of thing. And while the Surface Pro may find a niche, it's basically a keyboard-optional ultrabook, even to the price. It's going to need a plug, just like all the laptops. To me, anyway, having used Android tablets even before they got good, the fundamental thing about a tablet, the thing Apple got right after a decade of Windows tablets, is all-day untethered operation. Without that, you may not have a keyboard, but you're not a proper tablet.
The Atom tablets may fix that for Windows 8. And they'll probably run Metro apps as well as the Surface RT. But they'll offer the same real-Windows performance that's all but killed the Netbook. And if users are complaining about Surface Pro performance -- with a mid-range laptop CPU -- that doesn't bode well for Atom driven Win8 tablets. Also, Microsoft got one thing fundamentally correct in the Pro: the wacom-style digitizer. You don't have the right interface to Windows desktop with a finger driven capacitive touchscreen.
The Atom tablets may fix that for Windows 8. And they'll probably run Metro apps as well as the Surface RT. But they'll offer the same real-Windows performance that's all but killed the Netbook. And if users are complaining about Surface Pro performance -- with a mid-range laptop CPU -- that doesn't bode well for Atom driven Win8 tablets. Also, Microsoft got one thing fundamentally correct in the Pro: the wacom-style digitizer. You don't have the right interface to Windows desktop with a finger driven capacitive touchscreen.
You don't need two devices; that's just nonsense. Tablets in general are useless to me. They offer no advantage over the notebook I have now other than it being a cool toy. Geez...
Or the lack of storage.
http://www.theverge.com/2013/1/29/3929110/surface-pro-disk-space-windows-8
http://www.theverge.com/2013/1/29/3929110/surface-pro-disk-space-windows-8
On a device that can easily hook up to a 1TB external 2.5" hard drive.
If you purchase the high-capacity version of any tablet, Android or iOS, you spend far more than the extra memory actually should cost. If you buy Android and you buy the right tablet, then it is a simple matter to hook up an external USB drive, be it a Thumbdrive in 32, 64 or 128GB capacity or a hard-drive with up to TBs of storage.
On the original Surface RT 32GB the space remaining is very limited and that can cause a lot of hardships when trying to install larger mobile-Apps. The wildly popular Nexus 7 only released in 8GB and 16GB versions, and Google decided to disable the ability to mount external filesystems. THAT was a mistake. The 8GB is now discontinued, the 16GB is the low end, and the 32GB is the answer to that problem... which is still not an ideal solution.
But with a Windows device, this isn't a question. It is part of the OS philosophy to mount external file systems and the hardware supports it through SD cards, and USB drives.
16GB on a Nexus 7 wasn't enough for me, ever. 16GB has never been a problem for me on my TF101 or TF300 tablets, though - because they both easily support external memory.
If you purchase the high-capacity version of any tablet, Android or iOS, you spend far more than the extra memory actually should cost. If you buy Android and you buy the right tablet, then it is a simple matter to hook up an external USB drive, be it a Thumbdrive in 32, 64 or 128GB capacity or a hard-drive with up to TBs of storage.
On the original Surface RT 32GB the space remaining is very limited and that can cause a lot of hardships when trying to install larger mobile-Apps. The wildly popular Nexus 7 only released in 8GB and 16GB versions, and Google decided to disable the ability to mount external filesystems. THAT was a mistake. The 8GB is now discontinued, the 16GB is the low end, and the 32GB is the answer to that problem... which is still not an ideal solution.
But with a Windows device, this isn't a question. It is part of the OS philosophy to mount external file systems and the hardware supports it through SD cards, and USB drives.
16GB on a Nexus 7 wasn't enough for me, ever. 16GB has never been a problem for me on my TF101 or TF300 tablets, though - because they both easily support external memory.
But seriously, that's the base install, after a year of windows updates, you will have no space left at all.
And most applications still want to install to the C drive, especially everything from Microsoft.
And I have a Nexus 7 32gb, so they made them with more storage.
And most applications still want to install to the C drive, especially everything from Microsoft.
And I have a Nexus 7 32gb, so they made them with more storage.
"And most applications still want to install to the C drive, especially everything from Microsoft."
