It'll be interesting to read/watch some hands on with the keyboard cover. In my opinion it needs to be a fantastic typing experience to win out over an ultra book in a similar price point.
The x86 tablet is so different from the iPad in terms of purpose/functionality that it might as well be in a different category.
How much of an impact that ARM version has really depends on the price. The lower the price, the greater the impact, but I'm not sure if it will have more of an impact than any other tablet device has had so far.
The x86 one is appealing, it's the most powerful tablet in that form factor by an insane amount. I don't really like Windows 8 but it could be appealing on hardware like that.
Then again, one thing to consider is that Windows 8 is a very different OS and form/function from the iPad, whereas the Zune and the iPod were competing in the same form and function.
Android hasn't been compelling in tablet form both because the hardware wasn't great and because Android OS isn't as compelling for tablets as iOS is - it'll be interesting to see how well Windows 8 does, especially since it's much more drastically different (death to the icon layout!!) in both software and hardware
Eug
Lifer
- Mar 11, 2000
- 24,150
- 1,795
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I have a bulky one for my iPad (which works via Bluetooth) and it sucks. Better than typing on the screen, but nothing like typing on a real keyboard. I'm sure mine is worse than MS's design, but then again MS's design is currently vapourware. However, the real question is if it's indeed better, then how much better? Is it going to be barely tolerable, or actually decent?
I also have an Apple wireless keyboard and it works great with the iPad, but who wants to carry that around? The only separate portable keyboard I've ever liked was the folding Stowaway one that was built for my Handspring Visor, but that was heavy.
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How is announcing a device 3 months before launch news? Exciting? Or even interesting? I'm the biggest MS fanboy with my WP7 devices but this was pathetic. Epic fail MS.
Hardware specs are kinda OK right now but how about in 3 to 4 months? X86 version is great but 6 months away? wtf?
Hardware specs are kinda OK right now but how about in 3 to 4 months? X86 version is great but 6 months away? wtf?
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It's announced so far in advance because people will end up leaking it anyway, like Maps in iOS 6. There is little surprise in announcing a device people already know exists.
I just wonder why this couldn't have been part of the WinPhone 8 event. They could have started out with the tablet strategy and transitioned in to Apollo. Just seems really weird to be holding what amounts to an emergency press event when the one you had scheduled is only a couple days away.
My feeling on this is that there was one other market Microsoft tried to make a dent in for years recently with software and various hardware partners before finally saying "fuck it, we'll do it ourselves!". That was the Zune. Though it ultimately failed, it provided the roadmap to Microsoft for years to come in both the desktop and mobile space. I wonder how Microsoft's release of this tablet will ultimately effect third parties interested in the space. The Zune basically choked everything except the super low-end out.
My feeling on this is that there was one other market Microsoft tried to make a dent in for years recently with software and various hardware partners before finally saying "fuck it, we'll do it ourselves!". That was the Zune. Though it ultimately failed, it provided the roadmap to Microsoft for years to come in both the desktop and mobile space. I wonder how Microsoft's release of this tablet will ultimately effect third parties interested in the space. The Zune basically choked everything except the super low-end out.
Kinda understand that. Then again I can't wrap my head around it...
One thing no one has asked is if other manufacturers have to wait 3 monhs after Windows 8 launch to oll our X86 versions?
I dont understand announcing something like this 6 months ahead of scheduled launch. This gives other manufacturers a 6 month heads up to design a similar smart cover/keyboard combo for their devices as well as integrated kickstands.
gorcorps
aka Brandon
- Jul 18, 2004
- 30,741
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Yes... because we all know that the mobile electronic competition is very lax, and none of the major companies would ever sue another one over just taking such ideas.
Deeko
Lifer
- Jun 16, 2000
- 30,213
- 12
- 81
If Samsung, Asus, or some other third party made a similarly solid Windows 8 product, I doubt Microsoft would be very upset.
I'm pretty sure that's the point. Microsoft is challenging it's OEMs to make a better product than them, in the end, all that matters is more copies of Windows 8 sold (especially tablets) instead of iPads or Android tablets. The point of the Microsoft slate is to "prime the pump".
Microsoft doesn't want to be the #1 seller of PCs, but they DO want to raise the quality level of all PCs under the threat "if you won't release a kick-ass tablet to beat the iPad, we most certainly will".
zerocool84
Lifer
- Nov 11, 2004
- 36,041
- 472
- 126
Well, if the PRO w/keyboard is priced similar to an ultrabook and is not a slow running turd, I would !!
You can use this like a tablet or an ultrabook. You can only use an ultrabook like an ultrabook. If they cost the same, and there is some worthwhile use cases for the tablet mode, it's a more versatile device.
Pen and Ink, which I think lots ultrabooks and tablets are lacking. Plus the keyboard can go away completely.
MS peripherals are for the most part very well designed and are class leading. Keyboards, mice, webcams, etc.
podspi
Golden Member
- Jan 11, 2011
- 1,982
- 102
- 106
Inking + Touch input is awesome. I have devices that support inking (typing on one now), and devices that support touch, but none that support both. This not only has both, but adds a hardware keyboard into the mix (through the add-on case), and a dedicated virtual keyboard (included I believe). That's pretty awesome.
That being said, I think I would (or hopefully will) spring for the WinRT version. I have more than enough x86 processing power (3 x86 laptops, 2 x86 desktops), so the Pro version wouldn't add much for me. The two laptops I actually use as laptops both have Win 8 on them already, and it runs great. I'm hoping the WinRT tablet is cheap enough, and performs well enough to replace my Kindle Fire, which is a decent machine but imho has a lot of performance issues.
Pricing is going to be huge though. Tegra 3 is kinda a meh SoC today, by the time the Fall rolls around I think $399 is the most it'd be worth. Oh well, we'll see...
That being said, I think I would (or hopefully will) spring for the WinRT version. I have more than enough x86 processing power (3 x86 laptops, 2 x86 desktops), so the Pro version wouldn't add much for me. The two laptops I actually use as laptops both have Win 8 on them already, and it runs great. I'm hoping the WinRT tablet is cheap enough, and performs well enough to replace my Kindle Fire, which is a decent machine but imho has a lot of performance issues.
Pricing is going to be huge though. Tegra 3 is kinda a meh SoC today, by the time the Fall rolls around I think $399 is the most it'd be worth. Oh well, we'll see...
Logitech has a smart cover keyboard for the iPad3. Just an FYI for those that thought smart cover keyboards don't exist. Not exactly like MS's version, but a smart keyboard nonetheless.
I think the tablets look promising, but presenting a product 6 months in advance is almost as pathetic as when MS presented the HP Slate. I'm not sure why anyone would get a Pro Tablet over an ultrabook. I wouldn't give up a solid ultrabook just to gain the versatility of a tablet. When a device tries to do too much it doesn't do one thing very well.
I think the RT tablet will be more succesful than the Pro considering its price. No one should be spending $1k on a tablet unless it can truly replace your notebook as well.
I think the tablets look promising, but presenting a product 6 months in advance is almost as pathetic as when MS presented the HP Slate. I'm not sure why anyone would get a Pro Tablet over an ultrabook. I wouldn't give up a solid ultrabook just to gain the versatility of a tablet. When a device tries to do too much it doesn't do one thing very well.
I think the RT tablet will be more succesful than the Pro considering its price. No one should be spending $1k on a tablet unless it can truly replace your notebook as well.
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