Microsoft airs its first Surface tablet ad - Page 10

Andy_T · 10-19-2012, 10:21 AM

I know, but I take that over watching the startup sequence every single morning.

Best regards,
Andy

5thWiggle · 10-19-2012, 10:30 AM

Sorry, I should have said "Win7 laptop takes a (perceived) eternity come to boot up". It does "wake up" from sleep quite speedily.

In my experience, however, using most of my devices for any extended period without re-booting leads to force close of applications, unexpected quits, and BSOD etc. Even my Palm TE2 used to give error messsages and freeze on me. The only exception has been iOS (up to 4 - haven't used 5 or 6). Maybe my brain radiates "error waves" that iOS is immune to

.

So I was a little surprised about hrosvit's comment: "Never been impressed by the boot time of Apple's mobile devices." as I rarely need to boot up my iOS devices, whereas I stare at an Android boot animation for roughly the same amout of time a couple of times a day.

hrosvit · 10-19-2012, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5thWiggle

Sorry, I should have said "Win7 laptop takes a (perceived) eternity come to boot up". It does "wake up" from sleep quite speedily.

In my experience, however, using most of my devices for any extended period without re-booting leads to force close of applications, unexpected quits, and BSOD etc. Even my Palm TE2 used to give error messsages and freeze on me. The only exception has been iOS (up to 4 - haven't used 5 or 6). Maybe my brain radiates "error waves" that iOS is immune to

.

So I was a little surprised about hrosvit's comment: "Never been impressed by the boot time of Apple's mobile devices." as I rarely need to boot up my iOS devices, whereas I stare at an Android boot animation for roughly the same amout of time a couple of times a day.

I agree that Win and Android need booting far more often than the iOS devices do. And I wasn't really bringing Android into it, as I don't use Android very often. My only point was that, in a comparison of my Win devices and my iOS devices, Win 8 wins from off by about 35 seconds, and iOS wins from sleep (over a Win7 device - I don't have my Win8 device handy right now) by about 5 seconds.

Although the iOS devices are often seen as much more "ready to go", I have not found this to be particularly true.

Although I do agree that Win7 is a drag, from off.

Kumabjorn · 10-19-2012, 10:46 AM

I hardly ever reboot my Android devices. The only time is if I switch battery.

kfarmer · 10-19-2012, 02:59 PM

Hmm.. A bunch of people are missing something very fundamental in my opinion -- that metro-fied "desktop" *is* the start menu. Or at least the pinned programs and search/run aspects, and is a helluva lot more information-rich now as well as full-screen. From the legacy desktop, press the windows key, start typing. Also, move your mouse to the lower left of the screen, see the desktop tile pop up (that's the new orb -- clicking it is the same as bringing up the start menu in prior versions), and right-click (see admin menu).

pj123 · 10-19-2012, 06:25 PM

When I read, I use iPad or android tablet; when I run computation/write paper, I use Mac or my Linux-based laptop or a netbook. I really don't understand what's the point to buy ms surface. I also occasionally use my ipad or tablet to write paper. For both iPad and android tablet, I use cases with removable keyboard.

david_e · 10-19-2012, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pj123

When I read, I use iPad or android tablet; when I run computation/write paper, I use Mac or my Linux-based laptop or a netbook. I really don't understand what's the point to buy ms surface. I also occasionally use my ipad or tablet to write paper. For both iPad and android tablet, I use cases with removable keyboard.

Worker bees, why tie them to a cubicle when you can tie the cubicle to them?

teh603 · 10-19-2012, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by david_e

Worker bees, why tie them to a cubicle when you can tie the cubicle to them?

My thoughts exactly. Win8 and the Surface are more likely to prove a curse than a blessing.

HansTWN · 10-19-2012, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pj123

When I read, I use iPad or android tablet; when I run computation/write paper, I use Mac or my Linux-based laptop or a netbook. I really don't understand what's the point to buy ms surface. I also occasionally use my ipad or tablet to write paper. For both iPad and android tablet, I use cases with removable keyboard.

The point is that the surface can take the place of both your tablet AND your laptop/netbook. It will be a much better PC than your netbook (at least the Pro version, we don't know enough about the RT yet), and a better tablet than an Android tablet or iPad.

pj123 · 10-20-2012, 12:05 AM

I am still kind of skeptical about that. I don't think surface can replace my laptop/mac. Maybe surface can replace my ipad and android tablet as a pdf reader. In that case, it is a waste of > $600 to buy surface for my situation.

HansTWN · 10-20-2012, 12:22 AM

Since you use a Mac you are most probably not a hardcore gamer. So there is no reason why the surface Pro shouldn't be able to replace your laptop.

pj123 · 10-20-2012, 12:50 AM

HansTWN, you are right. I am not a gamer.

fjtorres · 10-20-2012, 07:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pj123

I am still kind of skeptical about that. I don't think surface can replace my laptop/mac. Maybe surface can replace my ipad and android tablet as a pdf reader. In that case, it is a waste of > $600 to buy surface for my situation.

