Microsoft reveals Surface PC tablet: clamshell laptops still the best

[qubit]

I've just been watching the live blog on The Verge where Microsoft revealed their Surface ARM/x86-based tablet with detacheable keyboard.

Now, while it all looks very cool and the must-have gadget of the moment, I'm not convinced that this or the iPad (certainly not the iPad) beats a standard clamshell designed laptop. I don't think it's possible to better this hinged design which has been around for 25-odd years or so and the latest offerings from Apple and Microsoft just look like gimmicks to me.

What do you think?

The blog: http://live.theverge.com/microsoft-live-blog-tablet-announcement/

 

[erocker]

Clamshell laptops are still the best if you can't tell the difference between that and a laptop. There's no way to compare Surface to the iPad since we don't have the Surface in our hands.

-I refuse to bother ticking the link if that's the title of the story.

 

[qubit]

The live blog links to various stories at The Verge, if you want to read more about it. It's still interesting.

Clamshell = standard laptop. That's what I'm referring to.

 

[erocker]

Yeah, I've seen The Verge before. Won't go there again, the people who work there are laughable most of the time. It's internet for large (mass) media lovers. Not me.

*Oh, yeah I understand clamshell = laptop.

 

[qubit]

Ah no problem, The Verge seem ok to me, but there's lots of sites covering this if you don't like them.

In no particular order, here are a few for your enjoyment.

www.allthingsd.com

www.engadget.com

www.joystiq.com

www.infoworld.com

www.bgr.com

 

[erocker]

You misunderstand me. I have read all about it already. Now I need it in my hands to pass judgment on it.

 

[qubit]

You misunderstand me. I have read all about it already. Now I need it in my hands to pass judgment on it.

Ah ok, I geddit.

I think the standard laptop is superior in form factor because of these basic reasons:

- It's a one piece design with a hinge in the middle. Just pull it open and you're ready to go. With the Surface, you have to faff around with a stand and pulling out the keyboard, which looks like it could get lost easily

- a laptop is generally thicker, so you can fit more powerful components into it. These tablets are super skinny, which compromises their performance for style and lightness

And yes, I'd still like to play with the Surface regardless, lol.

 

[remixedcat]

4:37:11 pm pdt

 

[qubit]

I've just added a poll - please vote!

I'd get the x86 version hands down, because it's a full PC and therefore compatible with everything. It doesn't matter if the ARM-based one has twice the battery life or more processing power (likely doesn't) it's useless if it won't run the apps you already own and upcoming software.

 

[anonymous6366]

yeah i just saw this and i must say its pretty sweet that they made and new more functional use for the cover than simply turning the screen on/off

 

[anonymous6366]

I've just added a poll - please vote!

I'd get the x86 version hands down, because it's a full PC and therefore compatible with everything. It doesn't matter if the ARM-based one has twice the battery life or more processing power (likely doesn't) it's useless if it won't run the apps you already own and upcoming software.

I agree there I'm going to vote now

 

[Nordic]

I voted on arm because... If I were getting one I would need it to do much. I have a much more powerfull desktop pc sitting at home. All I would want is it to browse the web.
I can see the appeal of x86 with software compatibility and possible low spec games. In the end it is only if I were to get one, which I do not plan on it.