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Originally Posted by pwalker8
Everything I read say that surface sales have been very disappointing. I work with teenagers, most of whom are from well off families. I don't think I've seen anyone with a surface yet.
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A lot has been written about Windows 8 and Microsoft's foray into the tablet/phone (I won't say Phablet) arena. With regard to Windows 8, it might be the worst upgrade ever. It's Windows 7 with Touch minus the Start Menu. If your hardware doesn't support touch, you just lose the Start Menu.
BUT, this will change. It already is. A lot of the laptops are supporting touch and some convert to tablets. When these become less expensive, they will be attractive to a lot of people.
I think the RT line was a mistake and will be short-lived. Intel showed some amazing CPUs at CES that are obviously what should have been in the Surface and, well, every laptop.
We have four Fires. We passed on Gen 2 because Gen 1 is still great for us and we want to check out the aPhones. I've used the Surface a lot and I like it. I like the magnetic keyboard and the built in stand. I like that it runs Windows. I like the size and weight. It will be difficult to decide when the time comes.
Microsoft is entering into a crowded market. Established competitors have users locked into contracts and ecosystems. New players are charging the field with their own ecosystems. It's going to take a while for MS to convince people that it is worth switching, but they are in a very good position to do just that.
Desktop, laptop, tablet, console, phone, and Live are a broad architecture. Starting with Windows 8, the default logon is network. That allows MS to link all of these. Their least expensive console competes on price with mainstream streaming boxes. There is no comparison on features.
People have to warm up to the idea of using gestures to tickle their devices (windows users have been slow to do this and cling to their keyboards and mice like no other demographic). Once they do, that connect tech will be pretty cool. An xbox will be the inexpensive streaming box that plays
real games. MS will be sued by Apple when xPlay allows people to wireless play their MS Phones on their TV, but they can afford good lawyers. And, believe me, people will love snapping their keyboard off to read a good book, some email, or a PowerPoint presentation in bed.
As for ecosystem, I still thing MS will buy Netflix and what is left of B&N. Add that to the Zune store and they are pretty darn competitive.