Switch eco-systems to Windows Phone/Surface?

[adamvk]

I'll be honest, I'm mostly just "bored" with my current setup, which is a Macbook Pro, iPad, and iPhone. They work, but to me they just seem ordinary and frankly outdated at time. (Well mostly my 4S feels outdated.) I do love Apple and their products, I just feel like the last few years have been "incremental." Nothing much has changed, and I feel like Microsoft might be leading the innovation the next couple of years.

I'm considering switching from a MBP + iPhone + iPad to a Microsoft Surface and some kind of Nokia Windows Phone 8 device. Has anyone switched to Windows Phone 8 from Mac? Obviously the Surface isn't out yet so people can't vouch for that. But does anyone have thoughts on doing this? I mostly use my Mac for surfing, email, etc, but then I'm also a graphic designer so CS6, Lightroom, etc. I would probably get the top of the line Surface Pro, and then buy a large external hard drive for my photos, videos, etc. I'm mostly worried about whether or not the Surface Pro could power a 27" monitor with CS6 running.

So, any thoughts? Thanks!

 

[A Hebrew]

Re-post this when the Surface is released and Windows 8 has been out for a few months?

 

[adamvk]

Re-post this when the Surface is released and Windows 8 has been out for a few months?

Yea, I realize the Surface isn't out, but many people including myself have access to Windows 8.

 

[IPlayFair]

I'll be honest, I'm mostly just "bored" with my current setup, which is a Macbook Pro, iPad, and iPhone. They work, but to me they just seem ordinary and frankly outdated at time. (Well mostly my 4S feels outdated.) I do love Apple and their products, I just feel like the last few years have been "incremental." Nothing much has changed, and I feel like Microsoft might be leading the innovation the next couple of years.

I'm considering switching from a MBP + iPhone + iPad to a Microsoft Surface and some kind of Nokia Windows Phone 8 device. Has anyone switched to Windows Phone 8 from Mac? Obviously the Surface isn't out yet so people can't vouch for that. But does anyone have thoughts on doing this? I mostly use my Mac for surfing, email, etc, but then I'm also a graphic designer so CS6, Lightroom, etc. I would probably get the top of the line Surface Pro, and then buy a large external hard drive for my photos, videos, etc. I'm mostly worried about whether or not the Surface Pro could power a 27" monitor with CS6 running.

So, any thoughts? Thanks!

Funny, I am doing the opposite. I've always been a Windows person but I want a different user experience so I am switching to a Mac (Imac if the new one ever gets released). I have nothing against Windows or the PC, I've just grown tired of both.

EDIT: I will say though, I am pissed at Apple in the way they are shaking down states for tax breaks to build a facility in a state. Most recently, Nevada giving Apple a 89 million dollar tax break. This almost caused me to change my mind about purchasing an Apple product.

 

[ReanimationN]

I'm with you. My phone contract is up in 2 months and I don't own a tablet. I'm going to wait it out and see how Windows Phone 8 and the Surface Pro turn out. If WP8 is a disappointment, I think I'll end up getting a GS3. I may have considered an iPhone 5/6/whatever it will be called, as I like my 3GS, but the new crappy Apple Maps sealed the deal for a move away for me. Sydney only just got public transport integration in Google Maps, I'm not leaving that! It's far too useful.
If the Surface Pro turns out great, I'll probably sell my MBP, as it'll be far more portable and I'll be able to dock it with my monitor at home for more screen real estate.

 

[maflynn]

Has anyone switched to Windows Phone 8 from Mac?

Win 8 phones are not out yet.

For me, I choose a product or platform based on meeting my needs. Getting bored with it, is not part of the equation. So for the iPhone, it offers a ton of apps, great interface and allows me to do what I want to do.

Win7 (and presumably win 8) phones lack a lot of apps. The Metro UI is not something I like and there's been a lot of complaints with WP7 for lack of consistency in the design, and performance issues in some components.

For Windows 8 desktop, I totally abhor the metro ui. While I don't like it on the phone, I can see its geared for a touch interface, its absolutely horrible for the desktop (and yes I used the various previews released by MS).

