Although Microsoft is still better known for its software than its hardware, the company introduced two tablet computers earlier this week.
They have the confusing names - Surface for Windows RT tablet and Surface for Windows 8 Pro tablet - but they'll both run versions of the company's new Windows experience, which, coincidentally enough, seems to be built with an emphasis on tablets.
The two are remarkably thin and attractive, and they feature kickstands you can use to prop them up. Microsoft also introduced covers that double as keyboards when laid flat beside the tablet, though there's no word on whether they'll be standard equipment.
What's the difference between the two?
The RT tablet will be cheaper, thinner and less powerful, plus its version of Windows won't let you use programs made for operating systems before Windows 8. The Pro tablet will have legacy support, meaning you might still be able to run that decades-old version of Word you've held onto.
Now, I'm all for competition, and the tablets certainly look great. But they might have a major uphill battle ahead of them.
Obviously, they're not arriving in a vacuum. The iPad has amassed absolutely monster sales over the past two years, and Android tablets have multiplied like rabbits. Microsoft is coming to the game very late.
And although it will be great for businesses to have a good, full version of Windows on the go, I continue to be amazed at how many businesses have adopted the iPad for their needs. The iPad didn't seem like it would be the go-to device for productivity, yet plenty of businesses have found ways to make it work.
Then there's the issue of price - Microsoft didn't announce one.
Sure, they said the RT would be priced similarly to comparable slates and the Pro would be similar to an Ultrabook. Yet the only tablet to truly sell within the iPad's shadow is the Kindle Fire, mainly because it's significantly cheaper. And if the Pro costs the same as an Ultrabook, why not buy the Ultrabook?
Microsoft appears to have made a great product. But sometimes that isn't enough to get ahead. Microsoft also made a great product with Windows Phone 7, yet it's selling horribly. Let's hope Microsoft is aggressive enough with the price to keep the Surface line from meeting the same fate.
Verizon launches new 'share everything' plan
Verizon announced it's rolling out new plans for its devices that share data. Under the "share everything" plan, your bill will now be a charge for the amount of data you'll want to share among every cellular-connected device and a charge for each device you want to add.To be honest, the plan has its ups and downs. If you have a family with a bunch of different devices, this could help you save money.
Unfortunately, the cheapest plan is $90 for one smartphone and 1GB of data. Sure, that includes unlimited texting and phone minutes, but if you don't make many calls or do much texting and wanted to save money, you're out of luck. At least the company is letting you keep existing plans if you'd like.
Taking a basic first-aid class can be a lifesaver. But if you haven't been to one, or if you need a quick refresher in an emergency, the Red Cross has you covered.
Its app has instructions on how to handle a variety of emergencies, such as choking, burns, heart attacks and sprains, and it has videos to help illustrate exactly what you can do. The app also offers Game Center achievement points on its interactive quizzes, so you have extra incentive to learn - beyond having the knowledge to save someone's life, of course.
American Red Cross, iOS. free.
Original Print Headline: Microsoft enters the tablet race
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