So override the default and install to an external drive. Yes, you're going to have to lug that around too, but I suspect if you're installing enough apps to fill the drive, a tablet may not be the best device for you.
Just one ignorant opinion based on a complete lack of practical experience, you understand.
So override the default and install to an external drive. Yes, you're going to have to lug that around too, but I suspect if you're installing enough apps to fill the drive, a tablet may not be the best device for you.
Just one ignorant opinion based on a complete lack of practical experience, you understand.
Like everything labeled windows live, or metro apps.
Various frame works.
Various frame works.
So what would take up 23 gigs?
My whole music folder is 22gigs.
Movies are about 700megs and up, a 1080 movie reaches around 13 gigs.
I guess if the typical use is web browsing, its fine, but then why not use the RT model instead?
My whole music folder is 22gigs.
Movies are about 700megs and up, a 1080 movie reaches around 13 gigs.
I guess if the typical use is web browsing, its fine, but then why not use the RT model instead?
I don't have a need or desire for a portable computing / communication / entertainment device. Among my reasons are the limited drive space issues you point out.
However, my previous point was referring only to 'traditional', non-Metro applications. I haven't seen one of those in years that didn't allow redirecting the installation process to the folder or drive of your choice. Sorry if I didn't make that clear.
However, my previous point was referring only to 'traditional', non-Metro applications. I haven't seen one of those in years that didn't allow redirecting the installation process to the folder or drive of your choice. Sorry if I didn't make that clear.
about storing your complete music collection and movies on your Nexus 7 with only 16GB of storage?
Really... I don't get this... you're complaining about a Windows device only having 23GB free, yet you have an Android device that comes out of the box with less than 16GB available, and the Android device is NOT user expandable *by design*.
That makes no sense.
Really... I don't get this... you're complaining about a Windows device only having 23GB free, yet you have an Android device that comes out of the box with less than 16GB available, and the Android device is NOT user expandable *by design*.
That makes no sense.
So it is less of an issue.
The Surface Pro is targeted as a PC replacement.
The Surface Pro is targeted as a PC replacement.
Modern-UI apps are? I'm assuming they're smaller than full blown Classic Desktop apps. But I don't know.
I don't think it is a replacment... it is a HYBRID. Somewhere inbetween. If you're a power user, they would probably suggest an Ultrabook. You've got to know what your target use is.
I don't think it is a replacment... it is a HYBRID. Somewhere inbetween. If you're a power user, they would probably suggest an Ultrabook. You've got to know what your target use is.
not an all-out replacement unless your needs are very, very small.
Why in the world would you want to store a bunch of 1080 movies on a tablet? That just seems idiotic to me. Why would you not just get a network storage device that lets you stream you movies directly from it? 128GB in a tablet is far more memory than you should need. A tablet is never designed to store every single photo or movie that you have. This is why they make external storage.
As far as music, why keep your entire music library on a mobile device. You would not be able to listen to all 22GB for the rest of this year. Again, stream it from a network storage device, or carry it on an SDXC or thumb drive.
Memory is the least important thing here, because there are always ways to expand it. But battery life, comparable to other tablets, should be number one, followed by RAM and processor.
The App store will grow, very quickly. It's Microsoft people, they have a little bit of sway. If people want to mess around with them, Microsoft can strong arm them right back. There is no other company that has the resources of Microsoft.
The software will improve, as well as the apps. And don't forget, anyone can write and publish apps for Windows, without having to get approval from the Gestapo, as you do for all Apple systems.
As far as music, why keep your entire music library on a mobile device. You would not be able to listen to all 22GB for the rest of this year. Again, stream it from a network storage device, or carry it on an SDXC or thumb drive.
Memory is the least important thing here, because there are always ways to expand it. But battery life, comparable to other tablets, should be number one, followed by RAM and processor.
The App store will grow, very quickly. It's Microsoft people, they have a little bit of sway. If people want to mess around with them, Microsoft can strong arm them right back. There is no other company that has the resources of Microsoft.
The software will improve, as well as the apps. And don't forget, anyone can write and publish apps for Windows, without having to get approval from the Gestapo, as you do for all Apple systems.
