Microsoft Surface Launch

The Microsoft Surface RT launched yesterday around the country.  Micrsoft Store employees faced something they are very unfamiliar with...lines.  The Microsoft Store was a familiar site to any Apple fanboy.   Stores across the country had lines for the launch of the Surface RT.  Although the launch does seem to be a success at least initiatlly, you can still walk into a store today and pick one up.

I did a little spying yesterday to get my hands on one and although it wasn't enough time to get a good feel for the device, I was intrigued.  The first thing I noticed is that the build quality does seem pretty good.  It had the heft and solid feel of an iPad.  It wasn't exactly thin though.  I actually liked the kickstand quite a bit.  The keyboard was also very interesting.  I liked the idea but felt that it was a little difficult getting your key presses to be recognized.  You had to almost slam your fingers down on the pad. After some practice, I'm sure you wouldn't even notice.  When I actually  got around to playing with it, I realized my fears were justified.



I walked up and Word was already open.  It looked very much word-like.  And it was jarring because all of a sudden I was using a laptop, not a tablet.  That wasn't even the worst part, I couldn't figure out how to close the application.  I literally had to control-q, just to close Word and then, wait a minute, whats that?  A PC Desktop?  It looked like the Windows 7 Desktop.  Where was "Metro" or Modern UI, whatever Microsoft is calling it these days.  Finally after fiddling around, I realized the Windows logo on the front was a touch "button" and would take me to Metro.

This is where it got a little more fun.  The animations were smooth, the live tiles were live, and the 2 minutes I played with this aspect of the tablet I really enjoyed.  I did notice a few apps designed specifically for the Surface on there although I didn't have time to play with it.  Its good that this was the last thing I was left with because that's what made me wanting more.  I wanted to get to the nuts and bolts of this system because I think this is where the Surface would shine if it actually does shine at all.

If all goes well, MW will be getting one in the next couple of days an hopefully we'll get a review up after that.  Now is a very interesting time where the stakes haven't been higher, hopefully Microsoft belly's up to the table and throws in a few chips.