Tablets

Microsoft clears some fog over its new ecosystem

Microsoft has shed some serious light on the future of Windows, with Windows Phone 8 and Surface tablet revelations this week burning away much of the uncertainty surrounding Windows and devices.

As expected, Microsoft's Windows Phone 8 will have tight integration with Windows 8. The intent is obvious, and frankly, a good idea: make it as easy as possible for you to move from one Microsoft device to another, no matter if you've got a phone, a tablet, a laptop, or a desktop.

For one thing, Internet Explorer 10 will be present on the new Windows Phones as … Read more

Microsoft's Surface tablet vs. the iPad: Seven challenges

Microsoft came out with all guns blazing yesterday with its Surface tablets. Or did it?

The perceived success or failure of what was shown is obviously subjective, and comes down to whether or not you believe in what Microsoft is showing. Moreover, can Microsoft's strategy with the Surface -- and all Windows 8 tablets, for that matter -- succeed in not just being a No. 2 to the iPad, but in being a true iPad rival?

As a user of both the iPad and previous Windows tablets, I think it comes down to these key points.

Surface touches the right keys, but not a complete picture

Editor's note: For CNET's complete analysis of Microsoft's new tablets, check out our First Take of the Surface RT.

LOS ANGELES--Microsoft debuted the Surface line of tablets here today, part of Windows 8's attempts to be all things to all people. The tablets are Microsoft's most aggressive entry to the tablet market to date, but the company has yet to do more than whet our interest.

Two Surface-branded tablets were announced today. One will be running Windows RT, the other Windows 8 Pro. There are some sharp differences between the two versions of Windows 8, … Read more

Could a Microsoft tablet simply be a Trojan horse for SmartGlass?

So yesterday I got invited to Microsoft's super secret mystery event. It starts this Monday afternoon and will be somewhere (they've yet to provide any actual venue information) in LA. Also, the invite provided very little clue as to what exactly will be shown, stating only that I would "not want to miss it".

Honestly, given the very short notice and lack of information, at this point I'm more annoyed than excited. Hopefully, whatever is announced will be worth it. I doubt it will be, but I've been wrong before.… Read more

Get a new Kindle Fire and $5 Amazon Instant Video credit for $169

It's far from the perfect tablet, but people sure do love the Kindle Fire.

I chalk that up to two things: the slick carousel-powered interface, which I find more inviting than the typical Android interface, and the seamless integration with Amazon's Prime service (which for $79 annually includes a bevy of media goodies).

Today only, AmazonLocal is offering the Kindle Fire tablet for $169, along with a $5 credit for Amazon Instant Video.

Just to clarify, what you're getting here is a free voucher that's good for $30 off the regular price of the Fire, which … Read more

Bonus-deal Friday: Five bargains you won't want to miss

Just as mystery-novelists often write the ending first, I sometimes start my daily Cheapskate post by writing the bonus deal. And today, the bonus deals just got away from me, to the point where they consumed the whole post.

In other words, it's like all dessert and no dinner. But, somehow, I don't think you'll mind.

Bonus deal: The Xbox is rapidly evolving into a home-theater hub, what with the recent additions of HBO Go, SmartGlass, and the like. Alas, you need an Xbox Live membership to enjoy most of those features (including Netflix), and that'll … Read more

CNET's peek at the Lenovo Windows 8 tablet

Earlier today, we told you that Lenovo used the Computex show in Taipei, Taiwan, to show a new ThinkPad tablet running Windows 8. And now, CNET's team on the ground was able to get a closer look.

As the unannounced device is only a prototype (it doesn't event have a name yet), CNET Australia's Craig Simms wasn't able to pick it up himself, but he did get close in for some beauty shots. He reports that the 10.1-inch, 1366x768-pixel display offered bright and vibrant colors and excellent viewing angles.

Lenovo reps wouldn't reveal full … Read more

E3 2012: A closer look at Xbox SmartGlass

LOS ANGELES--Xbox SmartGlass was one of the lone new technologies unveiled by Microsoft at this year's E3, but its potential as a second screen -- using your own smartphone or tablet running Windows 8, Android, or iOS -- is fascinating.

Xbox SmartGlass was demonstrated in more detail in a breakout session this evening, showing off video, gaming, and remote control possibilities as well as running through future concepts. I got as close as I could and took a few photos.… Read more

A closer look at the Acer Iconia W510 and W700 (hands-on)

Less than a week after Microsoft dropped its Windows 8 Release Preview, Acer used Computex in Taipei, Taiwan, to unveil a gallery of ultrabooks, desktops, and tablets running the new operating system.

Given that Windows 8 was designed for tablets from the ground up, any supported devices will be closely watched. And with its new Iconia Tab W510 and W700, it's clear that Acer is branching away from Android and back into the fold of Microsoft.

The 10-1-inch Iconia W510 is tri-mode, which gives it the ability to shift between a standard tablet mode where you're touching the … Read more

Dual-screen Taichi leads lineup of unique Asus Windows 8 PCs

TAIPEI, Taiwan--Windows 8, we've been told, is going to move Microsoft into the post-PC era. And a bevy of new PC designs that Asus debuted here at the Computex trade show is bringing that vision to reality.

The Taiwanese PC manufacturer has take the wraps off three new product lines -- a dual-screen ultrabook, a semiportable all-in-one desktop, and a convertible laptop with a removable keyboard -- that build on the lessons of the company's Transformer line of Android tablets.

Taichi: Tablet, ultrabook, or both? First up from Asus was the Taichi hybrid notebook/tablet, which was … Read more