Microsoft Surface Tablet announced

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So help me understand this, as I only use Windows now at work and pretty much despise it wholesale...but if the Pro model is simply running full Win 8, does that not mean it will require virus protection and whatnot, like a regular PC?

Because if so, that is probably one of the most laughably idiotic things I've ever heard, and completely misses the entire point of why Apple has become the company it has in the past 5 years.

Am I incorrect in thinking this?
 
venne said:
The standard Surface will be priced like iPads.
Click to expand...
Not the standard pro which it's own product line. Like the base macbook air is 999 but the base MacBook pro is not. You don't lump them together. The base surface pro, the one people here care about, will be about double the price of the base iPad 3.
 
I'm kind of excited to see this kind of buzz around a Microsoft hardware product already. Did the Zune ever get this kind of hype around it?

JGS said:
I can't imagine this not being expensive and i hate all the colors of the keyboards. Otherwise, it looks (I didn't see any monotone black color)
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UKK2I.jpg

LevelNth said:
So help me understand this, as I only use Windows now at work and pretty much despise it wholesale...but if the Pro model is simply running full Win 8, does that not mean it will require virus protection and whatnot, like a regular PC?

Because if so, that is probably one of the most laughably idiotic things I've ever heard, and completely misses the entire point of why Apple has become the company it has in the past 5 years.

Am I incorrect in thinking this?
Click to expand...

I've been using Windows 8 on my laptop, and I don't think I've seen a Windows Defender window or icon pop up once.
 
LevelNth said:
So help me understand this, as I only use Windows now at work and pretty much despise it wholesale...but if the Pro model is simply running full Win 8, does that not mean it will require virus protection and whatnot, like a regular PC?

Because if so, that is probably one of the most laughably idiotic things I've ever heard, and completely misses the entire point of why Apple has become the company it has in the past 5 years.

Am I incorrect in thinking this?
Click to expand...

Then get the RT. Not that I've installed an AV since vista anyway.
 
Daeda said:
Depends on the interface. In Windows 8 desktop, as well as Windows 7 I might add, a click is a tap, a right mouse is touching the screen for about a second and selecting is dragging.

Within Metro its a bit different, as the function of the right mouse button gets replaced by a drag from the bottom of the screen to make a menu pop-up. In a sense, think of Metro more as a web-based approach where the right mouse doesnt actually have a function (but those functions are replaced through the interface itself)
Click to expand...

Was just wondering how i'd play Fallout 2. I can live with this implementation :)
 
LevelNth said:
So help me understand this, as I only use Windows now at work and pretty much despise it wholesale...but if the Pro model is simply running full Win 8, does that not mean it will require virus protection and whatnot, like a regular PC?

Because if so, that is probably one of the most laughably idiotic things I've ever heard, and completely misses the entire point of why Apple has become the company it has in the past 5 years.

Am I incorrect in thinking this?
Click to expand...
I mean you don't "need" it since it will come with virus protection built in but you can still download viruses, malware, etc like any full version of windows. It's a full pc, just a tablet form factor with fans and vents and the rest.

This is a full on pc, that comes with both the pluses and minuses of that product type. The tablet part is just in form factor alone. Hardware and software is pure traditional pc.
 
LevelNth said:
So help me understand this, as I only use Windows now at work and pretty much despise it wholesale...but if the Pro model is simply running full Win 8, does that not mean it will require virus protection and whatnot, like a regular PC?

Because if so, that is probably one of the most laughably idiotic things I've ever heard, and completely misses the entire point of why Apple has become the company it has in the past 5 years.

Am I incorrect in thinking this?
Click to expand...

Viruses come preinstalled on Windows 8.

It helps build immunity.
 
LevelNth said:
So help me understand this, as I only use Windows now at work and pretty much despise it wholesale...but if the Pro model is simply running full Win 8, does that not mean it will require virus protection and whatnot, like a regular PC?

Because if so, that is probably one of the most laughably idiotic things I've ever heard, and completely misses the entire point of why Apple has become the company it has in the past 5 years.

