Microsoft Surface Tablet announced

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Is there any reason why the Pro model won't be out until next year? Aren't other OEMs producing x86 Win8 tablets this year?

Maybe they want to let their OEMs have the holiday season to themselves, as a way of smoothing things over. Or maybe they just want to gauge demand for x86 tablets, so they'll know how many to produce when the time comes.
 
Dazzla said:
Not sure if this has been posted, I've only read the last few pages:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=2vasc8UNl_0

Bit of a keyboard demo. 50 wpm on the touch and 62 on the type.

I reckon 32GB RT for me (red) to compliment my main PC.

Without a decent dock for the Pro I'm reluctant to use it as a main PC. I would miss stuff like ethernet and multiple USBs. The USB docks out there are nasty.
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What about the Acer W700?
zsh-w700021.jpg
 
I think the only thing that would've really made this tablet better for me is a fullsize SD slot, which would be amazing coupled with a camera while outside. I feel they went with microSDXC for multiple reasons though.
 
Dazzla said:
Not sure if this has been posted, I've only read the last few pages:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=2vasc8UNl_0

Bit of a keyboard demo. 50 wpm on the touch and 62 on the type.

I reckon 32GB RT for me (red) to compliment my main PC.

Without a decent dock for the Pro I'm reluctant to use it as a main PC. I would miss stuff like ethernet and multiple USBs. The USB docks out there are nasty.
Click to expand...
nice find, keyboard looks a little more rigid than i though, might be suitable to type while in my lap.
 
Dazzla said:
Not sure if this has been posted, I've only read the last few pages:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=2vasc8UNl_0

Bit of a keyboard demo. 50 wpm on the touch and 62 on the type.

I reckon 32GB RT for me (red) to compliment my main PC.

Without a decent dock for the Pro I'm reluctant to use it as a main PC. I would miss stuff like ethernet and multiple USBs. The USB docks out there are nasty.
Click to expand...
Ah, so there is also a hard keyboard. Neat.
 
I'm trying to figure out what the big deal is with this? Missed the conference so I'm just browsing this thread and various tech blogs, apparently it comes with or there is available for purchase a keyboard for it, but what's the difference between that and just buying an iPad and a Bluetooth keyboard? I guess it's cool that it seemingly connects to it Smart Cover style, but that doesn't seem to warrant the "game changer" comments I've been seeing.
 
after Surface i know one thing... i will never ever buy a Laptop again :)

And i am not hyped because the keyboard. If Apple would bring a iPad with the same keyboard it would still have a stupid OS for Buisness Applications etc.
With Surface i have a Metro and Desktop UI and Touch or Keyboard Control, i can install everything i could install on my PC etc.


And Gaming, mhh... Games like Dota2, TF2, Arcade games + Smartglass are really great extras for Gaming/Multimedia.
 
USB, HDMI out, keyboard as standard - these things excite me. I've held off on a tablet before because a) I haven't really enjoyed either Android nor iOS UI for this size, and b) as much as I love gadgets I haven't really seen myself working in any reasonable capacity on them, just browsing the net. Hybrid tablets have seemed clunky or mid-way in no man's lands. If I can use this to type out stuff comfortably, hook up to tv for entertainment, easily transfer content to PC, etcetera, I see myself making a purchase. Just price and date left to find out, and some more hands-on accounts on performance.

Question is RT or the full monty. I really don't know enough about RT or Windows 8 to say. Gotta read up, I guess.
 
Windu said:
W8 tablets are meant to be held in landscape, they support both but landscape is what it is designed for.
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Raistlin said:
The UI is designed for landscape. Main reason - dual apps.


Based on Apple's specification, it's retina. And based on their claims of what retina means, you should not actually notice a difference at expected viewing distances.

iPad's resolution was chosen for app compatibility. Had that not been an issue they would have gone lower if it saved them money ... as long as it still fit into the retina formula.


Then you should stick with Apple. One of my main issues with Apple is the lack of choice, if you see it as a benefit ... go for it.


Later this year is very late?
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All 16:9 tablets I held were too wide in landscape, that said the two apps side by side thing is awesome and would pay for.

The resolution is still low and I bet it will be noticeable.

I was that close to getting one until I realized I had to make a choice between Intel and ARM. Went to sleep, woke up thinking don't bother. Maybe next year? I want the thinness and lightness of the ARM version but with the performance and compatibility of Intel. Less choice means less chance of making a wrong choice which means less buyer remorse.

I have a Zune HD that I still use and XBox360 that died, I would get Kinect if I didn't live in a small Japanese flat. I have no allegiance to any one company I just hate making choices.

