It doesn't matter if you think the Surface is a big mistake or if you think the , Microsoft's new tablet is worth more than a quick one-sided judgement
Why?
The Microsoft Surface does not have to compete only as a mobile app-based tablet, the Surface will compete as a Windows laptop replacement.
Tablets are already on their way to outpace laptop sales in the next few years. Microsoft knows, if people replace Windows laptops with iOS/Android tablets, they stand to lose a significant amount of money. The Microsoft Surface is one way to gain market share in a growing industry that is already cannibalizing the Windows OS.
What do you think about the Surface?
I could definitely see myself switching to a competitively priced Surface, and go Office Space on the slow, heavy, low-resolution beast of a laptop I use. I dreamed my Ipad would be something I could use instead of my laptop, but it turns out, seemingly endless applications are no replacement for the functionality of a keyboard, trackpad, and Microsoft Office. At least, not for a college student.
Other Reading:
Microsoft Surface: Analysts Weigh In
I agree with your sentiment that an iPad can't replace a computer completely. Personally, I think the iPad isn't that good - it's literally just an iPhone with a huge screen. I'd buy a Surface day 1 IF it's competitively priced, which it sounds like it won't be. They're talking about the Pro version - the real deal - being around $1k. That's in the range of most notebooks, every netbook, ultrabooks, and for another $400 you can get an awesome Apple computer.
That said, if the Surface Pro is exactly $999 or less, it may succeed. I hope it does, since I like the idea a lot and think it's a tablet that can succeed in the market.
There's 2 different surface, one that is close to a grand, and the cheaper version "RT" will be probably around 500. I'm a believer in the surface. It's all preloaded with Office, so I'm hoping it can replace my netbook.Really diggin the cover/keyboard. Hope the hardware won't dissapoint.
I'm wondering how this will do as far as challenging apple in the tablet world. My guess is that is will become an alternative, but the sleeker ipad will win out
The ipad is not a computer replacement, it's a desktop replacement. Desktops will be slowly disappear and will be supplanted by basically your laptop, a docking station like monitor, and your tablet. Microsoft entered the tablet space probably so it could push its own windows 8 OS, instead contracting with other 3rd party mfrs who may not optimize the hardware for the OS. This is just what GOOG did in its buyout of Motorola mobile. Its tablet though is no different from existing true PC tablets on the market, except for adding touch screen technology.
MS needed to enter this market because, as my strat professor used to say, licensing will only get you so far. At the end of the day you have to enter the market yourself because you cannot control everything of the product by contract, and thus with Surface MS is now able to fully control how its version of the tablet will operate and can furthermore start pushing its OS in the tablet market more aggressively. I think it's coming down to an OS war at this point: IOS, Windows, Android, and possibly Facebook (linux based platform is my guess). What OS will win..hmm..tough to say, if I had to say now it will be iOS and Android, but GOOG can fuck things up especailly since they've gotten so big and haven't pushed great products out in the past few yrs.
i will so buy one once it is out. it is all i ever wanted in a tablet, full windows option in a lightweight format with touch functionality. plus the keyboard thingy is gonna be awesome if it actually works as intended
If it has full MS Office functionality, it will easily outsell the iPad in certain consumer demographics (business professionals, students, etc.).
office functionality doens't mean shit.
The smallest MBP has a 12.5 inch screen and most people have no problem performing any of those tasks on it.
I see most people being ok with giving up 2.5-4 inches in screen size for a more mobile device.
I can definitely see college students using the Surface to replace a laptop. I could also see the same for business professionals, except there could be the additional market of secondary/mobile computer. With cloud, flash drives, and external hard drives most files are more mobile than the computer that made them. The Surface might be able to do everything an ultrabook or netbook can do, but with a sleeker more portable design.
And the Surface does have a mouse. It comes with a trackpad, and you will be able to plug in a USB mouse/keyboard, if you like.
I think an OS war might happen. But I think the war will be more Android vs iOS for app-based tablets then a seperate market for Android/iOS vs. Windows laptops vs. Surface for mobile computing based tablets ( which MS might have a big advantage in).
Until we know prices, real specs, release date etc. the only thing the Surface has going for it is Office. The tactile keyboard cover is a fantastic idea although the space requirements would make it difficult to use on a flight / train / subway.
The real make-or-break (aside from price) will be the apps and Windows 8. I agree with the original poster that this is more of a laptop competitor than an iPad competitor. The iPad is for consumption, this seems more aimed at creation.
^hahahaha
s__t, I laughed at one of these again.
I'm currently an iMac, iPhone and iPad guy. But if they execute correctly, I will definitely get a Windows Phone 8 and the Surface Pro.
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