Strange that Google and Samsung are trying to copy it. Of course they are years behind. Now this isn't exactly an Apple invention, but Apple was smart enough to pick a company to buy that had great technology.
The iPhone and iPad are nice gadgets, but, they're still, mostly, in the toys category of computing gadgets. Even the Xbox is mostly a toy, but, a whole lot more useful
That iPad replaced her laptop. Can an Xbox do the same?
What they've proposed, are, without argument, superior in capabilities to any tablets out there right now, including iPads and Android tablets
Whenever they come out, whatever specs they actually have at the time, and whatever specs the competition will have at the time. Do you realize that all of the "hands-on" reports by journalists are pretty much lies. One of the journalists spilled the beans, they were allowed to touch under close supervision by Microsoft. Any attempt to stray from the pre-ordained demo program got the unit instantly yanked from the reporter's hands. They may as well have been watching a rendered video.
And, you see, "capabilities" depends on what's important to each individual. For example, can Surface use the App Store and iCloud? iTunes Match? No? Well, then it's worth a lot less to me. Others may not care about that. They may care about an HDMI port that's worthless to me.
I'd choose the one that gave me more features for the same price
I don't believe in feature lists. I'd choose the one that works best for me.
Think cars. Mustang with 440hp V8 and all the comfortable amenities vs. an uncomfortable, bare-bones Caterham with 200hp four-cylinder. Oh, look at the specs, the Mustang must be better! It's got everything and it's top speed is way past the Caterham's! Not necessarily better. Do you like to cruise comfortably with friends, going really fast in a straight line? Then the Mustang's for you. Are you hard-core and like to try snapping your neck when accelerating, braking and making hairpin curves? Well, then the Caterham is the superior option.