http://money.cnn.com/2012...;hpt=hp_c3

Yes, tablet. It appears they are getting in to hardware, at least every so slightly with a new tablet. I think this is a really smart decision on their part if they do it correctly. They'll never have to worry about driver issues on their own device, and trouble shooting will be easier.

That's not to say it will be fully easy. The OS is set to run on tablets using the arm-only compiled version as well as a full blown windows version that will somehow run on tablets .

What they need to do is product differntiation in a good way. The Zune reallied on a "we're not apple" strategy, but that didnt' work. In order to work, it has to offer more...and not just technically more---if you just offer superior software or hardware, Novel would have creamed Microsoft years ago....it has to offer a niche...

My take is Microsoft Office on a tablet. Unfortunately, I think Apple is getting a version of MS office soon--so that won't do it.

CNN and other websites are touting the the smart cover that has a keyboard---Microsoft claims that this is 50% more efficient than using a touch screen (an obvious swipe at Apple ). Here's what I find sort of suspicious. I just don't see droves of people using a keyboard. People interface with their tablets by touch gestures mostly---very few people are interested in typing long paragraphs or documents on tablets. This is one of the reasons I didn't buy a tablet. Adding a keyboard probably won't make me more interested, because I would just want a laptop for that kind of thing.

Also, the smart cover keyboard can always be copied by third party companies.

My take is Microsoft should do this:

1. Visio must be available on it---having visio on such a device you can run around with just would be awesome for business users.

2. Obviously outlook on a tablet will be very appealing--promote the hell out of that.

3. Delay Apple's version of Office by at least 6 months behind the Microsoft version.

4. Allow ANY damned browser alternative to Explorer. Even if the current version is "good", it's got such a negative perception, I doubt a tablet will fix that.

5. The Intel-version of the tablet is going to subject to .dll hell, so this will be a nightmare for them. Market that to businesses so their IT department can handle the servicing. Don't do it as a consumer device where negative perceptions will just pesist. (the intel-version will obviously also be stuck with the windows registry )

6. Market it as a gaming device. The iPad has thousands and thousands of apps, so fighting with the Apple mac store won't work---use games as a way to win folks over. Apple's never had a strong reputation for kick ass games over their rivals. Example, port some of the exclusive MS-only games over to the tablet (if performance can handle it).

7. MS absolutely must provide an iMovie alternative.

Overall, it looks nice. Much better than their pre-iPad designs. Not sure how it would do, but I believe Apple needs competition. It's won the iPod battle, which shows in the woefully inadequate iPod updates last year.

.

[Edited 6/19/12 7:46am]

It's a tablet that wants to be a laptop.

Dunno how that will go down...

Pick one or the other already, Microsoft

nd33 said:

It's a tablet that wants to be a laptop.

Dunno how that will go down...

Pick one or the other already, Microsoft

That was exactly my reaction, too. A kickstand? A keyboard? That ain't a tablet.

Militant will post here soon saying it craps all over the iPad.

sextonseven said:

Militant will post here soon saying it craps all over the iPad.

You know what. I don't consider any of the iPhone alternatives exceedingly better than the iPhone. Indeed, if I was in the market for a smartphone, the iPhone would be the only one I'd consider--at least the forthcoming iPhone 5. HOWEVER....

I don't think Apple should be the only player in the game of anything.

Again, the iPod touch last year was absolutely a sham. Apple could have easily added some nice features... EASILY....and all we really got was the iPod touch in the white color---that makes 2 years since an iPod update. When the Zune was released Apple agressively killed the Ipod killer. But, since then they slacked.

So I think it's nice that they have to compete with other products in the cellphone and tablet market. What concerns me about MS is that they start a million different offshoots and you get really third rate results sometimes. Years into their slipper slowdown, they're still splintering and going in different directions. If they're going to release a tablet, put some muscle behind it.

I'd still buy the Apple though. The overall user experience is just....stellar.

.

