Monday night, Microsoft announced it is developing a tablet, called “Surface”. Wednesday, I sit here thinking to myself, “Wow, I really don’t have much to say about anything today, so be it.” Mike then asks me if I had seen Surface, and thus, a new post was born.
Let’s not miss the real message in my words, though. Wednesday, two days after a major technology announcement, I had nothing to say about said announcement. And still, had I not been sparked into actively thinking about the Surface, I wouldn’t have. And why should I? I had one question that would decide the fate (in my mind) of this new piece of equipment:
What will it do that my iPad won’t?
I can already see the “fanboy” comments pour in, but I am not only speaking as my Apple-loving self here. I am acting as the voice of the general community. Yes, I love my Apple products. Yes, I often criticize Windows platforms. I don’t hide from who I am, but I also won’t let it get in the way of what I feel will be the general consensus on this news.
Of course, it looks gorgeous. And of course I love the attached keyboard (also a cover) and USB functionality. But after those features, it still seems like an iPad running a new Windows operating system – which is not something to be overlooked.
Say what you will about Apple products, but one thing remains overwhelmingly clear: their software is intuitive and generally flawless. One of the reasons is that Apple is very restrictive of user customization – a combination that has forced the company to cater to the needs of its customers without allowing them to tweak the software to their own desires. This would normally be considered a bad thing had Apple not created the very products that we would have, had we been able to customize them ourselves. Regardless, this is not an Apple discussion, anyway.
Still, I know I am not alone on a major hurdle for the Windows tablet: it runs… Windows. There are much more tech-savvy people out there than me, but, honestly, I’m not talking about them. They can argue the specs of any piece of “superior” equipment, but I will counter with one thought: Windows has a stigma that Apple doesn’t.
It is, with that reasoning, that I can’t see the Surface ever dominating the iPad, just like I can’t see the Windows phone doing the same over an iPhone. Windows will have its niche following – those that swear it’s just “so much better” – but they will be in the minority.
It also appears that the Surface is being marketed at businesses. So what? Businesses have iPads now. I ask again, “Why would a business want this over an iPad?” The reasons lead me to believe that it will different from an iPad (okay, what does that get you?) but not necessarily better in any way. The focus seems to be solely on the Windows 8 operating system, but as I said earlier, that doesn’t necessarily inspire confidence for me.
We also shouldn’t forget that Apple is rumored to soon be unveiling their next iPad. Who’s to say the iPad 3 (or iPad HD2? iPadz? IDK?) won’t blow the Surface away in specs? I’d surely take the established, successful, fan favorite device about to announce its next generation over the new kid on the block who hasn’t had the “hot item” in over a decade.
Then there’s the price, which is still largely a mystery. Amazon’s Kindle Fire (a clear iPad competitor) is priced at $199.99. You want a cheap iPad? There you go, half the price. But rumors are pretty apparent that Surface will be around the price of an iPad, with some sources saying even higher. Let’s play it safe, and say that it is exactly the same as an iPad. Once again, I ask the same question: why would anybody choose this instead?
Speaking of choosing iPads, just look at how the internet has catered to Apple. The standard of web applications was clearly Adobe Flash for years. Until Apple comes along, decides they don’t like Flash, and supports HTML5. HTML5, a language that no one spoke, is now quickly becoming a must-have programming function. All of this just for one company: Apple.
I won’t be getting the Microsoft Surface – I think that’s clear at this point. I know that I am being totally biased when I take this stance, but I am certain that my subjective opinion is not alone. I predict with confidence that one year from now, we won’t be talking about the Surface as the “new standard” for anything, business or personal. Instead, the Surface will be “just another tablet” and the iPad will continue to dominate the marketplace.
I know this article is pure opinion and conjecture, but do you agree? Are you buying the Surface? If so, what feature sold you on it? Let me know in the comment section below.
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MikeMyers
June 21, 2012 at 1:59 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Not sure what the point of writing this is for and who it’s supposed to be speaking to. It’s almost as though you don’t want Surface to succeed even though you are enjoying your iPad. Why should you care if it succeeds or not then?
I find it amazing that this is what people do all day on the internet, write things to complain about. Not only that but things they don’t plan on supporting in the first place. What a waste of time. Unlike you I can see beyong my own selfliss points of view. Having competition is what the market needs, it doesn’t need Apple to continue to dominate and have folks like you suggesting others follow suit. I love my IPhone and opther Apple products but without competition we are left with over-priced products that may or may not result in stagnation. Surface is not the same as an IPad. Does the iPad have a built in keyboard that acts like a cover? That’s just one thing that is different and watch and you try and downplay that feature or write that off too.
