Microsoft's big mistake ???

Adrian isn't impressed- here's why:

They’re just tablets. They’re shaped like tablets and have stuff inside them that we’ve come to expect tablets to have...

it’s a really odd time for Microsoft to start selling branded hardware. The only OEM that’s going to be happy here is whoever Microsoft has contracted to build Surface tablets...

two near-identical tablets powered by two different operating systems ...

It tells the world that no matter how much effort Microsoft has put into making Windows 8 ready for tablets, people still need a keyboard and a trackpad...

Then there’s the mistake of announcing this tablet far too soon.


Surface: Why Microsoft's big mystery turns out to be a big mistake | ZDNet
 
There's a real good parallel to make with the Surface and OEMs.

In the US, back when health care reform was debated, one of the key provisions was government run health care. That seems preposterous to some because they thought it would kill competition when in fact the point was TO PROMOTE competition.

It seems that's true with the Surface. The OEMs are getting lazy and just wrapping up a motherboard with plastic and throwing them out to sale. That's part of the reason why Vizio got into the PC business is because of that. Microsoft is trying to lead a new wave of mobile touch devices running Windows 8. Some OEMs didn't like the fact that Windows 7 wasn't fully built so much for touch, or more like a mobile OS, and the alternate was to use android/Linux like HP's failed OS. The Surface is a signal to them that hey, you guys are sucking hard. There hasn't been anything innovative and they're trying to copy apple. It's terrible.

What they need is something to follow that isn't apple because they're not in a position like apple to copy them.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
They are not getting lazy.

They are in business - trying to grow their companies.

They have to plan ahead for production - costs, profit margins, likely sales, etc.

They are stuck with Windows. They appear to be stuck with an $85 unit cost as well.

They have $85 less to spend on the actual physical components - yet they still have to hit consumer price points.

If the Windows offering doesn't look like it is going to to all that well - they can't recklessly over invest and go bankrupt - that would be stupid.

Pretty obvious.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    7/8/ubuntu/Linux Deepin
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
SIW2 posted
I think you have completely missed the point of the last few posts.
OK, I am with you on that in direct reference to the posts immediately prior to mine.

I however was trying to support the idea of a tablet with the keyboard input.
Should the final product have a I5 embedded 4GB ram and 120ssd I would be sorely tempted for traveling
but would be running it in modified desktop mode with all my win7 programs and never download an app.

I totally agree with the overall theme running through this thread.
I have a Android tablet because I do not want to get locked in to Apple
and am not at all in favour of the obvious direction MS is heading
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    xp , 7Pro, 8RP, Android phone, Tablet
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    q6600@3Ghz, amd 965 etc etc
    Motherboard
    gigabyte
    Memory
    8gb per
    Graphics Card(s)
    gts450 ,560gt etc
    Monitor(s) Displays
    3xsamsung 24in
    Screen Resolution
    3, 1920x1200
    Hard Drives
    To many! spread across 4 desktops,3 laptops 1 netbook
    ssd, sata 3's ide etc
    PSU
    Hyper Modular 600W
    Case
    lian li
    Cooling
    artic
    Internet Speed
    60Mb
    Other Info
    Basically the house has 4 desktops 3 in the study + the wifes,
    3 laptops 1 netbook 2 android tablets 2 android smart phones
    and ipad and iphone

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
Well, it looks like the tablet war will be fought by Microsoft and apple...

U.S. judge issues injunction on Samsung Galaxy Tab sales - Technology & science - Tech and gadgets - msnbc.com

The Samsung galaxy 10.1 android tablet cannot be sold in the US anymore. It was considered to be a contender against the ipad, not anymore. The Surface and other Windows 8 tablets will be taking on the ipad...10 cents says Windows 8 wins that front!

That was unfair to Samsung Manufacturer of one of the laptop supplies. Thinking of how will they react after what have done to Samsung. :shock:
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8 Release Preview, 7 Home Premium
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS K53SJ Notebook
    CPU
    CPU @ 2.10GHz
    Motherboard
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i3-2310M Processor
    Memory
    DDR3 1333 MHz SDRAM, 2 x SO-DIMM socket for expansion up to 8 G SDRAM
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 520M with 1GB DDR3 VRAM
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15.6" 16:9 HD (1366x768) LED Backlight
    Hard Drives
    500GB 5400rpm/7200rpm
    Case
    Aluminum Blue
    Keyboard
    Built in
    Mouse
    HP 2.4 GHz Wireless Optical Mobile Mouse
    Other Info
    Qualcomm Atheros AR9002WB-1NG Wireless Network Adapter
    Realtek PCIe GBE Family Controller
    Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter
    Bluetooth Device (Personal Area Network)
"Should Apple continue to make legal claims based on such a generic design patent, design innovation and progress in the industry could be restricted."

