Microsoft threw us a curveball today…but one that might be a home run for them. For weeks, we heard through the tech grapevine that today Microsoft would introduce the Surface Mini…an 8” Surface tablet. Not only did that not happen, but there was never even a mention of it.
What we got today was the new Surface Pro 3 tablet…a beautiful 12” tablet that Microsoft is pushing as a replacement for your laptop. And it looks like it could very well do that. Think about it…people with tablets (like me) also probably own a laptop (like me). Why? Because laptops (and desktops) are for getting things done. Tablets are mostly consumption devices. True, I have used my iPad for writing and a few other productive tasks, but mostly I use my laptop and desktop for real work.
This new device can easily be used for both. Its two drawbacks are lack of applications and Windows 8.1. Now, I will be the first to admit that Windows has gotten much better lately, and with another update coming soon and Windows 9 next year, it will be much more useful. And I am beginning to see more apps for Windows in the Windows Store. So those two drawbacks are rapidly diminishing.
But there is one big drawback…price. Prices begin at $800 and go up to $1,950 with three stops in between…plus $130 for the keyboard and $50 for the pen. That is not chump change. My laptop and my iPad combined are less than what a similar Surface Pro 3 is priced. So I won’t be buying one soon.
And while I think the iPad is better than the Surface, Microsoft is catching up in quality…and, believe it or not, Apple is cheaper. I never thought I would hear myself saying that.
There was a lot of other news in the last few day…AT&T bought DIRECTV, and the FCC adopted the Internet Fast Lane proposal that may kill Net Neutrality. But it is not official yet. There will be waves of protest over this one.
PS: If you use an iPhone, be sure and read #1 story in the Mobile Computing section below. There are 10 things there that I didn’t know my iPhone could do…like read your e-mail to you and tell you what airplanes are flying overhead. Well worth a read.
But why don’t you get started on this feature-packed edition. -JRC
News and Opinions
Surface Pro 3 Preview
Microsoft's bigger and thinner Surface Pro tablet is indeed called Surface Pro 3, and is positioned as a device that can replace both a tablet and a laptop. It certainly appears to be the first Surface Pro device that can accomplish this long-stated goal.
Hands on with the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 (pictures)
Microsoft's latest tablet is available for pre-order May 20, starting at $799. Here's an initial hands-on, in photo form.
AT&T to acquire DirecTV for $48.5B in blockbuster deal
Acquisition creates a powerhouse for services in the home, allowing AT&T to pair its own wireless network with DirecTV's satellite TV service.
The FCC Approves Internet Fast Lane
The FCC voted 3-2 to approve creation of an "internet fast lane." This will have massive ramifications for how all internet companies operate in the future.
These companies spend the most money to kill net neutrality
For the companies involved—especially the telecom companies that are eager to be allowed to charge more for a “fast lane” of Internet service—lobbying has been at a fevered pitch for almost a decade.
Computer Tips and Tricks
10 ways to speed up Windows 7
You don't have to live with a Windows 7 machine that's becoming unbearably slow. Here are 10 basic steps that will optimize system performance.
It's spring! Clean out your PC's junk with these free programs
It's finally May. The winter frost is thawing across the U.S., and thoughts are turning to baseball, the Memorial Day weekend, and cleaning out your PC. But along with wiping down those windows, clearing out your eaves, and fertilizing the lawn, spring is as good a time as any to make sure your PC is nice and tidy.
Windows Store App Gets a Major Update
Finally, the Store app doesn't look ridiculous.
Getting started with read-it-later apps Instapaper and Pocket
I spend a lot of time reading news. There's just one problem: I never have enough time to take it all in when I find it. That's why I rely heavily on read-it-later apps to save all the interesting articles I find, stashing them away for future
How to Use Bookmarklets on Any Device
Web browser bookmarklets allow you to perform actions on the current page with just a click or tap. They’re a lightweight alternative to browser extensions. They even work on mobile browsers that don’t support traditional extensions.
Mobile Computing
10 Amazing New Things Your iPhone Can Do
Apple’s new iPhone features some incredible technology that you may be completely unaware of! Here are the top 10 amazing things you can do with your phone that you may have never known about.
Google Now will remind you to pay your bills
Remembering to pay your bills sounds easy, but as anyone who has paid a late fee can attest, it's easy to forget. That's why the new Google Now cards which remind you when bills are due are a great idea.
Secure public WiFi with avast! SecureLine for iOS Review
While constant Internet connectivity can be useful, it does create many privacy and security issues whose existence remains a mystery for the majority of mobile users. A VPN is the only answer. Here we will take a look at Avast! SecureLine for iOS, a new service/app that's also available on Windows and Android.
How to Master Voice Control on Android: Beyond Google Now
In this article, I’ll discuss in depth the only third-party app I’ve found for Android that actually works alongside Google Now instead of trying to replace it, and complements its features with many of its own.
10 of the Best Android Browser Apps
While you may well be one of those unfussy types who would get by just as well on Chrome or Firefox as you would on Dolphin or Opera, equally you may have many different needs from a mobile browser.
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