MarioMergola
June 21, 2012 at 3:41 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
@MikeMyers Honestly, the point of the article was just to show how I wasn’t blown away by Microsoft’s big announcement. A major company releasing a high-end tech product is big news, but I feel that those on board with it are getting duped by Microsoft’s marketing of this high tech product, when the iPad already succeeds.
I understand why Microsoft needs to compete, and I agree that competition is what fuels improvement, but I personally don’t believe anything about the Surface is THAT much better than what’s already out there. And I definitely like the keyboard, I even said in the beginning that “of course I love the attached keyboard (also a cover) and USB functionality. But after those features, it still seems like an iPad running a new Windows operating system”.
That’s pretty much my whole stance here: Microsoft keeps trying to beat Apple on products outside of the computer world (phones, tablets, etc.) but keeps failing. In my opinion, Microsoft’s operating system is simply not as good as Apple’s when it comes to those products – Windows phones have been out for years, yet they are crushed by iPhones in every metric. Why am I to believe that a tablet running Windows 8 is going to set the standard and take the crown from a company who has mastered mobile operating systems?
Regardless, thanks for reading and for the comment. I’m always down for a discussion.
MikeMyers
June 21, 2012 at 4:32 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
@MarioMergola
Ok, you’re not down with it, completely understandable. Then you go on and say people are getting duped but who are you to clarify and to point these people in the right direction? I guess what I’m trying to say in a feable attempt is the arrogance of not only writing this product off so early but to suggest you somehow know more about than we do.
Even though I have a iPhone and think it’s a great device (the actual phone seems to have become secondary now, lol) it would still be hard for me to suggest it to everyone because not everyone has the same needs or desires. Galaxy has a great phone but it’s a whole different world from Apple’s. It offers more freedom and can be more cistomized. Yet if people like the security of Apple and the ease of use then I would lean towards that way.
This new tablet could also offer more customization. Apple didn’t want the iPad to relace the laptop but many people do. Is this new Microsoft tablet supposed to be a replacement for the iPad? Or a laptop? Yes Microsoft has failed before and so have many others. That’s not to say they shouldn’t keep trying. I would hate to live in a world with just iTunes for my music. They have basicaly degraded the quality of music and because of its popularity some songs can only be acquired on iTunes. I don’t want to see the same thing happen with apps even though I very much enjoy the apps within iTunes.
No matter how well the iPad is it’s still tied to the Apple ecosystem. Windows could open up more flexibility. I may even be inclined to attach my Microsoft tablet with their new Xbox game system that might come out next year. Can my iPad connect with non-Apple devices? Can the iPad use USB devices?
So you’re pretty much stuck in Apples world and it seems some are happy to stay there.
MarioMergola
June 21, 2012 at 6:09 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
@MikeMyers
Actually, I really liked your response here… but maybe I’m misrepresenting myself since the consensus seems to be that I’m steering others away from the Surface. That’s not my intention. I spoke my personal opinion, and put myself out there to be criticized for it – I’m cool with that. Part of my job at this website is to give my initial opinion, popular or not. This is especially true with new announcements and products. Of course my mind could change and of course I could be proven wrong, but this article stands to document my current thoughts when I first heard about the product.
And if it seems like I’m telling OTHERS to stay clear of the Surface, or stating that I feel everyone should feel this way, I absolutely don’t want that. In fact, in a previous article about the Wii U, I flat out said that every gamer should make his or her own decision, even though I wasn’t fully on board myself.
I guess the part of my post is that is ticking people off is when I said “I feel the general consensus will agree with me”. But that’s just a guess. I could be totally wrong and stand alone on this (and the responses seem to indicate so).
And finally, on the “getting duped” part: I personally see this product as another attempt at Microsoft trying to be successful on the “handheld” market (phones, tablets, Zune – bear with me, it’s the best way I can describe the non-PC market), but nothing leads me to believe it won’t end up like the rest. This is especially true since no one feature has yet to really grab me and say, “Now THAT’S a reason to buy this”. Therefore, all we have to go on is… Windows 8, an unreleased to the public operating system. So with that, we are at the mercy of what Microsoft tells us about the OS, how they market it. That’s where I get that assumption.
I knew when I wrote this article that I was clearly being biased (I even said so at the end) and this was totally my opinion, but I did not intend to come off as arrogant. This is my opinion and I was curious if I was alone with it.
