This is one huge tablet. Too big in my opinion, but hey maybe someone will like them.
AIPEI — Taiwan PC makers Acer and Asus on Monday took another shot at gaining a foothold in the tablet market, unveiling several new products running on Microsoft's much-anticipated Windows 8 operating system.
The companies showed off the tablets on the eve of Computex, Asia's largest IT fair, which is held in Taipei this week for the 32nd time with Windows 8 expected to be a key focus.
Acer, which cut several hundred jobs in Europe last year as it struggles to branch into the tablet computer sector, unveiled the W510 and W700.
"Windows 8 is a historic moment for the worldwide Windows eco-system," said J. T. Wang, Acer's chairman, at a briefing in Taipei where the company also unveiled its new Aspire S7, a small laptop that runs on Windows 8...
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jfUY8SRuZlWVjR86D-mnK4NOfO0Q?docId=CNG.2ef7d92f5a6586fb67dc4c456ff94dae.511 (http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jfUY8SRuZlWVjR86D-mnK4NOfO0Q?docId=CNG.2ef7d92f5a6586fb67dc4c456ff94dae.511)
ZOIKS! :shocked
Yeah - it would be like having a monitor on your lap! I suppose if it's going to be your main PC and you will use it in some kind of stand on a desk it might be ok. Keep in mind, not all Windows tablets will be this big - of course.
That would look good hanging on the wall next to my bed but it doesn't look very portable to me.
Maybe that gal holding it is only 4'5"... :)
Quote from: Bryancd on June 04, 2012, 08:47:01 AM
ZOIKS! :shocked
Is it Zoiks! or Zoinks! I can never remember.
Would be great for students in school. We're just starting to get Smart boards, and Kindle Fires here for students to use.
Z
Neither, it's "Jinkies!"
That OS still looks awful and uncoordinated...
King
Quote from: KingIsaacLinksr on June 04, 2012, 10:46:44 AM
That OS still looks awful and uncoordinated...
King
I'm the last person to defend anything Microsoft related but I have heard pretty positive thnings about Windows 8.
I've heard good things about the underlying OS layers, I've heard quite a few complaints about Metro and how it is not very "discoverable" (i.e. it's not obvious how to go about doing things). Microsoft is doing a good thing trying to move paradigms forward, but there's going to be a lot of resistance from the enterprise on this new interface.
As usual, only time will tell how successful Win8 is.
Quote from: Bryancd on June 04, 2012, 10:48:29 AM
Quote from: KingIsaacLinksr on June 04, 2012, 10:46:44 AM
That OS still looks awful and uncoordinated...
King
I'm the last person to defend anything Microsoft related but I have heard pretty positive thnings about Windows 8.
And I've heard a lot of negative things, from people I didn't even expect negative reactions. Heck, Mozilla is blasting Windows 8 from being an OS that is overcontrolled by Microsoft. Its rather scary that the same phrases used to describe Apple (overzealous, controlling, etc) can now apply to Microsoft and Windows 8. I never expected that to happen. And I can't say I much like the idea of MS locking down the OS. I may have a lot of issues with MS, but at least they let us use the OS how we choose, and not how they decide.
http://www.techradar.com/news/internet/web/mozilla-chief-blasts-windows-8-for-return-to-dark-ages-1079848 (http://www.techradar.com/news/internet/web/mozilla-chief-blasts-windows-8-for-return-to-dark-ages-1079848)
And yes, I realize how ironic this posts is, coming from an Apple user. But I also believe that open-source has just as much place in our technology and if Mozilla is being locked out, how long until everyone else is?
King
Quote from: KingIsaacLinksr on June 04, 2012, 11:02:21 AM
Quote from: Bryancd on June 04, 2012, 10:48:29 AM
Quote from: KingIsaacLinksr on June 04, 2012, 10:46:44 AM
That OS still looks awful and uncoordinated...
King
I'm the last person to defend anything Microsoft related but I have heard pretty positive thnings about Windows 8.
And I've heard a lot of negative things, from people I didn't even expect negative reactions. Heck, Mozilla is blasting Windows 8 from being an OS that is overcontrolled by Microsoft. Its rather scary that the same phrases used to describe Apple (overzealous, controlling, etc) can now apply to Microsoft and Windows 8. I never expected that to happen. And I can't say I much like the idea of MS locking down the OS. I may have a lot of issues with MS, but at least they let us use the OS how we choose, and not how they decide.
http://www.techradar.com/news/internet/web/mozilla-chief-blasts-windows-8-for-return-to-dark-ages-1079848 (http://www.techradar.com/news/internet/web/mozilla-chief-blasts-windows-8-for-return-to-dark-ages-1079848)
And yes, I realize how ironic this posts is, coming from an Apple user. But I also believe that open-source has just as much place in our technology and if Mozilla is being locked out, how long until everyone else is?