You have to jailbreak the RT to access the rest of Windows, and honestly performance will suffer if you do. But that does explain what's taking up 23 Gigs, now doesn't it?
That's what I do with my Android phone. Load your music on the Micro SD and when you switch phones, you can just plug your music back in; No need to download them all over again.
Micro SD cards are smaller than your pinky nail and you can often get one online for $40 to $50.
I keep one handy on my keychain in a USB drive.
Micro SD cards are smaller than your pinky nail and you can often get one online for $40 to $50.
I keep one handy on my keychain in a USB drive.
I'm going to bet that the vast majority of PC casuals have no idea how application installations work, and install all to the C drive. Have no idea where their photos are except that they are in the "photos" library, no idea where their movies are except for the "Videos" library.
I bet they are going to run out of space, and think their expensive "laptop" or "tablet" is broken.
I bet they are going to run out of space, and think their expensive "laptop" or "tablet" is broken.
True, most people don't know how application installations work. They just accept the defaults.
But I have to disagree on the photo issue. Most people DO know about USB flash drives. They know they can store files such as photos on a USB flash drive. It would not be a stretch for them to understand that a MicroSD is another storage device like a USB flash drive. Some people even know that if you insert a USB Flash drive with music on it in their car radio, it will automatically find and play the music.
I don't know how friendly Windows 8 is to a MicroSD card but my android automatically catalogs music and photos from my MicroSD so I don't have to think about where they are stored. Hopefully, Windows 8 works the same way.
But I have to disagree on the photo issue. Most people DO know about USB flash drives. They know they can store files such as photos on a USB flash drive. It would not be a stretch for them to understand that a MicroSD is another storage device like a USB flash drive. Some people even know that if you insert a USB Flash drive with music on it in their car radio, it will automatically find and play the music.
I don't know how friendly Windows 8 is to a MicroSD card but my android automatically catalogs music and photos from my MicroSD so I don't have to think about where they are stored. Hopefully, Windows 8 works the same way.
But on their own, I think many would have problems.
I know its difficult for us IT people to think of it as difficult. But you have to remember many users have the attitude that they don't want to learn, they think its an IT thing and they aren't interested.
So the question is, are these the people that will buy the surface pro? Or is the surface pro a purely IT product?
Maybe Win8 could have fixed this issue by having the expandable storage automatically merge with the C drive, sort of like how phones do. Thus removing the concept of drives.
I know its difficult for us IT people to think of it as difficult. But you have to remember many users have the attitude that they don't want to learn, they think its an IT thing and they aren't interested.
So the question is, are these the people that will buy the surface pro? Or is the surface pro a purely IT product?
Maybe Win8 could have fixed this issue by having the expandable storage automatically merge with the C drive, sort of like how phones do. Thus removing the concept of drives.
"So the question is, are these the people that will buy the surface pro?"
Sure, many people are attracted to bright and shiny objects.
Will they install lots of apps? Probably. Most of them are free!! Yay!
Will they store lots of music locally? Maybe. Maybe not.
Will they install lots of desktop programs? Probably not. Most of them cost serious money. Booo!
Will they run up against "insufficient storage" issues? Probably
Then what will they do? Hopefully, they will call someone who knows IT who will clean it up and explain how to manage their computer storage better. It will probably fall on deaf ears and they will call the IT guy or gal when it fills up again.
But isn't that what we are here for?
"Or is the surface pro a purely IT product?" Absolutely not.
Sure, many people are attracted to bright and shiny objects.
Will they install lots of apps? Probably. Most of them are free!! Yay!
Will they store lots of music locally? Maybe. Maybe not.
Will they install lots of desktop programs? Probably not. Most of them cost serious money. Booo!
Will they run up against "insufficient storage" issues? Probably
Then what will they do? Hopefully, they will call someone who knows IT who will clean it up and explain how to manage their computer storage better. It will probably fall on deaf ears and they will call the IT guy or gal when it fills up again.
But isn't that what we are here for?
"Or is the surface pro a purely IT product?" Absolutely not.
Or even friends, at best I get a pie or something when I fix an old ladies laptop.
