Microsoft Surface. No threat to the PlayBook.

**sleepngbear** · 06-19-2012, 07:08 AM

Originally Posted by chrisy520

One of the things I like about Apple is the seamless integration of it's products.

I would love a BlackBerry laptop, tab and phone to all sync together.

I'm liking the Microsoft tab even though I've never used a Windows Phone. I have Windows on my laptop and I like it a lot.

So, we'll see. RIM needs to get all of it's products in a finished state. None of this releasing them without important features. And they need to compliment each other, not behave like separate devices.

This is exactly what RIM did with the PlayBook, probably more so than anyone else (so far). Unfortunately they decided to ignore that benefit and chose instead to market it as a stand-alone alternative to the iPad, which it clearly is not. Yet. This is not a knock, because I love my PlayBook, I know it is not an iPad, which is fine because I don't want an iPad. But the point is that RIM started off in the right direction but just finish the job.

MS looks to be trying to cover all the bases with the Surface, enterprise and consumer. The biggest threat will be to Android tabs, and if they do it right, they could be a threat to iPad as well. I believe MS has an eye on tight integration across all platforms with Win 8, Win RT and Win Phone 8. The absolute dominance of Windows on desktops and enterprise laptops cannot be overlooked as a huge potential advantage that MS will have. They failed to effectively leverage that with WinMo. If they get it right this time, iOS, Android and BB are all going to have a a bigg(ger) fight on their hands.

**app_Developer** · 06-19-2012, 07:42 AM

Originally Posted by NFLPLAYBOOK

If the Pro version is a true 86 full Windows 8 version then the tablet might be slightly better. I'm not convinced that it's not still an RT version with a Pro moniker. Time will tell.

Which presentation were you watching, exactly? Microsoft said, very clearly, that the Pro version runs "all the Windows software you can think of", runs the full version of Win 8, has an Intel i5 proc, and they even showed it running the desktop version of Photoshop.

After all that, you still think the Pro is running RT???

**njblackberry** · 06-19-2012, 07:48 AM

Enterprises will eat this up - I've already gotten calls asking when we will offer it. The fold out keyboard/cover is a great idea. Two versions (RT and x86) will offer two price points (which were not announced) and they don't appear to be cheaping out on memory.

And the iPad is still going to sell like crazy.

**NFLPLAYBOOK** · 06-19-2012, 08:19 AM

Originally Posted by app_Developer

Which presentation were you watching, exactly? Microsoft said, very clearly, that the Pro version runs "all the Windows software you can think of", runs the full version of Win 8, has an Intel i5 proc, and they even showed it running the desktop version of Photoshop.

After all that, you still think the Pro is running RT???

I was reading a live blog and I don't think he did a very good job. I haven't seen the official press release yet.

**Splange** · 06-19-2012, 08:27 AM

Definitely a threat to the playbook. The pro version is the only tablet I've seen that can fully replace a laptop. It has a full usb port and comes with microsoft office. These are features that will definitely appeal to the same enterprise market that RIM is going for.

As for size, most playbook owners didn't buy it because it was smaller than the iPad, they bought it because it came from a company with a reputation for business and because it provided a more desktop-like internet experience (thanks to flash). This new tablet has both.

Sent from my BlackBerry 9700 using Tapatalk

**randall2580** · 06-19-2012, 08:41 AM

Have an Xbox Live Gold account (you might not but your kids might) now your tab works with Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant streaming, ESPN, FiOS, a lot of the things we rend our clothes and nash our teeth over here in the PlayBook forums about. In a week or two I expect a show for WP8 to do all of this too. One package that works on your xbox with kinnect, your computer, your tab and your phone seamlessly.

Never mind that built in Skype and MS Office with Exchange Support for folks who need that as well, are MS proprietary stuff that goes without saying.

MS working hard here to compete with Apple who already has most of this infrastructure, and Google who is working hard to make it all tie together as well. RIM has it's work cut out for it to compete here. Phones and tabs aren't stand alone items any more.

