Any one planning on buying a new Ivy Bridge Ultrabook or Win8 Tablet?

[MarkShot]

It seems that "convertible" is another term being applied to these hybrids:

http://www.tomshardware.com/news/Toshiba-windows-8-ultrabook-tablet-windows-rt,15897.html

[Silent Disapproval Robot]

Shouldn't this be in Tech Talk?

[MarkShot]

Not really because the big unknown is are these things going to work better for games than small form factor laptops have in the past?

My wife just told me she wish we would get one before leaving.  If we did, I know what she wants installed, but I want games.  However, I don't think an Win8 tablets are coming with a built in subwoofer.  :(

[MarkShot]

There goes the ultrabook market:

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2405546,00.asp

[Bison]

Intresting.

[MarkShot]

The thing is, at least, for DELL's XPS13 every review compared it to the MacBook.  So, one would not have trouble making that argument in front of a jury or mediator.

Also, remember that Apple has a huge amount of cash to plow into p*ss*ng contests.

One recollect the Apple vs Samsung legal wrestling matches.

[Bison]

It seems to be the shape that they patented.  So if that is the case, I'd expect more boxy shaped competition.

[MarkShot]

I can see those selling really well!

[Bison]

I can see those selling really well!

Heh.  I'm not sure how you patent a shape or copyright a word, but there you have it.  Apple owns a tear shape!

[Staggerwing]

I can see those selling really well!

Heh.  I'm not sure how you patent a shape or copyright a word, but there you have it.  Apple owns a tear shape!

Walmart recently tried to copyright the classic smiley face even though it's been around for almost 50 years.

[MarkShot]

Acer Launches "World's Thinnest" Ultrabook

http://www.tomshardware.com/news/ultrabook-Ivy-Bridge-Thunderbolt-Aspire-S5PowerSmart,16016.html

They now all have HDMI ports.  So, can go big screen when at home.

[MarkShot]

MSFT debuts the Surface.  Some big news:

http://www.pcworld.com/article/257848/by_the_numbers_microsofts_surface_vs_apples_ipad.html

http://www.pcworld.com/article/257852/microsoft_surface_tablet_initial_impressions.html

http://www.pcworld.com/article/257841/microsoft_surface_a_look_at_the_first_windows_8_tablet.html

This may the device for ultimate strategy gaming portability.  The portability of an iPad, but the OS upon which most of use play games.

[junk2drive]

This may the device for ultimate strategy gaming portability.  The portability of an iPad, but the OS upon which most of use play games.

Up to Win 7 that might be true but who knows what will work or be available with Win 8.

[MarkShot]

There are actually two Surfaces.  RT with an ARM style chip, and PRO with Intel/Ivy Bridge.  If I was buying with games in mind, I would probably stick with PRO.

[MarkShot]

Well, MSFT has really done something innovative with the cover keyboard.

Doing serious work on the iPad with the virtual keyboard is a pain.  Using your finger as a mouse/cursor is also a pain.  It works, but when you are trying to use your iPad as a laptop ... it doesn't measure up.

Additionally, the keyboard cover with touch pad, greatly increases screen real estate with the iPad dedicates to the virtual keypad.

How this all plays out should be very interesting.  It should be noted that Logitech recently offered a smart cover replacement for the iPad that also was a blue tooth keyboard.

http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/18/logitech-ultrathin-keyboard-cover/