Battery:
iPad 42.5-watt-hour clearly mentioning browsing time (its called confidence on your quality)
Surface RT 31.5-watt-hour Pro 42-watt-hour
WiFi+Cellular:
iPad Yep
Surface WiFi only
Weight:
iPad 1.44lbs to 1.46lbs
Surface RT 1.5lbs and Pro 2.0lbs
Applications:
iPad Rock solid platform unified
Surface Choose between RT and Pro messed up ARM and x86
For me I think Microsoft has done same mistake again, introduce "complexity" and if you look closely they are actually selling you a "not a gorgeous quality stuff" for same price as iPad. I don't see Microsoft dominating the market! Just getting a market douche on stage that makes you hear sound of click with no quality in product pisses me off!
They have a couple of markets they can go after pretty easily.
* Gaming. It's fairly easy to port games between Xbox and Windows, and this
device has been shown to integrate nicely with Xbox. Whether that's enough
is anyone's guess, but it hardly seems like a hail-mary pass at this point
to me.
* Enterprise. I do not actually see what you're seeing, at least here in New
York, that enterprise tablets either don't exist, or are dominated by iPad.
I've seen mostly laptops still, plus some iPads, some Xooms and other Android
tablets, and even some Blackberry PlayBooks. This market is not exactly a
done deal for anyone at this point, and the level to which Office is
entrenched in the corporate space gives Windows RT a real chance.
I'm not saying that the Surface will nail these markets, but you're being odd to discount them so quickly.
Personally, I'm going to be buying one of these tablets, they look pretty powerful and cool, plus I prefer Microsoft offerings over Apple.
They don't need to own a particular market, sure it helps, but personally, I couldn't care less how much it costs or how powerful it is, I would buy one of these just so I didn't have to buy an iPad.
So to be honest, I think at least one market which this tablet will dominate is the "fuck you Apple" market.
It appears they are using Vapor deposition of Magnesium to make the body. I hope it is just a texture on the outside. If anything could escalate the problem of a combusting battery, it would be a metal that ignites at 480°C and burns at up to 3000°C.
Pro version have USB 3 and mini display port. It is a nice combo of mobility and ease like iPad + power like a laptop. It is a full blown mobile machine. Ipad, android are just content consuming devices. You can't do much on them besides just absorbing content. I am glad MS understood the missing features from ipad and came with this beautiful product.
> You can't do much on them besides just absorbing content…
… and writing, drawing, painting, designing, composing and playing music, editing spreadsheets and databases, building presentations, taking photos, editing photos, emailing, chatting, editing movies, and so on.
The "Touch Cover", which I'm assuming is the bit with the keyboard, will run you an extra $100-120. Given the attention to the Touch Cover in the promotional material MS has distributed, I'm surprised that it's even optional.
Apple sells a lot more WiFi iPads than it does 3G iPads. Best data I could find on a quick google is admittedly almsot a year old, but:
90% of the tablets use WiFi only (some have inactivated cellular chipset) meaning that only 10% of the tablets (as of Q4 2011) were cellular activated. Operators who start to bundle multiple devices by single data plans and data buckets are going to see a better yield in this category. We expect family data plans to be introduced in the US market soon.
I don't mind this so much presuming it can do Bluetooth tethering with my phone [vs WiFi due to power usage issues]. If I'm the device's user, I'll likely have my phone with me, so having a redundant radio in the device doesn't add value. And, if I let someone else use the device while I'm not around, the likelihood is that there will be an available WiFi source.
I'd like it-just-works connectivity between my phone and any other devices I carry with me. Right now, I have to hit a couple buttons on both devices -- a pain for short-term usage scenarios.
I see that price point as being too high. I think 399 USD would be right in that sweet spot (especially considering this will be considered a poor Ipad substitute in the beginning).
What people in this thread are missing is that Microsoft isn't trying to capture the entire WinRT market with this device, they're not trying to outsell their partners, they're trying to set a benchmark. Something for their partners to compete against, and for those partners to compete against it (and the iPad) successfully.
The point of Surface is to keep Asus, HP, Samsung, etc from making a not-quite-iPad for $700 and blogs mocking the demise of the platform. Basically, if WinRT partners cannot outsell the Surface, they don't deserve to be selling Windows tablets. That is what Microsoft is implying with this release. Making it impossible to compete against would actively destroy that effort.
If it was a little less, I'd probably buy this. I'm a huge fan of Windows 8 (don't get me wrong: it's going to be horrendous for regular users, but as a techie, I think it's a really nice UI). $500 though is just too much for something that is so easily dismissed. I'd pay that much for an iPad or a Macbook because I know they will be well built and work well. Surface has to prove itself to me and as of yet, it hasn't shown me why I should spend that much on it.
