Microsoft releasing new Tablet running Windows 8 w/ built in keyboard

[WMR]

http://technorati.com/technology/gad...ealed-details/

want!!

I love that keyboard design.

[Yachtzee]

My concern with any device like that running Windows is the inevitable "Windows bloat" that occurs over time as Windows downloads updates and patches to fix various security holes. I can just imagine having it for 6 mos. before it starts taking 5 minutes just to boot up.

[Caveat Emperor]

Looks neat.

Did anyone bother to consider issues of market fragmentation here? They'd probably have been better off just pushing a single platform -- it would have allowed their developers to focus resources on just one thing and ensured all their customers were buying the same product. Now, they'll be splitting their market share in two segments, reducing the economic impact a dev can have developing for one platform or the other.

Plus, full Windows on a tablet? I can't imagine the end user experience is going to be good unless devs code their apps to be workable in situations where a keyboard and mouse aren't available.

[reds1869]

I'd still rather have an ipad, but new competition is good. The other tablets on the market haven't been able to challenge Apple yet, but I think this one will. The biggest question is whether or not MS has angered their partners.

[Caveat Emperor]

I'd still rather have an ipad, but new competition is good.

Competition is great until the platform you've invested money into dies and you're stuck holding the bag with useless hardware and software.

I'm getting to the point where I wish they'd just standardize stuff.

[dougdirt]

I'd still rather have an ipad, but new competition is good. The other tablets on the market haven't been able to challenge Apple yet, but I think this one will. The biggest question is whether or not MS has angered their partners.

There are millions of Kindle Fires out there and over a million other Android Tablets as well.

I just wish google would get their stuff together with the Android platform. They have a market full of awesome apps that only certain users can get even if they have an Android tablet or Android phone because they have 15 different versions of android out in the last two years. Then there is the whole Kindle Fire, which is a souped down version of Android that doesn't allow you to use the Android Marketplace, but limits you to the amazon marketplace, which by comparison is about 10% as big and really sucks.

[bucksfan2]

There are millions of Kindle Fires out there and over a million other Android Tablets as well.

I just wish google would get their stuff together with the Android platform. They have a market full of awesome apps that only certain users can get even if they have an Android tablet or Android phone because they have 15 different versions of android out in the last two years. Then there is the whole Kindle Fire, which is a souped down version of Android that doesn't allow you to use the Android Marketplace, but limits you to the amazon marketplace, which by comparison is about 10% as big and really sucks.

I have played with a Kindle Fire and it doesn't hold a candle to the iPad. My iPad is one of the original versious and its 100X easier to use than the Kindle Fire. The only downside of the iPad for me is its glass screen that makes reading books in the sun difficult. I have a regular kindle for that.

[dougdirt]

I have played with a Kindle Fire and it doesn't hold a candle to the iPad. My iPad is one of the original versious and its 100X easier to use than the Kindle Fire. The only downside of the iPad for me is its glass screen that makes reading books in the sun difficult. I have a regular kindle for that.

That is like saying you have driven a Camry and it doesn't hold a candle to a Ferrari. Of course it doesn't, it is 1/3rd to 1/4th the price.

I have a Fire and an Android tablet. The Fire is incredibly easy to use, so I am not sure what was causing you issues. The Android tablet on the other hand took a few days of figuring things out on. The iPad is very easy to use, but I still think it is overpriced for what you get compared to top end Android tablets. The only thing they provide that is better is the marketplace and that is only a matter of time as there are now more Android devices out there than ios ones.

[bucksfan2]

That is like saying you have driven a Camry and it doesn't hold a candle to a Ferrari. Of course it doesn't, it is 1/3rd to 1/4th the price.

I have a Fire and an Android tablet. The Fire is incredibly easy to use, so I am not sure what was causing you issues. The Android tablet on the other hand took a few days of figuring things out on. The iPad is very easy to use, but I still think it is overpriced for what you get compared to top end Android tablets. The only thing they provide that is better is the marketplace and that is only a matter of time as there are now more Android devices out there than ios ones.

I have learned that its better to spend the money up front to get a much better product than to keep spending lesser amounts. In the end they usually add up being more expensive. The Kindle Fire has a smaller screen, not as many apps, and I have found not as easy to use. As you said you have both a kindle and an android tablet.

When another company comes up with a better product I may give it the time of day. But when so far Apple makes the better products that are more user friendly I have no problem paying more for them. Paying $499 for an iPad isn't exactly like buying a Ferrari over a Toyota.

[Caveat Emperor]

But, as you've identified, fragmentation of the Android OS makes it difficult for developers to program applications -- they have to take into account the dozens of variations of the Android OS out there, to say nothing of the varying hardware specifications.

You'll see Apple continue to lead in "Killer App" design until Android straightens that out, IMO.

[dougdirt]

But, as you've identified, fragmentation of the Android OS makes it difficult for developers to program applications -- they have to take into account the dozens of variations of the Android OS out there, to say nothing of the varying hardware specifications.

You'll see Apple continue to lead in "Killer App" design until Android straightens that out, IMO.

You are probably right, and it drives me freaking nuts. With that said, I think that they are at least heading in the right direction, though it could still be years away before they get all of their ducks in a row.

[LvJ]

I'm sold. Mainly because they have a bald guy making gestures and showing it off.

[Reds4Life]

I am an ipad2 user, put I must admit adding a keyboard into the cover is a great idea.

I still get a kick out of Steve Ballmer, the guy just strikes me as a total meathead, still can't believe someone like that took over for Bill Gates.