[Tloewald]

I think Surface could be a pretty compelling product if all the stars align, but the fact that Microsoft wouldn't even let members of the press touch a working keyboard and the overall fragmented quality of the launch does not bode well.

[marknutter]

It crashing during the presentation was a disaster and you could see it in the presenter's face. Man was that uncomfortable to watch. To me, it kind of summed the whole presentation; this is a hugely important moment for Microsoft, and they have a lot riding on the success of this tablet, yet they're rushing it to market. It's clearly not ready for primetime. It'll be interesting to see how the next few months play out.

[noveltyaccount]

I question the timing; it seemed rushed to get in front of Google I/O. The press had to stand behind a roped-off table of Surfaces to take photos. Clearly the hardware and software is not ready--nor does it have to be for an October-ish launch. But why did they have to demo it now when the press couldn't have their way with it?

All that said: take my money. I want one of each.

[rlu]

I imagine part of it might be to just get more excitement about Windows 8 both in the consumer and developer community. Perhaps they thought that it might make more developers begin to make apps for Win8? Anyone who was thinking about it should probably be convinced by now that it's a good platform...

[antidoh]

"But why did they have to demo it now"

Someone with power allowed their ego to make that decision. It must be now, because of something that some other company is or isn't doing. Damn the engineering, full speed ahead.