No pressure, Microsoft, but I just spent my family’s iPad budget on a $599 Surface

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The stakes for Microsoft’s Windows 8 and Surface launch just got a lot higher, at least in my house. Here’s the story: My wife and I have been talking for a while about buying an iPad for the family, primarily for her to use for checking email, Twitter, Facebook and light web browsing. Last night,… Read More…

Skating on Surface, Rapping with Too Short: How Windows execs are blowing off steam

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The debut of Windows 8 next week will represent one of the biggest moments in the careers of Microsoft’s Windows team — a high-stakes and high-profile launch that will put years of their work and decision-making to the test. But the pressure isn’t keeping the executive team from having a little fun, apparently. First, the… Read More…

Microsoft Surface and iPad Mini on a collision course?

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Microsoft is two weeks away from the Oct. 26 debut of Windows 8 and the new Microsoft Surface tablet, but it looks like the tech world will be buzzing about a different product just days before the Redmond company’s big launch. Citing unnamed people familiar with Apple’s plans, AllThingsD reports this morning that Apple will unveil… Read More…

Ballmer makes it official: Microsoft is a ‘devices and services’ company

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Microsoft became one of the largest technology companies in the world by focusing almost exclusively on software, but the company has increasingly shown a willingness to make its own hardware. In his annual letter to shareholders, made public today, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer makes it official, declaring that the company now views itself as a… Read More…

Microsoft employees getting free Surface tablets, new work PCs, Windows Phone 8

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Microsoft employees are just getting out of their big company meeting at KeyArena in Seattle, and if you hear any of them comparing Steve Ballmer to Oprah, there’s a reason: The company announced a surprise package of tech products and upgrades for employees — including new Surface tablets for everyone. The meeting was internal, so… Read More…

Geek on the Street: Microsoft Surface in high demand

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The geeks were out in force for last night’s gdgt live event in Seattle, so we seized the opportunity to do one of our periodic “Geek on the Street” polls — although technically the setting wasn’t the street, but rather the nicely air conditioned Showbox SODO. Our question this time around: Which tablet will be… Read More…