Anyone watching the MS-BN announcement? - Page 3

teh603 · 06-18-2012, 11:25 PM

So am I the only one who sees this and wonders if MS will be dropping iOS and Android support as a way to force the market- even if that means adding software to the OS to force-kill any synch utilities to those systems?

fjtorres · 06-19-2012, 12:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by teh603

So am I the only one who sees this and wonders if MS will be dropping iOS and Android support as a way to force the market- even if that means adding software to the OS to force-kill any synch utilities to those systems?

Not going to happen.
On the contrary, MS is supporting *both* platforms in their brand new SmartGlass initiative.

This is a fight MS can win without dirty tricks; they're starting out with a far more sophisticated OS and adding the power of their desktop apps, tight integration with their server and cloud systems, and their media content and gaming clout. The only part they didn't have was the hardware and they just stepped up to take care of it.

It won't happen overnight but they're well positioned to make a race out of it regardless of how well (or poorly) their OEMs perform. If the OEMs perform they could chew up marketshare almost overnight.

AnemicOak · 06-19-2012, 12:51 AM

Anandtech has a brief hands on with Surface...

http://www.anandtech.com/show/6016/m...we-go-hands-on

Quote:

For the first time, I can really see a tablet replacing a notebook as my primary computing device. Before today, I couldn't say that with any real conviction - I tried it with the iPad on multiple occasions, and it just didn't work. I'm a writer, tablets aren't ideal for writing. Surface changes that in a big way. And that's really what Microsoft is going for here - a device that fits into your life as a versatile tool to do anything you want it to. Whether they'll succeed in capturing the market is a story that will be told after Surface launches alongside Windows 8 later this year, but for now, this is a very promising start.

Also they have an earlier writeup on Acer's Window tablet offerings in case anyone is interested...
http://www.anandtech.com/show/5968/a...blet-windows-8

HarryT · 06-19-2012, 01:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by teh603

So am I the only one who sees this and wonders if MS will be dropping iOS and Android support as a way to force the market- even if that means adding software to the OS to force-kill any synch utilities to those systems?

Yes, I think you are.

BWinmill · 06-19-2012, 02:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by teh603

So am I the only one who sees this and wonders if MS will be dropping iOS and Android support as a way to force the market- even if that means adding software to the OS to force-kill any synch utilities to those systems?

Keep in mind, Microsoft's objective is to make money. By disabling third-party devices, Microsoft would kill their own credibility in the market (and probably attract costly legal attention). So it just ain't gonna happen.

HansTWN · 06-19-2012, 03:55 AM

If I can sneak it past my wife I might just have to buy one of those Intel based tablet PCs.

VaporPunk · 06-19-2012, 05:14 AM

MS is full of surprises lately, in a good way.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AnemicOak

Anandtech has a brief hands on with Surface...
http://www.anandtech.com/show/6016/m...we-go-hands-on

Thanks for the above link, AnemicOak.

First reactions in the media seem generally positive. I can see a lot of students demanding this from mum + dad next fall, light + usable for class.

As for myself, I think I'm going to be really tempted by this one. Really tempted. I just hope the price is reasonably, well, reasonable.

wizwor · 06-19-2012, 08:59 AM

Sounds like the pro version will run microsoft access -- including the royalty-free runtimes. shouldn't be long before touch enabled POS and factory apps go mobile. seems like a killer app to me.

stonetools · 06-19-2012, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wizwor

Sounds like the pro version will run microsoft access -- including the royalty-free runtimes. shouldn't be long before touch enabled POS and factory apps go mobile. seems like a killer app to me.

Microsoft Office and Skydrive is what's going to drive adoption by business users.

fjtorres · 06-19-2012, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wizwor

Sounds like the pro version will run microsoft access -- including the royalty-free runtimes. shouldn't be long before touch enabled POS and factory apps go mobile. seems like a killer app to me.