Yes. About 30 months too late. Revealing it too soon is also stupid. Why spill the beans when it is not available on sale? Only making it easier for your competitors to catch up and by the time it's out the hype would have died.
 
dr3upmushroom said:
I'm trying to figure out what the big deal is with this? Missed the conference so I'm just browsing this thread and various tech blogs, apparently it comes with or there is available for purchase a keyboard for it, but what's the difference between that and just buying an iPad and a Bluetooth keyboard? I guess it's cool that it seemingly connects to it Smart Cover style, but that doesn't seem to warrant the "game changer" comments I've been seeing.
Click to expand...

Runs regular windows games.
Supports Xbox controller or USB mouse for keyboard+mouse gaming.
 
Just started watching the video of the event... I loled at "Being able to work with the GUI in Word was why the mouse was invented."

Dat Microsoft revisionism.
 
dr3upmushroom said:
I'm trying to figure out what the big deal is with this? Missed the conference so I'm just browsing this thread and various tech blogs, apparently it comes with or there is available for purchase a keyboard for it, but what's the difference between that and just buying an iPad and a Bluetooth keyboard? I guess it's cool that it seemingly connects to it Smart Cover style, but that doesn't seem to warrant the "game changer" comments I've been seeing.
Click to expand...

As compared to other Windows 8 tablets, I don't think it's much of a game changer at all.

I think the issue is most people have not even seen the other Windows 8 tablets, so they think this is something radically different and new. A ton of tablets running Windows 8 were shown off a couple weeks ago, but that didn't get much coverage.

The smart cover/keyboard is pretty neat, but beyond that I'm not sure if there is much reason to get excited over this more than you would be excited over an HP Win8 tablet or an Acer Win8 tablet.
 
border said:
As compared to other Windows 8 tablets, I don't think it's much of a game changer at all.

I think the issue is most people have not even seen the other Windows 8 tablets, so they think this is something radically different and new. A ton of tablets running Windows 8 were shown off a couple weeks ago, but that didn't get much coverage.

The smart cover/keyboard is pretty neat, but beyond that I'm not sure if there is much reason to get excited over this more than you would be excited over an HP Win8 tablet or an Acer Win8 tablet.
Click to expand...

Well if that is the case MS really have learned a valuable lesson from Apple about marketing and creating hype.
 
SRidge52 said:
So where are the specs? OP doesn't list them, so I'm going to assume they haven't been announced?
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Surface:

  • OS: Windows RT
  • Weight: 676 grams (1.5 pounds)
  • Thickness: 9.3 mm (0.4 inches)
  • Display: 10.6" multi-touch
  • CPU: Nvidia Tegra
  • Battery: 31.5 watt-hour
  • Ports: microSD, USB 2.0, micro-HDMI
  • Software: Office Home & Student 2013
  • Available accessories: Touch Cover, Type Cover, VaporMg Case/Stand
  • Capacities: 32GB, 64GB

Surface Pro:

  • OS: Windows 8 Pro
  • Weight: 903 grams (2 pounds)
  • Thickness: 13.5mm (0.5 inches)
  • Display: 10.6" 1920x1080 multi-touch
  • CPU: Intel i5
  • Battery: 42 watt-hour
  • Ports: microSDXC, USB 3.0, mini DisplayPort
  • Available accessories: Touch Cover, Type Cover, VaporMg Case/Stand
  • Capacities: 64GB, 128GB

Taken from here.
 
So people are interested in this as a laptop replacement? Pretty surprised with the hype this is getting compared to an ipad.
 
DiscoJer said:
That's the thing though - I have a 1920x1080 LCD monitor for my desktop PC, which is something like 22".

I read it on just fine - while I'm not saying the iPad3's resolution isn't better, isn't it pretty much overkill?

I mean, it's not like say, trying to read on a GBA or DS or even PSP where you can see the space in between the dots.
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Yeah, even though 1600*900 on a 20inch desktop monitor is still fine by my standards. I was just pointing out how behind the times I feel when we have small handheld devices with screen resolutions of 2048x1536. Maybe it is a bit overkill, but why aren't these resolutions readily available at cheaper prices in desktop monitors yet?

I remember back in 1999, being able to display 1600*1024 on a 19" CRT. Sure it wasn't very optimal back then for a desktop resolution, but it blew my mind when I ran Alien vs. Predator at that resolution for the first time. 12-13 years later I'm running 1600*900. I just feel like PC monitors have been at a bit of a standstill for the last decade.

birdcity said:
verge-lb-1034.jpg
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This is the true killer feature for me.... Is this a digital ink overlay on top of a LCD screen? If true, then on man! This is the feature I always wished for in a tablet... Even if the initial price is expensive as hell, I still like the potential of where this is going in future devices.
 
Reg said:
So people are interested in this as a laptop replacement? Pretty surprised with the hype this is getting compared to an ipad.
Click to expand...