[Edited 6/19/12 8:26am]

Yep I am an Apple Girl too.

I have a Win 7 PC which I use for any videos or storage at home (because I had that before I got into Apple) and I admit it does have some programs I am used to - so I use that weekly when I want to mess with video footage etc.

But my main PC is my Mac Book Pro & I have an iPad, Ipod & iPhone.

Apple are much easier to use and I would never be without an iPhone, simply the best

They set the trends & others follow............................

Looks like a nice alternative to a laptop.

Actually, I like it because a tablet just does not seem like quite enough computer for me. I like the keyboard and the fact that the screen stands up. And if you can fold it all down to tablet-size and make it under 2 lbs, I might just be sold!

NDRU said:

Looks like a nice alternative to a laptop.

Actually, I like it because a tablet just does not seem like quite enough computer for me. I like the keyboard and the fact that the screen stands up. And if you can fold it all down to tablet-size and make it under 2 lbs, I might just be sold!

That's what I thought too because a tablet isn't enough for me. But still..I think I'd rather get an Apple Macbook Air instead.

missfee said:

NDRU said:

Looks like a nice alternative to a laptop.

Actually, I like it because a tablet just does not seem like quite enough computer for me. I like the keyboard and the fact that the screen stands up. And if you can fold it all down to tablet-size and make it under 2 lbs, I might just be sold!

That's what I thought too because a tablet isn't enough for me. But still..I think I'd rather get an Apple Macbook Air instead.

\

See, that's the problem. If the tablet gets confused as being just a really thin netbook, it may not sell.

Currently the macbook air is the only really strong contender in its class--the new tablet has to be billed as an alternative to the iPad--not the air.

If it's a difference of a 100 bucks, why get a tablet when you can get the air? Obviously anti-Apple people will buy it, but I'm talking about your general consumer who has been bombarded by positive press about Apple and negative about Microsoft. Microsoft has to market this thing exactly correct, and it's execution has to be superb. They failed to do this with the previous incarnations of ultra portables, and of course the 'ipod killer'. For M/S, it's going to be all about marketing. Obviously, it's not about the O/S.

missfee said:

NDRU said:

missfee said:

That's what I thought too because a tablet isn't enough for me. But still..I think I'd rather get an Apple Macbook Air instead.

Yeah the air is great and now it has the retina display. But I also see the appeal of the tablet after trying to use my laptop on a plane

Ultimately, you have to think about how your purchase will affect your image, and how that will affect your socring some hot ass.

1. The Surface will get you noticed by girls who may be great in bed, but you wouldn't dare take home to mother.

2. The iPad will get you noticed by girls who are good in bed, and you can take home to mother, and they will consdescend your mother, belittle you, and you will love them more for it.

They kind of have to get into hardware eventually. Their growth potential with software is finally starting to near it's end. Which is not to say they wouldn't continue to make money hand over fist with the status quo. But if they want to have significant growth they'll have to get into hardware or buy up some popular websites.

I can't comment on the Macs/Apple vs Anything Else because I refuse (still) to touch anything Mac/Apple related. I have still not found one thing that I can't do with a PC. When I do, I'll consider it.

but really

imago said:

NDRU said:

missfee said: Yeah the air is great and now it has the retina display. But I also see the appeal of the tablet after trying to use my laptop on a plane

Ultimately, you have to think about how your purchase will affect your image, and how that will affect your socring some hot ass.

1. The Surface will get you noticed by girls who may be great in bed, but you wouldn't dare take home to mother.

2. The iPad will get you noticed by girls who are good in bed, and you can take home to mother, and they will consdescend your mother, belittle you, and you will love them more for it.

Surface, please!

I already think the name Surface is terrible. How does Apple market everything so perfectly? And how long will they be able to use iEverthing? Surely it will wear out, but man, what a stroke of genius!

NDRU said:

I already think the name Surface is terrible. How does Apple market everything so perfectly? And how long will they be able to use iEverthing? Surely it will wear out, but man, what a stroke of genius!

