MicroSoft Surface tablet

[caseyc]

Just want to give a few quick impressions here.&nbsp; I went with a friend to buy the new MicroSoft Surface RT tablet this past weekend.&nbsp;Cool device.&nbsp; Won't be an iPad killer, but pretty slick nevertheless.&nbsp; The combination thin cover/keyboard works fantastic, and I was able to type very accurately.&nbsp; Very nice screen, quite responsive.&nbsp; This thing even has a "kickstand" built-in so you can stand up the device for easy viewing.&nbsp; Even has a USB port, and an HDMI outlet too.&nbsp; The friend bought this unit.&nbsp; <br /><br />However, if I end up getting&nbsp;a Surface tablet myself, I would hold out another few months for the Surface "Professional" version tablet that can run full MicroSoft apps.&nbsp; The "RT" current version cannot&nbsp;be used for installing your usual MicroSoft apps.&nbsp; In other words, you can't install say Photoshop, your favorite image browsers, etc.&nbsp; The current RT tablet can only download apps from the MicroSoft app store...period.&nbsp; That sucks!&nbsp; The upcoming "Pro" version can be used as a full computer replacement, will be more powerful, cost more,&nbsp;blah, blah, blah, etc.&nbsp; &nbsp; <br /><br />The one huge change for both the RT and Pro version tablets&nbsp;is the new MicroSoft Windows 8.&nbsp; Holy crapahola!&nbsp; Windows 8 is so radically different than all previous Windows versions!&nbsp; Even trying to figure out where the "My Computer" function is&nbsp;was a chore!&nbsp; The whole tile touchscreen thing will take some practice!&nbsp; I was so dismayed at how radically different Windows 8 is, especially knowing that all new computers will come preinstalled with Windows 8, that I went to the Sony Store and bought a new Sony laptop with Windows 7!&nbsp; This particular Sony laptop with Windows 7 was getting phased out, and was the last floor model, so I bought it for a discount.&nbsp; I just didn't feel like trying to figure out Windows 8!&nbsp; Ughhh!&nbsp; I did however want a new portable, more powerful laptop, but got it with Windows 7 to avoid the whole Windows 8 learning curve, haha!&nbsp; <br /><br />Anyway, the above is not meant to be a "real" review in any way, just wanted to throw out my thoughts based on recent experience this past weekend.<br /><br />-Casey

 

[ttpadilla]

I was wondering how Windows 8 was going to be... I really like Windows 7 for both my desktop and laptop, and wasn't looking forward to changing.&nbsp; If 8 is that drastically different, and difficult to use, I certainly won't be switching anytime soon.&nbsp; Maybe I should buy a backup laptop with W7?!?! <img src="/images/boards/smilies/eek.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" />

 

[caseyc]

Hi Tammi!<br /><br />Yah, Windows 8 is unlike anything else from previous Windows versions!&nbsp; The last time Windows had such a radical change was Windows 95...as in year 1995!&nbsp; Before Windows 95, I think it was DOS commands, which was horrible.&nbsp; Anyway, give it a whirl at your local Best Buy store!&nbsp; All current new laptops at Best Buy have Windows 8 installed.&nbsp; I've noticed Best Buy stores are currently&nbsp;trying to clear out their existing old inventory of older generation laptops with Windows 7.&nbsp; I saw a bunch of older laptops for $300 and less, albeit the specs on these laptops aren't top notch.&nbsp; But hey, for only $300, it's worth buying a new laptop, especially if you still want Windows 7.&nbsp; IPads are killing the Windows laptop market, hence the coming down of prices.&nbsp; The major exception is high end Windows "Ultrabook" laptops, which go for $700 to $1500.<br /><br />Cheers!<br />Casey

 

[ttpadilla]

Thanks, Casey.&nbsp; My laptop has barely ever been used, so I'll probably save my money for vehicle stuff.&nbsp; Had a new stereo installed yesterday, as the existing didn't have Satellite.&nbsp; Music and Classic Radio shows are a MUST! <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle">

 

[Willy]

&nbsp;I'm kinda leery about running out and being an 'early adopter' when it comes to Win 8 and, especially, the RT version. I have a convertible tablet PC running Win 7 and I've already read that there are those that see it as superior when it comes to such things as handwriting recognition. Thing is, until January, it'll only cost 30 something bux to upgrade from Win 7, so I've got plenty of time to do some studying. <br />&nbsp;Personally, I'd take the Intel/AMD based Win 8 Pro tablets over the RT (ARM) versions any day due to the vast amount of legacy software backing them vs. RT. Also, one can always downgrade Win 8 Pro to Win 7, whereas I've read that RT locks the bootloader/BIOS down and it's the only game in town. Seems like they're going the Apple route there and that kinda sits wrong with me. So what if I have to paw a coupla hundred more.. X86 is STILL considerably more 'powerful' than ARM when it comes down to raw computation and graphics. The new Intel chips are even supposed to give the ARM based ones a run for their money when it comes down to power envelop too.&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;In the meantime, what I have is plenty fast and, by the time I get to looking for something new, prices will have dropped considerably as the market becomes flooded with the new units. Look at how the prices of netbooks and ARM based tablets have plummeted; same thing is gonna happen here. They're already starting yo slash prices on the so-called ultrabooks, and they used to command a premium price.<br />&nbsp;What I'm really waiting for is the next gen business class dual digitzer tablets to show up. Gotta love the 3 yr warranties and exemplary service. They'll get cheaper 'n cheaper too and that's when Willy's gonna buy. ..Willy.&nbsp; <br /><br /> &nbsp;