King
King, you gotta check your history, those phrases were used to describe Microsoft loooong before Apple. This is a major UI shift. There will be pushback from the userbase. If companies never changed thigns up we'd still be staring at C:\> on our screens.
I've been playing with Windows 8 an it works fine. I also know that the mozilla arguments are crap and were refuted the day that they complained.
King, I hate to tell you, but MS is still open. Parts of it won't be open, but that's still better than 100% closed.
I think it's funny that people like to complain about stability and virus susceptibility, but when an easy solution is presented, guess what, people complain.
I also think that is really cool that MS is basically giving away the OS to new computer buyers from now to next year for 15 bucks.
Quote from: Bryancd on June 04, 2012, 08:59:05 AM
Maybe that gal holding it is only 4'5"... :)
:roflmao Oh my...
I am very interested to see how W8 does. Mixed feedback so far and this is from techy people. When the general public get to see it that will be telling, especially as they'll have no choice but to use it when buying new PCs. I wonder if we will see what happen back in the Vista days where some manufacturers were offering OS downgrades to XP when people requested it?
I've tried it, not keen on Metro at all and it doesn't really really add anything feature wise that I'm interested in (especially as there is no change in Windows Media Center except that you have to pay for it now!) so I'll be sticking to W7 on my machines that run Windows.
On the tablet side I can see it working very well.
That's another problem I'm having, I see no benefit to update to Windows 8 from W7.
Maybe my opinion will change when I get hands on with the actual release of W8, but idk. This UI...it looks like a touch-screen UI which is great for tablets, but for PC users?....idk.
King
The sad thing is that traditionally when MS spins off a feature like Media Center and makes it for pay, it usually means it'll be gone by the next version of Windows.
Quote from: billybob476 on June 04, 2012, 08:03:29 PM
The sad thing is that traditionally when MS spins off a feature like Media Center and makes it for pay, it usually means it'll be gone by the next version of Windows.
They pretty much said it will be gone. It's just not the direction they are going in anymore.
You have to remember that MS gets scolded every time they bundle in a feature that other companies can make a copy of and sell. If they don't include it, we missed the feature and hate that we have to pay for it, but if they do include it as an integrated feature, other companies whine that it's an unfair monopoly.
As for Media player ... I don't think it's going anywhere. Not playing DVDs is a long step away from not being included. So far, it's just not going to play DVDs. everything else is there and it will still play digital films.
Which, as I think about it might be a boon for MS. If you can't play DVDs with the service, it might be easier for them to get a larger streaming library without the other companies worried about consumers using a media player hack to burn the films.
Media Player won't go, Media Center will.
Quote from: billybob476 on June 05, 2012, 07:41:26 AM
Media Player won't go, Media Center will.
Ahhh ... but how many people actually use media center. I can honestly count the times I've used it on my fingers and still have some left and I watch a lot of digital stuff.
If media center does go the way of the dodo, I'm betting that it will still be there in the higher tier versions of 8
I'm not sure there will be higher tier versions of Win 8. I was hearing MS was trying to do away with the whole multiple sku options for Windows that they do each time.
For all intents and purposes, Win8 will be like XP. There will be two versions, Windows 8 which is the standard home version and Windows 8 Pro which is the business version. For once Microsoft made it easy!
Of course there's Windows RT for ARM and Win8 Enterprise which is basically the Pro version for bulk licensing but those don't really apply to the discussion.
So, all 32 bit or all 64 bit?? Bring on the SKU's!
they'll be offering both 32 and 64 bit versions. I have a feeling in another 2 iterations the 32 bit version will likely go away.
Media Center will be an addon feature in W8 but you have to have the PRO version. This will also add DVD playback to the OS.
They've pretty much implied Media Center won't be in W9
There are a few of us (me included) that use Media Center as their main DVR :)
Looks like MS will be making some type of announcement Monday, June 18th - probably about Win 8 and tablets.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/technology/microsoft-planning-a-tablet-launch-report-says/2012/06/15/gJQAXPHueV_story.html (http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/technology/microsoft-planning-a-tablet-launch-report-says/2012/06/15/gJQAXPHueV_story.html)
http://www.informationweek.com/news/software/windows8/240002138 (http://www.informationweek.com/news/software/windows8/240002138)
Looking forward to seeing what they introduce.
I want to mess with the hardware before passing judgement. It's all too easy to get caught up in hype... both positive and negative.