I think the iPad is the worst name in the history of forever!

imago said:

I think the iPad is the worst name in the history of forever!

I love Apple very much (as stated previously) but I also think iPad was a bad idea - makes you think of womens sanitary things - ewwwww - iTab may have been better.

Still a greart item to have - and you can add keyboards to it etc - so they are very clever - but mac book pro still my fav - and yes Retina Display is amazing.

this just made another thing pop in my mind ...............(I am a bit bored at work at the moment) but for fellow Aussies - do you remember when the Australian Womens Weekly went to monthly?

I cringed as I waited and thought "please dont call it the Womans Monthly !!!!!"

ROFL

[Edited 6/19/12 22:29pm]

imago said:

NDRU said:

I already think the name Surface is terrible. How does Apple market everything so perfectly? And how long will they be able to use iEverthing? Surely it will wear out, but man, what a stroke of genius!

I think the iPad is the worst name in the history of forever!

LOL not specifically iPad, but iPod, iPhone, iMac, iTunes, etc. It was a great way to unify everything in your life under one brand.

And everyone was making fun of iPad before it came out, saying it was just a big iPhone, and it sounds like a Maxi Pad or whatever, and of course it was a huge hit, and I don't remember why the name seemed bad anymore. It seems ubiquitous to tablets now.

It is funny because the iPad was made before the iPhone - they decided to use the technology for the phone first -

so if that is the case - then the iPad was actually made first, but then held back for the release of the iPhone instead.

Apple are just pure Genius - the rest just follow!!!!!

I often say "mac are apples and all else are Lemons !" (having a sour taste they did not think of it all first)

I have resisted a tablet to date.

I own a 27" imac, a PC and an android netbook.

I think this MS tablet might be the first product to make me switch the netbook.

The ipad is friendly to use, but the terrible closed system makes it a pain. The lack of universal ports is nothing but annoying arrogance. So glad to see the Surface is practical, with a full USB3 port.

In fact, apple has become so restrictive, I duel boot my imac in Window 8 now more than I do OS, as Win 8 is far more powerful, flexible and, suprisingly, stable.

I took the last OS update and most of the improvements were nothing more than playing catchup with Win8. Simple things, like finally being able to drag a window open from any corner. OS still can't snap windows like Win8. OS is really showing it age now and it laughable that they market themselves as the "most advanced operation system in the world" when it anything but.

For anyone with an open mind, try all the Apple, Android and Microsoft phone software. I don't own a Nokia/Microsoft phone, but I may well do on my next upgrade. It makes iOS and Droid look like something out of the 70's Its leaps ahead in functionality.

Will Mircosoft every make it back to the top? Maybe not, but being knocked off their perch has lead to the best innovation around at the moment. There only problem is that are crap at marketing.

Its funny how we have gone 180. Apple now produce average products for the masses, though great marketing. MS are producing great products (Phone OS, XBox media hub, Surface, Win8, Smart glass, Skydrive) but are not getting the sales through poor marketing. How ironic.

Had Mac come out with the keyboard on the sleeve that MS just have, the isheep would be drooling. Calling it a revolution.

^^^ I'd like to see which features make iOS and Droid look like something out of the 70's!

I disagree with your take on Apple. I don't think they ever tried to be anything other than a product for the masses performing ordinary everyday tasks. But what made them more than average is that they are practical, intuitive, easy to use--and pretty.

But a designer pair of jeans still only covers your ass. That is all you really need them to do.

[Edited 6/20/12 12:32pm]

NDRU said:

^^^ I'd like to see which features make iOS and Droid look like something out of the 70's!

Ok, maybe thats a little harsh. but if you use in the new win mobile, it feels the same step up from the iphone, that the iphone itself was over the competition back in the day.

iOS look has become stale, and limiting.

The new live tiles on win look cool as hell AND are practical. Live, multi running apps.

When they come to iOS, Apple will call it a revolution.

Posted already http://prince.org/msg/100/383035