I want a product that allows me to work the way I want to work and not get in the way. The iPhone, and Mac computers allow me to do this. Windows 7 (desktop) also allows me to do this and I use win7 but I see more headaches when win8 hits the streets

 

[thejadedmonkey]

I'll be honest, I'm mostly just "bored" with my current setup, which is a Macbook Pro, iPad, and iPhone. They work, but to me they just seem ordinary and frankly outdated at time. (Well mostly my 4S feels outdated.) I do love Apple and their products, I just feel like the last few years have been "incremental." Nothing much has changed, and I feel like Microsoft might be leading the innovation the next couple of years.

I'm considering switching from a MBP + iPhone + iPad to a Microsoft Surface and some kind of Nokia Windows Phone 8 device. Has anyone switched to Windows Phone 8 from Mac? Obviously the Surface isn't out yet so people can't vouch for that. But does anyone have thoughts on doing this? I mostly use my Mac for surfing, email, etc, but then I'm also a graphic designer so CS6, Lightroom, etc. I would probably get the top of the line Surface Pro, and then buy a large external hard drive for my photos, videos, etc. I'm mostly worried about whether or not the Surface Pro could power a 27" monitor with CS6 running.

So, any thoughts? Thanks!

I switched from OS X 10.6 to Windows 7, almost full time. The transition was pretty much painless, as Windows 7 is a great OS. The most important bit of advice I can provide is (almost) the exact same advice I would give a Windows -> Mac convert; Don't do things the OS X way.

Windows has its way of doing stuff, and OS X has its own way. Don't confuse them, it won't work out well. Go buy a Dell Vostro, Vizio, or an equally decent computer without crapware and Windows will be a greeat OS. Then don't go installing everything known to mankind. It doesn't need a registry fixer, or a degradmenter, or anything like that.

The only utilities I run are MSE antivirus, mesh (dropbox like client), and f.lux. iTunes can be copied over easily enough, iPhoto can export its database into folders, it's not bad at all. questions? Reply or PM me I'll be happy to help.

 

[adamvk]

Funny, I am doing the opposite. I've always been a Windows person but I want a different user experience so I am switching to a Mac (Imac if the new one ever gets released). I have nothing against Windows or the PC, I've just grown tired of both.

EDIT: I will say though, I am pissed at Apple in the way they are shaking down states for tax breaks to build a facility in a state. Most recently, Nevada giving Apple a 89 million dollar tax break. This almost caused me to change my mind about purchasing an Apple product.

Yea, overall, I don't like the direction Apple's been going the last few years.

I'm with you. My phone contract is up in 2 months and I don't own a tablet. I'm going to wait it out and see how Windows Phone 8 and the Surface Pro turn out. If WP8 is a disappointment, I think I'll end up getting a GS3. I may have considered an iPhone 5/6/whatever it will be called, as I like my 3GS, but the new crappy Apple Maps sealed the deal for a move away for me. Sydney only just got public transport integration in Google Maps, I'm not leaving that! It's far too useful.
If the Surface Pro turns out great, I'll probably sell my MBP, as it'll be far more portable and I'll be able to dock it with my monitor at home for more screen real estate.

Yea, I also like Android, but I feel like it's just filled with huge inconsistencies. And yea, thats how I feel. If the Surface Pro is similar to my MBP, I'll sell it in a heartbeat. The portability of a tablet and power of a full fledged computer? That would be awesome.

Win 8 phones are not out yet.

For me, I choose a product or platform based on meeting my needs. Getting bored with it, is not part of the equation. So for the iPhone, it offers a ton of apps, great interface and allows me to do what I want to do.

Win7 (and presumably win 8) phones lack a lot of apps. The Metro UI is not something I like and there's been a lot of complaints with WP7 for lack of consistency in the design, and performance issues in some components.

For Windows 8 desktop, I totally abhor the metro ui. While I don't like it on the phone, I can see its geared for a touch interface, its absolutely horrible for the desktop (and yes I used the various previews released by MS).

I want a product that allows me to work the way I want to work and not get in the way. The iPhone, and Mac computers allow me to do this. Windows 7 (desktop) also allows me to do this and I use win7 but I see more headaches when win8 hits the streets

Ah, yes, you're correct. Windows Phone 7 is though. Yea, they don't have as many apps, but they just reached the 100,000 app milestone, right? I feel like that's a pretty decent number.

