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Everybody is suddenly copying Microsoft
Business Insider ^ | October 4, 2015 | Matt Weinberger

Posted on 10/04/2015 1:49:51 PM PDT by Swordmaker

In 2012, when Microsoft first introduced the Surface Pro — a tablet that was also a laptop — it became an industry punch line.

“You can merge a toaster and a refrigerator, but that’s probably not going to be pleasing to anyone," quipped Apple CEO Tim Cook.

Nobody's laughing now. And Microsoft is looking more and more like a trendsetter.

Three years after Cook's jab, the Surface Pro 3 is selling strong — strong enough that Microsoft is expected to launch a much-anticipated Surface Pro 4 at a special event on Tuesday.

In the meantime, Apple and Google have started to pay attention. This past September saw both companies introduce tablet-laptop hybrids: the Apple iPad Pro and the Google Pixel C.

"Apple just admitted Microsoft is right," read a headline here on Business Insider. Another one described the Pixel C as a "Surface killer."

(Excerpt) Read more at businessinsider.com ...


TOPICS: Business/Economy; Computers/Internet
KEYWORDS: applepinglist; ipad; msn; surfacepro; surfacepro3; surfacepro4; tablet; windowspinglist
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1 posted on 10/04/2015 1:49:51 PM PDT by Swordmaker
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To: Swordmaker

Didnt microsoft make a toasterator called the zune?


2 posted on 10/04/2015 1:51:07 PM PDT by Secret Agent Man (Gone Galt; Not averse to Going Bronson.)
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To: Swordmaker

Indeed so. My apple software is rapidly approaching the crappiness of the Windows I once loathed.

I am still an Apple customer...but for how long remains to be seen.


3 posted on 10/04/2015 1:54:05 PM PDT by Da Coyote
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To: Da Coyote
Indeed so. My apple software is rapidly approaching the crappiness of the Windows I once loathed.

I have no problems with either Apple hardware or software - my iPad and iPhone are outstanding devices, very high quality.

The thing is, so is the Surface Pro 3. I really like this thing.
4 posted on 10/04/2015 1:56:03 PM PDT by AnotherUnixGeek
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To: ~Kim4VRWC's~; 1234; Abundy; Action-America; acoulterfan; AFreeBird; Airwinger; Aliska; altair; ...
This article seems to think that because the 2012 Microsoft Surface had an optional keyboard that because the Apple iPad Pro has an optional keyboard that Apple is somehow copying Microsoft. Hate to break it to the author but the original iPad in 2010 had an optional Apple keyboard when it was released and within three months it had optional keyboard cases as well. . . and there were iPad styluses available for them as well. PING!


Apple 2010 iPad Keyboard
Ping!

The Latest Apple/Mac/iOS Pings can be found by searching Keyword “ApplePingList” on Freerepublic’s Search.

If you want on or off the Mac Ping List, Freepmail me.

5 posted on 10/04/2015 1:56:56 PM PDT by Swordmaker ( This tag line is a Microsoft insult free zone... but if the insults to Mac users continue...)
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To: dayglored; ThunderSleeps; ShadowAce

Ping for your respective lists


6 posted on 10/04/2015 1:58:57 PM PDT by Swordmaker ( This tag line is a Microsoft insult free zone... but if the insults to Mac users continue...)
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To: Swordmaker

I’m seriously looking at a Surface Pro 4 or a few other top end models from Asus, Dell, and Acer to replace my Mac.

I’ve had two upgrades fail on my 2011 MBP not to mention software that you cannot replicate.

Apple has some top notch hardware, but in the last few years, their software has gone straight down the toilet.

Take IOS 9. It was supposed to be a leveling field, time to play catchup and stabilize things. Turns out it is nothing of the sort with two fixes issued in as many weeks.

They still can’t get their browser to repaint right. Going to make cars and rings? What a joke.


7 posted on 10/04/2015 1:59:14 PM PDT by ImJustAnotherOkie
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To: Swordmaker

Surface Pro is nice, but seems over-priced to me.


8 posted on 10/04/2015 1:59:34 PM PDT by smokingfrog ( sleep with one eye open (<o> ---)
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To: Secret Agent Man
Didnt microsoft make a toasterator called the zune?