 

[Guest]

I am such a fossil with my XP...egads.....I dread the day I have to upgrade...not a computer sensitive guy and just getting here was an experience. Ooof<br />Bri

 

[sl1966]

early adopter

<br /><br />Is just a euphemism for it being the geek tax. <br /><br />

 

[caseyc]

I'm going to resist Windows 8 for as long as possible, haha!&nbsp; I don't like having to read a manual to do simple menu nagivation that I used to be able to do intuitively.&nbsp; I gave up on reading manuals long ago, typical guy thing!&nbsp; If I do end up getting a MicroSoft Surface "Professional" version tablet, I wonder if I can down-grade to Windows 7?&nbsp; <img src="/images/boards/smilies/biggrin.gif" alt="" align="absMiddle" border="0" />

 

[Willy]

I'm going to resist Windows 8 for as long as possible, haha!&nbsp; I don't like having to read a manual to do simple menu nagivation that I used to be able to do intuitively.&nbsp; I gave up on reading manuals long ago, typical guy thing!&nbsp; If I do end up getting a MicroSoft Surface "Professional" version tablet, I wonder if I can down-grade to Windows 7?&nbsp; <img src="/images/boards/smilies/biggrin.gif" alt="" align="absMiddle" border="0" />

<br /><br />&nbsp;If they don't offer a downgrade, you can always download a Win 7 ISO from Digitalriver (legal and Microsoft run/sanctioned). Usually, with so many business users out there, a downgrade option is offered with Pro versions of Windows. I generally like to DL the bare ISO's, and put them on a bootable USB key, in order to avoid all the bloatware that usually comes installed on a new computer.&nbsp;

 

[sl1966]

To be perfectly frank. Windows 8 is pure awesome. Working in the industry we get to try out and play with the latest all the time and this software beats the crap out of anything they've made before. I don't make it a habit of adopting anything early, but have to hand it to them for doing a great job with this. I hated, HATED ME and Vista too.<br /><br />

 

[caseyc]

Oh wait a minute, if they do offers Windows 7 for the tablet, that would mean the screen is no longer a touch screen?&nbsp; If so, that would defeat the purpose of a tablet.&nbsp; Hmmmmm, just thought of that.

 

[Willy]

&nbsp;I'm running Win 7 on my Elitebook 2740p w. multi-touch (and digital pen) so.. can't see why not.

 

[caseyc]

Hey Steve, how's it going?!&nbsp; It's so funny you said that, cuz I too wanted to mention that I despised Windows ME and Vista!&nbsp; ME was just junk, and Vista was bloated.&nbsp; Even though I don't work in I.T., I've had virtually all versions of Windows on my computers and laptops.&nbsp; At some point in time, I'm sure I will have to embrace Windows 8, but for now, my strategy is to run and hide, haha!&nbsp; <img src="/images/boards/smilies/eek.gif" alt="" align="absMiddle" border="0" /><br /><br />

 

[sl1966]

Since this is about tablets I'm gonna have to go with Samsung all the way. I'd pick it 100x easily over the iPad or Surface.<br /><br /><br />

 

[Seraphim]

Before Windows 95, I think it was DOS commands, which was horrible.

<br /><br />Nah.&nbsp; First Windows I used was Windows 3.1.&nbsp; Not sure which version was first introduced to the public.&nbsp; I was a Workbench user until Commodore took over and ruined the Amiga platform.&nbsp; Before that, it was IBMDos or PCDos - with a little TRSDos tossed in.<br /><br />Currently I touch nothing Windows related unless forced.&nbsp; I can do everything I want via iPad or with occasional Linux based applications.

 

[Vonbrown]

Just some info on Windows 8. I upgraded my win 7 machine to Win 8 Pro for 40.00 USD. If you purchased a PC or Laptop with Win 7 installed, you can purchase Win 8 for 15.00 USD. All you need is the Win 7 installation key to qualify.<br /><br /><a href="http://arstechnica.com/information-...er-on-the-inside-under-the-hood-of-windows-8/">http://arstechnica.com/information-...er-on-the-inside-under-the-hood-of-windows-8/</a>