I switched from OS X 10.6 to Windows 7, almost full time. The transition was pretty much painless, as Windows 7 is a great OS. The most important bit of advice I can provide is (almost) the exact same advice I would give a Windows -> Mac convert; Don't do things the OS X way.

Windows has its way of doing stuff, and OS X has its own way. Don't confuse them, it won't work out well. Go buy a Dell Vostro, Vizio, or an equally decent computer without crapware and Windows will be a greeat OS. Then don't go installing everything known to mankind. It doesn't need a registry fixer, or a degradmenter, or anything like that.

The only utilities I run are MSE antivirus, mesh (dropbox like client), and f.lux. iTunes can be copied over easily enough, iPhoto can export its database into folders, it's not bad at all. questions? Reply or PM me I'll be happy to help.

Yea, I refuse to buy from Dell/Vizio/etc for that reason. Too much crapware. that's why the Microsoft Surface is so appealing to me.

Thanks for the help everyone!!

 

[roadbloc]

I'm in both Apple's and Microsoft's ecosystems. Looking forward to Microsoft's products most at the moment. Been a bit put off OS X with the last two releases (although ML is a vast improvement on the disaster that was Lion) and iOS 6 isn't what I'd call amazing.

I'm sure my time to look forward to Apple products will come again. They can't continue releasing mediocre hardware and software updates forever.

 

[malman89]

I don't know if/when/and how, but I desire switching as well from my Android/MacBook setup.

I'd love to switch to WP7.8/8, but I'm currently on Virgin Mobile and they don't have any WP offerings. If a similarly priced regional carrier (or heaven forbid a national carrier gets on their price level) picks up a quality WP, I'd do it.

The Surface is the only tablet/convertible/whatever you want to categorize it that has truly appealed to me outside of the Lenovo Ideapad Yoga. I want a product that is more than a consuming/media device like a Nexus 7 or iPad.

If not, I'll probably end up with an ultrabook combined with a moderate budget gaming rig I hope to throw together myself. Either way, I choose products that suit my needs, and Windows has more than regained the lead in my book.

 

[thejadedmonkey]

Yea, I refuse to buy from Dell/Vizio/etc for that reason. Too much crapware. that's why the Microsoft Surface is so appealing to me.

Thanks for the help everyone!!

No, you misunderstand me. The Dell Vostro line and the Vizio lines don't have crapware. In fact, the Vizio line is a MS signature product, which basically means MS gives the Windows image their seal of approval. Avoid the Toshiba/Acer stuff from Best Buy!

 

[Dr McKay]

I made the jump from iPhone to WP7, loving it.

 

[adamvk]

I'm in both Apple's and Microsoft's ecosystems. Looking forward to Microsoft's products most at the moment. Been a bit put off OS X with the last two releases (although ML is a vast improvement on the disaster that was Lion) and iOS 6 isn't what I'd call amazing.

I'm sure my time to look forward to Apple products will come again. They can't continue releasing mediocre hardware and software updates forever.

Yea, that's kind of what I'm thinking. Jump ship to the Microsoft eco-system this fall when all of the new MS things are out, and maybe switch back to Apple in a few years when things improve.

I don't know if/when/and how, but I desire switching as well from my Android/MacBook setup.

I'd love to switch to WP7.8/8, but I'm currently on Virgin Mobile and they don't have any WP offerings. If a similarly priced regional carrier (or heaven forbid a national carrier gets on their price level) picks up a quality WP, I'd do it.

The Surface is the only tablet/convertible/whatever you want to categorize it that has truly appealed to me outside of the Lenovo Ideapad Yoga. I want a product that is more than a consuming/media device like a Nexus 7 or iPad.

If not, I'll probably end up with an ultrabook combined with a moderate budget gaming rig I hope to throw together myself. Either way, I choose products that suit my needs, and Windows has more than regained the lead in my book.

Ah, okay, yea that stinks. I have AT&T which I completely hate, but I'm locked down with it. Luckily AT&T usually has a bunch of Windows Phone options.

No, you misunderstand me. The Dell Vostro line and the Vizio lines don't have crapware. In fact, the Vizio line is a MS signature product, which basically means MS gives the Windows image their seal of approval. Avoid the Toshiba/Acer stuff from Best Buy!

