4 ms·

You appear to be confusing (understandably) WindowsRT and Windows 8. WindowsRT is the OS that runs on devices intended to compete with the iPad (using ARM proce

by steverb 14y ago

You appear to be confusing (understandably) WindowsRT and Windows 8. WindowsRT is the OS that runs on devices intended to compete with the iPad (using ARM processors), the only one of which I have actual knowledge of is the Surface. Windows 8 (which is what runs on the convertibles) is the desktop OS. I personally don't expect a full fledged laptop (especially one costing a mere $500) to get 8 hours of battery life. If you can get hands on a Surface (WindowsRT) device for a day or two I highly recommend trying it out. It's quite impressive, and for my uses a better device than the iPad. YMMV.

rayiner 14y ago
I'm not confusing the two--you're drawing a broader distinction between the two versions than is warranted by Microsoft's own product positioning. Regular Windows 8 is targeted at tablets too. The Samsung 700T, Acer Iconia W700, etc, all run regular Windows 8, as will the Surface Pro. The basic problem is that Microsoft seems to have focused on creating artificial product differentiation instead of creating the most compelling device possible. I was very underwhelmed by the Surface when I used it. Microsoft left too many of the goodies for Surface Pro, and saddled Surface RT with last-gen hardware, not to mention very "1.0" software. The differentiation between the lines is just bizarre. If you go for the Surface RT, you get Nexus 7-level hardware for $100 more than a Nexus 10. If you upgrade to the Surface Pro, you get way too much processor and end up with half the battery life. It makes no sense. What Surface should have been is a Clovertrail-based tablet with a 1080p screen. The ability to run Office would have justified the $100 price premium over Nexus. That would have been a very compelling product.
- steverb 14y ago
  As I said, understandable confusion, and MS has done a very poor job of making a distinction between the two. I suspect that in two to four years there will be no distinction. I used the Surface for a few days and was quite happy with it, but don't find that I need a table full time. My iPad toting teens adored it and have been complaining because their school requires the use of an iPad. I'm waiting for the Pro, which will be slightly less processor than I want, but I expect it will completely replace my laptop while still giving me tablet abilities. Regular Windows 8 isn't targeted so much at tablets as it is at touchscreen devices. Which covers tablet, laptops, and that weird huge canvas form factor and others.

by steverb 14y ago

rayiner 14y ago

I'm not confusing the two--you're drawing a broader distinction between the two versions than is warranted by Microsoft's own product positioning. Regular Windows 8 is targeted at tablets too. The Samsung 700T, Acer Iconia W700, etc, all run regular Windows 8, as will the Surface Pro. The basic problem is that Microsoft seems to have focused on creating artificial product differentiation instead of creating the most compelling device possible. I was very underwhelmed by the Surface when I used it. Microsoft left too many of the goodies for Surface Pro, and saddled Surface RT with last-gen hardware, not to mention very "1.0" software. The differentiation between the lines is just bizarre. If you go for the Surface RT, you get Nexus 7-level hardware for $100 more than a Nexus 10. If you upgrade to the Surface Pro, you get way too much processor and end up with half the battery life. It makes no sense. What Surface should have been is a Clovertrail-based tablet with a 1080p screen. The ability to run Office would have justified the $100 price premium over Nexus. That would have been a very compelling product.

steverb 14y ago
As I said, understandable confusion, and MS has done a very poor job of making a distinction between the two. I suspect that in two to four years there will be no distinction. I used the Surface for a few days and was quite happy with it, but don't find that I need a table full time. My iPad toting teens adored it and have been complaining because their school requires the use of an iPad. I'm waiting for the Pro, which will be slightly less processor than I want, but I expect it will completely replace my laptop while still giving me tablet abilities. Regular Windows 8 isn't targeted so much at tablets as it is at touchscreen devices. Which covers tablet, laptops, and that weird huge canvas form factor and others.