I think Windows 8 is going to be pretty good. I think it will be slow to be adopted for PC users. I think it was very well made for portable devices.
Quote from: Bryancd on June 17, 2012, 04:51:29 PM
I think Windows 8 is going to be pretty good. I think it will be slow to be adopted for PC users. I think it was very well made for portable devices.
I would make that *really slow to be adopted for PC users* if the transition from XP to 7 is any indication of how people disliked the upgrade. I still hear from people that still want XP back on their computers. I actually prefer quite a few of the changes 7 brought to the OS (better downloads folder, search and other things) but to still hear people want XP is...not favorable for 8.
King
Quote from: KingIsaacLinksr on June 17, 2012, 11:36:27 PM
Quote from: Bryancd on June 17, 2012, 04:51:29 PM
I think Windows 8 is going to be pretty good. I think it will be slow to be adopted for PC users. I think it was very well made for portable devices.
I would make that *really slow to be adopted for PC users* if the transition from XP to 7 is any indication of how people disliked the upgrade. I still hear from people that still want XP back on their computers. I actually prefer quite a few of the changes 7 brought to the OS (better downloads folder, search and other things) but to still hear people want XP is...not favorable for 8.
King
The problem is that people want what other people tell them they want. A lot of the holdouts for XP still don't even know what an OS does, why it needs to grow, or the need for new iterations. Computers are still a magic box to them.
The only reason they want XP is because it's a comfort food they they've seen on their company computers and never had to really worry about issues because the IT worker elves take care of that while they are at home at night.
Businesses are going to adopt 8 and when they do, the typical computer users won't even remember XP with 6 months. People could care less on what number is behind the product as long as it makes them feel like they actually know how to use it.
Nothing is easier to use than pictures that you have to touch to get somewhere.
Quote from: X on June 18, 2012, 10:26:05 AM
Quote from: KingIsaacLinksr on June 17, 2012, 11:36:27 PM
Quote from: Bryancd on June 17, 2012, 04:51:29 PM
I think Windows 8 is going to be pretty good. I think it will be slow to be adopted for PC users. I think it was very well made for portable devices.
I would make that *really slow to be adopted for PC users* if the transition from XP to 7 is any indication of how people disliked the upgrade. I still hear from people that still want XP back on their computers. I actually prefer quite a few of the changes 7 brought to the OS (better downloads folder, search and other things) but to still hear people want XP is...not favorable for 8.
King
The problem is that people want what other people tell them they want. A lot of the holdouts for XP still don't even know what an OS does, why it needs to grow, or the need for new iterations. Computers are still a magic box to them.
The only reason they want XP is because it's a comfort food they they've seen on their company computers and never had to really worry about issues because the IT worker elves take care of that while they are at home at night.
Businesses are going to adopt 8 and when they do, the typical computer users won't even remember XP with 6 months. People could care less on what number is behind the product as long as it makes them feel like they actually know how to use it.
Nothing is easier to use than pictures that you have to touch to get somewhere.
Hmm, idk about businesses. I haven't heard enough "general opinions" from businesses to know if they are going to adopt win 8 or not. So...*shrug*
Your right about XP being comfort food for people, as that's what I generally get from people that still pine for XP to be on their machines again. I, frankly, can't tolerate some of the issues XP still has that 7 fixed/improved. Plus Aero just looks so much better hehehehe. :) but yes, for many people the computer is still a magic box that they wish it just worked for them and nothing went wrong. (Well, I wish it was but I know better ;)) Which really is an interesting mentality when we work for hours on cars or houses or what not.
Idk, it will really come down to how Win 8 works and how people adapt to it. The months after launch will be telling I suppose.
King
Surface Tablet from MS. Aren't they announcing this way early?
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/19/technology/microsoft-unveils-a-tablet-to-challenge-the-ipad.html (http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/19/technology/microsoft-unveils-a-tablet-to-challenge-the-ipad.html)
From what I've heard it was going to leak so had to roll with it :)
MSFT not as slick and locked down with these announcements and product info as Apple is obviously. Lol
In terms of the device, I'm quite impressed. It's nice to see them do their own hardware again and hopefully it will be a success unlike the Zune.
They need to get pricing right in this thing though. The ARM version needs to be price comparable to the iPad to even try to compete in their space. They have already hinted that the x86 version will be price comparable to ultrabooks and that makes sense.
Not sure I'd personally want to switch but competition is good. :)
Yep - competition is good. It would be nice if they can price this lower than the iPad. Without that incentive it's going to be a tough hill to climb I think.
I'm on board for it. Not a tough sell for me since I love the Widows OS and tolerate iOS
It would be nice if we actually knew anything about it, but they were quiet about tech specs and such....
