Microsoft Surface - 10.6 inch Windows 8 Tablet

[xtop]

http://www.microsoft.com/surface/en/us/about.aspx







Specs:

Surface for Windows RT tablet
Processor: NVIDIA Tegra-based ARM chip
Weight: 676 grams
Thickness: 9.3 millimeters
Display: 10.6-inch ClearType HD capactive touchpanel
Battery: 31.5Wh
I/O: microSD, USB 2.0, Micro HD Video, 2x2 MIMO antennae
Software: Windows RT + Office Home & Student 2013 RT
Accessories: Touch Cover, Type Cover, VaporMg Case & Stand
Capacity: 32GB / 64GB
Availability: "Around" the Windows 8 launch (fall 2012)
Pricing: To be determined

Surface for Windows 8 Pro tablet
Processor: Intel Core i5 (Ivy Bridge)
Weight: 903 grams
Thickness: 13.5 millimeters
Display: 10.6-inch ClearType Full HD (1080p) capactive touchpanel
Battery: 42Wh
I/O: microSDXC, USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort, 2x2 MIMO antennae
Software: Windows 8 Pro
Accessories: Touch Cover, Type Cover, VaporMg Case & Stand, Pen with Palm Block
Capacity: 64GB / 128GB
Availability: "Three months after" the Windows 8 launch this fall
Pricing: To be determined

http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/18/m...rt-and-window/

[Elandyll]

I honestly think MS would have been better served by unveiling -1- awesome tablet at the right price and specs, rather than two tablets with murky positioning, limited spec unveiling and no prices.

1 Tablet is tablet-ish, and 1 tablet is notebook ish.

Right.

Love the keyboard- cover though

[Johnny Vinyl]

Looks very promising!

Love that foldover keyboard/cover and the inclusion of MS Office is a huge plus IMO. I don't care if it's only the MS Office Home & Student Edition.

[Derekforeals]

Can this thing run iTunes?

I suspect that iTunes will eventually come out for Windows 8. So assuming these Microsoft tablets are essentially a pc in tablet form, then it should be able to install programs such as iTunes. If this is the case then Apple will have a big issue on it's hands. The only reason why I like the iPad is basically the simplicity of iTunes. If another tablet can run iTunes then I would probably check it out over the next iteration of the iPad.

[xtop]

Originally Posted by Derekforeals

Can this thing run iTunes?

I suspect that iTunes will eventually come out for Windows 8. So assuming these Microsoft tablets are essentially a pc in tablet form, then it should be able to install programs such as iTunes. If this is the case then Apple will have a big issue on it's hands. The only reason why I like the iPad is basically the simplicity of iTunes. If another tablet can run iTunes then I would probably check it out over the next iteration of the iPad.

the rt model won't until apple makes the app. the pro model is straight up full on windows though, so it will no problem

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by xtop

the rt model won't until apple makes the app. the pro model is straight up full on windows though, so it will no problem

Since I'm due for a new laptop (mine is a 5yr old Toshiba and has served me well), the pro Surface unit is something I most definitely want to have a serious look at. MS just opened up their first retail outlet in Canada, so when it gets released I'll be heading over there to check it out.

[Hatter]

Originally Posted by Johnny Vinyl

Since I'm due for a new laptop (mine is a 5yr old Toshiba and has served me well), the pro Surface unit is something I most definitely want to have a serious look at. MS just opened up their first retail outlet in Canada, so when it gets released I'll be heading over there to check it out.

My Toshiba laptop is nearly seven years old and still runs pretty good. I think it's the last single core laptop in working condition at this point.

No store in montreal coming but surely some b&m stores will carry it.

[NickMate]

Dont have a laptop (have the new iPad but its limited in productivity) so might give the pro a look at if the price in right

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by NickMate

Dont have a laptop (have the new iPad but its limited in productivity) so might give the pro a look at if the price in right

I'm gonna predict the Pro Surface to cost between $700-$900!

[xtop]

http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/17/w...s-says-lenovo/

Microsoft and its OEM partners haven't been particularly forthcoming on how much the first round of Windows 8 tablets are going to cost, but one Lenovo executive just gave us a hint. In a recent interview with Bloomberg, David Schmoock, Senior VP of Lenovo's North American division, said that full-on Windows 8 tablets would ring up between $600 and $700, noting that ARM-based Windows RT slates would sell for $200 to $300 less. "RT will play in consumer and retail at very aggressive price points," he said. This echoes previous reports that suggested Microsoft would introduce the Surface with a competitive $200 price tag. The Lenovo VP didn't reveal any specific prices, of course, but his estimates would put the ThinkPad Tablet 2 somewhere between $300 and $500. Schmoock also commented on Ultrabook sales, stating that he didn't think Intel would meet its lofty saturation goals: 40 percent of the market by the end of 2012. "They'll be a lot bigger than they are now," he admitted, "but I don't know if it will get all the way up to 40 percent."

will this sell any of you anti win 8 people on it?

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by xtop

http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/17/w...s-says-lenovo/



will this sell any of you anti win 8 people on it?

I don't buy the $200 pricepoint for the RT...not gonna happen. I think the RT will sell for between $299 and $399.

[PrivatePixel]

Originally Posted by xtop

http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/17/w...s-says-lenovo/

will this sell any of you anti win 8 people on it?

I'm a lifelong Windows user and the idea of a tablet interests me, but I want nothing to do with Windows 8. Hope this helps.

