Insights For Success

Strategy, Innovation, Leadership and Security

Windows 8 RT

Outlook coming to Surface RT

technologyEdward Kiledjian

Like it or hate it, the Microsoft Surface RT tablet is an original creation forcing us to think differently about the tablet market. As good as some think it is, most users agree it is missing one main tool, Microsoft Outlook. It seems Microsoft may have heard your complaints and may be preparing to release Outlook for Surface RT (according to the Supersite for Windows). The article says a bug in the ARM chipset (the tablets brain) may have caused the delay in the release.

Obviously Microsoft is committed to the new tiles interface of Windows 8 / RT and is going to continue refining the user experience. Sales of the Surface RT have been soft but Outlook may be the driver that finally pushes it into the arms of waiting power-users and corporations.

 

Windows RT is not selling that well

technologyEdward Kiledjian

In October, I wrote an article entitled "Don’t Buy Microsoft’s Surface RT Yet!"and I still think that is good advice.

Now Samsung has told CNET that it will not bring the ATIV TAb (Windows RT tablet) to the US based on the feedback it received from its retail partners.

Samsung is also worried that most customers still don't understand the difference between a "real" Windows 8 device and a Windows RT tablet. Samsung doesn't want to fork over the money to educate the market about the differences.

Nothing here is surprising. Windows RT has an almost non existing hardware ecosystem, a very small number of apps, very few partner products and the Microsoft Surface RT tablet is too expensive. This may end up being another "Windows Vista experience" for Microsoft. 

Surface Pro will be too expensive

technologyEdward Kiledjian

Like many tech enthusiasts, I am anxiously waiting for Microsoft’s Surface Pro to hit the market so I could get one. After all, it is supposed to offer the ultimate tablet experience while being able to run all my “normal” Windows apps. Microsoft finally announced pricing for the Surface Pro tablet and many stood there in shock. Depending on which version you pick up, it will cost you $899US to $999US (plus one of the keyboard covers).

Let me be clear, the Surface Pro will cost too much.

Microsoft had said pricing would be in-line with that of ultrabooks but is that a real competitor? Ultrabooks have some qualities Surface Pro does not: 

  • Bigger screens
  • Real keyboards
  • More ports for expansion
  • More configuration options
  • Better battery life
  • have user replaceable batteries

The above list shows the advantages a typical ultrabook has over the Surface Pro tablet. I really feel that Microsoft should have made this a lost leader to help create demand and build an ecosystem. The Surface RT was too expensive when compared to the Nexus and iPad tablets. Now the Surface Pro will be too expensive compared to ultrabooks (it's chief rival). 

When the Surface Pro is finally released end of January, I will bot be buying one. Instead, I will look at my options and maybe go towards a MacBook Air.

FREE Window 8 for Dummies pocket eBook

technologyEdward Kiledjian

Dell is offering a Free Windows 8 for Dummies eBook right now. 

You fill out the request form and are immediately given a special download link. It is a short ebook with 147 information packed pages.

It covers some of the more important topics like the new Start screen, the new desktop, your different storage option, social apps and the 10 things you’ll hate about Windows 8 (and how to fix them). 

I went through the book and found the information useful and definitely worth downloading for anyone migrating to a new Windows 8 PC or a Windows 8 tablet.

Request the free eBook here.

 

 

Microsoft's cool idea to market its new Live tile concept

Television, technologyEdward Kiledjian

Anyone using Windows 8, Windows 8 RT or Windows Phone 8 knows the cool new Microsoft designed concept of a Live tile. It is a tile that provides active information about the things that are important to you. 

Microsoft created a Live Tile on the floor (middle of the road) that lit up when a person stepped on it. As soon as the person was completely on the tile, the walls of the nearby club fell down and everyone started dancing around that person.

Its one of those things that you just have to see. Creative idea Microsoft.