The reason for that particular announcement was far from historical. It was to generate buzz for the product, 6 months before launch(which did did).
“Traditionally, Apple announced the products and developers and accessory makers then had several months to get their products ready so they could be available upon release”
And that doesn't apply to Microsoft surface tablet?
All that applies to the surface tablet as well, no?
Listen, Microsoft was able to keep the tablet secret for so long, but how long do you think it was going to remain secret, after Microsoft has just signed a contract with a Taiwanese ODM(Pegatron)to manufacture the product(which they have),and they actually started making it?
” You know it's not vaporware, “
Neither is the surface tablet. Its been contracted out already:
http://www.winmatrix.com/forums/index.php?/topic/34713-microsofts-surface-tablet-to-be-wi-fi-only-at-first/
Of course it generates buzz, but the tradition goes further back than the iPhone. Remember, that announcement was when AT&T itself learned all about the iPhone.
after Microsoft has just signed a contract with a Taiwanese ODM(Pegatron)to manufacture the product(which they have),and they actually started making it?
Just contracted out? If that's true, it's terrible for Microsoft, and really stupid. That would mean the manufacturer has yet to tool up and work any bugs out of the mass-manufacture of the devices. We wouldn't be seeing this thing for at least a year. I have a feeling you're wrong on that point.
And I notice in your article, only Wi-Fi at first. Sad.