There are going to be x86 Windows 8 tablets coming out that run all your windows programs ever. A lot of people are going to be pissed and confused about 2 different versions of windows with entirely different sets of compatibility. Also x86 tables will probably cheaper, just like netbooks, just to pour some salt in your wounds you got buying an expensive device that runs no programs.
If they're going to be cheaper, they are also going to be ridiculously slow compared to the iPad (and possibly the ARM Win8), or they are going to have ridiculously short battery life, or they are going to be subsidized by Microsoft (or all of the above ....)
Have you seen a netbook that can deliver 9 hours of real usage on Windows _and_ run at a reasonable speed (for $500, or even more)? I haven't. And the laptops that can are larger and much more expensive.
x86 Windows 8 tablets coming out that run all your windows programs ever
They'll run all of your Windows 8 programs, not all of your Windows programs, since Windows 8 apparently drops some functionality like IFilter.[1] I'm somewhat surprised I haven't seen articles detailing stuff that doesn't work under Windows 8, but maybe I just haven't been paying enough attention.
Should mention in your title that it's $499 for the USD model. $499 doesn't really tell much about it and making comparisons to iPads are difficult given the lowest iPad is $499 for 16 GB.
It should also be noted that Office is coming pre-installed. Which is awesome given the pricing.
What you are looking for is Surface Pro which will be available in a few months. Or you could buy any one of the Windows 8 (not Windows RT) convertible tablets/hybrids that will be available from the likes of Lenovo, HP, Acer, Asus, Samsung, etc after Windows 8 launches.
It runs Windows RT, meaning that existing Windows apps won't run on it. You'll need to buy Metro apps from Windows app store, which are not plenty these days. Bottom line: no editing, no programming tools and only preview of Microsoft Office at this time.
The Windows RT version of the Surface is a consumption device. I feel like the primary use cases are reading, movies, web, e-mail and so on. You'll have to wait for the x86 version of the Surface if you're looking to do graphics editing.
So will this be able to run standard Window's programs or just tablet versions of software? If it could run Windows applications then this could be a great alternative to ultrabooks, with the added perk of the flexibility of a tablet.
The Surface is running Windows RT, so the tablet versions of software. The Surface Pro (which doesn't have pricing info yet) will be x86 and therefore run standard Windows programs.
I haven't been able to find any credible information about resolutions but the rumors seem to point toward less than retina.
But the flip side of that is most of the Windows 8 interface is rectangles with large type. You don't need very high resolution devices to make that style of interface look crisp and sharp.
I applaud Microsoft for doing something new-- the new windows UI is very original. Further, they have managed to meet Apple in terms of pricing for a comparable iPad, something others have struggled with.
But the big take-away innovation here, and the center of their marketing campaign, is that it has a keyboard cover.
This seems to be about 5 years out of sync. 5 years ago, everyone expected the iPhone to fail because it didn't have a physical keyboard like the blackberry.
But after I got my first iPad, the original, I found that I could type at nearly the same speed (possibly faster due to autocorrect) on its on screen keyboard as I can at a regular keyboard... my finger just go to the place the key is, and while feeling a physical key would be nice, the end result on the iPad was about the same speed.
I think this will sell well into markets that are heavily invested in microsoft infrastructure... but I don't see how it is going to take marketshare from the iPad.
----
Edit to clarify, since several have responded on this point:
I'm not saying that keyboards have no use. I recognize that many people buy an extra keyboard for their iPad, and prefer that for significant typing.
The point I'm making is what is the differentiating feature here? The UI is different, true, but then its the keyboard.
There are two keyboard covers- one is flat, with no keys which I suspect would be much like typing on the iPAd screen (though of course, not actually on the screen... so a little different) and the other has keys, so similar to buying an external keyboard for the iPAd, only it is slightly more integrated.
Is that really compelling? Compared to buying a wireless keyboard for the iPad, the price is about the same (or cheaper for the iPad).... and the advantage of the Surface is that the keyboard connects to the tablet with magnets?
I just don't see that as being significant enough to really take significant share away from Apple. That's all I was saying.
Maybe its just you, I've seen so many iPad owners spend extra 100-200$ just for an extra keyboard and cover. Your needs are well-served by the inbuilt keyboard, so you don't need an extra attachment. But for many others, a physical keyboard solves various problems.
> But after I got my first iPad, the original, I found that I could type at nearly the same speed
Speed is certainly one issue, but the ergonomics of typing for an extended period favor separate screen and keyboard components. I too use a table for typing and while I'm pretty quick at it, I can't find a comfortable position that lets me do this for more than half an hour at a time. For this reason alone, the inclusion of a keyboard has certainly made me take notice of Microsoft's offering.
