Microsoft Surface: The Good, the Ugly and the Unknown

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Microsoft Surface: The Good, the Ugly and the Unknown

By June xx, 2012

Out of nowhere, Microsoft had an announcement to make. Nothing concrete leaked ahead of the event except that it would be tablet-related. Everybody was skeptical, myself included.

The presentation began and it seemed like more of the same. Don't call it a tablet -- it's the new "Surface"… boring. It'south sparse, but not much more than existing tablets. It has a kickstand... umm ok. A magnetic cover -- yep, we've seen that somewhere before. Oh, and information technology doubles as a super-sparse keyboard. Wait, what?

That'southward how the annunciation went. Microsoft nailed it. The visitor used secrecy to build hype, a favorite tactic of Apple, and ultimately managed to surprise most onlookers.

At least on paper, Surface tablets seem not bad. Here are some deeper thoughts on what Microsoft has done right so far and the challenges ahead.

The Good

The hardware is sleek and polished. USB, memory carte du jour storage and video output open a world of possibilities while remaining substantially a tablet.
The kickstand and covers make this the most PC-like tablets we've seen -- in a proficient way. Windows eight completes the packet. Whether you like it or non, tons of people have been waiting for a fully functional desktop Bone in this form factor, with this kind of polish. I can hear the Apple faithful screaming already.
Surface has two versions: 1 with an ARM flake, another with Intel inside. Some people insist that more than ane version is confusing and it might exist, but this is perhaps the only way Microsoft tin can assault low and loftier-end segments using the aforementioned operating system.

The Ugly

The make name. "Microsoft Surface for Windows RT," seriously? Why not just Surface and Surface Pro?
The partner backstabbing. Whether HP, Dell and Acer knew virtually Microsoft developing something is irrelevant. Moving forward, Microsoft will compete for the same customers as their hardware partners. That said, those companies haven't exactly seized their opportunity to rival the iPad. The Surface Pro will not only compete with OEM tablets, but besides their ultrabook offerings.
Although ii versions volition let Microsoft assail 2 cost points, the boilerplate consumer might think both tablets are the same. The Pro and RT versions resemble each other closely, merely the latter is comparatively limited in hardware and software features, which could create confusion.

The Unknown

The experience. The single most important gene on any computer today, permit lone a tablet. Microsoft may merits that edifice both the hardware and software gives information technology a unique reward, simply dissimilar Apple, Microsoft doesn't have the process down pat. Nosotros haven't really seen Surface tablets working and in action yet. Microsoft must get beyond novelty and deliver instant-on admission, cracking bombardment life and software that "just works."
Availability. Windows RT models will presumably start selling in October when Windows eight launches, and the Intel-packing, Surface Pro will come 3 months after that. A lot tin happen in four months, let alone seven or eight -- we are now talking 2013-ish for the Windows 8 Core i5 models hither. Android may announced to be less of a threat today because of the ICS rollout issues, but Google is no sitting duck. As well, as months pass Apple tree will get closer to the side by side iPad.
Pen input. Microsoft has been obsessed nearly pen input since the original Tablet PC a decade agone. As long every bit this doesn't backbite from the main tablet feel, I don't encounter how it could get wrong. With the proper software, it could be a win for Surface especially on corporate environments.
Price. Microsoft claimed the RT version would have pricing competitive with current ARM tablets, which could be anything from $400 to $600. The Surface Pro will be closer to ultrabooks, which start at nigh $800 and tin go equally high as $1,600. Because Surface is still a few months away, I agree with Microsoft's decision not to prepare pricing yet. It knows how much the devices cost to build, but to disrupt the market come October, the company will have to undercut the iPad.
Distribution. This goes back to Microsoft backstabbing partners. Will Microsoft compete for shelf infinite with other Windows 8 tablet makers? How will it distribute Surface tablets besides the few Microsoft stores? Will they keep to innovate and support their branded tablets over time, or is this more than of a one-fourth dimension matter?