Surface - new touch-sensitive computer

[zba78]

Microsoft unveils table computer

Interesting stuff don't you think. Still a few years off for home users but I wonder if MS will provide Linux driver on their website for it

[fingal]

Yes interesting. But where's the CLI? I know MS are keen to market devices like that, and make them interact with portable computers. It's certainly an attractive concept. I have little doubt that Mr. Ballmer is right: such devices will probably become very pervasive.

I also have the feeling that this isn't necessarily the direction computers will take overall. Technology has a way of being unpredictable, but who knows what desktop machines will look like in 10 years time? There are so many forces driving the world (and therefore technology) that it's anyone's guess.

MS are in the business of 'making things happen' to provide themselves with an everlasting market of goggle-eyed consumers. They may well be disappointed.

[zba78]

I also have the feeling that this isn't necessarily the direction computers will take overall. Technology has a way of being unpredictable, but who knows what desktop machines will look like in 10 years time?

I'd have to agree but I can this type of thing being adopted in devices/appliances around the home. Things like a TV/dvd remote control using this type of technology to provide on-demand and relevant options.

[fingal]

I'd have to agree but I can this type of thing being adopted in devices/appliances around the home. Things like a TV/dvd remote control using this type of technology to provide on-demand and relevant options.

Yes that would work. I suspect MS want to get into 'interactive marketing tools'. You see an ad. for a product you're interested in and touch the screen to find out more. This would explain why they want these devices in casinos: a lot of people with disposable income ...

There are probably military / medical applications too, but that's what I thought about 'virtual reality' years ago, and it hasn't gone mainstream.

[zba78]

There are probably military / medical applications too, but that's what I thought about 'virtual reality' years ago, and it hasn't gone mainstream.

touch-screen on the NHS. I can just see the headlines in the sun now "New MS computer spread real virus (MRSA)"

[combat_medical]

touch-screen on the NHS. I can just see the headlines in the sun now "New MS computer spread real virus (MRSA)"

Lol, it would be funny to see... Although that would mean many people are picking their nose before using it o_o

[Oxygen]

As cool and as 'innovative' as touch screen PCs (Which... have been around for many years) I don't see this as a practical thing, I mean if I had a coffee table with a computer in it... where would I put my coffee?

[carlosponti]

alright how long before someone installs Linux on it

[techieMoe]

I'll bet that thing plays the hell out of Solitaire.

[Oxygen]

But to be serious, the whole "gestures" thing... don't we already have that? I mean... I can setup KDE to do something if I move my mouse to the edge of the window. And the mouse can easilly be replaced with a tabel screen or something. All MS has done is put them together with a table as a gimmick.