The ipad software keyboard is hard to use for any length of time because you have to switch between several virtual layouts to hit every key.
It slows you down if you're writing code instead of English words.
Having punctuation characters hidden away probably reduces the overall complexity of people's passwords as well. I strongly suspect that people switch to alphanumeric-only passwords for anything they would enter into an ipad/iphone keyboard.
I think this will sell well into markets that are heavily invested in microsoft infrastructure
These are the Windows RT tablets (ARM-based). Presumably a lot of Windows x86 software won't have ARM versions, so I'm not sure these will be popular even among the Microsoft shops.
[+] [-] alyx|13 years ago|reply
I just pre-ordered mine and I'm stoked!
[+] [-] andere|13 years ago|reply
[+] [-] vtbose|13 years ago|reply
[+] [-] maxpert|13 years ago|reply
WiFi+Cellular: iPad Yep Surface WiFi only
Weight: iPad 1.44lbs to 1.46lbs Surface RT 1.5lbs and Pro 2.0lbs
Applications: iPad Rock solid platform unified Surface Choose between RT and Pro messed up ARM and x86
For me I think Microsoft has done same mistake again, introduce "complexity" and if you look closely they are actually selling you a "not a gorgeous quality stuff" for same price as iPad. I don't see Microsoft dominating the market! Just getting a market douche on stage that makes you hear sound of click with no quality in product pisses me off!
[+] [-] maxpert|13 years ago|reply
[+] [-] jtoeman|13 years ago|reply
"tablet market"? nope - already dominated by iPad
"enterprise"? nope - 1) not a market, 2) already dominated by iPad
"budget"? nope - priced on par with iPad
seriously, how are they going to push this thing? they don't have a channel like Apple nor Amazon, so they need to rely on all their other paths.
they should've called this "XPad", made it a mobile Xbox, and sold through that channel - just like they did with Kinect.
fail fail fail.
[+] [-] gecko|13 years ago|reply
[+] [-] freehunter|13 years ago|reply
[+] [-] shanelja|13 years ago|reply
They don't need to own a particular market, sure it helps, but personally, I couldn't care less how much it costs or how powerful it is, I would buy one of these just so I didn't have to buy an iPad.
So to be honest, I think at least one market which this tablet will dominate is the "fuck you Apple" market.
[+] [-] cryptoz|13 years ago|reply
Can't. Apple owns all Pads.
http://www.tuaw.com/2010/04/13/steve-jobs-apple-owns-pad-tra...
[+] [-] GrandTheftR|13 years ago|reply
Seriously, the tablet market is still wide open. having an iPad3, iOS is only good for a small portion of things I would like a Tablet can do
[+] [-] unknown|13 years ago|reply
[deleted]
[+] [-] ortusdux|13 years ago|reply
Edit: this reminds me of the NeXTCube. http://simson.net/hacks/cubefire.html
[+] [-] mandeepj|13 years ago|reply
[+] [-] guywithabike|13 years ago|reply
… and writing, drawing, painting, designing, composing and playing music, editing spreadsheets and databases, building presentations, taking photos, editing photos, emailing, chatting, editing movies, and so on.
Yep. Only for watching YouTube. You bet.
[+] [-] readme|13 years ago|reply
Why should anyone buy this?
[+] [-] dewarrn1|13 years ago|reply
[+] [-] unknown|13 years ago|reply
[deleted]
[+] [-] davidacoder|13 years ago|reply
[+] [-] eli|13 years ago|reply
90% of the tablets use WiFi only (some have inactivated cellular chipset) meaning that only 10% of the tablets (as of Q4 2011) were cellular activated. Operators who start to bundle multiple devices by single data plans and data buckets are going to see a better yield in this category. We expect family data plans to be introduced in the US market soon.
Source: http://www.chetansharma.com/USmarketupdate2011.htm
[+] [-] ShabbyDoo|13 years ago|reply
I'd like it-just-works connectivity between my phone and any other devices I carry with me. Right now, I have to hit a couple buttons on both devices -- a pain for short-term usage scenarios.
[+] [-] tomrod|13 years ago|reply
[+] [-] freehunter|13 years ago|reply
The point of Surface is to keep Asus, HP, Samsung, etc from making a not-quite-iPad for $700 and blogs mocking the demise of the platform. Basically, if WinRT partners cannot outsell the Surface, they don't deserve to be selling Windows tablets. That is what Microsoft is implying with this release. Making it impossible to compete against would actively destroy that effort.
