On October 26th, Microsoft launched its first major foray into the tablet computing market, dubbed ‘Surface’, alongside its new operating system: Windows 8. It marks the first time Microsoft has dabbled in computing hardware manufacturing, and puts it in direct competition with Apple’s iPad. But what does this decision mean for consumers? More importantly, what does this mean from a student’s perspective? Is Surface a hit or a miss?
Hit. For those of us still valiantly striving to make it to graduation day intact and to the moment we can finally pry degree transcripts from our dear University, Surface is a God-send. The touch-computing revolution might have been given a kick-start a few years ago, but this is where it truly begins. Finally! A light, versatile tablet computer that runs a proper Windows operating system and is compatible with all of the software a student needs.
Miss. Microsoft is arriving way too late to this party. The tablet scene was a non-starter, some guys were awkwardly trying to fold a laptop back on itself in the corner and no-one was having any fun. Then Apple walked in with the iPad; the equivalent of several kegs of beer and a massive sound system. Best night ever. All of the Android phone crowd turned up too, it was manic. I think someone jumped into a pool from a balcony. Okay, that metaphor has definitely been tortured enough, but the point is that Apple released the iPad in 2010 and changed the tablet game forever. Surface doesn’t do anything that the iPad or any cheaper Android-powered tablets can’t do already.
Hit. Hey! Microsoft started the touch-computing party back in 2007 with the PixelSense tablet/table hybrid before Apple crashed it! Surface and other Windows 8 tablets are unique because they use a desktop operating system rather than something more suitable for a phone. Want to use Microsoft Office? It comes with Surface. Want USB ports? Surface. Want to install programs more complicated and more useful than Angry Birds? Surface is the way to go. The iPad is just a glorified e-reader in comparison; if you want to get any work done more rewarding than sitting in Starbucks with a smug sense of self-satisfaction then Surface is the right choice.
Miss. At least the iPad doesn’t pretend it’s something it’s not. It was never meant as a computer replacement, something Surface is clearly aiming for. There’s just one problem; Surface comes with a type of Windows called ‘RT’, a somewhat misleading way of saying ‘not the full version’. What that means is that you don’t get a regular Windows desktop, only Microsoft’s ‘Modern UI’ screen for which apps have to be specifically developed. You’re just as locked into a restrictive ecosystem as iPad users are, so if you want to get any so-called ‘work’ done as a responsible student you won’t be able to use Surface either.
Hit. Apple might brag about the size of its app store, but people have been creating apps for Windows almost since computing began. Microsoft will be actively encouraging people to make as much software compatible with Windows RT as possible. Plus, the Surface Pro will be launched in three months. This will have the full version of Windows 8 pre-installed for the more demanding student, including a desktop which works with just about every program ever made for Windows. Photoshop on the bus, rendering on the train, 3D modelling in a lecture. The possibilities are endless. Additionally, for precision control, Surface has launched with covers which double as combined keyboards and multi-touch track-pads. Unlike the iPad’s cover which doubles as…a stand to angle it slightly? Seriously, what exactly does the £40 you put down for that thing entitle you to?
Miss. You want to talk pricing? The iPad Mini, to be released on Friday, is £269, cheaper than the Windows RT version of the Surface. To differentiate Surface in any meaningful way you’ll need one of those £80 keyboard covers. That’s £80 on top of the already rather student-unfriendly price of £399. Instead, you could purchase the earlier iPad and a Bluetooth keyboard for around £340 and get essentially the same thing. And as for your precious Surface Pro, it’ll be out in a few months, yes, but the lowest price estimates put it at around £500-£700. Firmly out of reach of most students looking for a tablet to make work on the go a possibility. Microsoft have priced themselves out of the student market almost entirely, and have delivered a product both too similar to its competitors and too late to mount any sort of competition.