Am I incorrect in thinking this?
Click to expand...

Yes, the Pro version will be running a full Windows 8 OS, so it'll need to be handled like a real OS.
If you want a toy OS, get the RT version. It's cheaper too.
 
LevelNth said:
So help me understand this, as I only use Windows now at work and pretty much despise it wholesale...but if the Pro model is simply running full Win 8, does that not mean it will require virus protection and whatnot, like a regular PC?

Because if so, that is probably one of the most laughably idiotic things I've ever heard, and completely misses the entire point of why Apple has become the company it has in the past 5 years.

Am I incorrect in thinking this?
Click to expand...

Its all built in now, you would not buy virus protection, nor would you be prompted to update virus definitions. Also, software in the store is metro stuff that is pre-screened by MS, same as app store. You could manually install desktop software, but at that point you are an advanced user and that's why you paid about twice as much for the pro version rather than the RT version.
 
My takes on which to buy for myself/my family:

Pros for Pro:
Jamestown / Various Steam Indie Games I like
MAME etc
Possibly upgradable? (W8 can be installed with USB stick)
Huge sized Windows Store games are coming so space is welcome

Cons for Pro:
Ultrabooks will undergo drastic improvements in parallel with this
Desktop vs Metro switching is a little shellshocking

Pros for RT:
Cheaper
Kids can use it (kid account can easily be set up, unlike iPad)

Cons for RT:
32GB will be gone in like 2 months, I just tend to download lots of games
 
LevelNth said:
So help me understand this, as I only use Windows now at work and pretty much despise it wholesale...but if the Pro model is simply running full Win 8, does that not mean it will require virus protection and whatnot, like a regular PC?

Because if so, that is probably one of the most laughably idiotic things I've ever heard, and completely misses the entire point of why Apple has become the company it has in the past 5 years.

Am I incorrect in thinking this?
Click to expand...

The pro version is full on Windows just like Win 7. You can however also use the new metro interface as well as the metro apps. The RT version is just metro, not the full desktop although you are able to use office and other MS apps on RT.
 
Gaspode_T said:
My takes on which to buy for myself/my family:

Pros for Pro:
Jamestown / Various Steam Indie Games I like
MAME etc
Possibly upgradable? (W8 can be installed with USB stick)
Huge sized Windows Store games are coming so space is welcome

Cons for Pro:
Ultrabooks will undergo drastic improvements in parallel with this
Desktop vs Metro switching is a little shellshocking

Pros for RT:
Cheaper
Kids can use it (kid account can easily be set up, unlike iPad)

Cons for RT:
32GB will be gone in like 2 months, I just tend to download lots of games
Click to expand...

I think another issue is people are looking at these as the ONLY Win 8 options for tablets. The market will be flooded with them by the time Win 8 launches. There will be better hardware, cheaper, etc etc.
 
Windows RT is not for me and I know that. It lacks a proven app store and market, and lacks the standard desktop environment. The Pro at least this first generation will probably just feel like a gimped heavy tablet / gimped ultrabook. As much as I am pleasantly surprised by the Surface, I feel like being an early adopter isn't worth it. Just doesn't fit with what I currently need. A few years down the road however I'm hoping for an x86 with the same form-factor as the RT.
 
Lexxon said:
No hard specs, but I'd expect just the Ivy Bridge GFX. Haven't seen a lot of ultrabooks with dedicated video, although it is possible:

http://www.cnet.com/laptops/asus-zenbook-prime-ux32vd/4505-3121_7-35307495.html

UX32VD has an 620M + integrated, for example. Apparently that card can run D3 on medium at decent frame rates, although the computer it's in can go up to 1080p, where I imagine it'll have to run on low or with lower shadows.
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If under 1500$ allows dedicated gfx, Microsoft should go for it to compete with the high end. Otherwise another manufacturer needs to step up, don't want to wait for the second round of hardware to make good use of a 64bit OS :s

Hopefully Samsung does with a good digitizer already in place

coldfoot said:
It will have underclocked Intel IVB graphics, just like the Macbook Air. It may even be further underclocked than the air, it all depends on the thermal capacity of the chassis.
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Ugh, this pissed me off about my previous tablet too
 
I'm really curious to see if Microsoft will license out the keyboard/dock connector to the OEMs. I'm hoping rather than just piss them off, this product will get them off their asses to create decent alternatives
 
fluffydelusions said:
I think another issue is people are looking at these as the ONLY Win 8 options for tablets. The market will be flooded with them by the time Win 8 launches. There will be better hardware, cheaper, etc etc.
Click to expand...

