It’s funny, because for too long Apple has kept the Ipad “locked down” by only allowing it to run the apps that Apple approves. Have to use Itunes to add files from an external source. Can’t watch certain types of video without re-encoding. And no SD reader or USB port? That’s a joke.
Surface should let you run the same programs that you run on your home or work PC, or anything else you can download for that matter. Meaning, I could put the software on it that I use for work and have a viable tablet solution to do the tasks I do every day. You can add files via USB or SD. Heck, you could take pictures with your digital SLR camera using a full size SD adapter then put the micro SD in your tablet and see or edit the pictures instantly, without having to email them to yourself or going through Itunes. You wouldn’t have to have another computer, period.
I’m not a Microsoft fan, but they hit a home run when they decided to put a desktop OS on their tablet and include an SD and USB port. If Apple had done this from the get-go, I might own an Ipad right now.
I’m still dying to know if I can boot Ubuntu on a Surface, though...
So will Windows RT tablets, with purchases through Windows Store.
Have to use Itunes to add files from an external source.
Various applications have the ability to load their own files.
Can’t watch certain types of video without re-encoding.
Every system has the set of videos that it has codecs for.
And no SD reader or USB port?
Thankfully. Managing everything between the internal memory and SD card in my Android was a PITA.
Heck, you could take pictures with your digital SLR camera using a full size SD adapter then put the micro SD in your tablet and see or edit the pictures instantly
Since you note the use of an adapter is acceptable to you, just get the iPad Camera Connection Kit, which comes with USB and SD adapters. If you are a serious photographer, this setup even supports RAW (and Apple is continually shipping RAW updates as new cameras come out).
I’m still dying to know if I can boot Ubuntu on a Surface, though
No. Windows 8 will use Secure Boot, optional on PCs, but mandatory for tablets. No OS or driver without a cryptographically signed key will run on the hardware. Fedora purchased a key through Microsoft's developer portal, and that pissed off a lot of people. Ubuntu has not purchased a key.
Don’t forget... people will be able to watch Youtube videos on it from day one without trying to pull some crazy hack or workaround.
You obviously DON'T own an iPad because your complaints are the joke. . . On you. Apple has provided a SD reader and USB adapter since the release of the iPad. There are browsers that allow you to view FLASH content. The lock down of the apps keeps the platform secure from malware.
You obviously DON'T own an iPad because your complaints are the joke. . . On you. Apple has provided a SD reader and USB adapter since the release of the iPad. There are browsers that allow you to view FLASH content. The lock down of the apps keeps the platform secure from malware.