Windows 8 Tablets: iPad killer? iPad Competitor? Windows Killer?

[Hemi-Cuda]

Originally Posted by FanIn80

Windows 8 RT won't connect to a domain. It's just another tablet using WiFi, so there is no added manageability gained. I'm not sure where the added security would come from either.

If they would add domain authentication to RT, then things would be a different story. Personally, tho, I see this as more of a threat to Android-based tablets than iPads. They serve requisite purpose of not being made by Apple, while still providing most of the benefits you'd find within the Apple echosystem.

Windows 8 RT will be manageable through SCCM, which can do things like enforce pin security, restrict and deploy apps, and get reporting information from mobile devices. not as robust as a domain joined PC, but better than what you can get from Apple

[sclitheroe]

Originally Posted by Hemi-Cuda

Windows 8 RT will be manageable through SCCM, which can do things like enforce pin security, restrict and deploy apps, and get reporting information from mobile devices. not as robust as a domain joined PC, but better than what you can get from Apple

Does RT do ActiveSync? That would also get you remote wipe capabilities, which is probably the biggest thing businesses seem to care about in my experience.

[Rathji]

All versions of Windows 8 support Active Sync, including RT.

[Burninator]

Originally Posted by GreenLantern

I have been waiting, very patiently, for a good opportunity to buy a tablet that wasn't made by Apple... as an avid Windows supporter I might give this a go. Especially if they can integrate office so I can transfer stuff back and forth from tablet to desktop to laptop. It would be nice to work on the couch comfortably instead of having this hot laptop burning a hole through my lap.

Windows RT comes with Word, OneNote, Excel and Powerpoint. Not sure about the transferring, but I am sure there is way to do it relatively easily.

[FanIn80]

Originally Posted by Hemi-Cuda

Windows 8 RT will be manageable through SCCM, which can do things like enforce pin security, restrict and deploy apps, and get reporting information from mobile devices. not as robust as a domain joined PC, but better than what you can get from Apple

Nice, I didn't realize they had that. Apple has the same thing, but it only works on a Mac, so this actually does open up some doors on the Windows side. I guess in hindsight, I should have figured they'd have something like this, but the lack of domain support made me question whether it was intended for business or not.

I spent $500 on a Mac mini for the office for deploying and remotely managing all the iOS devices, so that side is covered, now I have to spend some time getting to know Win8RT. I'm actually really looking forward to it. I spent 3 months testing a WM7 phone, and I really enjoyed the OS. There were some annoyances, like the built-in search was locked to Bing, but it was all pretty minor. I think this tablet will be pretty fun to play around with.

Man I can't wait to tear down our BES. Soon...

[Thor]

So tempted to pick this up, my laptop is finally on its last legs and even though I've been hesitant to go to a tablet the fact this one is much closer to a work laptop than anything I've seen has me interested.

[SuperMatt18]

I am much more intrigued by the laptop/tablet combos that are on the horizon then the Microsoft surface itself.

They are going to be expensive but the potential looks to be pretty awesome.

Dell: http://www.dell.com/ca/p/xps-12-l221x/pd.aspx?l=en

Sony: http://store.sony.ca/webapp/wcs/stor...ier=S_Touch_PC

Asus: http://www.asus.com/vivo/en/index.htm

Really excited to see what Asus has in store for tomorrow.

[psicodude]

Just to further add to the System Center 2012 talk, MS has added iOS and Android support to it, although I don't know to what extent.

Also new in the 2012 version is System Center 2012's ability to manage Android, iOS, Symbian, and Windows Phone 7 mobile devices using the same EAS (Exchange ActiveSync) policies that Microsoft Exchange has long had to manage the same devices. System Center also remains a desktop and virtual-desktop management tool for Windows PCs, as in its previous version.

This article is a bit old though: http://www.infoworld.com/d/microsoft...er-2012-185442

I have been running full blown Windows 8 for about a week now, and I have to admit that it is starting to grow on me after the initial shock. The transition between new UI and desktop is still clumsy though, but I am getting used to it. They should have just dumped the desktop thing, but the outrage from old school Windows users would have been enormous I would assume. If you have Win 8 running, I would strongly suggest installing the "Cheat keys & tips" app as it shows you all of the available keyboard shortcuts.

[Hemi-Cuda]

Originally Posted by psicodude

Just to further add to the System Center 2012 talk, MS has added iOS and Android support to it, although I don't know to what extent.



This article is a bit old though: http://www.infoworld.com/d/microsoft...er-2012-185442

I have been running full blown Windows 8 for about a week now, and I have to admit that it is starting to grow on me after the initial shock. The transition between new UI and desktop is still clumsy though, but I am getting used to it. They should have just dumped the desktop thing, but the outrage from old school Windows users would have been enormous I would assume. If you have Win 8 running, I would strongly suggest installing the "Cheat keys & tips" app as it shows you all of the available keyboard shortcuts.

we're running SCCM 2012, and all you can do on Android and iOS devices is initiate a remote wipe and apply permissions on whether they can use Active Sync or not. no security management, no app management, it's pretty limited. it sounds like they're going to be adding some functionality in SP1, but no clue on how much of a difference there'll be

[Mike F]

Very brief look at the integration of Skype into Windows 8.