Yeah, but it is good that MS came out with their own reference design to get everyone hyped and interested. Now the 3rd parties can have some basis to work towards and will capture mindshare based on being better in certain areas or whatever. There is definitely much more hype overall for win8 devices today than there was 2 days ago.
 
LevelNth said:
So help me understand this, as I only use Windows now at work and pretty much despise it wholesale...but if the Pro model is simply running full Win 8, does that not mean it will require virus protection and whatnot, like a regular PC?

Because if so, that is probably one of the most laughably idiotic things I've ever heard, and completely misses the entire point of why Apple has become the company it has in the past 5 years.

Am I incorrect in thinking this?
Click to expand...

Any OS allowing unsigned code to run (i.e. any OS willing to let its user have "administrative rights") will be virus prone. That includes OS X afaik. How is that laugably idiotic? Its called user freedom. If you don't want that, that's exactly what RT is for.
 
injurai said:
Windows RT is not for me and I know that. It lacks a proven app store and market, and lacks the standard desktop environment. The Pro at least this first generation will probably just feel like a gimped heavy tablet / gimped ultrabook. As much as I am pleasantly surprised by the Surface, I feel like being an early adopter isn't worth it. Just doesn't fit with what I currently need. A few years down the road however I'm hoping for an x86 with the same form-factor as the RT.
Click to expand...

I'm in the same boat. Not gonna get burnt by first-gen hardware, but real excited for what it might hold for the future.
If these pro models catch on, the kinks get worked out and Apple turns the MBA into a tablet-hybrid next, then i'll be happy as a clam. I swore off windows on laptops years ago, not worth it.
 
If Acer or Asus are making things like this, my money would be on them pushing the high end of performance...these are the companies that brought you race car themed laptops:

Acer_Ferrari_Laptop.jpg

asus-lamborghini-laptop.jpg
 
Izick said:
Tap to kill Rat King.
Click to expand...

The only improvement for this for me would be a phone version. But tablet will do. I didn't see the point of getting an iPad because i have an iPhone but i do like the fact that information is an unlock away as opposed to booting up my laptop. This is what ive been waiting for tablet wise. I just hope the price isn't too high.
 
LevelNth said:
So help me understand this, as I only use Windows now at work and pretty much despise it wholesale...but if the Pro model is simply running full Win 8, does that not mean it will require virus protection and whatnot, like a regular PC?

Because if so, that is probably one of the most laughably idiotic things I've ever heard, and completely misses the entire point of why Apple has become the company it has in the past 5 years.

Am I incorrect in thinking this?
Click to expand...

Surface Pro, just like the Mac Air, should have virus protection software installed. Surface will not need it.
 
Daeda said:
Any OS allowing unsigned code to run (i.e. any OS willing to let its user have "administrative rights") will be virus prone. That includes OS X afaik. How is that laugably idiotic? Its called user freedom. If you don't want that, that's exactly what RT is for.
Click to expand...

In fact, according to kaspersky OS X is about 10 years behind windows in terms of security.
 
Infinite_Daremo said:
The only improvement for this for me would be a phone version. But tablet will do. I didn't see the point of getting an iPad because i have an iPhone but i do like the fact that information is an unlock away as opposed to booting up my laptop. This is what ive been waiting for tablet wise. I just hope the price isn't too high.
Click to expand...

Yeah me too. I really like Microsoft's software, so a tablet that doubles as a laptop and can run real games (nothing super intensive, just older titles like Fallout 2 or Team Fortress 2 even) and stuff is perfect for me. I'm really curious on price as well.
 