King
Quote from: KingIsaacLinksr on June 19, 2012, 11:09:00 AM
It would be nice if we actually knew anything about it, but they were quiet about tech specs and such....
King
Probably because they are still very much undecided at this point.
These look compelling, and could be very useful to me. Love the idea of a the keyboard cover. Once I get a better gander at the specs & prices, I can make an informed decision.
People are getting passionate about this stuff. Interesting. I wonder if buzz can build until launch rather than disappear. Again I will hold my own judgement until I actually physically get to use the thing. http://gizmodo.com/5919521/microsoft-surface-just-made-the-macbook-air-and-the-ipad-obsolete (http://gizmodo.com/5919521/microsoft-surface-just-made-the-macbook-air-and-the-ipad-obsolete)
Price is quite high though. In the newspaper today they say it's going to be around £450 and wifi only. Darn steep.
Quote from: HawkeyeMeds on June 20, 2012, 12:30:35 AM
Price is quite high though. In the newspaper today they say it's going to be around £450 and wifi only. Darn steep.
That is too much in my book - and should be more in line with a high end model budget. If they price this closer to the iPad equivalents, I might bite.
Quote from: HawkeyeMeds on June 20, 2012, 12:30:35 AM
Price is quite high though. In the newspaper today they say it's going to be around £450 and wifi only. Darn steep.
That pricing is guess work. Nothing has been officially set. But I will say if they cost more than an equivalent iPad they will not sell well.
Well if Microsoft is aiming to have this tablet replace the laptop computer for the majority of users, and makes those kinds of tasks simple to perform (unlike Apple who wants to keep selling their Macbooks) then I can see a higher price point being more successful as people's laptops begin to die and they replace them with tablets.
I think Joby is right, I get the impression this is more of a MacBook Air as opposed to an iPad. I think they recognize that the traditional lap top model needs to be a bit smaller, faster to provide the kind of experiences people use portable technology for, and cheaper.
I'm excited for it. Time will tell if they get this right. It is too early to judge how people are going to take this. We have no price points or detailed specs. The general public have no idea how Windows 8 is going to work yet.
The Windows store is still in beta and only has selected beta apps. When that launches will will have a much better idea of what to expect.
Personally, if I was in need of a good quality Windows ultra portable laptop then I'd consider getting a Surface Pro.
If I didn't have an iPad right now and they brought out the Surface RT at iPad price (don't forget this device is 32Gb so it most likely won't be priced at the entry level iPad price but the 32Gb iPad) and good quality Metro apps were available I'd go for it. The beauty of this thing is it can act like a tablet but unlike the iPad it's a full blown PC.
As I said, still no major specs except some speculation on processors and screen resolutions etc. no announcement has been made about connectivity yet, nobody knows if there will be cellular options etc.
For now I just want to know more. I'm excited for Microsoft right now. They have learnt (or stolen) some presentation and marketing ideas from Apple and good on them. It's no good for consumers in the long run for one company such as Apple to have dominance for too long. I want the likes of Apple, Microsoft and Google to be going head to head. :)
I was in the live chat last night for Entertainment 2.0 ( Windows Media Center and other Microsoft entertainment products podcast) and they had a great discussion on the possibilities here. Not all positive "fanboy" comments at all, a nice balanced discussion with all parties acknowledging that Microsoft has a lot to do.
I do find it funny that it wasn't too long ago people were deriding the MacAir and now I think it's clear the direction this market is going. Apple correctly identified the traditionla lap top model was going to become less important and the ultra portable market is the future.
Bryan, how do you match your above comments with the new MacBook Pro that just came out? More power, more weight, higher res. screen, etc. I have always said it's all about the right tool for the right job. A tablet is fine for some things, an ultrabook is fine for a bit more, and a full blown laptop more, and a desktop even more. Some people can get by with less computing power if all they do is hop on Facebook and play games, etc. Anyway, I really don't see people all going to one device anytime soon. In fact, I see people having even more devices in the future. I mean how many folks now have a smart phone, a tablet or ultrabook, and a laptop and a desktop? Many people.
Apple won't abandon the lap top business anytime soon. Yes, people, and more specifically enterprise and business use, still require a fully functional lap top. What I am suggesting, and I feel strongly that Microsoft's move here proves the point along with the MacBook Air, is that the ultra portable device market, PDA's, smart phones, ultra portable laptops, is a MASSIVE developing market that when it becomes more ubiquitous will eclipse the traditional full powered lap top/desk top market. It's inevitable based on the majority use case of people. Lap tops will become more marginalized simply through the power of sheer numbers. It makes sense as beyond business use, most people use technology for relatively light weight computing needs. The exception is gaming but that market is becoming very bifurcated between various devices and that trend will also continue.