In fact, I just had to replace the hard drive in a client's MBP because he filled up iPhoto with 37,000 images. Interestingly, the drive he had been told was 'toast' now serves as an external drive as I replaced the 320GB internal drive with a 1TB model and moved all those images to the external one which is now only half-full.
I try to encourage them to solve it themselves.
Thankfully Windows added some useful features.
An often forgotten one, but is very useful for people that don't understand "Drives" is the send to menu. USB drives automatically show up in the send to menu. That's how I tell people to copy their files to a USB drive. I think this feature was added first in Xp (or maybe 2000, I never really used 2000)
Thankfully Windows added some useful features.
An often forgotten one, but is very useful for people that don't understand "Drives" is the send to menu. USB drives automatically show up in the send to menu. That's how I tell people to copy their files to a USB drive. I think this feature was added first in Xp (or maybe 2000, I never really used 2000)
If you're installing so much that you need an external drive, you're a power user who knows how to deal with these things.
It really seems like pretty much a non-issue to me... or one that is easily addressed, if it presents a problem.
It really seems like pretty much a non-issue to me... or one that is easily addressed, if it presents a problem.
You know why? Because 16GB and no SD or USB Host was a stupid idea. Especially when the answer was, "leverage the cloud, with your wifi only device..."
I gave that one (the 16GB) to my kid. 32GB is still limiting. When and if I hit that ceiling, that is really IT. I can do an OTG cable and Nexus Media Importer, but that is a total APPLE way to do it.
With the Windows tablets, you CAN use an extrnal hard drive.
Your points about updates and base installs to C:... you might have a point there. We'll see how Microsoft handles that. I think it is too early to say for sure that the traditional Windows approach will carry forward with Windows 8. Android had that problem too, which caused aftermarket solutions like "App2SD" and eventually forced Google and manufacturers to address that fact... that an 8GB system with a portion used up by the OS and updates didn't leave much for apps and media if you couldn't move things to some sort of external drive. So it isn't like this is a uniquely MICROSOFT problem, and if Android was able to overcome it, so should Windows 8.
I gave that one (the 16GB) to my kid. 32GB is still limiting. When and if I hit that ceiling, that is really IT. I can do an OTG cable and Nexus Media Importer, but that is a total APPLE way to do it.
With the Windows tablets, you CAN use an extrnal hard drive.
Your points about updates and base installs to C:... you might have a point there. We'll see how Microsoft handles that. I think it is too early to say for sure that the traditional Windows approach will carry forward with Windows 8. Android had that problem too, which caused aftermarket solutions like "App2SD" and eventually forced Google and manufacturers to address that fact... that an 8GB system with a portion used up by the OS and updates didn't leave much for apps and media if you couldn't move things to some sort of external drive. So it isn't like this is a uniquely MICROSOFT problem, and if Android was able to overcome it, so should Windows 8.
Nexus 7 does not support mounting external file systems. You need a OTG USB cable (different than what you've linked to), and an aftermarket, third party utility called Nexus Media Importer...
And then you can only copy one way... from the external storage to the Nexus 7, not from the Nexus to the thumb drive.
Sounds like maybe TR needs an article on this.
And then you can only copy one way... from the external storage to the Nexus 7, not from the Nexus to the thumb drive.
Sounds like maybe TR needs an article on this.
Apple's Camera Connection Kit did that for the original iPad. Easy enough to transfer photos to the external drive.
Is a great example of where Apple's stubborn "there is the door if you don't like it" attitude annoys me.
But yet not only are you right about the Apple kit offering this kind of feature in a limited scope - but it actually does it *better* than the Nexus 7.
I just reviewed an HTC DNA for my personal blog, and with a simple micro-usb to usb-B (host) adapter you can mount and access external file-systems directly, copying from any location on the drive to any location on the device, or the reverse, or just loading media from the USB stick. On the Nexus, even with a USB OTG cable, you still can't actually directly access the file systems, you've got a very limited scope of what you can do. Google is behaving very Apple-like with their Nexus devices. I'd buy the HTC DNA over the Nexus 4, for that reason, if I were replacing my phone today.
But yet not only are you right about the Apple kit offering this kind of feature in a limited scope - but it actually does it *better* than the Nexus 7.