If all you care about is PDF viewing then yes, any kind of premium tablet is a waste of money. Surface, iPad, and Samsung/Acer/Asus, etc
Your best bet might actually be a Nook HD+ or the Best Buy Flex or some no-name *large* Android tablet. Those will easily save you $200-300 and still get the job done.

markbot · 10-20-2012, 11:12 AM

I've decided to buy the Surface RT, assuming the reviews are good...and they probably will be IMO.

1. My laptop's LCD died this month and fixing it would cost almost as much as buying the Surface.
2. I need a laptop but I really WANT a tablet that has Microsoft Office....hence Surface.
3. I was hoping it would cost $400 not $600, but I'm not that price sensitive.
4. The battery life of the Surface is good enough, although not great. I don't think the battery is replaceable.
5. The MicroSD card slot is pretty important...and reduces the total cost of ownership of the device since a 32GB MicroSD card only costs like $30.....not $100.
6. The Windows 8 interface is a lot more innovative and interesting than the boring icon layout of iOS.
7. The keyboard is a huge selling point. It adds tremendous functionality without adding additional weight. It also looks cool. It should have cost $400 with the keyboard....I would have preordered it. Now, I'm going to wait for the reviews.
8. Without MS Office, this device is dead on arrival. It would have zero chance of competing with ipad since it has hardly any apps. Office is a real game changer. Sure, there are iOS apps that are compatible with Office files but you need Office for serious work and collaboration. That being said, not having full Office with VBA was nearly a deal breaker...but I think I can live without it. Any excel workbook that has essential VBA programs, I'll probably be using my work or home desktop for. Or, I'll be able to get access to full Office on the go if I really need it.
10. I'm convinced the app market for RT will be a success because any app written for regular windows 8 will be compatible with RT. A lot of people are going to have Windows 8 since it will be preinstalled on most new computers. This means the install base for these metro style apps is going to be very significant. 300+ million Windows computers are sold each year....so the app market should be at least as good as the market for android's tablet OS within 2 years I think. The apps could also be more sophisticated since WIndows 8 RT is closer to a full desktop OS and most people will have a keyboard attached.
11. Surface RT vs Surface Pro. I think $1000 is too much for a computer nowadays. The Pro will cost at least $1000 I think. Also, the Pro will probably have lower battery life...like 6.5 hrs....or 5 hrs a year later. I refuse to buy any tablet that gets less than 8 hrs when new. 10 hrs is ideal. No VBA and x86 apps vs <7hr battery life and $300+....I'd rather buy the RT version since I already have a desktop.

fjtorres · 10-20-2012, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markbot

11. Surface RT vs Surface Pro. I think $1000 is too much for a computer nowadays. The Pro will cost at least $1000 I think. Also, the Pro will probably have lower battery life...like 6.5 hrs....or 5 hrs a year later. I refuse to buy any tablet that gets less than 8 hrs when new. 10 hrs is ideal. No VBA and x86 apps vs <7hr battery life and $300+....I'd rather buy the RT version since I already have a desktop.

I hear you.
But if you can wait a few weeks, you might find at least one Win8 Tablet closer to $800 than $1000.
Would that make up for the battery life?

10-20-2012, 12:50 AM	#147
pj123 Zealot Posts: 114 Karma: 1050004 Join Date: Nov 2010 Device: Lenovo Tablet 3 Pro, Kobo Aura H2O, Ipad	HansTWN, you are right. I am not a gamer. Last edited by pj123; 10-21-2012 at 11:58 AM.