Yep, I can see that. The other big thing really driving all this is the actual hardware. You can pack a LOT of power into smaller and smaller devices now vs. even just 5 years ago. I mean quad core phones?!?! It's crazy!
Yep the key to the massive success that companies like Apple and Microsoft enjoy is targeting the average user. Not the average podcaster, or the average gamer, but the majority of people who are mostly looking to spend $500 bucks or so on something to check their email, watch Netflix on, and surf their favorite websites. I think this huge market, especially in this economy, will refuse to own a smartphone, tablet, laptop, and desktop that are all doing the same things for them. To offer a tablet that is cheaper than your average new laptop computer, that has a keyboard, USB connector, and can run the programs they already use (Microsoft Office, Windows Media PLayer, etc.) could be a huge win for MSFT.
Quote from: Jobydrone on June 20, 2012, 09:04:13 AM
Yep the key to the massive success that companies like Apple and Microsoft enjoy is targeting the average user. Not the average podcaster, or the average gamer, but the majority of people who are mostly looking to spend $500 bucks or so on something to check their email, watch Netflix on, and surf their favorite websites. I think this huge market, especially in this economy, will refuse to own a smartphone, tablet, laptop, and desktop that are all doing the same things for them. To offer a tablet that is cheaper than your average new laptop computer, that has a keyboard, USB connector, and can run the programs they already use (Microsoft Office, Windows Media PLayer, etc.) could be a huge win for MSFT.
It must be the Summer Solstice. Joby is brilliant today. Hold me... :love
Ha, you're going to give me a big head Bryan. I think this is the opinion I've always held on the topic, though.
Quote from: Jobydrone on June 20, 2012, 10:12:35 AM
Ha, you're going to give me a big head Bryan. I think this is the opinion I've always held on the topic, though.
Yes, I recall you and I were of the same mind in rgeards to these macro trends in personal computing. I do think you presented my contention very eloquently.
Well you might be rubbing off on me a little, I'll admit. Enough of the mutual admiration society...Clone Wars sucks!!! Kidding, kidding.
Quote from: Jobydrone on June 20, 2012, 10:25:39 AM
Well you might be rubbing off on me a little, I'll admit. Enough of the mutual admiration society...Clone Wars sucks!!! Kidding, kidding.
Can't hear you, George Lucas is currently raping my childhood...
some funny things:
Could MS sell the surface for $200? This is an interesting read:
http://techland.time.com/2012/08/16/microsoft-surface-rt-tablet-for-199-lets-be-realistic/ (http://techland.time.com/2012/08/16/microsoft-surface-rt-tablet-for-199-lets-be-realistic/)
I doubt it. I don't think Microsoft will want this to be a "sell at a loss" product like Amazon does with the Kindle and I don't see the subsidy plan as being very viable for them.
Depends if they treat it like the 360. They sold those at a loss I believe until they got the manufacture costs down. The new 360s have fewer parts, need less power and run cooler than their unfortunate launch brethren. So depending on who is in charge and how much they want it... loss-leading price could happen.
Nintendo dumped that idea a while ago, they at least break-even on production costs even at release of their stuff I think. Apple always charge way over the cost of production on just about everything, but have cultivated an image and made it fashionable to keep with this seasons new gadget.
Sony tried to cash in with their elite image and claims of technical superiority with the PS3 at launch at an expensive price... I don't think that went terribly well for them as far as sheer volume of sales goes. But just like Apple products you get a core of people who will pay anything and believe Sony stuff is the best ever.
Hopefully they will persevere with that and the phones - price will help but in a world where Apple products claim to be magical and consumers accept that message rather than laugh... well they will have to come up with one hell of a marketing campaign to get people to even just try out their products. Fanatics are bound to wheel out tired old "blue screen", "MS just copy" and "M$" tropes.
They won't do it because it doesn't make sense for them. If they sell it at a loss, they will impact their partners and lose a lot of money if other companies start walking away from the windows OS because their products can't compete.
I have so pretty reliable sources that say the rt version with be around the price of an iPAD and the 8 version will be the price of a high end laptop.
The 360 only sold at a loss because all consoles sell at a loss and they recoup that with first party games.
Quote from: X on August 16, 2012, 05:10:49 PM
They won't do it because it doesn't make sense for them. If they sell it at a loss, they will impact their partners and lose a lot of money if other companies start walking away from the windows OS because their products can't compete.