MikeMyers
June 21, 2012 at 7:51 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
@MarioMergola
No worries. Like I say, I completely understand your viewpoints, I just had issues with you speaking on behalf of everyone as though to say “don’t waste your time, I’ve got you covered so there’s no need in anticipating this”.
I too have my doubts and thankfully I never bought a Zune. Personally I think many of these products appear to be trying to come off as hip and a more friendly and open approach than what Apple offers. It’s almost like watching a grown man act like a teenager. You see it at their E3 shows. However I’m still optimistic about what this new tablet may bring. I’ve read reports before this was announced Microsoft had really nailed the response time on surface touch screens. Something you don’t really notice until you see it in slow motion. The new iPad looks very cool and the screen is amazing but will it be as versatile as this? Windows 8 looks God awful for a desktop but it may be perfect for a tablet. We’ll see.
Thanks for the responses, always enjoy talking to people that can actually be reasonable and open to discussions.
MarioMergola
June 21, 2012 at 8:42 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
@MikeMyers Yea, I can see how it came off like that. And I didn’t even realize I said “speak on behalf of everyone” until I reread it like 5 times. I was totally thinking in the context of, “this isn’t me being a fanboy, it’s me being others”. Regardless, it’s a phrase I won’t use again.
And honestly, throughout this whole debate with you and a few others, the points I’m hearing about the Surface are impressive, and that’s what I was hoping for – reasons WHY I should think twice.
Regardless, I did enjoy the conversation, and, more importantly, thanks for sticking around to be able to continue this!
aviator189
June 21, 2012 at 4:40 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Please, don’t attempt to speak for an entire community next time. We have different opinions than you. :/
MarioMergola
June 21, 2012 at 6:11 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
@aviator189 Definitely not my intention to speak for everyone here. I think that impression is coming from my comment that “I assume others will agree with me”. It seems they don’t, so be it. This was simply just my opinion on this product that I wasn’t blown away by, and wanted to put my opinion out there. I see that others are taking it as arrogance, but it’s just my opinion versus others’.
MarioMergola
June 21, 2012 at 6:46 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
@aviator189 @MikeMyers Nevermind, I did say I was acting as the “voice of the general community”. I meant it more along the lines that I wasn’t just using my pro-Apple stance and was trying to think of what the rest of objective people would think. I should’ve chosen my words more wisely. My bad.
Gincredible
June 21, 2012 at 8:55 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Dont you want to try something new?
I understand windows mobile was crap but with windows 8 thats hardly a comparison.
My only problem is that Apple havent really innovated enough to purchase their new selected lines of products. They remind me of porshes, you buy one, you have bought them all.
“What can it do that my ipad wont?” more like “what can new ipad do that my ipad wont?” or ”what can the iphone 4s do that my 3g cant?”
I know thats an extreme but i think you get what i mean. Its all about new tech, if we all start thinking like that whats the point in anything, right?
MarioMergola
June 21, 2012 at 9:07 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
@Gincredible
I do get what you mean, and yes, I’m really interested to see how this plays out, but my initial guy was “not enough difference for me personally”. I am really glad that I had the opportunity to talk to everyone here about this, though, because I was looking for reasons to consider this, and I got them.
But, I also don’t think the Windows 8 to Windows mobile comparison is off base. None of us have gotten to use Windows 8, so all we can go on is what we hear and somewhat past experience with similar products. I think, for that reason, it is fair to be skeptical about the OS until proven otherwise. Although @MikeMyers (below) brought up the fact that it might be a bust for PC, but awesome for a tablet. Really interesting point I think.
VinnyAlo
June 22, 2012 at 10:30 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
To be fair, I think you’re missing the bigger picture. MS doesn’t seem to be going after the tablet market at all. They are taking a straight shot at the laptop/ultrabook market. Ever since tablets have gotten popular, my personal stance has been, they are fantastic media consumption devices, but they are still not full pc/laptop replacement. The pure fact that this will be running a full OS, not a mobile one, and regardless of whether its Windows or not, is a HUGE step forward. (and on a side note, Windows 7 was pretty fantastic, so if you’re clinging onto your hatred of Windows from previous versions, I’d suggest trying the newer ones). A device that is as light and portable as a tablet, with the hardware specs of medium to high end laptops/ultrabooks, that is running a full desktop OS, and has a keyboard/trackpad, is a possible desktop/laptop replacement. To dismiss it simply because it isn’t running iOS is absurd. And when you ask “what can it do that my ipad can’t” the answer is simple. Everything that any desktop pc can do that your ipad can’t….which is a ton.
