Will people line up at the Microsoft Store on October 25th, waiting to be the first of the faithful to lay their hands on the new Windows 8 tablet at the stroke of midnight?
Mmm… for their sake, I hope not. But some hardcore device-a-holics probably will. Still, I seriously doubt that the lines will look anything like the lines for the iPhone 5.
By most accounts, the Surface looks like a strong competitor on the tablet front, though we don’t know exactly where it will be priced. Microsoft’s CEO Steve Ballmer has reportedly dropped hints that it will start around $300 and step up to around $800 will all the upgrades.
At this point, details about the tablet are few, but all the product images make it seem like an incredibly close reproduction of the iPad, just replace the Apple icon with the four windows, and replace iOS 6 with Windows 8.
The first thing that most users will notice right off the bat is that the Surface’s screen protector doubles as a slimline keyboard. That’s just good, value-forward design in my book, provided that the case comes standard (see the spec sheet).
That way, whatever you pay for the device, at least you know that you don’t have to run out and spend another $200+ for a case and a wireless keyboard. And, honestly, if you’re going to do a lot of writing on a tablet, you ARE going to want a keyboard.
Still, the tablet market is getting very crowded this holiday season, and the Surface seems like a pretty helplessly me-too product… even if it’s a really freaking good one.
The question I keep coming back to is, how attractive is the Microsoft ecosystem, really? When you stack it up next to Apples, Android’s, or even Amazon’s growing marketplace?
Any Windows fans out there? How does the Windows OS and app market compare to Android and iOS?
Josh is the managing editor of Digital Marketer, as well an aspiring novelist. Find out more about what Josh is working on on 
11 comments
The keypad is a brilliant idea!
if you are a multi tasker, and you want to buy a tablet, would you choose to buy an iPad or a Windows 8 tablet? I think its an easy choice.
being a microsoft windows user ( ps i have tried the mac too) i would say i like the convenient applications and when it comes to tab i think many would like to try the new windows 8. not saying that apple is any less in the quality part but convenience matters too.
I've tried aftermarket software to sync outlook to my windows smartphone years and years ago (I've used smartphones for around 8 years now). None are any good compared to the microsoft supplied sync software. This is very important to me to keep my contacts up to date and accurate.
From reviews Android is still buggy.
I mention all this because I'd agree with your presumption that Microsoft will regain some lost marketshare with smartphones. The apps available now are enough to satisfy most, and really who will get to try them all out anyway.
I believe apple has done everyone a favour. I currently have a Windows 6 mobile HTC HD2 which I believe is better than an iphone and although I've considered switching to an android OS and the iphone, I am eagerly awaiting the windows 8 smartphones to replace it.
Rather than get an iPad I am more likely to purchase the surface.
It all comes down to compatability with my existing software.
well it's an actual computer, not an oversized phone that doesn't make phone calls (Android, iOs6 devices).
Can I load software like Dragon Naturally Speaking on it? And a million other pieces of software that won't run on an Android or Apple device.
Will it have a USB for God's sake? If so, I say it's a winner.
Hey Ryan.
I'm loving the keyboard feature, but I would have to agree with you. I'm a former microsoft-a-holic turned apple freak and I think that Microsoft is kinda late to the party on this one. We have so many choices. Although this is probably gonna be an awesome product with all the features anyone needs, I don't think people are gonna stand in long lines for this one.
It might be a bit late to join the market, at least for the common user who just plays games or surf the web. But if (:i actually think it is!) a capable computer that hooks into the microsoft software ecosystem, I doesn't matter that there are no apps, I would like to work in excel, in word and with my powerpoint. For professionals it's a clear winner, providing something no other android or apple device can provide, the ability to work on the road on a small forfactor computer.
I am definitely a buyer.
This device is brilliant because it will be a real windows computer. Nobody's writing books in the iPad. Nobody's getting their entire workload done on an iPad. OK, yes they are writing books and all, but the difference is how this is a Windows 8 device. And when you're firing up your cloudsync, walk out of your office to the cafe, and resume typing your book in word or your browser session on Firefox, you'd gonna say "Oh yeah, this is the real deal"
I get the sense that Windows 8 phone might offer some similar experiences. Microsoft is gonna tear Google a new Android-hole with these products!
yes!! It's the real deal.
Looks good but I am not so sure that it will catch up to the ipad.
Frankly I want something more than what the ipad can offer- i got an ipad but have been somewhat disappointed with it still- this looks like it could be what I'm after. This could be an interesting new path for Microsoft. Looking forward to see how it performs (I'm not necessarily a huge fan of Microsoft products, but am not a total convert to apple products either yet).