Ah yes, you're correct. I posted the earlier post in a rush before work. Vizio, okay, yea that makes sense. But Dell? I've owned a few Dell products and they've always been TERRIBLE and full of crapware. Has Dell changed this in the last few years? Regardless I'm never buying a Dell product again.

I made the jump from iPhone to WP7, loving it.

Good to hear! I'm just hoping the Surface Pro will really be as powerful as my current MBP. Surface Pro has the newest i5, so that's already an improvement. Now I'm just hoping for decent graphics and at least 4GB of ram.

 

[A Hebrew]

Yea, overall, I don't like the direction Apple's been going the last few years.



Yea, I also like Android, but I feel like it's just filled with huge inconsistencies. And yea, thats how I feel. If the Surface Pro is similar to my MBP, I'll sell it in a heartbeat. The portability of a tablet and power of a full fledged computer? That would be awesome.



Ah, yes, you're correct. Windows Phone 7 is though. Yea, they don't have as many apps, but they just reached the 100,000 app milestone, right? I feel like that's a pretty decent number.



Yea, I refuse to buy from Dell/Vizio/etc for that reason. Too much crapware. that's why the Microsoft Surface is so appealing to me.

Thanks for the help everyone!!

You should NOT base your buying decisions on software that you can easily remove completely in less than 20 minutes.

 

[smoledman]

I'll be honest, I'm mostly just "bored" with my current setup, which is a Macbook Pro, iPad, and iPhone. They work, but to me they just seem ordinary and frankly outdated at time. (Well mostly my 4S feels outdated.) I do love Apple and their products, I just feel like the last few years have been "incremental." Nothing much has changed, and I feel like Microsoft might be leading the innovation the next couple of years.

I'm considering switching from a MBP + iPhone + iPad to a Microsoft Surface and some kind of Nokia Windows Phone 8 device. Has anyone switched to Windows Phone 8 from Mac? Obviously the Surface isn't out yet so people can't vouch for that. But does anyone have thoughts on doing this? I mostly use my Mac for surfing, email, etc, but then I'm also a graphic designer so CS6, Lightroom, etc. I would probably get the top of the line Surface Pro, and then buy a large external hard drive for my photos, videos, etc. I'm mostly worried about whether or not the Surface Pro could power a 27" monitor with CS6 running.

So, any thoughts? Thanks!

Yes there will be 100 people like you who will switch, while the other 99,000,000 buy iPads and Macs.

 

[G51989]

Yes there will be 100 people like you who will switch, while the other 99,000,000 buy iPads and Macs.

They might buy ipads, but they won't buy macs if the last 25 years or so is any indication.

As far as the surface goes, I think its the first tablet good enough to take on the ipad.

The pro at least, blows away the ipad in every catogory, except battery life maybe. And will have the most software of any tablet

 

[adamvk]

You should NOT base your buying decisions on software that you can easily remove completely in less than 20 minutes.

Yea, I've never had good luck with Dell products before though. (Other than their monitors)

Yes there will be 100 people like you who will switch, while the other 99,000,000 buy iPads and Macs.

Unfortunately, yes. I feel like Microsoft will become the new Apple in the tablet world. If you want to "think different" you buy a Microsoft tablet.

They might buy ipads, but they won't buy macs if the last 25 years or so is any indication.

As far as the surface goes, I think its the first tablet good enough to take on the ipad.

The pro at least, blows away the ipad in every catogory, except battery life maybe. And will have the most software of any tablet

Yea, agreed. I'm quite excited.

 

[G51989]

Yea, I've never had good luck with Dell products before though. (Other than their monitors)

Depends how much you spend, if you buy cheap, you get cheap crap.

You should see some of the higher end dell laptops, esp the new latitudes, expect for being slightly thicker ( hey, some people like hard drives and optical drives ), they are every bit as well made as an Apple laptop.

Unfortunately, yes. I feel like Microsoft will become the new Apple in the tablet world. If you want to "think different" you buy a Microsoft tablet.

For me thats a good thing, i want Windows to keep being number 1, because expect for my lonely iMac ( and PPC Macs, but I don't use those anymore, they just collect dust. Besides the Quad 2.5 G5, I actually have old simulation programs that I like to make some stuff on that only runs on PPC ),

I want the surface to do very well, because that just gives me more hardware to run my software on. I can't wait for the surface.