I have to agree with that.

Apple is US based and Samsung is foreign.

We shall see what the Washington High Court says.

Apple are trying it elsewhere too - Motorola won the right to compete.

That wouldn't happen in the UK - if there was later shown to be an infringement it would be settled by damage payments - we don't do that restricting competition thing.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    7/8/ubuntu/Linux Deepin
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
A $200-$300 Apple tablet will shake things up.

If they are willing to take the risk, a $600-$700 mini macbook would decimate forthcoming pc sales.

I don't know if they will do that - perhaps they fell they don't have to. Just let MS depress pc sales on their own.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    7/8/ubuntu/Linux Deepin
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
Well, it looks like the tablet war will be fought by Microsoft and apple...

U.S. judge issues injunction on Samsung Galaxy Tab sales - Technology & science - Tech and gadgets - msnbc.com

The Samsung galaxy 10.1 android tablet cannot be sold in the US anymore. It was considered to be a contender against the ipad, not anymore. The Surface and other Windows 8 tablets will be taking on the ipad...10 cents says Windows 8 wins that front!

Since Apple is from Cupertino, California, and Samsung is from Seoul, South Korea, isn't it a conflict of interest having a Californian judge make a ruling that applies to the entire US? Good thing this BS don’t affect import in Canada.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 enterprise x64
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Pc-Quebec / Area 66
    CPU
    i7-3960X Extreme Edition
    Motherboard
    Rampage IV Extreme
    Memory
    Gskill 4x4 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    4 x HD 7970
    Sound Card
    onboard
    Screen Resolution
    2560*1600
    Hard Drives
    C:\Intel series 520 SSD , 250 GB
    D:\ WD 750 black with Intel 40gb SSD cache Intel RST
    E:\ WD 2TB Black
    PSU
    Corsair AX 1200
    Case
    TT Mozart TX
    Cooling
    Water Cooled
    Keyboard
    Logitech G-15
    Other Info
    Windows 8 VM is install on his own SSD.
I see things Microsoft do the same as anyone else, its absolutely pathetic, and i have no sympathy for them. That start menu is a complete joke, as is. There is a simple solution i would like them to consider, and that is, why don't they construct the damn thing themselves, and then the user can add or subtract what he wants. I don't care what anyone else says about Microsoft, but i do respect the guys from ZD Net and the Tech Republic, and I know they wouldn't put Microsoft down without good reason.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 64bit Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus Notebook N53SV Series
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM)i7-2630 CPU @ 2.0GHz /turbo 2.9Hz
    Motherboard
    Intel® HM65 Express Chipset
    Memory
    4GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    GT540M
    Sound Card
    realtek
    Screen Resolution
    1366/768
    Hard Drives
    Seagate 500gb 5400
    Keyboard
    microsoft wireless keyboard 3000 v2
    Mouse
    microsoft wieless mouse 5000
    Internet Speed
    13/16mbs
    Browser
    IE Firefox Chrome
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
Does anybody know what the specific infringement is.
It appears to be something trivial like the case design.
It cant be anything relating to the OS otherwise they would be in direct conflict with google.
I hope they loose the $2.6m they have deposited in case of conflict, although it is peanuts in the global tablet war.
10in. android tablets with ICS are now beginning to hit the market at under £200 in the UK
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    xp , 7Pro, 8RP, Android phone, Tablet
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    q6600@3Ghz, amd 965 etc etc
    Motherboard
    gigabyte
    Memory
    8gb per
    Graphics Card(s)
    gts450 ,560gt etc
    Monitor(s) Displays
    3xsamsung 24in
    Screen Resolution
    3, 1920x1200
    Hard Drives
    To many! spread across 4 desktops,3 laptops 1 netbook
    ssd, sata 3's ide etc
    PSU
    Hyper Modular 600W
    Case
    lian li
    Cooling
    artic
    Internet Speed
    60Mb
    Other Info
    Basically the house has 4 desktops 3 in the study + the wifes,
    3 laptops 1 netbook 2 android tablets 2 android smart phones
    and ipad and iphone
Well weirdly it's for the old 10.1 tablet only which are currently being sold at blowout prices because the new tablets are about to hit the shelves any time (or already have).
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7/8
This ban means nothing at all. LOL it's for an old version Samsung as already a replacement.