And on a last side note, one of the most naive statements I’ve ever read in my life was that the push to move to HTML 5 came all from Apple……obviously it had nothing to do with the merits of advances in the software and greater possibilities achievable from HTML 5 than from Flash. Or that Flash is archaic and severely outdated at this point. No, it was cuz Jobs spoke, and the entire internet listened…..
Sweepster
June 22, 2012 at 10:42 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
@VinnyAlo It is naive to think anything other than HTML5′s popularity now is directly because of the iPhone and iPad. Without those, Adobe’s Flash would still be holding the internet back from its full potential. You need hardware to push for changes in software. HTML5 would not be where it is now if nothing supported it. The iPhone and iPad were the FIRST, even before most web browsers and certainly the FIRST to exclude Flash altogether.
VinnyAlo
June 22, 2012 at 10:58 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
@Sweepster That’s quite ridiculous. Even on android and Windows phones, flash works, but its clunky. And everyone knows it. If you remember correctly, MS came out WITH Apple to speak about the need to push for HTML 5. As well as Google, who based their Chrome Web Store around HTML 5. The industry knew there needed to be a change, and it was going to happen regardless. And to be honest, its still dragging along slowly, so its not like Apple waved it’s magic wand and the tech community all of a sudden adopted html 5. Did Apple play a big part in the push, obviously. But why don’t you go back and read the article. In fact, I’ll save you the time, here’s the quote. ”All of this just for one company: Apple.” If that isn’t the author stating that this all changed due to one company, Apple, then I don’t know what is. And if you think the industry adoption of HTML5 (which was at 54% of all web videos BEFORE Jobs spoke out about it) is due solely to them, then you are more blinded by fanboy faith than anyone I’ve ever met.
sweepster_ca
June 24, 2012 at 1:39 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
@VinnyAlo I’ll have you know that while I do own a Macbook, it runs Windows 7 EXCLUSIVELY. Do not pretend to know me or my preferences. I clearly stated that the POPULARITY of HTML5 is directly the result of Apple’s push. Popularity and use are two different things. Your number of 54% HTML5 marketshare before the iPhone existed is categoricaly false. From TechCrunch (2010): http://techcrunch.com/2010/02/05/the-future-of-web-content-html5-flash-mobile-apps/ “Flash Video, which has approximately 75% market-share for online video”.MS may have SPOKEN but it did not act. Apple was the FIRST and still is the ONLY company refusing the support it. Google’s Chrome Web Store being built around HTML 5 means nothing in this context. The argument is about VIDEO, not site design (which Flash lost long ago to PHP and Javascript). Besides, Chrome makes up 33% of the market according to http://www.bgr.com/2012/05/21/google-chrome-market-share-passes-internet-explorer/, which doesn’t make up a majority and of that 33%, they’re lucky to have half of their users actually use the store (I don’t).In fact, it is directly because of Apple that Adobe has abandoned Flash on mobile devices. It wasn’t Google or Microsoft that dropped Flash. The proof is in the pudding: http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2011/nov/09/adobe-flash-mobile-deadStop arguing with facts. You will lose every time.
MarioMergola
June 22, 2012 at 11:07 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
@VinnyAlo You’re 100% right when you say MS isn’t going after the tablet market and is focusing on the laptop/tablet hybrid… and I really like that. But I feel that is the goal of most tablets: to take a bite out of the laptop market by being an “alternative”. Therefore, my opinion is that: 1. it is attacking a rapidly flooding market of tablets and going against a giant in the iPad, and 2. much of the Surface’s allure is its OS, which we haven’t gotten to see firsthand.
To the point of OS, Windows 7 is awesome, and XP was the standard for years, but I feel Microsoft has thrived on PC OS’s, where they have struggled on mobile devices. Since the Surface is being tagged as a laptop/tablet hybrid (my words), I mix my faith in their PC OS ability with my trepidation about how they handle mobile ones, and come out with a result of hesitation. OS is one of the big selling points of Surface, so if I’m hesitant about its OS, why wouldn’t I be hesitant about the Surface itself?
On the HTML 5 argument, this was just to depict the power of supply and demand. When the demand for a mobile media language (best way I can classify it) is so strong that a shift is made, I give credit to those who are supplying the demand. (Also, I see you responded back while I’m typing this, so I’ll include that here.) You bring up that others spoke out with Apple about the need to move away from Flash and toward HTML5, and had Droid dominated the market prior to Apple, and HTML5 would have picked up pace, I would have given the credit to Droid. But the demand for Apple products and, more importantly, the desire for web content to be supplied to those users, was too high to ignore, thus the push was fueled.
