The Windows Surface tablet is set to roll out with a few advantages over both IOS and Android. To start, while the iPad rolls out in 16, 32 and 64GB models, the Surface will begin with a 32GB model at the same price-point of the 16GB iPad. Adding the keyboard case will bring the 32GB model to the comparable price of a 32GB iPad without accessories. The Surface ships with the Windows RT operating system, taking advantage of the Windows 8 operating system, optimized for tablet use. Furthermore, as something that neither major competitor can compete with, Surface comes with Microsoft Office already installed.
As I had indicated in my previous entry on Windows 8, one of the biggest holdouts in the shift to portability is the lack of productivity software. Personally, I've found that I end up bringing both the laptop and tablet on a trip, unless I just bring the laptop. Unfortunately, at this time, I'm finding the tablet more of a glorified media player. I can load books, movies and music, possibly play some games, but I'm still finding it lacking in a few areas - other than size.
The Microsoft Surface could very well change that. Microsoft still holds the lion's share of the market with Windows. In addition, they have the market on office software with Microsoft Office - even though there are alternatives from the paid (Corel, Lotus) to the free open-source (Open Office, Libre Office). If businesses begin to take advantage of the Surface for portability, they'll have some immediate savings. This may very well replace notebooks for many business needs, as it has about everything needed in one package.
What could possibly go wrong? We saw before that Microsoft got in trouble for bundling their products in a perceived unfair manner. Is this different? Is this more of a marketing edge than a competitive edge? Some would say so. The competitors have been out for some time, and have yet to have a practical alternative. Open sourced LibreOffice is working on a version that will be compatible with Android tablets. However that was July, and the Windows Surface will have Office integrated before that's complete. Assuming that Microsoft Office is not set to run on any competitors, it would seem to me to be a competitive advantage - of the moment.
Another very interesting thing to keep an eye on is the fact that Microsoft is not entering the OEM game. Previously, they have simply been the supplier, as opposed to companies like Acer and Toshiba that have run the software. Now with Google and Microsoft joining Apple the other manufacturers may find themselves put into tough economic positions. Some speculation is that it may become more favorable for some of the manufacturers to begin courting Linux - specifically Ubuntu - as an alternative.
Windows Surface is quite the device, alright, and it looks like it has a lot of power to not only shift the balance of the tablet market, but once more turn the computing world on its ear.
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