"his ban only affects the Galaxy Tab 10.1, a tablet that was introduced more than a year ago. Samsung has already unveiled a newer version of the device — the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 — which is not impacted by Judge Koh’s ruling. Retailers will also be permitted to sell off their remaining Galaxy Tab 10.1 inventory, so Samsung won’t take a hit on units that have already been shipped to distribution partners."
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 enterprise x64
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Pc-Quebec / Area 66
    CPU
    i7-3960X Extreme Edition
    Motherboard
    Rampage IV Extreme
    Memory
    Gskill 4x4 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    4 x HD 7970
    Sound Card
    onboard
    Screen Resolution
    2560*1600
    Hard Drives
    C:\Intel series 520 SSD , 250 GB
    D:\ WD 750 black with Intel 40gb SSD cache Intel RST
    E:\ WD 2TB Black
    PSU
    Corsair AX 1200
    Case
    TT Mozart TX
    Cooling
    Water Cooled
    Keyboard
    Logitech G-15
    Other Info
    Windows 8 VM is install on his own SSD.

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8 Release Preview, 7 Home Premium
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS K53SJ Notebook
    CPU
    CPU @ 2.10GHz
    Motherboard
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i3-2310M Processor
    Memory
    DDR3 1333 MHz SDRAM, 2 x SO-DIMM socket for expansion up to 8 G SDRAM
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 520M with 1GB DDR3 VRAM
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15.6" 16:9 HD (1366x768) LED Backlight
    Hard Drives
    500GB 5400rpm/7200rpm
    Case
    Aluminum Blue
    Keyboard
    Built in
    Mouse
    HP 2.4 GHz Wireless Optical Mobile Mouse
    Other Info
    Qualcomm Atheros AR9002WB-1NG Wireless Network Adapter
    Realtek PCIe GBE Family Controller
    Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter
    Bluetooth Device (Personal Area Network)

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 enterprise x64
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Pc-Quebec / Area 66
    CPU
    i7-3960X Extreme Edition
    Motherboard
    Rampage IV Extreme
    Memory
    Gskill 4x4 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    4 x HD 7970
    Sound Card
    onboard
    Screen Resolution
    2560*1600
    Hard Drives
    C:\Intel series 520 SSD , 250 GB
    D:\ WD 750 black with Intel 40gb SSD cache Intel RST
    E:\ WD 2TB Black
    PSU
    Corsair AX 1200
    Case
    TT Mozart TX
    Cooling
    Water Cooled
    Keyboard
    Logitech G-15
    Other Info
    Windows 8 VM is install on his own SSD.
I don't know, but it could be just me, but I believe once Windows 8 tablets and slates hit the market, android tablets will be hugely affected by them. Honestly, the kindle and android tablets seem far too content consuming to be useful, especially kindle. Wow.

As for the ipad, I think the growth of it will be slowed down. The great thing about a Windows 8 tablet or slate is that the phrase "no compromise" shines the best. You can have the content consumption, whilst having the content creation side. We're getting to a point where even laptops are being shunned in deference for smartphones because they focus on consumption and people want to digitally feast. A Windows Desktop can't really do that effectively.

Windows 8 tablet PCs will do great as long as the "no compromise" phrase is explained. It's two devices in one with you conveniently because honestly, it's superfluous and lacks economical sense to buy a laptop, then buy a smartphone, ipad, or an android tablet only to have the laptop be used less and less.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
Almost all of my computing is done on a desktop or laptop.

Occasionally, I'll go online with the Android phone.

Not often. And not for content consumption. I check emails
and post occasionally on the fora. That's it, when it comes
to mobile computing.

So the Android is adequate for all my mobile needs. On the
odd occasion where I'll be away from home for any length of
time, I take my Acer AS5735 laptop (Win 8 CP 32-bit).

Won't be rushing out to buy a tablet (Well, I might, if I
found one for sale very cheap, but it certainly isn't a
'must-have', and I don't NEED one). If I did, I'd probably
go the Samsung Android.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Enterprise 64-bit (7 Ult, Vista & XP in V-Box)
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire Ethos AS8951G 'Super-Laptop'.
    CPU
    Intel Sandy-Bridge i7-2670QM quad-core
    Motherboard
    Acer
    Memory
    8GB DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel 3000HD / Ge-Force GT555M 2 gigs
    Sound Card
    Realtek/5.1 Dolby built-in including speakers.
    Monitor(s) Displays
    18.4" full-HD
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1024
    Hard Drives
    2x750GB Toshiba internal, 1x500GB Seagate external, 1x2TB Seagate external, 1x640GB Toshiba pocket-drive, 1x640GB Samsung pocket drive.
    PSU
    Stock
    Case
    Laptop
    Cooling
    Air-cooled
    Mouse
    I/R cordless.
    Internet Speed
    Borderline pathetic.
How bizarre.

It is quite obviously riddled with compromises.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    7/8/ubuntu/Linux Deepin
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
Back
Top