It and Zima are going to make a big comeback. And the Ford Probe.

9 posted on 10/04/2015 2:02:10 PM PDT by Sirius Lee (Cruz or Lose 2016)
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To: ImJustAnotherOkie

Had the original Surface, a Surface 2 pro and am awaiting the coming Pro 4. Fantastic machines!


10 posted on 10/04/2015 2:02:51 PM PDT by HonorInPa
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To: Da Coyote

Take all your crapple and throw it all out the window.


11 posted on 10/04/2015 2:05:24 PM PDT by FreedomStar3028 (Somebody has to step forward and do what is right because it is right, otherwise no one will follow.)
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To: Swordmaker

I have a Surface 3 (latest release). It functions as a laptop replacement and runs all my software/peripherals. I run my business on it and it just works. However, when I want a tablet with well designed and functional apps, I use my Kindle Fire.


12 posted on 10/04/2015 2:05:57 PM PDT by kdot
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To: Swordmaker

Yeah, nothing to do with the stylus either or anything. Yep its just the keyboard.


13 posted on 10/04/2015 2:10:40 PM PDT by aft_lizard
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To: Swordmaker

I bought an iPad in 2010, and have that attachable keyboard, been using it since 2010 long before the Surface came out. On my iPad2, I bought an Apple magnetic click cover. Hold it near the iPad, and it clicks into place. Long before the Surface commercials where they copied the iPad click cover. I have several different keyboards, attachable or bluetooth. Don’t use them much, as I prefer using the iPad’s touch screen on the go; if I want to type a lot it’s done on the MacBook. Each way better than the Surface which is a poor combination hybrid.


14 posted on 10/04/2015 2:14:24 PM PDT by roadcat
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To: Secret Agent Man

And didn’t Apple create a toasterator called ‘Lisa’?


15 posted on 10/04/2015 2:16:07 PM PDT by TomServo
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To: Swordmaker

I hate those flat keyboards! Is there more of an “old-style” keyboard with raised keys that I can use with my iMac?


16 posted on 10/04/2015 2:16:49 PM PDT by Dr. Bogus Pachysandra (Don't touch that thing Don't let anybody touch that thing!I'm a Doctor and I won't touch that thing!)
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To: aft_lizard
Yeah, nothing to do with the stylus either or anything. Yep its just the keyboard.

I bought a stylus to go with my iPad in 2010, for drawing and painting purposes. Nothing new there, as I also used a Chalkboard power pad with a stylus on my Apple II in the early 1980s.

17 posted on 10/04/2015 2:19:08 PM PDT by roadcat
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To: roadcat

“...I bought an iPad in 2010, and have that attachable keyboard, been using it since 2010 long before the Surface came out. On my iPad2, I bought an Apple magnetic click cover. Hold it near the iPad, and it clicks into place.
***********************************************************************************
I bought an iPad in early 2011 along with a Logitech “ultra thin keyboard cover” that connected by Bluetooth to my iPad. I loved how it magnetically clicked into place and my kids thought that was the neatest thing.


18 posted on 10/04/2015 2:22:23 PM PDT by House Atreides (CRUZ or lose! Does TG have to be an ass every day?)
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To: Swordmaker

I love my Surface Pro 3.


19 posted on 10/04/2015 2:23:10 PM PDT by KevinB (Barack Obama: Our first black, gay, Kenyan, Socialist, Muslim president!)
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To: Swordmaker
I just googled and found a 2011 computerworld article about bluetooth keyboards for Android tablets. So it seems MS, in 2012, wasn't the first to realize that tablets and touch screens are great for some things, but a real keyboard is handy too.

Actually I think any and all of these "X had Y first" or "A is copying B" type arguments/debates terribly boring. Who cares, and (to paraphrase Hitlery) what difference does it make? I honestly don't give a vermin's backside who conceived of what first, who brought it to market first, etc. etc. What matters is, is it useful? Is it done well? Yes, even a comparison of X's implementation vs Y's is valid.

I guess my outlook flies in the face of marketing though. Marketing types want us to believe whatever their guys have is new, innovative, yadda yadda... ;-)

20 posted on 10/04/2015 2:24:17 PM PDT by ThunderSleeps (Stop obarma now! Stop the hussein - insane agenda!)
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