Except that Microsoft has zero brand recognition in this category. Why on earth would anybody choose this over an iPad for the same $$? I half expected MS to be dropping these things from helicopters.

Because you want to run Windows software on it. Microsoft also had zero brand recognition in the GUI market when they launched Windows.

That would be OK, except that Windows RT does not run Windows software. It runs only software from MS App Store, i.e. Metro apps plus preinstalled Office. That's it.

iPad and Android tablets have much more software available.

Saying "that's it" right after mentioning that Office comes preinstalled is being unfairly dismissive. That's a really big deal.

My brother in law, who is a foreman for a crew of painters on Disney property, has been waiting for this, specifically for office. I've often suggested that he could just collaborate on documents (and they do this often) through google docs ... but office/windows is entrenched, and he'd love it if he had access to office on a tablet.

"That's it" is in the context "(people) want to run Windows software on it". Existing, Win32 desktop software that people are used to.

This part is not going to happen.

And sorry, office on tablet is not a big deal. You will understand, when you will have to use it. It is the same reason, why PC tablets were not successful - the usability is way worse than existing solution.

* Get it for the same price as an ipad with 3x the screen resolution

3x the screen resolution...a little less than 1x the usable screen real estate. Comparing to a high pixel density display isn't really fair. The Surface Pro is 1920x1080, but that is all usable space, no pixel doubling for non-"retina"-ready apps.

I just don't want to see any pixels from 10-15 inches away when I'm using it in bed. I doubt the surface will be able to accomplish this feat. I have superb vision and cannot discern pixels on an iPad unless it is within a couple inches of my nose.

I suspect that you are in the minority, outside of tech circles. I'm yet to meet a non-techie that "requires" a "Retina" screen on their device. MS describing it as "HD" will likely suffice.

Also worth mentioning that it has an SD slot. I personally got the 32gb with a cyan cover and plan on buying a 32gb sd card to add on to it.

Do you know what software development tools will be available via Microsoft's App Store? Ruby, Python, etc.? Emacs? Thanks!

Do you REALLY want to program on a tablet? How would you use those IDEs (because that's what you're really asking for) to sync with version control software/servers?

I use a MacBook Air because I like to work and write often while travelling. The thing I miss in the MBA is a touch screen.

The Surface seems like it might fit my needs in the future, especially since I am not in the mood to buy more Apple gear given their behavior recently that I don't like. Ironic to me that I am viewing Apple in a more negative way than Microsoft.

In any case I don't need any more writing development gear right now so I can wait several months and see how well the new Surface platform is viewed when I need to buy.

>How would you use those IDEs (because that's what you're really asking for) to sync with version control software/servers?

Is this a trick question? Why can't you do it the same way as a desktop OS: have a separate tool or integrated in the IDE.

No idea. If I wanted to program on this I'd wait for the pro.

Though I suppose you could remote into a desktop from WinRT devices? Lol..