Microsoft Surface and Surface Pro

[Johnny Vinyl]

This tablet, which comes in 2 versions, has captured my interest as it is much more than just an entertainment device. I've briefly tried a plain tablet before, but felt it wasn't much more than a pretty toy. Great for some people, but not my cup of tea as I'd like something with balls. I think the MS Surface has that and I'm looking forward to the launch next month (RT version) and early next year (Pro version).

Here are some pics:

 

[Keith_W]

They certainly look like interesting devices, for sure. I am still undecided if Microsoft's new Metro (sorry, Windows 8) interface is genius or whether it will alienate people in droves - like Vista. But for me, the biggest drawback is the low-res display. Apple's iPad 3 has set the bar with the retina display, and the new Windows tablet - which debuts more than half a year after the iPad - has half the resolution. The resolution is similar to the iPad 1, which I still own - it is pixellated as hell and a real strain on the eyes.

 

[Johnny Vinyl]

They certainly look like interesting devices, for sure. I am still undecided if Microsoft's new Metro (sorry, Windows 8) interface is genius or whether it will alienate people in droves - like Vista. But for me, the biggest drawback is the low-res display. Apple's iPad 3 has set the bar with the retina display, and the new Windows tablet - which debuts more than half a year after the iPad - has half the resolution. The resolution is similar to the iPad 1, which I still own - it is pixellated as hell and a real strain on the eyes.

I've never seen a Retina display in action, so I can't say, but I hear it's quite nice. I usually bypass the Apple displays as I really have no interest in their products. I'm a PC guy through and through. With regard to eye-strain, I've never luckily been affected by it so I'm sure the Full HD on the Surface will be sufficient for me.

 

[Keith_W]

iPad 1 and 2 - 1024 x 768 (132 ppi)
iPad 3 - 2048 x 1536 (264 ppi)
Microsoft Surface (ARM) - 1280 x 720 (139 ppi)
Microsoft Surface (nVidia) - 1920 x 1080 (208 ppi)
Google Nexus 7 - 1280 x 800 (146 ppi)
Asus Transformer TF700 - 1920 x 1200 (224ppi)

The Asus is the highest resolution non-Apple device out there, and is still beaten by the iPad 3. In reality the difference is difficult to distinguish, so I think 1200 horizontal pixels is probably enough for me. The nVidia powered Surface tablet might be good enough, but the thing is a damned brick at 903gm. In contrast, the iPad 3 is 652gm.

Like you, I am a dyed in the wool PC guy. I acknowlege that the iPad 3 is the best tablet out there, but there is no way I am going to give Apple any more money.

I care about ppi and weight because I use my tablet as a reader in bed. Anything which is too heavy will conk me on the head when I start to drift off

 

[Johnny Vinyl]

iPad 1 and 2 - 1024 x 768 (132 ppi)
iPad 3 - 2048 x 1536 (264 ppi)
Microsoft Surface (ARM) - 1280 x 720 (139 ppi)
Microsoft Surface (nVidia) - 1920 x 1080 (208 ppi)
Google Nexus 7 - 1280 x 800 (146 ppi)
Asus Transformer TF700 - 1920 x 1200 (224ppi)

The Asus is the highest resolution non-Apple device out there, and is still beaten by the iPad 3. In reality the difference is difficult to distinguish, so I think 1200 horizontal pixels is probably enough for me. The nVidia powered Surface tablet might be good enough, but the thing is a damned brick at 903gm. In contrast, the iPad 3 is 652gm.

Like you, I am a dyed in the wool PC guy. I acknowlege that the iPad 3 is the best tablet out there, but there is no way I am going to give Apple any more money.

I care about ppi and weight because I use my tablet as a reader in bed. Anything which is too heavy will conk me on the head when I start to drift off

LOL....no conking allowed! I understand what you're saying. Under those circumstances I'd be inclined to want a higher resolution display as well. I only do two things in bed and one of them in sleep...the other isn't reading.

The Surface Pro is the one I am considering, and I hope that our local Future Shop will have it as I still have a $500 Gift Card from them. I've been holding on to it (there is no expiry...I had that confirmed) as I knew my laptop is in need of replacement (6-yr old Toshiba).

Regarding Win8....I won't be upgrading my Dell desktop as I rather like Win7 and don't want to mess with it., but as a PC guy I'm going to have to move into the Win8 OS at some point. And frankly, I'm almost a bit excited to try it on the Surface.