"Introducing Microsoft Surface, a new tablet device designed for people who want more from their tablets. Has a keyboard, integrated kickstand, Metro UI, comes in two different configurations..."

"No thanks, I have an iPad."

"Introducing the new iPad*. 50% more magical. Also, it's a different colour."

"ZOMG! I MUST HAVE MAGICAL DEVICE."

Ipad? no thanks I have a laptop that puts it to shame.

The iPad is the way to go Microsoft is just playing catch up.

Surface is looking really good, especially its hardware and its on win 8. Apps are old back to new gen software programs.

This has a good chance of beating ipad if it can run straight out win programs, then why the hell would i need a lame, under evolved app?

I hope this can run some half decent games..

Since it's a new day but my opinion piece seems to have warranted a lot of attention, I'll jump back in on this.

1. My big mistake here was using the phrase "voice of the general community". When I typed it, I was speaking more along the lines of "I'm trying to separate my love of Apple from this, and thinking how someone else would". It was the wrong phrase to use, it didn't convey my message properly, but I did type it and obviously won't edit it out - just wanted to clarify.

2. It seems that those on my side of this debate are putting together as weak an argument as mine is perceived to be. The Surface may end up being the greatest product ever... but when it was announced, at that current day and time, I felt underwhelmed. I wanted to give an initial, subjective opinion. I have few facts and only conjecture to back up my thoughts, but I'm fine with that. I wanted that.

3. And those opposed? They have the best points... but that's what I wanted. I want to hear reasons why I should get on board with the Surface (and I've actually heard a few that have caught my attention).

That's all. I appreciate those willing to enter a discussion or debate with me on this, especially since I openly admit that my "stance" has no firm backing. Thanks for reading.

What scares me is that the negative attitude towards the surface reminds me of how alot of people reacted to the i-pad: "It's just a massive i-phone", "It's not powerful enough to be a laptop and too small to be a phone: who's going to use it..." e.t.c. Well, we can see how that turned out.

I'm not saying the Surface will succeed, all I'm saying is let's wait and see before making our minds up.

Apple has become the new Microsoft to the extent that I prefer Microsoft now. I hate IPAD. PC all the way. My GTX 680, i7 3770k, 16gb 1800mhz ram and AsRock Z77 Extreme6 motherboards shits on all these dumbed down tablets. Bow down to the Beast!

If the Pro model lives up to expectations and has decent battery life, I am sold and you can bet the farm Apple will release a "NEW" iPad running OSX and then call it a new invention even though they and their legions of followers bashed this idea.

The sheer fact that all of MS platforms now share very similar coding and kernels is a HUGE advantage over what the direct competition has out and or coming out.
The compatibility and transference of software across those mediums will be effortless.

The fact that the Pro version runs a FULL OS and is in that form factor is a HUGE plus that Apple or Android cannot follow at this time.
If Microsoft can price it lower than Ultra laptops, they have a winner here big time.
Something you will see Apple copy and then say they came out with it first.