On Wed, Jun 26, 2013 at 12:34 PM, Ian Thomas <[email protected]> wrote:
> I’m not sure that I would buy a Surface RT even at 60% off its AU price, > though – over a Nexus 7 32Gb 3G. I would like 3G or LTE available (built-in > or pluggable). Maybe that’s the next Surface WinRT model, if Microsoft > persists with hardware production? > Given they are re-organising around 'devices and services' they will most persist with/ramp up hardware production. They have to as being vertically integrated is the only way they can trade in thin OEM margins for Apple-like margins. I read something a week or two ago that they were going to buy Nokia but the talks fell apart. > **** > > Android for desktop has been debated for a while, but from HP is a > surprise. “Slate 21” – bigger than a roofing tile. > We've got one of those $70 Android media players in the office that plus into a screen via HDMI. The UX is *not quite* there in terms of a desktop experience however it is close. Having Google Play integration and Chrome on it makes it a very capable platform. It is fast even on something like this: http://www.dealsdirect.com.au/android-mini-pc-ivd101-hdmi-wifi-1080p-1gb-ram-4gb-storage-micro/?gclid=CM-9y9HYgLgCFctdpQodASsAKQ Like I said though ... the UX is *not quite right* and you get stuck in scenarios where you're not quite sure how to get out of / back to home screen etc. Google is pushing ChromeOS for desktop and laptops so I don't know if they care enough/at all about making Android have a first rate desktop UX. > **** > > Coming back to Windows and WinRT on ARM – to me, it seems like a really > good platform with heaps of potential – especially for Windows developers. > It might be that realising this potential depends on reduced pricing – > not just to educational institutions. That would require concessions from > Microsoft for the OS licensing. I’m ignorant of those numbers, but my guess > would be that the manufacturers already pay quite a small amount. And the > secure boot ROM could not cost them more than a few dollars. > Irrespective of technical merit, without customers it is a non-starter. I still don't get the RT value prop. As far as I can tell it is "trade off compatibility and performance for battery life" ... which, frankly, is a pretty shit story. I played with someone's Surface RT a month ago and it struggled to play the banner ads on news.com.au smoothly ... ! David. > ** >