**yanicmb** · 06-19-2012, 08:50 AM

Originally Posted by randall2580

Have an Xbox Live Gold account (you might not but your kids might) now your tab works with Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant streaming, ESPN, FiOS, a lot of the things we rend our clothes and nash our teeth over here in the PlayBook forums about. In a week or two I expect a show for WP8 to do all of this too. One package that works on your xbox with kinnect, your computer, your tab and your phone seamlessly.

Never mind that built in Skype and MS Office with Exchange Support for folks who need that as well, are MS proprietary stuff that goes without saying.

MS working hard here to compete with Apple who already has most of this infrastructure, and Google who is working hard to make it all tie together as well. RIM has it's work cut out for it to compete here. Phones and tabs aren't stand alone items any more.

Exaaaactly! this tablet will sell windows 8 phones, 70% of blackberry users are pc users, now if this tablet is really good and has an awesome eco system, please believe me its gonna give BB10 alot of trouble worse if Rim is 1 late in delivering and 2 still lacking the necessary apps that consumers want

**pantlesspenguin** · 06-19-2012, 09:10 AM

Originally Posted by sleepngbear

This is exactly what RIM did with the PlayBook, probably more so than anyone else (so far). Unfortunately they decided to ignore that benefit and chose instead to market it as a stand-alone alternative to the iPad, which it clearly is not.

Unfortunately they didn't even do this correctly. I think there was a bit of misconception that "You had to have a BlackBerry to get the Playbook to work." That was actually a direct quote I heard from a T-Mo rep. It seemed to me like people thought you needed a BB, but they weren't exactly sure why or how it worked, and they'd rather get something like an iPad because they didn't have to do additional research to figure out how to get it to work!

**cgk** · 06-19-2012, 09:11 AM

How is RIM even in the tablet game at this stage? Yes they have some market-share (especially in Canada) but that via selling a tablet for either nothing or losing money on it to clear out the inventory - it's not sustainable.

The question here is back to front - it's not "Is this competition for the playbook?" it should be "If and how can the playbook be made into a profitable item for RIM?"

**laterBB** · 06-19-2012, 09:49 AM

Originally Posted by NFLPLAYBOOK

Now that the announcement has been made it looks like the new Microsoft Surface is aimed as a direct threat to the Apple iPad. Too large to be carried around comfortably it also will be underwhelming with an Arm processor restricting the device from installing a full Windows version. I'm not impressed at all with what I'm seeing.

We watched the video and we were very impressed with the Surface Windows 8 Professional model. I think we just saw our next generation of desktop/laptop/tablet in one device.

Everyone gets one of these and their work goes with them, they can work wherever they happen to be. No file transfer issues, no program or data compatibility issues, USB 3.0, keyboards that have been very well designed, a stylus designed for the device.

Display port connectivity at 26:30 of the video means that you come back to the office,
plug in your Surface tab and your 24" desktop monitor comes to life.

I'm a fairly skeptical technology consumer but this looks like a very well designed family of products.

I think this may be a game changer for business, I hope the execution lives up to the hype. This product has raised the bar in the OEM space. You will need to bring your A game to the W8 tablet market, if you don't have an A game, don't bother. I don't think an OEM could do this better than what I've seen in the initial video.

We can't wait to adopt a technology that was designed to get stuff done, all within ONE ecosystem.

The three people in our office that have seen this video cannot wait for this product. Our field supervisor mentioned Windows phone and stated "if this is how MS does mobility then bring on the new phones".

I don't see an opportunity for RIM after this announcement. The market decides and the market has voted. I believe the next round of voting is about to take place.

**NJPhilliesPhan** · 06-19-2012, 09:49 AM

Playbook is not a threat to anyone. The Microsoft tablet will be a top contender and propel windows phones to the top of the pack.