I have so pretty reliable sources that say the rt version with be around the price of an iPAD and the 8 version will be the price of a high end laptop.
The 360 only sold at a loss because all consoles sell at a loss and they recoup that with first party games.
Yeah the game console business is different. They have their own version of the app store in the gas manufacturers to provide content to drive sales.
A couple of blog have speculated that the Surface will be a US only limited number of devices, say 100,000 and not meant to be a mass market product. It will be Microsoft showing their hardware partners how it should be done. If this is the case I can see them selling these at a loss to make a point and get the buzz out there.
Personally I would be very annoyed as a consumer if this were true!
Quote from: Dangelus on August 17, 2012, 12:57:19 AM
A couple of blog have speculated that the Surface will be a US only limited number of devices, say 100,000 and not meant to be a mass market product. It will be Microsoft showing their hardware partners how it should be done. If this is the case I can see them selling these at a loss to make a point and get the buzz out there.
Personally I would be very annoyed as a consumer if this were true!
Huh, no talk about that among the research analysts. I would be highly skeptical as i always am of tech blogs ability to be predictive.
But Bryan, those tech blogs have been touting an iPad mini for a very long time too! :)
Quote from: Rico on August 17, 2012, 07:45:06 AM
But Bryan, those tech blogs have been touting an iPad mini for a very long time too! :)
Even a blind squirrel finds a nut sometimes. :)
With all the app and in-app purchases Apple has, I reckon it could easily drop the price of iOS devices via the Apple tax (around 30%) on transactions if it wanted too. That is a very similar model to the revenue share model of publishing on a closed console. It has no reason to do so though unless there is strong enough competition.
It would be risky for Microsoft to put such a high cut of revenue through its device through its storefront *and* attract new developers to it. The points made about MS not wanting to undercut the competition are valid though... I can't seem them shrinking their potential market by undercutting their hardware partners.
It is possible for a Win tablet to compete... very difficult but possible. The 360 shows that at least part of Microsoft can show up later to a market and carve out a chunk for itself sometimes plus add some innovation there. Xbox Live quality of service blew PSN and Segas network services out of the water at the time of Xbox 1s, Dreamcast and PS2s. I never owned an Xbox 1 myself - stuck with PS2 and GameCube - but the foundation of Live was built on by the 360 and eventually turned my head to the 360.
What they don't want is another Zune. That operating system, and Window Phone 7 paved the way for the tiled stuff you see in Windows 8. Perhaps it will be the break though just as the 360 was for Microsoft and gaming.
I can't remember but has anyone said how locked down the Win8 tablets are going to be? I know browsers are already restricted, but does everything have to go through the app store or has that not been talked about?
Quote from: KingIsaacLinksr on August 17, 2012, 10:13:59 AM
I can't remember but has anyone said how locked down the Win8 tablets are going to be? I know browsers are already restricted, but does everything have to go through the app store or has that not been talked about?
Windows 8 won't have browser restrictions, it's Windows RT. Here's something that talks about it.
http://blogs.computerworld.com/20159/mozillas_hypocrisy_its_ok_for_apple_to_block_firefox_but_wrong_when_microsoft_does_it (http://blogs.computerworld.com/20159/mozillas_hypocrisy_its_ok_for_apple_to_block_firefox_but_wrong_when_microsoft_does_it)
Quote from: X on August 17, 2012, 10:20:27 AM
Quote from: KingIsaacLinksr on August 17, 2012, 10:13:59 AM
I can't remember but has anyone said how locked down the Win8 tablets are going to be? I know browsers are already restricted, but does everything have to go through the app store or has that not been talked about?
Windows 8 won't have browser restrictions, it's Windows RT. Here's something that talks about it.
http://blogs.computerworld.com/20159/mozillas_hypocrisy_its_ok_for_apple_to_block_firefox_but_wrong_when_microsoft_does_it (http://blogs.computerworld.com/20159/mozillas_hypocrisy_its_ok_for_apple_to_block_firefox_but_wrong_when_microsoft_does_it)
Mk, but what about apps?
The ARM tablets are much more "locked down" due to the fact they wont run regulare x86 software and this is an issue since Joe Public isn't going to know the difference between an x86 tablet and an ARM one. The ultimate in fragmentation :(
Yeah it's like ios vs osx but with tablets that can run osx
Without having seen much on the core topic, this thread has hijacked me with the thought that many people will own smartphone, tablet, laptop AND desktop!
All I can say is Wow! How cheap is this stuff in the US (or how much do you all earn)?? I can't imagine affording all of that even if I did need all the different tools for different jobs!