The RT version should also run ACCESS runtimes; after all, WinCE has done for for near a decade. The Pro can run everything. Even OS virtualization software so you can run LINUX in a VM.
Also compelling, in the corporate environment; using the Sharepoint clients to run mobile document management systems. Tie the system in to OneNote and Powerpoint and you can have a classroom management system for Universities.
There's a lot of power in both WindSurfs for Systems Integrators.

wodin · 06-19-2012, 02:03 PM

Having an old XP (upgraded to Windows 7) resistive touchscreen netbook in my dead gadgets locker, I am painfully aware of the drawbacks of trying to run desktop applications like MS Office on a touchscreen. It's heartening to see that MS is also aware of these issues, and is addressing them. I'll reserve judgment as to whether they have addressed them adequately.

tubemonkey · 06-19-2012, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wodin

Having an old XP (upgraded to Windows 7) resistive touchscreen netbook in my dead gadgets locker, I am painfully aware of the drawbacks of trying to run desktop applications like MS Office on a touchscreen. It's heartening to see that MS is also aware of these issues, and is addressing them. I'll reserve judgment as to whether they have addressed them adequately.

Use a different office suite. I use Notepad; and for the fancier stuff, Wordpad.

Sydney's Mom · 06-19-2012, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fjtorres

10.6in screen, 1.8 lbs including keyboard cover.
RT version - comparable to ARM tablets - US$400-600
x86 Version - comparable to Ultrabooks - US$700-900

For *those* features, I might do either or both.
But for starters I'll target the x86 version.
The pen support will make it a killer editing tablet for documents. And the timing is perfect; I was looking for an ultrabook upgrade for the fall.

Me too! My Acer is nice, but it is showing age (might have too many books on it!) If this can allow me to VPN into work (no tablets have the right Java built in), then it would definately be worth it to me. And the ability to mark up documents the way I do now - priceless!

Sydney's Mom · 06-19-2012, 05:05 PM

Just told my husband I am getting it for Christmas (might not be out then). It will run Calibre!

wodin · 06-19-2012, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tubemonkey

Use a different office suite. I use Notepad; and for the fancier stuff, Wordpad.

What, not WordStar and Lotus 1-2-3? How can you do anything without those? Word Perfect might be a bit of a streach tho'!

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06-18-2012, 11:25 PM	#31
teh603 Autism Spectrum Disorder Posts: 1,212 Karma: 6244877 Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Coastal Texas Device: Android Phone	So am I the only one who sees this and wonders if MS will be dropping iOS and Android support as a way to force the market- even if that means adding software to the OS to force-kill any synch utilities to those systems?

06-19-2012, 03:55 AM	#36
HansTWN Wizard Posts: 4,538 Karma: 264065402 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Taiwan Device: HP Touchpad, Sony Duo 13, Lumia 920, Kobo Aura HD	If I can sneak it past my wife I might just have to buy one of those Intel based tablet PCs.

06-19-2012, 08:59 AM	#38
wizwor Wizard Posts: 1,068 Karma: 23867385 Join Date: Nov 2011 Device: kindle, fire	Sounds like the pro version will run microsoft access -- including the royalty-free runtimes. shouldn't be long before touch enabled POS and factory apps go mobile. seems like a killer app to me.

06-19-2012, 02:03 PM	#41
wodin Illiterate Posts: 10,279 Karma: 37848716 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: The Sandwich Isles Device: Samsung Galaxy S10+, Microsoft Surface Pro	Having an old XP (upgraded to Windows 7) resistive touchscreen netbook in my dead gadgets locker, I am painfully aware of the drawbacks of trying to run desktop applications like MS Office on a touchscreen. It's heartening to see that MS is also aware of these issues, and is addressing them. I'll reserve judgment as to whether they have addressed them adequately.

06-19-2012, 05:05 PM	#44
Sydney's Mom Wizard Posts: 2,899 Karma: 6995721 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Idaho, on the side of a mountain Device: Kindle Oasis, Fire 3d Gen and 5th Gen and Samsung Tab S	Just told my husband I am getting it for Christmas (might not be out then). It will run Calibre!