Microsoft Surface Windows RT retails at $199?

[Gahars]

Looks like Microsoft is getting serious about these tablet doodads.

They need to, it's where the market is shifting to.

People are finding that they don't need a large machine to web browse or enjoy music and video any more.

I think iPads still need to be connected to a computer of sorts for the initial setup, but things like firmware updates and media library management are now features of iOS, forgoing the need of a PC or Mac to perform these tasks.

Plus, Microsoft seems to be putting itself out there with the Smart Glass feature for the Xbox 360. While they said it works with any tablet, I'm sure they'd much rather have people use their hardware.

 

[Guild McCommunist]

If you ask me, Windows 8 is designed at the expense of the desktop experience.
They've done away with the Start button and the standard start menu, gone are the days you can click the button and click a program in the list. Or alternative, hitting the Win Key, typing in (part of) the program name and hitting enter.
Now you have to navigate through the Metro UI which is much more time consuming than it needs to be, and consumes your entire display before returning to Windows.

UI design should not be taking steps backwards like this. These are suitable designs for a touch-only interface but for a full desktop experience using keyboard and mouse, this hampers productivity.

In all honesty the only time I actually use the start menu is to access My Computer. Otherwise I rarely use it. Replacing it with a Metro UI seems like no big deal.

And really, to say that Windows 8 is shit because they replaced their start menu is a bit silly. I'm sure there's a multitude of other reasons it sucks but the UI is probably fine. Also the PC is only one of probably 4 devices getting Windows 8. We've got PC, tablets, phones, and most likely the next Xbox. Seeing as how tablets and smartphones are on the rise, PCs aren't the foremost when it comes to UIs.

 

[Joe88]

Looks like Microsoft is getting serious about these tablet doodads.

They need to, it's where the market is shifting to.

People are finding that they don't need a large machine to web browse or enjoy music and video any more.

I think iPads still need to be connected to a computer of sorts for the initial setup, but things like firmware updates and media library management are now features of iOS, forgoing the need of a PC or Mac to perform these tasks.

Plus, Microsoft seems to be putting itself out there with the Smart Glass feature for the Xbox 360. While they said it works with any tablet, I'm sure they'd much rather have people use their hardware.

they kept advertising the fact you didnt need to buy new hardware to use smart glass as a jab in nintendos direction
I think people would be pretty pissed off if they only made it windows 8 tablet compatible after or decided to make exclusive features for windows tablets claiming android/ios devices cant handle it

 

[Guild McCommunist]

they kept advertising the fact you didnt need to buy new hardware to use smart glass as a jab in nintendos direction
I think people would be pretty pissed off if they only made it windows 8 tablet compatible after or decided to make exclusive features for windows tablets claiming android/ios devices cant handle it

Odds are there will be other benefits between the Xbox and the Surface though that extend beyond SmartGlass. Much in the same way that Windows Phone and Zune are with the Xbox.

 

[chris888222]

If you ask me, Windows 8 is designed at the expense of the desktop experience.
They've done away with the Start button and the standard start menu, gone are the days you can click the button and click a program in the list. Or alternative, hitting the Win Key, typing in (part of) the program name and hitting enter.
Now you have to navigate through the Metro UI which is much more time consuming than it needs to be, and consumes your entire display before returning to Windows.

UI design should not be taking steps backwards like this. These are suitable designs for a touch-only interface but for a full desktop experience using keyboard and mouse, this hampers productivity.

In all honesty the only time I actually use the start menu is to access My Computer. Otherwise I rarely use it. Replacing it with a Metro UI seems like no big deal.

And really, to say that Windows 8 is shit because they replaced their start menu is a bit silly. I'm sure there's a multitude of other reasons it sucks but the UI is probably fine. Also the PC is only one of probably 4 devices getting Windows 8. We've got PC, tablets, phones, and most likely the next Xbox. Seeing as how tablets and smartphones are on the rise, PCs aren't the foremost when it comes to UIs.

Most PCs (even most Macs with boot camp) will be utilizing Windows 8 later on.

The only thing I dislike about W8 is because the Metro UI is kinda "forced" into the system software. Even though you can switch to normal view, there are some instances where you might need that Metro, which I don't like on a regular PC.

 

[Zetta_x]

In all honesty the only time I actually use the start menu is to access My Computer.

Windows button + E



On topic; You got a nibble Microsoft but will you make the catch?

 

[triassic911]

What is this trying to be advertised as? It looks like a tablet, but ALSO looks like a netbook.

 

[Deleted_171835]

should be labeled as rumor

also there is pretty much no software/developer support atm, I feel it will turn into another zune fiasco

The Zune was awesome. ):

 

[retKHAAAN]

should be labeled as rumor

also there is pretty much no software/developer support atm, I feel it will turn into another zune fiasco

The Zune was awesome. ):

until it wasn't...

 

[PsyBlade]

I really hope there will be a way to install other Operating systems.
200$ touch netbook sounds nice, but not with Windows 8.

 

[shakirmoledina]

who can resist? tablet for $200? even the tablet for students recently being sold by some company is going for $250. excellent pricing i must say.

 

[luke_c]

If this was fully fledged Windows 8 it would be great, but you're limited to Microsoft store apps only, I would rather go for the same price Nexus 7 at this stage, unless Microsoft ramps up the support.

 

[Dingoo-fan 32]

Better not get my hopes up,
They can always release it for a much higher price and i would end disappointed

 

[raulpica]

As long as I can h4xx0rz myself Android 4.1 on it, it should be good. That at least until Win8 RT gets on its own app-wise (if it'll ever will).


Now the big question: HOW much for the Pro? C'mon insider sources, spill the beans - it's the Pro that we want to know about, not about just another internet-tablet in the fray!

 

[Fear Zoa]

Damn, I've always thought tablets are stupid, and in a way I still do. But seeing how far they've come kinda makes me want one. Sucks that they killed netbooks though, I liked the mini laptops.

 

[The Milkman]

Hmm... Thats about the same price as a decent notebook. Is this the price for the model that uses x86 or ARM?

 

[Dingoo-fan 32]

Hmm... Thats about the same price as a decent notebook. Is this the price for the model that uses x86 or ARM?

ARM, of course.

 

[The Milkman]

Hmm... Thats about the same price as a decent notebook. Is this the price for the model that uses x86 or ARM?

ARM, of course.

Fuck that then. If im going to be stuck with Windows RT, and its shit store with little to no support, I might as well just by a Nexus or Notebook instead.

 

[Joe88]

Hmm... Thats about the same price as a decent notebook. Is this the price for the model that uses x86 or ARM?

not sure what decent notebook you will get for $200
they go for at least $400

 

[nando]

that's crazy. really doubt it's true unless they VEd the shit out of it. good gyroscope, front facing camera, metal casing etc.