[dba-Tech] MS launch of Surface range

On 2012-06-20 2:24 AM, Gustav Brock wrote:
> Hi Hans
>
> I can see how people use tablets or pads and I could use one as well. But it would be for casual use and I'm reluctant to spend money just to fill such need.

My 7" tablet fills several use niches. Runs client software for our 
music server. Is a terrific way to watch movies late at night without 
disturbing the spouse. Is terrific for those wherever moments when the 
conversation leads to "let's look that up", which turns out to be 
something like a dozen times a day. Most surprisingly it's transformed 
reading habits. When in the course of a working day I find an article on 
the 'net I want to read, I now mostly just add the bookmark to my read 
list. The Chrome browser synchronises desktop & tablet bookmark menus, 
so later, nowhere near a desk, I can read any of those pieces in 
comfort. And it's much more enjoyable reading an ebook than a dead tree 
book. I can carry around all the books I'm reading and dip into any of 
'em at any time. The lighting is better than with a dead tree book, no 
need for external light, page turning is a finger touch, I can save off 
excerpts if i like, I don't have to put it down to reference something 
on the 'net, and it always remembers where I was. All this in a light 
device that slips into a pocket.

So, a terrific appliance that does some things I couldn't do before, 
does some things better than anything else. frees up a fair bit of desk 
time, and ('cept for testing apps I write for it) has zero functional 
overlap with a development 'puter.

PB


>
> With the Surface machine the picture changes. This will fill my need while doubling as a useful machine for much of my professional work.
>
> /gustav
>
>
>>>> hans.andersen at phulse.com 20-06-12 2:48>>>
> I would rather not indulge any irrational and excessive dislike for Apple products. I'd rather we talk like serious professionals who have a curiosity with all things technology, rather than be stuck in a tribal mindset.
>
> The question I was wondering is whether it makes sense to spend that much money on a tablet when cheaper, high quality alternatives exist that satisfy whatever your needs are - whether it be a portable development platform (laptop) or a handy portable device for general email/chat/web surfing/content consumption etc (tablet).
>
> - Hans
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On 2012-06-19, at 3:25 PM, "Jim Lawrence"<accessd at shaw.ca>  wrote:
>
>> Not that I disagree with you at all but I have been using the very same
>> argument with regards to MAC equipment. Why not just buy a nice laptop that
>> performs as good or better at half the price? ;-)
>>
>> Is looks and having the "right" gear that important?...Isn't development
>> production more important?
>>
>> Jim
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