Im with the group of people that does not want to carry multiple devices around. I will be getting a Pro 2 as i want my device to do EVERYTHING, and i understand Surface 2/RT is geared towards productivity and play...while iPad or these cheap Android tablets are strictly for fun (dont knock me, ive got a Nexus 7...its a toy). My fear is by the time people catch on with the advantages MS's tab has over the others, the other guys will be in the process of meeting face to face at the same stage.
MS isnt considered cool anymore, thats the general impression all of my mainstream friends brag on with their Apple and Android devices. MS needs to become COOL again...i have no clue how they'll do it. As much as im sticking with the MS ecosystem, i dont forsee it going well within the next 12 months unless they can impress the general consumer.
I'm feeling you on this. I'm old enough to remember the Apple as in the 80's with the dude throwing his hammer(?) into the screen. The Verizon 'Droid' commercials were cool. MS & Windows, in general, have gotten the 'reputation' that its products are for work and not play. Back in the day, no one used a PC to make and/or play music (think techno DJs), it was all on MAC. Heck, even iCarly(Nickelodeon TV show) used a laptop that a 'pear' instead of an 'apple' (iFruit still). Nowadays, since the Vista disaster, MS has gotten all of the stuff that the competitor(s) have (and more), and run it smooth and secure.
Image is HUGE!! 'COOL factor', even more so!! It just works, is a bonus compared to these other two. "People" are fickle, media driven, automatons who generally believe what they're told (iPhone 5S is innovative), have long memories (Vista, WM (which I liked) and that "Blue Screen of Death), and are extremely close minded to straying away from the status quo (keeping up with the Joneses, although the alternative(s) may be better.
I completely agree that MS needs to change its image. When asked the question "Is this for business or pleasure?". The answer should simply be "Yes"..
My opinions