Surely reality dictates that people will buy what they can afford and bend it to do what they need to do (or perhaps I have a skewed view from living a life of such obvious poverty? ;))
Dan - don't you have three of the four items you list above? Also, keep in mind a smartphone is an ongoing cost. The others are one time only costs.
- sorry - I meant Mike.
Quote from: Rico on August 18, 2012, 06:02:47 AM
Dan - don't you have three of the four items you list above? Also, keep in mind a smartphone is an ongoing cost. The others are one time only costs.
Am I getting blamed for Mike's comments again? Remember I'm the good looking one! ;)
ACK - I meant Mike! Still asleep this morning I guess! :)
Quote from: Dangelus on August 18, 2012, 09:53:08 AM
Quote from: Rico on August 18, 2012, 06:02:47 AM
Dan - don't you have three of the four items you list above? Also, keep in mind a smartphone is an ongoing cost. The others are one time only costs.
Am I getting blamed for Mike's comments again? Remember I'm the good looking one! ;)
I'm beginning to confuse Mike with Dan and Dan with Mike! ;)
So, the MS Surface goes on sale today. Seems kind of expensive to me to be competitive. Does anyone care anymore?
http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2012/10/as-surface-goes-on-sale-today-microsoft-seeks-to-reinvent-tablet/ (http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2012/10/as-surface-goes-on-sale-today-microsoft-seeks-to-reinvent-tablet/)
http://news.cnet.com/8301-10805_3-57533107-75/oops-microsoft-outs-surface-rt-prices-starting-at- (http://news.cnet.com/8301-10805_3-57533107-75/oops-microsoft-outs-surface-rt-prices-starting-at-)$499/
I'm a little confused, do these tablets run any windows software that a laptop or desktop can run? Or do you need specially designed software for the operating system?
I was under the impression they would only run Metro (or whatever it's called now) apps.
Yeah Joby, you and most of the mass buying public will be confused too. The tablets will be running a version of Win 8 called Windows RT (it will be installed already). As far as if it can run a different OS - possibly with some work. But that's not really the idea.
So no WoW on tablets?
Quote from: Jobydrone on October 16, 2012, 08:55:46 AM
So no WoW on tablets?
Hmm, that's an interesting question with regards to these MS tablets. It's possible I suppose. I'm not sure if you are limited to only running their apps only in Win RT or not.
It looks like later on, no release date announced yet, there are Windows tablets coming out that will run Windows 8, Windows 8 Professional and Windows 8 Enterprise rather than RT. I imagine those will be significantly more expensive but should run any software that a PC or laptop with an equivalent processor would run, right?
Quote from: Jobydrone on October 16, 2012, 09:09:10 AM
It looks like later on, no release date announced yet, there are Windows tablets coming out that will run Windows 8, Windows 8 Professional and Windows 8 Enterprise rather than RT. I imagine those will be significantly more expensive but should run any software that a PC or laptop with an equivalent processor would run, right?
That would be my guess, but I'm not all that sure.
Quote from: Jobydrone on October 16, 2012, 09:09:10 AM
It looks like later on, no release date announced yet, there are Windows tablets coming out that will run Windows 8, Windows 8 Professional and Windows 8 Enterprise rather than RT. I imagine those will be significantly more expensive but should run any software that a PC or laptop with an equivalent processor would run, right?
I think those tablets are out now - they are called laptops. :)
There are two types of windows Surface ... ones that run RT and ones that run windows 8.
The Rt version will come with office for free and run apps. It's pretty much the MS version of IOS and the full 8 will run apps and full software, but doesn't come office, but has the functionality of a full laptop in a tablet package.
As to the price, I think it's pretty on par with the better tablets out there and it's a pretty solid build. When you throw in a free version of office, it's worth it. Hell, Office is one of the main things that people ask about when looking at tablets.
windows 8 tablet.... Yawn.....
Quote from: X on October 16, 2012, 03:15:52 PM
There are two types of windows Surface ... ones that run RT and ones that run windows 8.
The Rt version will come with office for free and run apps. It's pretty much the MS version of IOS and the full 8 will run apps and full software, but doesn't come office, but has the functionality of a full laptop in a tablet package.
I love the thought of this. I totally love the portability of my iPad, and the ease with which I can use it to read books, comics, and watch TV and movies. I really miss the ability to play full PC games like WoW and Diablo, and run software that is designed for computers and not just tablets. If the Win 8 tablet is anywhere near affordably priced, for me being no more than 800 bucks, and has a sufficiently powerful processor to run recent PC games like WoW and Diablo (I have to wonder about this, 3D graphics capability might be beyond tablets right?) then I think I might have to abandon Apple when it's time to replace my original iPad.
