How-To Geek

1. this is NOT a PC. An array of external devices is not very practical for a device on the go. A few things (that use low power) could be attached via a hub.

2. I guess same as on a PC. You install from a stick.

3. I don't think you'll get one for $500. My guess is that the entry price will be $749. And that is for the ARM version. The x86 (pro) version will start at $999. They must leave room for the OEMs to come in with cheaper versions. Else the OEMs will be very upset.

The x86 (pro) Version of the Tablet is being called a PC by Microsoft.

I think with the Price as forecast, we're getting into a "Haves vs Have Not" economic situation.

Certainly we don't need a "digital divide circumstance" any larger than there exist now do we ??

@Enthusiast,

The ipad then SCARES ME MUCH with Apple's Complete Control over the device.

Rick P.

I wonder if they will add an option to re-image from cloud services!

Hey Rick like Whs mention you could always buy a cheap usb hub and if the power supply on the surface is any good it should generate enough power to power anything you wanted but i am like everybody else why would anybody want to pay 500 or better to get that when you can buy a untra for the same price? doesn't make logical since to me.

John

Pegatron, an Asus Spin Off, will manufacture MS Tablets.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/.....siness_pop

Pegatron History:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pegatron

Current Market Information:
http://www.bloomberg.com/quote/4938:TT/chart

Rick P.

This is a TABLET, not a laptop or desktop. Meant for MOBILE use or at a customer site, just like an Ultrabook (the real competition point) or some laptops are now.

Biggest 'stock' difference between the present day tablets and Surface, it HAS a built-in keyboard. Also it will run (again, not the RT version) your present day apps that you use on your PC desktop or laptop. However, the largest memory model might make it impossible to use all your programs.

Biggest hurdle, the lead Apple has. Price point too. Acceptance of course too. Businesses are guaranteed to be slow to adopt.

Owning Windows PC's and 2 iPad's, I have no problem using EACH for its intended purposes. Does Apple control every aspect of my iPad's? You betcha!!! Matter of fact I bought a program and asked the developer as a suggestion why not add a feature. When I got the first one, I thought the battery ran down very fast. The 'Genius bar' plugged my iPad into a Mac, and said, no, look at the battery total times on the last 4 charges... 9 hours plus. So why not put that into his app... the answer surprised me. He couldn't do it. Apple uses PRIVATE API's to do that, and if he included that, they wouldn't allow the app to be sold in the store. Windows has a lot of PRIVATE API's, but once figured out by developer's MS has no way to stop the use. Does it hurt me, no, on both the iPad and PC.

I wouldn't worry about it much. Hey, if you listen to some pundits, the PC is dead... and tablet are the future.

Speaking of 'AirPrint', it isn't all that it is cracked up to be. With an iPad and an 'official HP listed AirPrint' printer, it doesn't always work. Sometimes I get Device not ready, sometimes nothing prints. It is an All-In-One, so maybe that has something to do with. However HP has its own app for it, works like a charm.

Apple recently enhances the backup and restore feature between the iPad and iTunes, can do it wirelessly now too, no need to connect physically to the PC.

Irv S.