Microsoft popping pills

Glenn · Jun 19, 2012, 07:40:10

QuoteMicrosoft has unveiled Surface - its own-brand family of tablets.

The touchscreen computers will be powered by its upcoming Windows 8 system and contain a choice of an Intel or ARM-based processor.

It allows the firm to challenge Apple's bestselling iPad with a device that can run standard applications such as its own Office programs and Photoshop

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-18500954

Niall · Jun 19, 2012, 10:38:08

Can't wait to see what they do, purely from a photoshop point of view. That program eats CPU & memory.

Rik · Jun 19, 2012, 11:14:32

It will be interesting. Shall we start a book on the first patent infringement suit?

zappaDPJ · Jun 19, 2012, 12:14:17

I guess the first round of complaints will be that it gives Microsoft an unfair advantage with it's ability to bundle software at no extra cost. I don't understand why they are offering a choice of processor type though, that seems a little strange to me.

Rik · Jun 19, 2012, 12:25:55

To be different, Zap. They are late to the party, after all...

TheMonkey · Jun 19, 2012, 12:53:33

Quote from: zappaDPJ on Jun 19, 2012, 12:14:17
I guess the first round of complaints will be that it gives Microsoft an unfair advantage with it's ability to bundle software at no extra cost. I don't understand why they are offering a choice of processor type though, that seems a little strange to me.

Don't they have 2 different tablets? One is thinker than the other and has USB 3.0 ports etc and a FAN!! lol

Good luck to them. Not the worst thing i've ever seen but i wont sell my iPad just yet.

Niall · Jun 19, 2012, 13:31:14

Large storage and USB may be enough to pull in a large amount of people. That's the only thing holding me back from buying an iPad (cost aside). Having even 256gb storage would be of massive use for the photographer out and about.

Technical Ben · Jun 19, 2012, 16:46:30

USB and full windows would also make it very useful for those with special devices. Say linking up video cameras, music equipment and other devices without the need for the "Iapp" for that.

pctech · Jun 19, 2012, 19:13:31

"Surface" has been around a while but was targetted at hotels, mobile phone shops etc originally.

Niall · Jun 25, 2012, 23:02:14

Yeah, I remember those tables they were pushing a while ago. Initially designed for the front room, to connect everything in one place. I seem to remember Apple mentioning something similar too, although I might be muddling my old memory up