Quote from: Rico on October 16, 2012, 02:26:27 PM
Quote from: Jobydrone on October 16, 2012, 09:09:10 AM
It looks like later on, no release date announced yet, there are Windows tablets coming out that will run Windows 8, Windows 8 Professional and Windows 8 Enterprise rather than RT. I imagine those will be significantly more expensive but should run any software that a PC or laptop with an equivalent processor would run, right?
I think those tablets are out now - they are called laptops. :)
Ahem, to quote you Rico, "The right tool for the right job"...Laptops suck for reading comics and ebooks.
Quote from: Jobydrone on October 17, 2012, 07:55:16 AM
Quote from: Rico on October 16, 2012, 02:26:27 PM
Quote from: Jobydrone on October 16, 2012, 09:09:10 AM
It looks like later on, no release date announced yet, there are Windows tablets coming out that will run Windows 8, Windows 8 Professional and Windows 8 Enterprise rather than RT. I imagine those will be significantly more expensive but should run any software that a PC or laptop with an equivalent processor would run, right?
I think those tablets are out now - they are called laptops. :)
Ahem, to quote you Rico, "The right tool for the right job"...Laptops suck for reading comics and ebooks.
So true!
Quote from: Jobydrone on October 17, 2012, 07:55:16 AM
Quote from: Rico on October 16, 2012, 02:26:27 PM
Quote from: Jobydrone on October 16, 2012, 09:09:10 AM
It looks like later on, no release date announced yet, there are Windows tablets coming out that will run Windows 8, Windows 8 Professional and Windows 8 Enterprise rather than RT. I imagine those will be significantly more expensive but should run any software that a PC or laptop with an equivalent processor would run, right?
I think those tablets are out now - they are called laptops. :)
Ahem, to quote you Rico, "The right tool for the right job"...Laptops suck for reading comics and ebooks.
Yep - if that is all you are needing the "tool" to do, then a tablet or just a reader is good. But you don't need to make a tablet that costs $500 plus to just read comics and books. My laptop comment was directed more at these high end tablets with a keyboard are pretty darn close to a laptop in terms of power and design - not to mention price. I really think a $200 - $250 tablet like the new Kindle Fire HD, or the Nexus 7 or possibly the iPad mini would be the sweet spot for a reader device. That's the right tool for the right job. :)
Quote from: Rico on October 17, 2012, 08:41:50 AM
Quote from: Jobydrone on October 17, 2012, 07:55:16 AM
Quote from: Rico on October 16, 2012, 02:26:27 PM
Quote from: Jobydrone on October 16, 2012, 09:09:10 AM
It looks like later on, no release date announced yet, there are Windows tablets coming out that will run Windows 8, Windows 8 Professional and Windows 8 Enterprise rather than RT. I imagine those will be significantly more expensive but should run any software that a PC or laptop with an equivalent processor would run, right?
I think those tablets are out now - they are called laptops. :)
Ahem, to quote you Rico, "The right tool for the right job"...Laptops suck for reading comics and ebooks.
Yep - if that is all you are needing the "tool" to do, then a tablet or just a reader is good. But you don't need to make a tablet that costs $500 plus to just read comics and books. My laptop comment was directed more at these high end tablets with a keyboard are pretty darn close to a laptop in terms of power and design - not to mention price. I really think a $200 - $250 tablet like the new Kindle Fire HD, or the Nexus 7 or possibly the iPad mini would be the sweet spot for a reader device. That's the right tool for the right job. :)
I agree, but I'm the type of user that would love to have the portability of a tablet that works great as a reader for comics and books, and also be able to enjoy widescreen HD movies and play *real* games on the same device. If that device can also do all the common things a laptop does (web browse, email, print, access and edit documents and pictures in different common formats, display HD video, etc etc) and do so all at a price that is comeptitive with or even a little bit higher than a high end iPad I think it's going to really shake up the world of personal computing, and even significantly hit the massive lead Apple has in the tablet market right now.
edit to add: I know I'm repeating myself here. I'm just trying to quantify what I love so much about my iPad, and identify what would make it the perfect device in my opinion. The ability to run the majority of software available for Windows 8 on a three and a half pound tablet device with a ten inch touchscreen with USB ports and SD slots? Perfection in my opinion.
A nice breakdown of the differences between Win RT and true Windows 8 with regards to tablets at the link below. Bottom line is if you want something to be able to run all your old Windows stuff in a tablet, don't buy these Windows RT versions.
http://gizmodo.com/5952934/what-windows-rt-cant-do (http://gizmodo.com/5952934/what-windows-rt-cant-do)
Good article, thanks for sharing Rico.