Microsoft Surface: Good Enough?

As I read the news about Microsoft Surface this morning, it makes me wondering whether the time is right for Microsoft the launch the tablet with almost the same time with Apple iPad. Even though it still blurs me when it actually came out. I found a video about Windows 8 where Surface already existed in that video and it was on January 2012. On that time, I did not even notice about Windows 8.

So, in that video, one of Microsoft's marketing officer was giving a presentation about how to use Windows 8. Windows 8 allowed users to use keyboard, mouse and touch screen in the same time. It also presents all the apps on the main screen. It says that it is special because the users can flick the programs easily and can show 2 programs at the same time. The apps are also accessible through Windows Store which is similar to iTunes.

After watching this video, there is a mindset that Microsoft is trying so hard to compete with Apple. Even with the design, it comes with the same idea with iPad where you can click the apps from the main screen. Probably, it is greater in a way that it can run 2 programs at the same time and showed in the main screen while iPad cannot do it. The smart cover which embed a keyboard with only 3 mm is quite appealing as well.

Surface though, is heavier than iPad and has bigger screen than iPad (It has 10.8' screen). The screen probably is bigger than some of the small laptops. It really makes you wonder whether it will hit the aim of tablet where you can easily carry around. In the demo as well, at some points, it looks very hard to select a point on the screen using Surface. Even in Microsoft Surface Launch in Japan, one of the customers said that the touch screen is not working properly, yet (for more info about Microsoft Surface Launch in Japan please go to this link). Also, the development in apps is far away from iTunes. Windows Store was just commenced in February 2012. Compare it with iTunes which has been existed for quite a while, that is a big challenge for Microsoft.

Saying so, is it worth it to install new Windows 8 to your PC? Frankly speaking, I think the 'conventional' design for Windows 7 is better than Windows 8. It is more simple and more appropriate for desktop. Or I may be wrong because I am just not used to it.

Overall, I think Microsoft has to elaborate more if they want to jump in tablet market. Competing with Apple and Samsung that uses Android, it will be hard for Microsoft to survive without any competitive edge in their product as the other tablets are affordable with maybe, more worth buying.