And honestly, the bottom line to this whole article and argument is that this was my first impression of Microsoft’s new equipment. In the end, I may absolutely love it, but I didn’t get that indication right out of the gate. Therefore, I wanted to get my opinion out there right away so it could stand alone until it possibly gets altered. But above all else, I enjoy the debate and I look for reasons for me to change my gut reaction on Surface. After all, I love technology, so why wouldn’t I WANT to like this?
VinnyAlo
June 22, 2012 at 11:18 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
@MarioMergola I must say, I’ve agreed with most of your responses to commentors more than your orginal article lol. I think you may have just not quite articulated exactly what you meant as well originally. And as someone who has played around with the consumer preview of Windows 8 on a desktop, I can honestly say I’m fairly hesitant about it as well. The OS looks like it was made to cater more to mobile devices, at least in how you get around, than to a desktop. That said, just basic features that any desktop OS’s(whether they be OSX, Windows, Linux, etc) can do that tablet’s right now can’t has me excited. Full fledged gaming (think World of Warcraft, League of Legends), MUCH easier use of business apps like Office, Photoshop, etc., and even networking in general. Having your tablet be the network hub of your home media would be pretty fantastic. My point was simply, instead of writing it off so quick, look at the revolution it could be starting (even if it ends up not being great at it itself). The push will drive the competition to respond, and then we’ll maybe have androids, ipads, and surfaces all competing to be your single desktop/laptop/netbook/ultrabook/tablet replacement and be your media hub. It may be a long shot, but I think this is the first tablet that has really pushed that notion and possibility.
MarioMergola
June 22, 2012 at 11:39 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
@VinnyAlo It’s funny, because I KNOW I came off better in the comments than in the article, which is really hard to do without backtracking on my original stance. I’ve been really careful to stick to my initial reaction and stand by it, but I admit that it is no more than opinion.
I think that’s the whole point here: I put my opinion out there (I did NOT have the intention to ruffle feathers, even though I knew it would) and people think I’m attacking MS for it. Still, the general sentiment of the article was: tell me why I should care more than I do when I have an iPad. Honestly, people are telling me, and I’m happy to hear it.
And really, I’m not writing off anything just because I wrote this article. That’s why I did it. I had an initial, gut reaction, “this is underwhelming”. I wanted to get it out there, so that if I changed my mind, I knew where I came from. I DO believe that, in the end, the iPad will still dominate the marketplace, but by saying so, I’m not condemning the Surface to “failure”, I just think it will blend in with the other tablets.
Honestly, my biggest issue with the Surface (and the defense of it) is that everyone seems to think it can replace a laptop because… well, we THINK it. That’s where I had a problem, and that’s where I hesitate. Others think it will, I think it won’t. A difference of opinion is born, and once that happens, people assume the article is Apple fanboyism and Microsoft hatred.
If, if, if, if the Surface ends up breaking the barrier and, like you said, pushing the boundaries of what a tablet can do, then I totally retract my argument and will be thoroughly impressed. But I feel like I have the right to give an opinion on that, and if I had to side with one company/developer/whatever to take the next step, I would personally guess Apple.
That’s what bothers people. If I take soup, I’m slighting salad. If I pick LeBron, people think I hate Kobe. I did knock MS in my article, but I’m not indicting them to incompetence. I would just put my stock in Apple (who has established themselves in this market and most of their new ventures in recent years) over MS.
VinnyAlo
June 22, 2012 at 11:45 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
@MarioMergola Yeah I think we can all agree on that point. MS has crashed and burned to push the boundaries with any past product in probably the last decade, other than the Xbox(and maybe Windows7). They have a terrible history. And to be honest, I’m not even sure it WILL push that boundary and succeed, but as we’ve seen, even tech that fails, forces the new tech from other companies to at least try to adopt it. So here’s hoping it succeeds, but if it doesn’t that either Apple or Google succeed where it failed.
MarioMergola
June 22, 2012 at 11:51 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
@VinnyAlo Yup, and that’s the point. I WANT a tablet/laptop hybrid to replace my laptop. I would love to play my games in full capacity from my lightweight, portable, laptop killer. I just can’t commit to Surface being that product right now. In the future, someone will. Maybe it will be Surface, and maybe we will credit Surface with pushing said company.
Windows 7 and Xbox 360 – the best two examples you could give. Especially with 7, who followed up Vista by basically saying “my bad, here’s the good one”. In fact, I won’t even address the 360 here, since I once wrote an article that got me destroyed for being a MS fanboy. Imagine that. A MS fanboy who won’t buy the Surface lol.