I just reviewed an HTC DNA for my personal blog, and with a simple micro-usb to usb-B (host) adapter you can mount and access external file-systems directly, copying from any location on the drive to any location on the device, or the reverse, or just loading media from the USB stick. On the Nexus, even with a USB OTG cable, you still can't actually directly access the file systems, you've got a very limited scope of what you can do. Google is behaving very Apple-like with their Nexus devices. I'd buy the HTC DNA over the Nexus 4, for that reason, if I were replacing my phone today.
I can see that possibly being an issue on the RT, but not the Pro. The Pro is the full installation of Win8, so you have full control over everything, just as you would on a laptop or desktop. Even if it didn't give you the option during installation, go into the registry and change the setting. It is quite simple to do, especially for a supposed "power user."
My Asus Transformer has 64GB internal, 64GB on a microSD. Add a USB dongle, and it can use a USB stick or HDD, even NTFS. Add the keyboard, and you get USB and a full SD card slot, great for backing up or offloading cameras on the road.
I think Google is cutting flash to save costs. But also, they are pushing the web centrisim as their mandate. Which is fine for some people, but a big problem if you don't have good, constant internet access.
I think Google is cutting flash to save costs. But also, they are pushing the web centrisim as their mandate. Which is fine for some people, but a big problem if you don't have good, constant internet access.
The spin Google has put on it is that mounting external file systems is a security and stability risk. I don't believe that at all. I think it is about Google wanting to push users to their cloud solutions. They think if they can get enough devices out there to enough consumers, the demand for persistent, ubiqtious, affordable high speed mobile broadband will make the carriers deliver that. I don't think that is the case.
for file storage--NOT for application installs. Still, unless you're running full desktop apps, your files are likely to be much larger than the app that uses them--especially when you're working with graphics. I just replaced a client's internal hard drive on an '09 MacBook Pro and set his original 320GB hard drive up as an external, pocket-sized drive that perfectly meets the need for carrying large numbers of photos and Photoshop files--the files that originally filled up that drive when it was the System boot drive.
Every one forgets about SkyDrive and Google Drive. You get 7GB on the former, I have Google Drive, but don't use it. Not sure of capacity.
Having external storage can be (or not) a valuable security feature. On the one hand, if you lose the USB or SD you lose files. If you lose the tablet, you lose files and the finder may be able to access your online storage. Being security conscious (password protection on the bios and the OS, for example) and making (Oh, what is that word?) backups are becoming more essential than ever.
Having external storage can be (or not) a valuable security feature. On the one hand, if you lose the USB or SD you lose files. If you lose the tablet, you lose files and the finder may be able to access your online storage. Being security conscious (password protection on the bios and the OS, for example) and making (Oh, what is that word?) backups are becoming more essential than ever.
My parents have a 10gb max on their "high speed internet".
And that and other stupid things like outrageous speed restrictions are common around here.
I pay 70 bucks a month for this. I probably have better speeds than most thanks to low congestion because I live in a condo.
http://www.speedtest.net/result/2479658050.png
It says right on it I am faster than 77% of Canada. That must mean I am faster than nearly everyone in Ontario, Quebec, BC, and Alberta.
And that and other stupid things like outrageous speed restrictions are common around here.
I pay 70 bucks a month for this. I probably have better speeds than most thanks to low congestion because I live in a condo.
http://www.speedtest.net/result/2479658050.png
It says right on it I am faster than 77% of Canada. That must mean I am faster than nearly everyone in Ontario, Quebec, BC, and Alberta.
My SD card writes at a minimum of 80Mb/s, reads much faster, and I can transfer all 64GB if I like. Until about a week ago, my internet was 1.5Mb/s peak, with a 550 MB cap before being all but shut off. And today a peak of 12Mb/s and a 25GB monthly cap. Why would I upload media from my PC to the web, having to deal with low speeds, caps, net congestion, and 100x more power consumption, just to get this on my tablet. Not to mention the SD card cost $60, once. The internet is $130/month.
Sure, most have better net options, but why spend net resources on things better done locally. There are plenty of good uses for the net, but it doesn't do everything better.
Sure, most have better net options, but why spend net resources on things better done locally. There are plenty of good uses for the net, but it doesn't do everything better.
