Microsoft spies Apple vulnerability?

[Rogifan]

Brooke Crothers at C|Net seems to think that Apple is vulnerable to Windows 8 hybrid devices and touchscreen laptops. I guess time will tell but I've never had the urge to touch my laptop screen. These seem more gimmicky to me than anything else. And based on some of Apple's patent filings I wouldn't be surprised if they've tried this and decided keeping laptops and tablets separate is the better way to go.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-10805_3-57504849-75/microsoft-spies-apple-vulnerability/

 

[Dolorian]

I think this is just like the Netbooks all over again. Just as the Netbook is not better than a smartphone or a laptop at what each of them do, so too these hybrids are not better than a tablet or a laptop at what they do.

When they act as a laptop, it creates a disjointed user experience, with the user consciously debating over using the trackpad or the touchscreen in order to do things.

When they act as a tablet, if they are of the type where the screen flips around, you end up with a bulkier and heavier tablet, caring around an extra piece of hardware that you don't need. If they are of the type where the screen detaches, they are not really better or different than mounting an iPad on a keyboard.

Apple's vulnerability? Hardly, I think Apple made the right call when they rejected the idea of a hybrid and opted to keep tablets and laptop separate.

 

[Rogifan]

I've heard with Wndows 8 tablets if you're in desktop mode you need to go into settings to be able to switch between portrait and landscape? That would be a huge pain.

 

[Blackberryroid]

Some people will never learn.

People are going to be tired by touching the display of that thing. I guarantee it.

 

[Tony2255]

I remember when people thought the same about touch screen phones and then about tablets too...you never know what people will go for. I know three people that had to but a separate keyboard in order to use their ipad as they did not luke the touch typing on screen. Should these people have bought a laptop instead, certainly, but they wanted to jump on the bad wagon with the rest os us blind followers. So it may be a good idea. We will see what happens in the next year. It will be interesting.

 

[Rogifan]

I don't think Apple is quaking in their boots over this:





I'm glad Apple stays away from gimmicks. I'm sure there's lots of far out stuff in their design lab that never makes it out of the lab. Some of these Windows 8 devices look like they should have stayed in their design labs.

 

[Arran]

...you never know what people will go for.

True.

Should these people have bought a laptop instead, certainly.

I'd say maybe. There's still a lot of value in being able to leave the keyboard behind when traveling light. The onscreen keyboard may not be perfect, but it's always with you and weighs nothing.

...but they wanted to jump on the bad wagon with the rest os us blind followers.

Speak for yourself.

Personally, I'd say the biggest threat on the horizon is the expected change in dock connector. Faced with having to swap out all their accessories, folks might give the tablet competition a second look. That said, years-worth of app and music purchases will likely keep me hooked on Apple.