I've been using a Windows Phone 7 device for a year and a half, and love the integration of Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn in the People Hub and Pictures Hub. Adding in Skype will make it that much better.

[psicodude]

Originally Posted by Hemi-Cuda

we're running SCCM 2012, and all you can do on Android and iOS devices is initiate a remote wipe and apply permissions on whether they can use Active Sync or not. no security management, no app management, it's pretty limited. it sounds like they're going to be adding some functionality in SP1, but no clue on how much of a difference there'll be

Yeah, our Microsoft rep claims that you will be able to push apps with SP1, but the user has to accept the package. Hopefully it's a viable MDM options.

[GreenLantern]

Originally Posted by Burninator

Windows RT comes with Word, OneNote, Excel and Powerpoint. Not sure about the transferring, but I am sure there is way to do it relatively easily.

That is what I wanted to hear, the more I delve into this the more it seems to be a positive. Their phone can also work with these files.. lots of times I have been out for a beer with colleagues and they ask a question about a figure or calculation that I can't quite remember.. if I can access files from my phone that could come in handy.

[Rathji]

I am sure there will be Dropbox, Google Drive, or at the very least SkyDrive available that will make syncing files between devices painless.

[FanIn80]

SkyDrive is built in.

[FlamingLonghorn]

I just preordered a Dell XPS10 with my employee discount for <$300

http://www.dell.com/us/p/xps-10-tablet/pd

Doesn't ship til December, but seems pretty cool. Keyboard has HDMI, USB and built in battery so that's an advantage over Surface.

[FanIn80]

One thing that really irks me about all these competitor tablets is the absence of cellular data. Yes, I know about mobile hotspot etc, but I happen to enjoy the convenience of not having to mess around with my phone just to get Internet on my tablet.

I had a brief glimmer of hope when I noticed that Dell was doing preorders for their business-class Windows 8 Pro tablets. That soon vanished when I looked into it, and saw that only the most-expensive, 3rd option has cell data - and it's just HSPA. Not to mention only 2GB of RAM and an Atom processor (these run the full desktop OS, they're not to be compared to iPads and Androids).

I want:

- Windows 8 Pro x64
- 128GB Flash storage (not 32GB or 64GB augmented with a 64GB SD Card)
- 4GB RAM minimum (8GB preferred)
- Dual-Core 3rd Gen Core i5 mobile processor minimum
- Dual-band N WiFi
- Unlocked LTE cell data
- High-res IPS display panel (doesn't have to be Retina, 1080p would be fine)
- Solid build quality

Now THAT is a business tablet. I would gladly pay through the nose for that.

[Anduril]

Originally Posted by FanIn80

One thing that really irks me about all these competitor tablets is the absence of cellular data. Yes, I know about mobile hotspot etc, but I happen to enjoy the convenience of not having to mess around with my phone just to get Internet on my tablet.

I had a brief glimmer of hope when I noticed that Dell was doing preorders for their business-class Windows 8 Pro tablets. That soon vanished when I looked into it, and saw that only the most-expensive, 3rd option has cell data - and it's just HSPA. Not to mention only 2GB of RAM and an Atom processor (these run the full desktop OS, they're not to be compared to iPads and Androids).

I want:

- Windows 8 Pro x64
- 128GB Flash storage (not 32GB or 64GB augmented with a 64GB SD Card)
- 4GB RAM minimum (8GB preferred)
- Dual-Core 3rd Gen Core i5 mobile processor minimum
- Dual-band N WiFi
- Unlocked LTE cell data
- High-res IPS display panel (doesn't have to be Retina, 1080p would be fine)
- Solid build quality

Now THAT is a business tablet. I would gladly pay through the nose for that.

And that's where having a quick toggle for wifi tethering helps.
But I would imagine that for decent battery, either the battery pack would have to be huge or you would suffer with something like only 3 hours while connected to LTE.

[edslunch]

I think Surface is going to flop. It's not a good enough tablet to compete with the best. It's not a good enough notebook to replace notebooks. Surface RT and Pro are totally different capabilities - how confusing is that. Microsoft weak in mobile apps. Surface Pro can run legacy Windows apps which I'm going to do to with my multi-touch UI??? To me it's a mess. And MS' track record in hardware is pretty slim.

[Mike F]

Originally Posted by edslunch

I think Surface is going to flop. It's not a good enough tablet to compete with the best. It's not a good enough notebook to replace notebooks. Surface RT and Pro are totally different capabilities - how confusing is that. Microsoft weak in mobile apps. Surface Pro can run legacy Windows apps which I'm going to do to with my multi-touch UI??? To me it's a mess. And MS' track record in hardware is pretty slim.

Is this from hands-on use?

[sclitheroe]

Great review of the MS unit here:
http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2012/...face-reviewed/

The touch keyboard cover gets good reviews here - even with the reviewer going in with a skeptical attitude. That's really good news for MS - seems like they did a good job with that, and it's such a key differentiator.