With very limited exceptions, storage is not the issue with a tablet, despite all the arguments to the contrary. As has been pointed out on other blogs ad infinitum, if it ain't built in (Apple/Microsoft) then add it (Android). Both the iPad and the Surface do have the ability to access external drives for storage, albeit in different ways.
No, battery life is probably the most crucial with desktop integration the next most important--as exemplified by both Microsoft and Apple in their different ways.
No, battery life is probably the most crucial with desktop integration the next most important--as exemplified by both Microsoft and Apple in their different ways.
The Pro will be both a great consumption device and a brilliant workhorse.... Battery a problem ... That is no big deal at all ... Your review is complete bias and garbage
Patrick,
From your unsubstantiated comments you are clearly an apple fan boy. There is nothing wrong with this as I also have an iPad that was supplied to me from work. If you like apple products just come out and say it, as there is nothing wrong with preferring one over the other or even liking multiple platforms. What is ridiculous however are completely false comments about battery and software not being able to meet your needs. Anyone who knows anything technically will absolutely disagree with you on these statements. If your going to write an article about products and how they are successful or fail to meet your needs, please submit substantial data backing up your comments. We don't need an article on unsubstantiated data that is comprised of personal preference.
From your unsubstantiated comments you are clearly an apple fan boy. There is nothing wrong with this as I also have an iPad that was supplied to me from work. If you like apple products just come out and say it, as there is nothing wrong with preferring one over the other or even liking multiple platforms. What is ridiculous however are completely false comments about battery and software not being able to meet your needs. Anyone who knows anything technically will absolutely disagree with you on these statements. If your going to write an article about products and how they are successful or fail to meet your needs, please submit substantial data backing up your comments. We don't need an article on unsubstantiated data that is comprised of personal preference.
The article is about why the author won't be getting one. It's his opinions and his needs, it's not about other people usage.
I agree that when I read an article pertaining to a device I am looking into purchasing I would like to see some numbers and facts regarding it's performance, etc. But the title of the article does state very clearly that it is why HE will not purchase one.
I still plan on getting one but after reading this article it makes me want to find more articles with actually benchmarks for comparison.
I still plan on getting one but after reading this article it makes me want to find more articles with actually benchmarks for comparison.
Godwin's Law should be expanded to include a 'fan boy' corollary.
Months and months ago.
http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/career/five-online-behaviors-that-are-overused-and-misapplied/4411?tag=content;siu-container
Well, that was trolling... but in the forums, I've expanded it to the Fanboy label, too.
http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/career/five-online-behaviors-that-are-overused-and-misapplied/4411?tag=content;siu-container
Well, that was trolling... but in the forums, I've expanded it to the Fanboy label, too.
Just because you say something I don't agree with doesn't necessarily make either of us fanboys. But you wouldn't know it, reading blogs and forums. I do suspect that the more of a fanboy you are, the more likely you are to apply, and particularly misapply, the label.
Case in point: I said a few true things about Apple some days back, and a suspected Microsoft fanboy immediately assumed I was one of the devoted residents of the reality distortion field. I mean, me, an Apple fanboy? I last used MacOS in 1997, around the time Jobs came back and proceeded to try and kill all the Mac Compatible companies.. mine included. Didn't even use it much then -- CAD tools run on Windows. Which I use, along with Linux, on my desktop. Android alone occupies the OS slot of my mobile units.
Overused, indeed. And improperly applied, without much thought.
Case in point: I said a few true things about Apple some days back, and a suspected Microsoft fanboy immediately assumed I was one of the devoted residents of the reality distortion field. I mean, me, an Apple fanboy? I last used MacOS in 1997, around the time Jobs came back and proceeded to try and kill all the Mac Compatible companies.. mine included. Didn't even use it much then -- CAD tools run on Windows. Which I use, along with Linux, on my desktop. Android alone occupies the OS slot of my mobile units.
Overused, indeed. And improperly applied, without much thought.
I've never used any of their products, and have seen only a '90s-era desktop up close.
I don't think even you could stretch the truth that much out of recognizable shape. I recall it was some 'one-post wonder' who strutted his hour upon the stage, etc.
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