(AUS) Windows Surface RT tablet. Just bought one. I like it so far

[wilfred]

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[NiHaoMike]

Windows that can't run regular Windows software largely defeats the point of using Windows. It also doesn't help that Microsoft is starting to act like Apple when it comes to developing your own software.

[GreyWoolfe]

I really think that Microsoft shot themselves in the foot with Win8.  Between the failed experiment in making a touch predominant OS work on a computer, to RT which is great on touch but you can't really software it up, to Surface Pro which will do everything you want, including emptying your wallet.  I personally am stuck on Win7 for my computers and I have a Nook HD+ and a Kindle Fire HD.  I also support 2 Dell laptops running Win8.1 which is not a significant upgrade as best as I can tell.  If I were to buy a Windows tablet, I would save my pennies and go for a Surface Pro.  Then I know I can add software that I would want on it.  My tablets are for reading mostly with a little internet surfing included.  If I were to go to a single all around tablet, I would probably go with one of the better Android tablets.  I am all about a bargain, but I also tend to look at total cost of ownership.  If it is not going to do everything I want it to do, I would rather wait and save up the money and get what I want.  I bought the Nook as I have been a Nook user for a while, the Kindle was a gift.

[peter.mitchell]

My partner recently got a Surface Pro 2, and with my first use, I realized what Microsoft were trying to do with windows 8, it is a pity they shoehorned it into the wrong platform..

[MacAttak]

The RT is a great machine for it's intended purpose. I got one for my retired dad last xmas and he loves it - perfect for email, facebook, browsing NASCAR websites, and playing casino games. And since it is incapable of running desktop applications (and all Windows Store apps run in the WinRT sandbox), I never get calls from him due to some malware being installed on his computer. It just works, day in and day out.

I also have a Surface Pro (freebie from attending the Build 2013 conference), but I don't care for it much. I use it to drive a pair of 3D printers, and that's about all.

[Stonent]

Microsoft made it so you cannot compile standard windows apps (with minimize/maximize/close buttons) to run on Windows RT. Except they ported Office over to it. Basically if you have no plans of ever installing your own software except what you get from the Windows store, it might be fine for you.

The newer tablets have Intel processors and run Windows 8.1 and are no different than normal PCs internally.  RT Tablets use ARM processors.

[peter.mitchell]

My partner recently got a Surface Pro 2, and with my first use, I realized what Microsoft were trying to do with windows 8, it is a pity they shoehorned it into the wrong platform..

I don't understand what you mean by the wrong platform. Do you mean a tablet platform generally or something specific to the Surface Pro 2?

I was implying that windows 8 is excellent for tablets, but it is unfortunate that it is mostly used on the desktop, where it sucks.

[Psi]

Its pretty easy to see how things will go...

As phones get 4/6/8 cores with 2+ghz and the ability to stream a fast 1080p desktop to a nearby TV/LCD.
and
as more and more apps appear for phones/tablets that scale nicely to screen size
and
as more and more things can be done on a phone

.. there will be little need for a separate desktop PC.

You will simply tap a button on your phone to connect to a nearby monitor, or swipe your phone over a NFC tag near the monitor and you will have control of that monitor for desktop style use.  A bluetooth keyboard/mouse can be used easily.

Serious FPS gaming will probably be the last thing to move to your phone as it currently needs the raw power of energy hungry GPUs

[peter.mitchell]

Its pretty easy to see how things will go...

As phones get 4/6/8 cores with 2+ghz and the ability to stream a fast 1080p desktop to a nearby TV/LCD.
and
as more and more apps appear for phones/tablets that scale nicely to screen size
and
as more and more things can be done on a phone

.. there will be little need for a separate desktop PC.

You will simply tap a button on your phone to connect to a nearby monitor, or swipe your phone over a NFC tag near the monitor and you will have control of that monitor for desktop style use.  A bluetooth keyboard/mouse can be used easily.

Serious FPS gaming will probably be the last thing to move to your phone as it currently needs the raw power of energy hungry GPUs

I dunno, I can see a massive number of applications where that just isn't practical, eg, basically anything done outside of a home environment.

[peter.mitchell]

It's not quite what you are predicting but the guy whose videos I linked in the OP shows using a home desktop (Windows) PC with the tablet via home WiFi. He claims it can be done over the internet. I haven't tried it myself. I don't doubt you can I just can't be sure if it is pleasant to use.

Its largely dependent on your internet connection, and at the moment, that isn't the most reliable thing...