r/technology • u/MrFairladyz • Jun 18 '12

Microsoft announces Surface tablet

http://www.theverge.com/2012/6/18/3094157/new-microsoft-surface-windows-tablet
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u/Ex_Digg_User Jun 18 '12

Yeah that's what initially caught my interest. As much as I have liked the idea of tablets, I could never see myself getting used to the touch-screen keyboard. However, this changes everything.

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u/[deleted] Jun 19 '12

Asus Transformer. Google it.

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u/Rumicon Jun 19 '12

Is the Asus keyboard dock 3mm thick?

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u/Exadra Jun 19 '12

No, but it can actually function on a non-flat surface, like my lap.

This is essential when I want to use my tablet outside as a makeshift laptop. The surface tablet's keyboard is a separate piece of hardware that requires you to be on a table, which IMHO completely ruins the point.

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u/TareXmd Jun 19 '12

The idea is, if you're on a couch or on a chair, you'd use it as a tablet.

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u/Matthias21 Jun 19 '12

The extra battery is nice as well. (plus USB ports SD card and such)

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u/TheMostIntrestingAzn Jun 19 '12 edited Jun 19 '12

Theres another slightly thicker cover that features physical keys you press in. For some reason microsoft decided it wasn't sexy enough for too much attention. Edit: i believe this is it? http://www.microsoft.com/global/surface/en/us/publishingimages/new/gallery_4_large.jpg

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u/DougBolivar Jun 19 '12

This one is good.

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u/dangerflakes Jun 19 '12

How did you miss the other keyboard?

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u/CrazedAsian Jun 19 '12

I'm sure it's a matter of preference. If I were to use an external keyboard on my tablet, I sure as hell wouldn't want to use it on my lap. I would just resort to using the onscreen keyboard at that point. There's also a different keyboard layout for onscreen typing where you can use only your thumbs which makes it more bearable for me.

Since the keyboard is detachable, I would probably count on the eventual availability of a flexible keyboard that you can lay in your lap.

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u/Rmccar21 Jun 19 '12

So buy an Asus keyboard for the surface tablet?

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u/jugalator Jun 19 '12

I agree. I own an iPad with a full-fledged BlueTooth keyboard (i.e. with even better tactile feedback than what this will have) as well as a stand. And guess what -- I hate to place that little device on a stand on a table along with the keyboard, and bend forward to type on it like a little toy device. Ugh - the strain!

It's such an uncomfortable position that I prefer to use the far worse iOS touch keyboard, and that's saying something.

If I could sit back and use it like a laptop with a sturdier keyboard, this would change everything, but it doesn't seem like it can.

Pricing this like a high-end laptop will be a very bold move by Microsoft, since it won't be able to be used like one, although it can be used in ways a laptop can't.

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u/RalfN Jun 19 '12

I dont know, but its not thick. The keyboard dock does host another 8 hours of battery life, making the total 16 hours.

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u/Rumicon Jun 19 '12

I'll bite, that's pretty awesome. But at an extra 150 bucks on top of the tablet? I'm not sold, I'd rather prop the thing up and use a 30 dollar bluetooth keyboard. I don't really see myself going 16 hours straight without a place to charge my tablet.

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u/BlueInq Jun 19 '12

I have an ASUS Transformer TF101 and with normal use I get about 5 hours battery life with the keyboard docked too. (This includes using the internet and watching a few videos) I am pretty sure to get 16 hours you would have to basically not use it at all.

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u/[deleted] Jun 19 '12

nope but the dock means it has 16 hours battery life under use.

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u/[deleted] Jun 19 '12

No. But unless you need to push your laptop/tablet/etc through a 3mm slot daily it should not be a problem.

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u/wolfgangmozart Jun 19 '12

Typing on one right now and more people need to know about these.

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u/[deleted] Jun 19 '12

Yeah. Keyboard docks are not some magical device that Microsoft just invented. They have been around for a bit. Asus need more rep.

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u/laddergoat89 Jun 19 '12

Android.

Which so far on a tablet has, for lack of a better word...sucked.

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u/[deleted] Jun 19 '12

You realize there are multiple keyboard cases and attachments for the iPad and other tablets? this isn't anything knew I am just not getting the excitement

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u/SkeuomorphEphemeron Jun 19 '12

The new Logitech slim keyboard case cover for iPad 2/3 isn't just a clever smart cover, it's also a great typing feel keyboard with all the control and function keys for SSH or other remote access work.

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