Yea, agreed. I'm quite excited.

So am I, the Surface I think will be the best tablet on the market.

 

[smoledman]

Apple gives you iLife suite, iWork, Final Cut Pro and beautiful hardware. What more could you want?

 

[adamvk]

Depends how much you spend, if you buy cheap, you get cheap crap.

You should see some of the higher end dell laptops, esp the new latitudes, expect for being slightly thicker ( hey, some people like hard drives and optical drives ), they are every bit as well made as an Apple laptop.



For me thats a good thing, i want Windows to keep being number 1, because expect for my lonely iMac ( and PPC Macs, but I don't use those anymore, they just collect dust. Besides the Quad 2.5 G5, I actually have old simulation programs that I like to make some stuff on that only runs on PPC ),

I want the surface to do very well, because that just gives me more hardware to run my software on. I can't wait for the surface.



So am I, the Surface I think will be the best tablet on the market.

Yea, agreed.

Apple gives you iLife suite, iWork, Final Cut Pro and beautiful hardware. What more could you want?

iLife is Crap, iWork is okay, but there's MS Office. Final Cut Pro is good, but I use Adobe Premiere. Yes, the hardware is nice, but so is the hardware with the Microsoft Surface, hence why I'm excited.

 

[roadbloc]

Apple gives you iLife suite, iWork, Final Cut Pro and beautiful hardware. What more could you want?

LOL. The iLife Suite is the only decent thing out of that list (Live Essentials, although free, don't quite cut it). iWork is no match to Office and FCP was ruined with version X. I'll admit that Apple's designs are stunning at times, but that doesn't mean no-one else can make hardware that looks just as good. Take a look at Levono's laptops.

 

[rien333]

As far as the surface goes, I think its the first tablet good enough to take on the ipad.

The pro at least, blows away the ipad in every catogory, except battery life maybe. And will have the most software of any tablet

Guessing that you're talking about the fact that Windows 8 pro tablets can run (almost) all Windows applications, I have to point out that that isn't necessarily a good thing. Windows desktop applications aren't really made with potential tablet users in mind, resulting in a bad tablet experience. Also more doesn't equal better at all.

My point here is that you can have a really fast and well built tablet, but if the software (or the lack of any good software) isn't any good it will still be kind of useless.

 

[adamvk]

LOL. The iLife Suite is the only decent thing out of that list (Live Essentials, although free, don't quite cut it). iWork is no match to Office and FCP was ruined with version X. I'll admit that Apple's designs are stunning at times, but that doesn't mean no-one else can make hardware that looks just as good. Take a look at Levono's laptops.

Yea, Lenovo's hardware is good, but the design is still way behind something like the Surface, IMO.

Guessing that you're talking about the fact that Windows 8 pro tablets can run (almost) all Windows applications, I have to point out that that isn't necessarily a good thing. Windows desktop applications aren't really made with potential tablet users in mind, resulting in a bad tablet experience. Also more doesn't equal better at all.

My point here is that you can have a really fast and well built tablet, but if the software (or the lack of any good software) isn't any good it will still be kind of useless.

But the Surface, not being an ordinary tablet, can utilize a keyboard, mouse, as well as an external monitor. So yes, thinks like Adobe Premier aren't optimized for tablets, so that's when you connect a mouse/kb/monitor, and you're all set. I think this is why it appeals so much to me. It's both a tablet and a computer in one slim well designed package.

Also, random thought, I wonder if the drive will be user-upgradable to 256GB? 128 would be tight for me.

 

[G51989]

Guessing that you're talking about the fact that Windows 8 pro tablets can run (almost) all Windows applications, I have to point out that that isn't necessarily a good thing. Windows desktop applications aren't really made with potential tablet users in mind, resulting in a bad tablet experience. Also more doesn't equal better at all.

My point here is that you can have a really fast and well built tablet, but if the software (or the lack of any good software) isn't any good it will still be kind of useless.

I think its a very good thing, for me. Its tablet that isn't a toy.

The point of the surface is, you have your track pad, and keyboard when you want to use it in laptop mode, and use all your desktop Apps.

When you want to go into metro touch mode? You still have the touchscreen.