Microsoft Surface?

[bort]

Does anyone out there in TubeNet-land own one of these? If so, I would be curious to hear how you like it. I am considering a tablet, and I don't like the iPad at all, and I'm not much a fan of Android either. Any thoughts from people with real experience with the Surface?

[bort]

Thanks Wade!

I had a chance to just tap through a few things on a Surface at a mall kiosk, but it was only 10 seconds and enough to think "oh, here it is." I'd probably need to actually see one and use it for a bit to get a real idea. Like you mention though, the Windows 8 Pro version should be a LOT better, but at $900, it's simply too expensive for me to consider it. My laptop only cost me $500!

I don't like Apple products because... well... I don't know. I just never have liked the OS, it just doesn't do it for me (and frankly, I just can't stand the iPhone). For me, their products are just as good (and just as bad) as their competition. My mom has an iPad mini, and while it functions nicely, I think the size is awkward -- it's more of a big phone than a small tablet. I could never get comfortable with it, and found it easier to use my phone than to use the Mini.

Right now, I have a Kindle Fire (original version), and although it is kind of/sort of a tablet, it's best used for reading books and watching movies. It's pretty painful to use to actually try to get stuff done, even for very simple things. I might bail on it to try a Fire HD, or a Nexus 7, as you mention (although I haven't gotten to try one of those yet either). I'm not a huge Android fan either, but for me, it's better than the Apple OS.

The Surface idea still seems intriguing and makes sense to me -- I really like Windows 8, and have been a Windows Phone user for about 3 years now. Thanks again for the input... maybe it'd work ok for me, but maybe I should just wait (or at least get my hands on one for a while). One thing's for sure, I've NEVER seen one in public around here.

[bort]

Right! I should have been clearer... I have never seen a Windows Surface RT in public. Or for that matter, a Windows Phone either.

[Lew]

I will second the recommendations here. I would not buy any product based on Windows 8 RT at this time. Windows 8 RT, like Android and iOS only runs applications that are specifically designed for that environment. It is NOT the same as Windows 8, as much as Microsoft wants people to think that it is. That means that you need to run apps that come from their app store. Since RT is relatively new there are significantly fewer apps available for RT devices than for Apple or Android.

I tried out a surface for a while (someone else's) and really did not like it. I find the touch keyboard/cover that comes with the higher level models really annoying to try to type on. The interface seems very cluttered to me. I find the way it arranges app windows on the screen just annoying. Unfortunately, that is the same as the interface on the full version of Windows 8. However, with the full version of Windows 8 you can add a start button like on Windows 7 so it doesn't seem totally foreign.

In general it is a good idea to avoid first generation software from anyone, but especially from Microsoft. They have a poor track record of bringing out major releases or new products without bugs. If I were in the market for a tablet and I didn't want an iPad (I don't like the Apple interface either) I would go with Android, like the Samsung Galaxy Note 10, or Google Nexus although the lack of expandability on the Nexus limits its usefulness to me.

There are a few tablets coming out now that run the full version of Windows 8. That means that you are not locked into the apps in the RT universe, but can use most regular Windows apps. There is an HP Envy X2, Dell Latitude 10, and Samsung ATIV 500T or 700T. There are a few others, but these are the ones I am familiar with. These could be considered legitimate laptop replacements, so their prices are higher than most tablets, but all can be used as just a tablet without a keyboard if you want. None of them have the screen resolution of the Apple yet, but look pretty good to me.

Personally I plan to wait for the market to mature a little more before jumping into a tablet. I think you will see a lot more variety available in the next year or so and lower prices.

[bort]

Good advice, thanks! I sort of have a history of being an early adopter with technology, and that's been sort of hit or miss (anyone want a HD-DVD player? ) Maybe I'll wait for the inevitable "Surface 2" to come out next fall.

On the flip side of this, if Microsoft decides sales are bad and wants to chop the price significantly, I would reconsider.

Thanks!

[bort]

Bringing back an old thread... anyone else try a MS Surface since last winter? The new ones are coming out, and I have tried a few and will likely buy one. Just curious if I'm th only one here.

For sure, it will be much better than my Kindle Fire. Typing on this device is painful!

[Ken Herrick]

I use a Toshiba "portege" tablet which also has a full size keyboard dock so can function as a full PC laptop or tablet.

it is running Win 8 pro, uses a sim card for 4g wireless internet, 128g SSHD, 2 USB ports, HDMI, headphone jack, and Hi-res screen. Integrates with my Nokia win8 phone. Actually gets better reception than the phone in a marginal reception area.

Maybe not the cheapest, but good value IMHO.

[Bob Kolada]

There are a bunch of 8" Windows 8/8.1 tablets coming out in the $3xx range over the next few months. What do you want this for? If you just want something simple but a little better than your Fire, check out the Hisense Sero 7 Pro. I got one for the boss and it's a sweet little gadget. They're $130 at Walmart and you can get a two year all inclusive warranty for fifteen bucks. Google the name and you'll see a lot of good stuff about it.