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by PrivatePixel

I'm a lifelong Windows user and the idea of a tablet interests me, but I want nothing to do with Windows 8. Hope this helps.

Why?

I haven't used it myself yet, so I can't comment.

[xtop]

Originally Posted by Johnny Vinyl

I don't buy the $200 pricepoint for the RT...not gonna happen. I think the RT will sell for between $299 and $399.

only way i see 199 happening is if its subsidized. 399 sounds pretty reasonable though.

Originally Posted by PrivatePixel

I'm a lifelong Windows user and the idea of a tablet interests me, but I want nothing to do with Windows 8. Hope this helps.

you've used the beta then?

Originally Posted by Johnny Vinyl

Why?

I haven't used it myself yet, so I can't comment.

from all the negative things i've seen, its mostly that people hate change. the vast majority of people spend 99% of their time browsing facebook or watching netflix on their computer, so i don't really get why people are so upset

[PrivatePixel]

Originally Posted by Johnny Vinyl

Why?

I haven't used it myself yet, so I can't comment.

Simply put, I hate the user interface. Keep in mind that I'm stubborn and somewhat reluctant to change (e.g. I still use XP on my primary and work PCs, though Windows 7 Pro is installed on my laptop, only because I didn't have much luck trying to install XP on it ). Old habits die hard. I'm not a fan of Windows 7, even though I've been using it off-and-on for about a year, only because I didn't want to be caught off-guard if someone asked me a technical question related to OS management, plus it would reflect poorly on me as an IT employee.

Windows 8 though, there's nothing that I fancy; everything about the 'Metro' interface just irks me. It's not what was added, but removed feature-wise that reinforces an already weak perception of the OS to begin with.

At this point, if I wanted a tablet, I would lean towards something Android-based (as I'm a huge proponent of Google) and something Apple a distant second (only because I want something that would interact well with a Pioneer A/V receiver).

If you get a chance to play with a Microsoft tablet and love what it offers, by all means, get one because it suits your needs. I don't need a tablet at the moment, though I won't pass on the opportunity if it was priced right, just as long as it's not 8-based.

[PrivatePixel]

Originally Posted by xtop

you've used the beta then?

I have tinkered with it (Windows 8 Release Preview) on a tertiary PC build.

[Johnny Vinyl]

Comments in RED

Originally Posted by xtop

only way i see 199 happening is if its subsidized. 399 sounds pretty reasonable though.

It wouldn't surprise me if we saw a subsidized RT, but personally I wouldn't go for it. I have enough expenses with my phone and PC commitments.


from all the negative things i've seen, its mostly that people hate change. the vast majority of people spend 99% of their time browsing facebook or watching netflix on their computer, so i don't really get why people are so upset.

Even though I'm a littler older than most here, I love change. You're right though about the negative comments about Win8...many of them completely unfounded. I won't be upgrading my Desktop PC to Win8, but I need a new Laptop and Win 8 won't stop me from getting one. Can't wait to see the Surface Pro!

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by PrivatePixel

Simply put, I hate the user interface. Keep in mind that I'm stubborn and somewhat reluctant to change (e.g. I still use XP on my primary and work PCs, though Windows 7 Pro is installed on my laptop, only because I didn't have much luck trying to install XP on it ). Old habits die hard. I'm not a fan of Windows 7, even though I've been using it off-and-on for about a year, only because I didn't want to be caught off-guard if someone asked me a technical question related to OS management, plus it would reflect poorly on me as an IT employee.

Windows 8 though, there's nothing that I fancy; everything about the 'Metro' interface just irks me. It's not what was added, but removed feature-wise that reinforces an already weak perception of the OS to begin with.

At this point, if I wanted a tablet, I would lean towards something Android-based (as I'm a huge proponent of Google) and something Apple a distant second (only because I want something that would interact well with a Pioneer A/V receiver).

If you get a chance to play with a Microsoft tablet and love what it offers, by all means, get one because it suits your needs. I don't need a tablet at the moment, though I won't pass on the opportunity if it was priced right, just as long as it's not 8-based.

I'm not in IT, so I'm not overly concerned about some of the things that may matter to you. I just want a good user expereince and I'm hoping the Surface PRO with Win 8 can give me that.

[PrivatePixel]

Originally Posted by Johnny Vinyl

I'm not in IT, so I'm not overly concerned about some of the things that may matter to you. I just want a good user expereince and I'm hoping the Surface PRO with Win 8 can give me that.

I hope that the Surface PRO with Win 8 delivers the experience that you need for your day-to-day routines. I would never dissuade someone from something because s/he enjoyed it and I didn't (despite my rant above). Different strokes for different folks, right? As long as you've explored all options available to you and you settle for what you like best, there will never be a wrong choice; it's about personal happiness, and only you can decide that.

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by PrivatePixel

I hope that the Surface PRO with Win 8 delivers the experience that you need for your day-to-day routines. I would never dissuade someone from something because s/he enjoyed it and I didn't (despite my rant above). Different strokes for different folks, right? As long as you've explored all options available to you and you settle for what you like best, there will never be a wrong choice; it's about personal happiness, and only you can decide that.

I'm really quite excited about having a chance to play with the Surface Pro when it comes out, but I may decide that a full-size Notebook/Laptop would serve me better. I don't know, so the door is wide open. One thing though, I won't really have a choice of OS once I decide as Win 8 will be the standard by that time, no?