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At his company's much-speculated-upon L.A. event, Steve Ballmer introduces Microsoft Surface...
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Monday, June 18, 2012, 7:25 PM ETAt his company's much-speculated-upon L.A. event, Steve Ballmer introduces Microsoft Surface (MSFT), a home-grown Windows 8 tablet. The device is only 9.3mm thick and weighs 1.5 lbs. After all the rumors, it looks as if last week's scoops from The Wrap and AllThingsD were closest to the mark. (live blog)
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This news story has 48 comments:
They'll probably blunder on pricing, we'll see.
They could improve on it if they showed it running an ARM processor without active cooling.
But as I said, the version of this using ARM processors will be better in that regard.
And still, even the Intel i5 powered unit he's showing should be good for business.
The features are real good, iPad is too weak feature-wise for serious use.
A successful windows 8 launch will boost intc, ibm, hp, dell, bby, arm, t, vz, the list goes on and on.
possible gamechanger as Apple tablet / iPad is GREAT for touch / feel/ convenience but it never was a replacement for core PC use.
If this is a portable core PC app tablet .....
ignore or deny at your own peril.
I can't wait to get one.
However, these types of complaints have been common every time an operating system has been changed, whether it was Windows or Mac OS. The reality is that there are not that many power users, and most people using computers barely know how to turn them off and on, though sometimes they can manage to find the cup holder. Now with the cup holder gone, along with other changes, computers are becoming more usable to people previously intimidated by them, or who had trouble accessing various parts of the software. So this dumbing-down of the user interface is to make computers easier to use for the average person.
On an investment basis, I think there is a need for computers to be easier to use for more users. I'm still going to complain about the slowness of the interface, because I know where things are and what I want to accomplish, but I'm in the minority. If computers continued to need experts, that might be job security for some, but it limits the growth. One of the reasons smartphones are enjoying such success is that they are simple to use.
http://seekingalpha.co...
Sure, Windows 8 is a big change in user interface. It is likely to piss off some people, and win praise from others. Investors need to consider whether MSFT will win fans, converts, or new users, or piss off long term users. I have no doubt some IT departments will stay a few versions behind, and I've even seen some ships running Windows 98 based software to this day. However, the consumer is now the main target, they don't have their own IT department, but they want to be able to use a computer. I think Windows 8 addresses that.
I'm not too happy about Adobe and Apple dumbing down their software for several years now, but the revenue increases indicate that is what most people want.
Yes, the graphical user interface is technically not the operating system, and is simply the front end. It might be stated that all computers operate in binary, so that makes all computers essentially the same. However, the average consumer has no clue about the underlying aspects of computer operating systems. There is no need for the average consumer computer users to know more than click, or touch, in a given spot, and something happens.
Timing will be a key issue for MSFT getting these tablets into stores. Investors may like the hype now, but if they drag their feet too long this hype will fade. Depending upon how the ad campaign goes to launch Surface, you and I may be surprised at people actually going to a Microsoft store. Many malls have these close to Apple stores, so it's not like it's a big deal. I think to dismiss this so quickly is shortsighted.
I have been waiting for a serious computing device (read MSFT OS) on a portable piece of hardware for awhile. Whether it is the MSFT brand or someone else, these Win8 machines look like they will be my new computing device...... As long as it multi-tasks, runs Office products admirably and has sufficient battery life I'm good. I like the pen idea too, unfortunately it doesn't look like it will be on ARM chips.....
Anyways, good luck!
I wouldn't expect them to go full bore into hardware. One or two devices a year is fine to get people back on board with the product. If they have any sense at all in the management ranks, they will let the Hon Hai's of the world eat a lot of the costs over time and retreat to their role as OS provider when tablets and phones go the way of the PC as low margin endeavors.......
Good luck!
The likely affordable ARM tablet will have the consumption capability of the iPad with 'most' of the creation/publishing ability of a desktop. It will be a strong combination for students, business travelers, and I suspect many homes. Brilliant!