**sleepngbear** · 06-19-2012, 09:54 AM

Originally Posted by pantlesspenguin

Unfortunately they didn't even do this correctly. I think there was a bit of misconception that "You had to have a BlackBerry to get the Playbook to work." That was actually a direct quote I heard from a T-Mo rep. It seemed to me like people thought you needed a BB, but they weren't exactly sure why or how it worked, and they'd rather get something like an iPad because they didn't have to do additional research to figure out how to get it to work!

Very true. The 'message' on the PlayBook was very unclear and confusing if you hadn't been following it through its development, and sometimes even if you had been. The reality is, it's very easy to use, and you don't need to have a BB phone to use it, although the experience is exponentially better if you do. I can easily see why a relatively uninformed consumer would avoid the PB, even now over a year after its release. It's not an iPad, it's not an Android -- what is it.

As for the Surface, I hate to say it, but I can see myself looking into one when the day comes that my PB craps out. Not saying I would run out and buy one, but I would have to give it a good look, which is much more than I can say about any other other tabs out there.

**pantlesspenguin** · 06-19-2012, 10:31 AM

Originally Posted by sleepngbear

Very true. The 'message' on the PlayBook was very unclear and confusing if you hadn't been following it through its development, and sometimes even if you had been. The reality is, it's very easy to use, and you don't need to have a BB phone to use it, although the experience is exponentially better if you do. I can easily see why a relatively uninformed consumer would avoid the PB, even now over a year after its release. It's not an iPad, it's not an Android -- what is it.

As for the Surface, I hate to say it, but I can see myself looking into one when the day comes that my PB craps out. Not saying I would run out and buy one, but I would have to give it a good look, which is much more than I can say about any other other tabs out there.

Yeah between the misconception that it NEEDED a BB to work, and confusion on how bezel gestures worked, those are really the reasons it didn't sell well, IMHO. They could've done little things to help that, such as put a sign demonstrating the gestures next to the PB displays in stores, and maybe commercials or demonstrations showing it as a stand-alone device, and then what all it could do when bridged to a BB.

The Surface does indeed look nice, but at this point I really don't have much need for a high-powered tablet. With an Android device, a BB, my Kindle Fire, and a 4 month old laptop I'm pretty well covered!

**antheauxny** · 06-19-2012, 10:51 AM

At the end of the day, a tablet is a tablet.
So to say "its no threat to the playbook" is false.
Whether you like it or not, their all tablets (iPads, Playbooks, Surface, Galaxy tabs, etc.) & they compete in the same market.

Now, nobody knows how it will do. Some do better than others, obviously.
We'll just have to see how it does when it's released.

Idk why everyone seems to be so bothered by the Surface. :/
It's just a tablet. Just like your Playbooks & iPads. Not impressed by it? Don't buy it then. It's simple.

Sent from my BlackBerry 9930 using Tapatalk

**jamesbondOO7** · 06-19-2012, 11:44 AM

Looks very interesting.

**dandbj13** · 06-19-2012, 12:06 PM

How's this for a threat?

Google to introduce low-priced Android tablet in 'coming weeks'

It ain't getting any easier, folks. And just for the sake of piling on, let's not forget about that persistent, 7" iPad rumor. LG just announced that they are getting out of tablets and focussing on smartphones. I so wish that had been RIM's announcement.

**Pete6** · 06-19-2012, 12:10 PM

Originally Posted by pantlesspenguin

Unfortunately they didn't even do this correctly. I think there was a bit of misconception that "You had to have a BlackBerry to get the Playbook to work." That was actually a direct quote I heard from a T-Mo rep. It seemed to me like people thought you needed a BB, but they weren't exactly sure why or how it worked, and they'd rather get something like an iPad because they didn't have to do additional research to figure out how to get it to work!

Yes, I have heard those words too, in Best Buy.

Sales people have obviously been listening to Apple reps explaining how RIM products work and, believing them.

I really like the look of the Surface. I'm a big Microsoft fan and was diapointed when WP7 was not widely accepted.

My Dell laptop is nearly 3 years old and I'm just starting to think about a replacement. It ain't gonna be anything Apple, that's for sure but the Surface+keyboard, maybe, just maybe.

