Massive Nerdgasm Over Microsoft Surface RT and Surface PRO

Seriously. I watched this and just had one massive nergasm after another.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jozTK-MqEXQ

It gets awesome around 15:00 and then the Surface Pro stuff starts around 17:30.

This device is just awesome. They seem to have thought of everything.

HDMI. USB 3.0. Surface Touch Cover. Surface Type Cover. Full windows apps - photshop, Maya, AutoCad.

This thing is a beast. Its so ridiculously superior to the iPad.

And Apple will never be able to compete with the best thing of all: you have access to YOUR device. No stupid iTunes gatekeeper.

I have never, ever been more excited for a piece of technology.

I can't wait to pre-order the Surface Pro.

Anyone who's heard me talking about Microsoft and/or Microsoft products will know that I seldom have much good to say about them. Their monopolistic attitude doesn't usually fill me with joy, their products tend to suck, and I'm not exactly falling over myself to advertise for them.

Plus, I don't tend to be easily impressed by shiny new hardware. I'm generally happy with what's been around and come down in price, and it takes a lot to wow me.

Put those two together, then factor in this: I am *MAJORLY* impressed (and positively so, worth clarifying that point) by this product. Mainly for one reason: Tactile keys, with 1.5mm travel (wow, specific details in the talk). I don't know yet how this will work out in real usage, but my guess is that it's going to be a definite step down (like from desktop to laptop all over again), but something you could get used to. I'm not about to throw over my full-power laptop in favour of a tablet, but for people who are dithering between laptop, tablet, and smartphone, this is looking like a pretty awesome option.

So, can we run Linux on it? :D

I am experiencing your same nergasm. LOL

This is awesome! Now I wish I hadn't gotten the iPad 3. I will definitely be investing some dollars for the Surface.

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Originally Posted by Pyrosama

I am experiencing your same nergasm. LOL

This is awesome! Now I wish I hadn't gotten the iPad 3. I will definitely be investing some dollars for the Surface.

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That's what I keep telling Dalaena. She wants an iPad 3 but I'm trying to get her to hold off until we can see the Surface in person.

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Originally Posted by Aristotle

That's what I keep telling Dalaena. She wants an iPad 3 but I'm trying to get her to hold off until we can see the Surface in person.

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I've been holding off to see how it ends up looking (though I'm definitely excited). My sister's in the market for a new laptop and I told her to hang on too. I've been feeling like Treebeard, "Don't be hasty..."

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Originally Posted by Talsek

I've been holding off to see how it ends up looking (though I'm definitely excited). My sister's in the market for a new laptop and I told her to hang on too. I've been feeling like Treebeard, "Don't be hasty..."

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I'd be a bit wary of pushing a laptop sale toward something like this. Yes, it has the keyboard top, but is it going to be as good? Is that going to be a pay-for extra? Might turn out to be awesome, but might end up being a major frustration for about the same money.

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Originally Posted by Rosuav

I'd be a bit wary of pushing a laptop sale toward something like this. Yes, it has the keyboard top, but is it going to be as good? Is that going to be a pay-for extra? Might turn out to be awesome, but might end up being a major frustration for about the same money.

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Exactly. That's why I said don't be hasty :). I'm very excited for this device, but it's too early to recommend it to replace anything without seeing it and fiddling with it. I'm still thinking of it as a more useful tablet rather than a light duty laptop replacement. Still, it's not too crazy to think that it could serve as a light duty laptop replacement when portability/price are top concerns.

There are two keyboards. I believe the names are:

The Surface Touch Cover - which is the super thin touch surface keyboard + track pad + buttons.

The Surface Type Cover - which is a full tactile keyboard + track pad + buttons.

No idea which ones (maybe both) cost extra.

I too am looking forward to seeing this bit of kit. I don't think I'll be an early adopter though: 1.n of anything always makes me nervous.

Someone needs to start working on a Windows 8 native mud client... so people on the Surface RT will be able to use it...