10-20-2012, 11:12 AM	#149
markbot Guru Posts: 612 Karma: 7511929 Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: New York, NY Device: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 2	I've decided to buy the Surface RT, assuming the reviews are good...and they probably will be IMO. 1. My laptop's LCD died this month and fixing it would cost almost as much as buying the Surface. 2. I need a laptop but I really WANT a tablet that has Microsoft Office....hence Surface. 3. I was hoping it would cost $400 not $600, but I'm not that price sensitive. 4. The battery life of the Surface is good enough, although not great. I don't think the battery is replaceable. 5. The MicroSD card slot is pretty important...and reduces the total cost of ownership of the device since a 32GB MicroSD card only costs like $30.....not $100. 6. The Windows 8 interface is a lot more innovative and interesting than the boring icon layout of iOS. 7. The keyboard is a huge selling point. It adds tremendous functionality without adding additional weight. It also looks cool. It should have cost $400 with the keyboard....I would have preordered it. Now, I'm going to wait for the reviews. 8. Without MS Office, this device is dead on arrival. It would have zero chance of competing with ipad since it has hardly any apps. Office is a real game changer. Sure, there are iOS apps that are compatible with Office files but you need Office for serious work and collaboration. That being said, not having full Office with VBA was nearly a deal breaker...but I think I can live without it. Any excel workbook that has essential VBA programs, I'll probably be using my work or home desktop for. Or, I'll be able to get access to full Office on the go if I really need it. 10. I'm convinced the app market for RT will be a success because any app written for regular windows 8 will be compatible with RT. A lot of people are going to have Windows 8 since it will be preinstalled on most new computers. This means the install base for these metro style apps is going to be very significant. 300+ million Windows computers are sold each year....so the app market should be at least as good as the market for android's tablet OS within 2 years I think. The apps could also be more sophisticated since WIndows 8 RT is closer to a full desktop OS and most people will have a keyboard attached. 11. Surface RT vs Surface Pro. I think $1000 is too much for a computer nowadays. The Pro will cost at least $1000 I think. Also, the Pro will probably have lower battery life...like 6.5 hrs....or 5 hrs a year later. I refuse to buy any tablet that gets less than 8 hrs when new. 10 hrs is ideal. No VBA and x86 apps vs <7hr battery life and $300+....I'd rather buy the RT version since I already have a desktop. Last edited by markbot; 10-20-2012 at 11:20 AM.

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10-19-2012, 10:21 AM	#136
Andy_T Evangelist Posts: 431 Karma: 5121676 Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Hannover, Germany Device: iPod touch, iPhone, iPad, Kindle KB, NT, Fire, PW II	I know, but I take that over watching the startup sequence every single morning. Best regards, Andy

10-19-2012, 10:30 AM	#137
5thWiggle Benevolent Evil Lord Posts: 1,704 Karma: 48339466 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Evil Canada (We all have goatees!) Device: Galaxy Note 8.0, Galaxy Note, iPad Mini, PocketEdge(retired)	Sorry, I should have said "Win7 laptop takes a (perceived) eternity come to boot up". It does "wake up" from sleep quite speedily. In my experience, however, using most of my devices for any extended period without re-booting leads to force close of applications, unexpected quits, and BSOD etc. Even my Palm TE2 used to give error messsages and freeze on me. The only exception has been iOS (up to 4 - haven't used 5 or 6). Maybe my brain radiates "error waves" that iOS is immune to . So I was a little surprised about hrosvit's comment: "Never been impressed by the boot time of Apple's mobile devices." as I rarely need to boot up my iOS devices, whereas I stare at an Android boot animation for roughly the same amout of time a couple of times a day.

10-19-2012, 10:46 AM	#139
Kumabjorn Basculocolpic Posts: 4,356 Karma: 20181319 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Sweden Device: Kindle 3 WiFi, Kindle 4SO, Kindle for Android, Sony PRS-350 and PRS-T1	I hardly ever reboot my Android devices. The only time is if I switch battery.

10-19-2012, 02:59 PM	#140
kfarmer Gizzzzmo Nerd Posts: 117 Karma: 1035585 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Seattle, WA Device: Kindle, iPad	Hmm.. A bunch of people are missing something very fundamental in my opinion -- that metro-fied "desktop" is the start menu. Or at least the pinned programs and search/run aspects, and is a helluva lot more information-rich now as well as full-screen. From the legacy desktop, press the windows key, start typing. Also, move your mouse to the lower left of the screen, see the desktop tile pop up (that's the new orb -- clicking it is the same as bringing up the start menu in prior versions), and right-click (see admin menu).

10-19-2012, 06:25 PM	#141
pj123 Zealot Posts: 114 Karma: 1050004 Join Date: Nov 2010 Device: Lenovo Tablet 3 Pro, Kobo Aura H2O, Ipad	When I read, I use iPad or android tablet; when I run computation/write paper, I use Mac or my Linux-based laptop or a netbook. I really don't understand what's the point to buy ms surface. I also occasionally use my ipad or tablet to write paper. For both iPad and android tablet, I use cases with removable keyboard.

10-20-2012, 12:05 AM	#145
pj123 Zealot Posts: 114 Karma: 1050004 Join Date: Nov 2010 Device: Lenovo Tablet 3 Pro, Kobo Aura H2O, Ipad	I am still kind of skeptical about that. I don't think surface can replace my laptop/mac. Maybe surface can replace my ipad and android tablet as a pdf reader. In that case, it is a waste of > $600 to buy surface for my situation.

10-20-2012, 12:22 AM	#146
HansTWN Wizard Posts: 4,538 Karma: 264065402 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Taiwan Device: HP Touchpad, Sony Duo 13, Lumia 920, Kobo Aura HD	Since you use a Mac you are most probably not a hardcore gamer. So there is no reason why the surface Pro shouldn't be able to replace your laptop.

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