[recoiledsnake]

>They can't on ARM-based machines that have a Windows certification.

You cannot install an alternative OS on an iPad either which comes with a locked bootloader. Why is this such a big deal on Windows RT tablets only?

[abecedarius]

First, Microsoft originally promised otherwise. "Pray I don't alter it any further."

Second, I and others have complained about Apple's lockdown for years. There's more leverage right now in pressuring others not to follow their example.

[jtsagata]

I don't own or plan to own an iPad. So the locking of the iPad is not affecting me directly. It is sad and silly imho that people is buying locked machines, but that's their right to do.

Now ARM boot restrictions from Microsoft directly affects me, as soon i can't buy any ARM based machine, given the way the markets work. And in the future it is a big possibility that i can't buy any other PC and put any OS that i like without pay directly or indirectly money to Microsoft. And i can see some foreign governments to use this technology to control the OS that her citizens runs, and install backdoors.

So yes UEFI secure boot is a treat to my freedom and not only my freedom to run the OS of my choice.

[recoiledsnake]

>I don't own or plan to own an iPad.

Why not? Why do you plan to purchase a Windows RT tablet then?

>Now ARM boot restrictions from Microsoft directly affects me, as soon i can't buy any ARM based machine, given the way the markets work.

So you think Windows RT tablets will be such a success that you won't be able to buy any Android tablets at all?