[+] [-] kaolinite|13 years ago|reply
[+] [-] pixie_|13 years ago|reply
[+] [-] beagle3|13 years ago|reply
Have you seen a netbook that can deliver 9 hours of real usage on Windows _and_ run at a reasonable speed (for $500, or even more)? I haven't. And the laptops that can are larger and much more expensive.
[+] [-] glhaynes|13 years ago|reply
[+] [-] Bill_Dimm|13 years ago|reply
They'll run all of your Windows 8 programs, not all of your Windows programs, since Windows 8 apparently drops some functionality like IFilter.[1] I'm somewhat surprised I haven't seen articles detailing stuff that doesn't work under Windows 8, but maybe I just haven't been paying enough attention.
[1] http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms691105(v=VS.85).as... "Indexing Service is no longer supported as of Windows XP and is unavailable for use as of Windows 8."
[+] [-] canistr|13 years ago|reply
It should also be noted that Office is coming pre-installed. Which is awesome given the pricing.
[+] [-] dpcan|13 years ago|reply
I could almost see something like this replacing my everyday work computer.
[+] [-] WrkInProgress|13 years ago|reply
What you are looking for is Surface Pro which will be available in a few months. Or you could buy any one of the Windows 8 (not Windows RT) convertible tablets/hybrids that will be available from the likes of Lenovo, HP, Acer, Asus, Samsung, etc after Windows 8 launches.
[+] [-] amaks|13 years ago|reply
[+] [-] Timmy_C|13 years ago|reply
[+] [-] AndresOspina|13 years ago|reply
[+] [-] HyprMusic|13 years ago|reply
[+] [-] RobAtticus|13 years ago|reply
[+] [-] davidacoder|13 years ago|reply
[+] [-] weiran|13 years ago|reply
[+] [-] ffffruit|13 years ago|reply
[+] [-] bskap|13 years ago|reply
[+] [-] csmeder|13 years ago|reply
[+] [-] gilrain|13 years ago|reply
[+] [-] Timmy_C|13 years ago|reply
But the flip side of that is most of the Windows 8 interface is rectangles with large type. You don't need very high resolution devices to make that style of interface look crisp and sharp.
[+] [-] nirvana|13 years ago|reply
But the big take-away innovation here, and the center of their marketing campaign, is that it has a keyboard cover.
This seems to be about 5 years out of sync. 5 years ago, everyone expected the iPhone to fail because it didn't have a physical keyboard like the blackberry.
But after I got my first iPad, the original, I found that I could type at nearly the same speed (possibly faster due to autocorrect) on its on screen keyboard as I can at a regular keyboard... my finger just go to the place the key is, and while feeling a physical key would be nice, the end result on the iPad was about the same speed.
I think this will sell well into markets that are heavily invested in microsoft infrastructure... but I don't see how it is going to take marketshare from the iPad.
----
Edit to clarify, since several have responded on this point:
I'm not saying that keyboards have no use. I recognize that many people buy an extra keyboard for their iPad, and prefer that for significant typing.
The point I'm making is what is the differentiating feature here? The UI is different, true, but then its the keyboard.
There are two keyboard covers- one is flat, with no keys which I suspect would be much like typing on the iPAd screen (though of course, not actually on the screen... so a little different) and the other has keys, so similar to buying an external keyboard for the iPAd, only it is slightly more integrated.
Is that really compelling? Compared to buying a wireless keyboard for the iPad, the price is about the same (or cheaper for the iPad).... and the advantage of the Surface is that the keyboard connects to the tablet with magnets?
I just don't see that as being significant enough to really take significant share away from Apple. That's all I was saying.
[+] [-] neya|13 years ago|reply
[+] [-] monkeyfacebag|13 years ago|reply
Speed is certainly one issue, but the ergonomics of typing for an extended period favor separate screen and keyboard components. I too use a table for typing and while I'm pretty quick at it, I can't find a comfortable position that lets me do this for more than half an hour at a time. For this reason alone, the inclusion of a keyboard has certainly made me take notice of Microsoft's offering.
[+] [-] eggnet|13 years ago|reply
I'm not sure if that will translate to marketshare for the surface, however.
[+] [-] engtech|13 years ago|reply
It slows you down if you're writing code instead of English words.
Having punctuation characters hidden away probably reduces the overall complexity of people's passwords as well. I strongly suspect that people switch to alphanumeric-only passwords for anything they would enter into an ipad/iphone keyboard.
[+] [-] Bill_Dimm|13 years ago|reply
These are the Windows RT tablets (ARM-based). Presumably a lot of Windows x86 software won't have ARM versions, so I'm not sure these will be popular even among the Microsoft shops.
[+] [-] klbarry|13 years ago|reply
[deleted]