Microsoft Surface : First Impressions

As an 'Apple Fanboy', my expectation when I heard of the 'Microsoft Surface' announcement was very low. Microsoft were bound to try to compete with the iPad, and my instant reaction was that they would fail. This was before I actually looked into the Product. 

Following a detailed look at it, I must say that I am surprised at the product they have come out with.

Quite honestly, I think it is a very good attempt at competing with the iPad.

Aesthetically it is incredibly easy on the eye. Even though it features a built in kickstand and keyboard (Which I will speak about in more detail later on), they have still managed to create an appealing design. As you can see from the image, the back of it is attractive, and they have done a very good job with the incorporation of the stand. This is a very useful thing to have around at all times, and makes it very user friendly. 

The only thing I find unattractive on this product is the different coloured keyboard options. The black version looks fantastic, but for me I think the other colours look quite tacky and, well a bit 'plastic'. They just don't seem to go with the actual tablet, which is a shame. Personally I feel a black outline to the keyboard (on the keys and build) would help it to blend in. A shame, but still not a huge issue with the success of the product.

Microsoft have clearly aimed this at a very wide audience, hoping to tempt as many people away from the iPad as possible. The colour options make it more appealing to many who prefer brighter coloured devices. Although this doesn't include me, I know there are many people (like my mum), who will be drawn in by a bright pink keyboard!

The Operating System is, as expected, the Windows 8 'Metro' design. Having used the Release Preview of Windows 8, you can tell when using a mouse that it is designed for touch use - so I went ahead and attached a Touch Screen monitor so I could test it out. Unexpectedly, it actually runs very smoothly. Considering it is far from ready, I was pleasantly surprised by its usability. This can only be a good thing for the Surface. It may have the capability to draw away even the most loyal iOS users. 

The most important thing, as I mentioned before, was that this competes with the iPad. Microsoft are way behind in the tablet market, and this is a very good start for them. The kickstand and keyboard may just sway it for them for many users. Though a tablet, there are many who will want to use it as, in a way, a more portable laptop. This does that for them, once the kickstand and keyboard is out, it is practically a laptop. If the Operating System can hold its own, Microsoft may be on to a winner.

In conclusion, Microsoft seem to have done a good job. They have certainly created a product capable of  scratching the surface of the tablet market, and I for one look forward to seeing whether it can fulfill its promise. It can only be a good thing for Tech Enthusiasts everywhere that there is a strong competitor to the iPad - it can only push technology further and faster. It will be very exciting to see what Apples next move with the iPad is following this release.

I know most readers of this blog will be fans of Apple, just like me, so apologies if this article doesn't appeal to you. However, I felt the news to be something of importance to all tech enthusiasts, and couldn't help myself!

Thanks for reading, leave a comment with your thoughts.

Twitter - @Harrtron.

Full Unboxing and Review of the BlueLounge Nest

The BlueLounge Nest is a great multipurpose stand for all of your devices. After using the Nest for about a week, I am going to give my final thoughts about the product. Above there is a a video review, and here is the written one.

BlueLounge definitely did not overlook build quality. The stand has a plastic construction, but it is by no means "cheap". The Nest feels sturdy and very high quality. The top has a rubber lip and the bottom has rubber feet so the Nest won't slide around, and neither will your device. At the back of the device, there is a hidden cradle that just flows with the design of the Nest. 

Aesthetically, the Nest does not lack. It has a nice, clean, modern, and subtle design that will not distract from your desk. The Nest comes in a plethora of colors- Orange/White (which is the one I'm reviewing), Blue/White, Pink/White, Green/White, White/White, and Black/Black. The Nest adds a splash of color to your desk without it being obnoxiously loud. It also doesn't take up very much desk real estate, so you'll lose hardly any desk space. Also, it is quite small and compact, so it is easy to travel with.

The Nest does not lose any function for form. Despite it's small size, the Nest can hold up many different devices, including some notebooks. It supplies two great angles- one for typing and one for viewing. The Nest even goes as far as to clear up some of the clutter on your desk, as it's intuitive design allows you to keep flash drives, SD cards, earbuds, or what have you inside the Nest. 

Overall, the Nest is an amazing iPad stand (and more). The only two cons I can find about it is that you can only have two viewing angles, and that the price is a bit steep ($14.95 from BlueLounge's website). However, you get a lot of bang from your buck since the Nest is universal and serves more than one purpose. The Nest is a great way to prop up your devices and to help de-clutter your workspace, and I would highly recommend it. 

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Review: AviiQ Portable Laptop Stand

The AviiQ Portable Laptop Stand is one of the thinnest, but sturdiest laptop stands on the market. Heck, it is one of the thinnest, sturdiest anythings on the market. The design is great and it looks far from ugly. It makes a great travel or home companion with your MacBooks or any other laptop, but the steep pricepoint might be a turnoff. It comes in at $79.95, which is a bit much for what it is. Because of the price im gonna have to give it a 3.5/5. 
Check it out at http://aviiq.com.

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Elago M2 Mobile Stand

This is a quick review of the Elago M2 Mobile Stand. It is designed for the iPhone and iPod Touch. It is made out of aluminum so it is not only very strong, but it also matches the MacBook Pro and iMac. I think it's a great stand because you can use your iPhone in both portrait and landscape. Also, when you are using it, you still have complete access to all of your ports.

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Unboxing: AViiQ Portable Laptop Stand

This is the unboxing of the portable stand from Aviiq. Made out of very durable aluminum, this is the thinnest, most portable laptop stand on earth, and it feels and looks awesome! I will have a full review after I use it for a couple of weeks with my MacBook Pro. It retails for $79.95 USD at http://aviiq.com.

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