Microsoft Surface: How good can it be?

Microsoft have just released the pricing for their iPad competitor - 'Surface' and it makes good, but not great, reading for consumers. For around 399 quid users can pick up a keyboard-less Surface tablet (available for another 60-odd quid) which boasts a 32GB hard-drive, and 2GB memory - both are double that of the new iPad and for cheaper. A 64GB model is also available for another 60-70 quid.

But is it worth it? The tablet itself is powerful, durable and the OS will adapt well for use on a tablet. Microsoft have clearly looked at the tablet market and tried to place the Surface directly between a smartphone and a desktop - almost to the point of it functioning like a laptop. In fact, much of the Surface speaks 'a new laptop'. The screen is 10.6" corner to corner but the resolution is basic. The Surface has a USB port, can host external hard-drives and can charge your phone! It is also compatible with everyday-use items such as printers etc. The little built in kick-stand is a great, practical addition. In fact, much of the Microsoft Surface screams practicality.
      This brings me onto the cover - that doubles as a keyboard. Now I brought a foldable keyboard for my netbook a while back and it was just a nightmare to use but I will reserve judgement on the Surface keyboard-cover until I can have a go. If it can match the responsiveness of the keyboard on my Motorola Xoom then it should be pretty good!

(That is the head of Windows using the Surface RT as a skateboard... Yeh...pretty strong!)

Pre-orders in the US for the $499 model have sold out - but that doesn't necessarily mean anything. We need to wait until the launch of the Surface on the 26th October before we can see how the Surface is selling - and indeed how well it can be used on a day-to-day basis. What is important to note is that Microsoft are going for this. They are ambitious - apparently trying to build 5 million of the Surface before the end of the year... That is ambition, especially with Apple releasing the iPad Mini soon.

Simply, the success of Microsoft Surface rests largely on the consumer adoption of Windows 8. As I've blogged already - I think this will be a slow but steady process and it may surprise a few with adoption rates but it wont be overnight. If Microsoft can encourage more consumers to upgrade and test out Windows 8 then all devices running the similar operating systems will benefit because the familiarity with the OS will allow more consumers to take the plunge into Windows phones and, the Surface. 

     This is where I think Microsoft have done fairly well. I will certainly be upgrading my new Asus X501a (along with doubling the RAM to 8GB!! :) ) as soon as possible mostly for intrigue but this is helped because of the offer to upgrade new Windows 7 computers for £15 is too good to miss. However I would completely understand many with older Windows 7 cpus not bothering spending the 25 quid as Windows 7 is a very good OS anyway. I believe that £25 may be pushing it for many people who don't want to bother with the hassle. Anyone running anything older than Win7 should definitely look at upgrading, especially if you're running Vista. 

If Microsoft could have offered an even wider, cheaper upgrade to Windows 8 then, although they would take an initial hit, they, and the Windows 8 platform, would be benefiting in many other ways. Give everyone the option to upgrade for 10 quid and most would go with 'yeh, why not'. That would certainly rapidly help the much needed adoption of the Windows OS on mobile devices such as the Surface.

(The Surface advert - "The Surface Movement")

As always - thoughts and challenges encouraged! Also, I'd love if you could give me a follow - check the follow options on the right!

Google Nexus 7: iPad killer?

Simple answer; no. But the most significant competitor? Absolutely. The problem with the natural comparison with the iPad is its unfair on the Nexus 7. This is not supposed to compete in the same bracket as the iPad but a comparison has to be made to make it relevant in the eyes of the consumer. I'm going to try and focus as much as possible just on the Nexus 7 without doing much direct comparison.

What has been made clear with the launch of the Nexus 7 is the importance of price point. Apple have been undercut, significantly, by a good product. It's targeted, and clearly engaged with the large numbers of consumers who have, thus far, failed to justify the £400 cost of a tablet. The size of the tablet isnt the key feature. The HTC Flyer, initially priced at around £600, proves this. Consumers need to feel value for money. With the Nexus 7 the value is there, and more. It was the same with the Kindle Fire's success. This is also key behind the failure of any other Android to mount a serious challenge to the iPad. The Motorola Xoom, Asus Transformer, Samsung Galaxy Tab have all fallen simply because if someone is going to part with £400 then they feel more comfortable doing that with the iPad.

Does the quick adoption of the Nexus 7 also say something about the development of the Android platform? I believe so. Jelly Bean has the slick, but reliable base that iOS fans crave, yet it adds customisation; Particularly with widgets. It's this reliability that Android has added to the platform from 4.0 (ICS) to Jelly Bean that is winning over consumers in both tablets and mobile phones.
     The other interesting positive review that we're seeing is the size and feel. Il be the first to admit that I've always thought the best size for a tablet is around the 10" mark but the Nexus 7 has made me consider differently. Not only this, the sleek, metallic body that has become synonymous with the iPad has been exchanged for a fascinating rubbery rear casing. It's more practical. Doesn't scratch, easier to hold etc.
     Ive heard complaints that there is no option for 3G capability. I fail to understand the concern. With Wireless Tethering a phone acts as a router. Hey presto, no need for mobile data on the tablet! (Also, how many of us can afford an extra, largely unnecessary, contract?) I can't help feel these criticisms are emanating from an Apple fanbase who harbor concerns... (TechCrunch take note...).

The Nexus 7 has quite rightly been gaining rave reviews. And for £150 its hard to complain. This clearly worries Apple hence Apple's response with the apparently imminent launch of the iPad mini. That is when the real battle commences. But until then, the Nexus 7 is a practical tablet option in all senses of the word as it has avoided the temptation to head towards the excessive, greedy features of other tablets. It is a practical size, its practical to use and importantly its a practical price. If you want a tablet primarily for media and entertainment, maybe the Nexus 7 isn't for you. The screen quality doesn't match the 'New iPad' for example. But if you want a tablet for surfing the net, reading, casual gaming etc, then the Nexus 7 is a sensible choice.

If you are happy to part with <£600 for a tablet, then the iPad is still the best choice as a high-end tablet. But few could blame you for saving a few hundred quid and buying a practical alternative in the Nexus 7.

Thoughts, comments, criticisms all encouraged!