**diapers** · 06-19-2012, 12:16 PM

How can you say it's no threat? This device is aimed directly at people who want their laptops to also be tablets. I'm one of those and I can tell you while a tablet is a nice device I haven't found any reason to lay down 300$ for what is essentially a toy.

With this device I can have the full laptop which can double as a tablet when I move around the office or home. There's on synching because my data is in one place, and I play and work with just one device. It's a untapped market that can eat into people who just want a tablet.

However it won't beat the playbook on price point, and it is overkill for someone who just needs a tablet device, but saying its no threat is just ridiculous.

**HeezyBear** · 06-19-2012, 12:42 PM

It doesn't matter what size something is (or even what market it's in), if it takes (or has the potential to take) sales away from you it is your competitor.

**DaedalusIcarusHelios** · 06-19-2012, 01:04 PM

I'm sure that the MS surface tablets will do fairly well, but I think most people are interested in the Pro version. The problem with that is that it is going to be priced higher than most tablets. I can see it doing very well in the enterprise, and maybe a good number of home users could have it replace their laptops.

As far as competition goes, this goes up against the slim form-factor laptops and the iPad more than the low-end tablets. The PlayBook has been relegated to the low-end tablet market and still hasn't been very successful. I love mine, but it really is a niche device in a niche market. I don't think the Surface tablets are direct competitors, even the RT one, which I'm sure will be closer to $499 than $199.

I do think the rumored Google Nexus tablet will be a more direct threat to the PB. At this point though, I don't think RIM would benefit from a hardware refresh unless it has BB10 on it, and really adds content services that are so lacking. Everything depends on BB10.

**Laura Knotek** · 06-19-2012, 01:08 PM

The Surface tablet (Pro version) is the only tablet that I've seen so far that I am seriously considering purchasing.

The fact that it runs full desktop Windows, not a mobile OS, and has a cover that doubles as a keyboard makes it something that I could use for serious work and all the "fun" stuff too.

**balding1** · 06-19-2012, 01:20 PM

Originally Posted by lak611

The Surface tablet (Pro version) is the only tablet that I've seen so far that I am seriously considering purchasing.

The fact that it runs full desktop Windows, not a mobile OS, and has a cover that doubles as a keyboard makes it something that I could use for serious work and all the "fun" stuff too.

My thoughts exactly,have to get a new battery for my laptop soon anyway so will just wait for the Pro release,luv the keyboard in the cover.

**Johnnycat13** · 06-19-2012, 01:25 PM

As an IT guy and also a photographer, the Surface Pro is exactly the device I've been waiting for! Full windows on a portable tablet with expandable storage and a stylus for photoshop editing, yes please! That having been said my Playbook will not be going anywhere either . It's still my ideal size for portable entertainment, and works like a charm. Time to start saving the pennies.

**itmccb** · 06-19-2012, 01:30 PM

Originally Posted by DaedalusIcarusHelios

I'm sure that the MS surface tablets will do fairly well, but I think most people are interested in the Pro version. The problem with that is that it is going to be priced higher than most tablets. I can see it doing very well in the enterprise, and maybe a good number of home users could have it replace their laptops.

It can see the RT version being an attractive offering. It's thinner, lighter, less expensive, probably has notably better battery life and still has Office. I think it also has the desktop version of IE10. It could easily encompass the scope of what a significant portion of PC users use their computer for.

**polytope** · 06-19-2012, 01:32 PM

Originally Posted by deRusett

depends on the size and use.
IF you are going to use a stylus on the screen, ultrabooks would suck, because you can't lay them flat open on a surface, same with walking while using it,
I am able though it is challenging to walk and use my iPad3 I can't with my X220 laptop, it is very easy to do with my PlayBook, I travel with all 3 because all 3 have a purpose, and Microsoft Surface hopefully can replace the iPad3 & X220 laptop r

You don't need to lay it flat:

Awkward way to use a tablet PC.