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timmah on 30 January 2013
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dsgrue3 said:
timmah said:

It's a PC (personal computer) running a full PC operating system. Tablet is just a form factor, much like laptop, ultrabook, netbook, desktop, minitower, all-in-one, small form factor, etc. It has the same basic components & software as an ultrabook: intel processor, motherboard, cooling, ram, SSD, and preinstalled OS. The fact that it's in a different type of case changes nothing, it is a PC. A 32GB iPad only allows the user access to 28-30GB of storage. Smaller loss for a smaller OS. 32GB in this case refers to raw capacity, the OS taking up some space is a given. If the OS is larger, the space taken up is larger, since it is advertised to come with Windows 8, we can assume the same mathematics that apply to a Windows 8 PC would also apply here (since it is a Windows 8 PC in a tablet form factor). It's certainly possible that somebody could sue and win (dumber lawsuits have been won), but if this is false advertising, so is the entire PC/Mac sales industry.

Phone is PC? O.o

I do agree in general with the lawsuits being meritless, but in this case it's important to understand the difference. 28GB/32GB isn't a big loss. 23GB/64GB is a drastic difference. It's the ratio that's the issue. Average consumers will not realize or expect this type of difference because it hasn't been the norm and will feel duped.

Phone is not a PC, as making calls is it's primary function, though Windows Phone 8 does run the same basic kernel as Windows 8 RT. Keep in mind that phones also suffer the same disparity, some portion of advertised capacity is always taken up by the OS. Even an iPod has the same issue.

I get the ratio issue, so it might be good for MS to put an astrisk by that number just for clarity. On the other hand, keep in mind you can easily plug in USB storage or a MicroSD card unlike most other 'tablets'.

EDIT: I just realized that in the middle of the discussion I went from debating pezus, to dsgrue! Funny, it appears that wherever I go, you're always there to disagree with me XD.