OT: Microsoft Surface

John_Cline wrote on 6/19/2012, 12:51 AM

Looks like the iPad finally has a REAL competitor and Android has a BIG problem with the "Surface" that Microsoft announced today. There are two versions, one with an ARM processor like most tablets and a Pro version that runs an Ivy Bridge Core i5 x86 processor, 1080p display, USB 3.0, microSDXC, USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort Video and runs full-up Windows 8 Pro. Both versions have a cover that doubles as a full, extremely thin keyboard and multitouch trackpad. It's very likely that Vegas could run on it and allow for some light editing tasks. I'm cautiously jazzed.

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

Comments

Grazie wrote on 6/19/2012, 1:09 AM

No price yet. That's gonna be the next possible byte outta this particular Apple.

Interesting "core" value change for MS.

Grazie

TheHappyFriar wrote on 6/19/2012, 8:18 AM

i've been wanting MS to release a tablet (or a tablet maker to make one PC compatible). I know apple has the app store but MS has decades of software that people use. If it could be portable: awesome.

And since Win8 comes in multiple versions, Acer, for example, could make an AMD/Intel tablet & install Win8 on it.

Won't replace my PC but it could take it away from everything but video editing and gaming. :)

CorTed wrote on 6/19/2012, 11:19 AM

Yes, a very interesting device. It was time for Microsoft to put out something that is exciting, hope it will stick.

I have heard rumor pricing af approx $500 for the Windows RT version ( the ARM processor), and approx $1K for the i5 loaded version with Windows 8. Both will be available this fall.

Seems a bit pricey, as you can get a pretty decent laptop for less.....

Ted

Chienworks wrote on 6/19/2012, 11:26 AM

"Seems a bit pricey, as you can get a pretty decent laptop for less....."

Exactly the same refrain i've said many times when people ask me about iPads.

At least Microsoft has understood the importance of a physical keyboard at an angle to the screen and even include it with the purchase. That's a HUGE win over most of the other tablets. Yes, i know there are separate keyboards and stands available for the iPad, but those make the price even higher above a decent laptop.

jabloomf1230 wrote on 6/19/2012, 12:27 PM

Too little, too late.

JJKizak wrote on 6/19/2012, 12:46 PM

Well Microsoft made pretty good mouses and keyboards and Windows 3.1 was pretty good.
JJK

TheHappyFriar wrote on 6/19/2012, 1:10 PM

Too little, too late.

iMac's were the same thing and look where Apple is now.

Laurence wrote on 6/21/2012, 5:07 PM

I can already do "light" video editing on my iPad.

DrLumen wrote on 6/21/2012, 7:22 PM

Was Zune Too already taken?

Radio Guy wrote on 6/21/2012, 8:40 PM

Looks interesting and I'll definitely be buying one. It looks like a power horse for a pad device and i like the keyboard idea. It's interesting that Microsoft is actually manufacturing these and not just an OS this time around just like their XBox.

They tried in the early nineties for a pad device but heck that was win 98. This time around WIn8 (Still a solid core Windows 7 under the hood) looks like a winner.

ushere wrote on 6/21/2012, 9:50 PM

well having used / played with a variety of pads, i can see their uses, and more importantly, their limitations.

quite frankly if i'm thinking of doing anything remotely concerning video production it'll be on my laptop, running vegas and on location (what a great app). in addition to the 500gb drive in the laptop i can hang any number of peripherals on to it, etc.,

the only use for a pad as far as i can see with video production is as either a monitor (?) or teleprompter. ymmv.