If the keyboard is actually any good, then why not? If the price is right and they have a good ebook app, I'm selling my iPad 3. The iPad screen is fantastic but it isn't enough to compete with Windows 8 as a feature
 
NotTarts said:
Surface:

  • OS: Windows RT
  • Weight: 676 grams (1.5 pounds)
  • Thickness: 9.3 mm (0.4 inches)
  • Display: 10.6" multi-touch
  • CPU: Nvidia Tegra
  • Battery: 31.5 watt-hour
  • Ports: microSD, USB 2.0, micro-HDMI
  • Software: Office Home & Student 2013
  • Available accessories: Touch Cover, Type Cover, VaporMg Case/Stand
  • Capacities: 32GB, 64GB

Surface Pro:

  • OS: Windows 8 Pro
  • Weight: 903 grams (2 pounds)
  • Thickness: 13.5mm (0.5 inches)
  • Display: 10.6" 1920x1080 multi-touch
  • CPU: Intel i5
  • Battery: 42 watt-hour
  • Ports: microSDXC, USB 3.0, mini DisplayPort
  • Available accessories: Touch Cover, Type Cover, VaporMg Case/Stand
  • Capacities: 64GB, 128GB

Taken from here.
Click to expand...

I wonder how much RAM these units will have? 2GB? 4GB?
 
Pretty sure i'll be flogging my ipad and Macbook air for the Pro version, I love windows 8 on my desktop and currently have to remote log in to a PC to use some websites we use for work. Hopefully someone will get airplay up and running on it as well.
 
NotTarts said:
Surface:

  • OS: Windows RT
  • CPU: Nvidia ARM SoC
  • Weight: 676 grams (1.5 pounds)
  • Thickness: 9.3 mm (0.4 inches)
  • Display: 10.6" multi-touch
  • Battery: 31.5 watt-hour
  • Ports: microSD, USB 2.0, micro-HDMI
  • Software: Office Home & Student 2013
  • Available accessories: Touch Cover, Type Cover, VaporMg Case/Stand
  • Capacities: 32GB, 64GB

Surface Pro:

  • OS: Windows 8 Pro
  • CPU: Intel Core i5-Series
  • Weight: 903 grams (2 pounds)
  • Thickness: 13.5mm (0.5 inches)
  • Display: 10.6" 1920x1080 multi-touch
  • Battery: 42 watt-hour
  • Ports: microSDXC, USB 3.0, mini DisplayPort
  • Available accessories: Touch Cover, Type Cover, VaporMg Case/Stand, Pen with palm rejection
  • Capacities: 64GB, 128GB

Taken from here.
Click to expand...

Added CPUs and the pen for the Pro version.

MrCunningham said:
I wonder how much RAM these units will have? 2GB? 4GB?
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Probably 2 GB for the RT and 4 for the Pro.
 
To be fair, it's an impressive showing for what it is. I'm a lot more interested in it than I would be a new iPad. Not totally sold yet, but of course that's because I'm not crazy for a tablet like most other people.

The iPad changed the way we think about computing in many regards, so when I see the way a lot of people react as though they expected MS to reinvent the wheel, I can't help but laugh at them. This is MS jumping into that market. No more, no less.

The Steve Jobs cult will continue to carry on, but really, it's a legit product and has potential. Frankly, most of these consumers, bloggers, and journalists alike would never be satisfied because they're sheep for all things Apple, and it's sad.
 
Troll said:
Event is now Live!!!
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Did the tablet crash before he showed Netflics?

Peru said:
This is my problem. The more I read the more I want the pro version.. but my birthday and christmas - both in december :|
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So you will get them at launch? I hate it too, but Win8 is September launch. December for Pro isn't that bad. But god it burns that Microsoft will do something so stupid, their shooting themselves in the foot.

Does anyone know if I will be able to plug it into a monitor or something and have on my desk a setup of monitors for when I'm at my desk and the tablet on the road?
 
Fuck im likely gonna own 2 tablets now.

IPAD and Surface.

Ill never give up IPAD. The amount of stuff on ITUNES is amazing. Especially when free.

Ive got shitloads of apps/games. And only paid for 2 of them.

Hopefully MS Marketplace offers a similar experience.
 
In comparisons with the iPad, people are citing the resolution on this as unacceptable and off-putting, but how is even the great screen of the iPad comparable to having the Windows 8 desktop OS on your tablet? Am I missing something? Sorry I just woke up
 
Just how comprahensive is this device going to be in terms of talk of being a PC in tablet form?

Is Steam possible? Am I going to be able to play Football Manager on the toilet?
 
Jason Raize '75 - '04 said:
In comparisons with the iPad, people are citing the resolution on this as unacceptable and off-putting, but how is even the great screen of the iPad comparable to having the Windows 8 desktop OS on your tablet? Am I missing something? Sorry I just woke up
Click to expand...

Metro, while ugly as sin, is still clearly a great UI for tablets, and having Win8 desktop on a tablet just makes me giddy as hell. This is really the crown jewel for them IMO. The resolution wouldnt bother me at all.

Edit: Damn.... some salt up in this thread. MS was getting trolled left and right about this event before it started. Now they show something that looks great and look at all dat hate.
 
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