The biggest difference for me between Mac Air and Surface Pro is that if I buy a $20 game (let us say hypothetical Carcassonne Windows 8 version or something), it will hopefully work on anything I own that is connected to Windows Store...the buy once, play anyway mantra seems like it has a chance to come partly true. You could even play it on a normal desktop PC with Windows 8 if the game supports mouse...

I have bought Avadon, Carcassonne, Ascension on our iPad, these arent cheap games and they would also play fine on a PC or laptop w/ touch screen configuration...
 
liger05 said:
Is the RT version going to undercut Ipad? It has to doesnt it to even stand a chance of competing.
Click to expand...
They should have announced they were going to undercut the iPad. That would have been a good challenge to Apple, potentially hurting some iPad sales while people wait.

Instead, they say that the 32 GB and 64 GB RT tablets will be competitive with similar ARM tablets. But which ones? That statement could mean anywhere from the $399/$499 baseline models to the $599/$699 32 gb/64gb models.

Since they're using a cheaper screen and cheaper graphics, it shouldn't be more expensive, though...
 
LevelNth said:
So help me understand this, as I only use Windows now at work and pretty much despise it wholesale...but if the Pro model is simply running full Win 8, does that not mean it will require virus protection and whatnot, like a regular PC?

Because if so, that is probably one of the most laughably idiotic things I've ever heard, and completely misses the entire point of why Apple has become the company it has in the past 5 years.

Am I incorrect in thinking this?
Click to expand...

win8 has integrated virus protection if you don't chose an alternative.

Apple has become the company it is in the last 5 years without giving 2 shits about the enterprise, which the 'pro' certainly does. A person like you who cannot see the point of it, would be better suited by the RT model.

Time will tell if you're incorrect in thinking how you're thinking. Microsoft could go bankrupt, but honestly the pro looks like an excellent way to get tablets into the corporate space, as well as let me play steam on my tablet.
 
Hawkian said:
Whoa, it's... sexy

Did not see this coming
Click to expand...

Had to be sexy, sexy is what sells, and that's not some kind of dig at the iPad, but I'm guessing a lot of people initially love that thing because it looks futuristic and sexy as fuck, it just has a great design. Thankfully it has good parts and software to back it up and keep them coming back.

Hopefully that works for the Surface as well.
 
Wait the pro has a fan?! On a tablet???? Jesus jusr scrap this whole project now because that alone will make it look low rent next to an ipad
 
alternade said:
Wait the pro has a fan?! On a tablet???? Jesus jusr scrap this whole project now because that alone will make it look low rent next to an ipad
Click to expand...

Then don't fucking buy it.

EDIT: Also, doesn't the newest iPad get hot easily? Maybe that would have came in handy.
 
FieryBalrog said:
Do you know how to touch-type? If you can't properly type on a physical keyboard, I can see how an iPad could work, but even then I think it would be completely off-putting. Tactile feedback is simply strictly superior for typing. I wrote this entire post in seconds without once looking at the keyboard and it feels AMAZING compared to an iPad, even with my janky old keyboard.
Click to expand...

That's a little underhanded there... Yes, I know how to touch type and type on all ranges of keyboards from touch screens to Macbook chicklets to mechanical keyboards. Some people can adapt, others can't.
 
LevelNth said:
So help me understand this, as I only use Windows now at work and pretty much despise it wholesale...but if the Pro model is simply running full Win 8, does that not mean it will require virus protection and whatnot, like a regular PC?

Because if so, that is probably one of the most laughably idiotic things I've ever heard, and completely misses the entire point of why Apple has become the company it has in the past 5 years.

Am I incorrect in thinking this?
Click to expand...

Windows is prone to viruses due to the fact that it is in most PC's, therefore it is targeted more. That being said I have never had anti virus and only got a virus once in16yrs and that was because my wife opened an unknown exe. I haven't had spyware since I got windows7. If you want to stay virus/spyware free on windows make programs ask for admin permission to install and use an updated browser its really that easy.
 
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