I think MS is becoming Apple in a ironic way. This time, Apple is the big cheese and MS is the one looking to stir things up. I'm not sure if Surface can beat the iPad, but it could definitely gain a big following. I know I'm interested in it. As a gamer, I'd love to switch from Infinity Blade to Diablo 3, so on and so on.

I'm very interested in this. I'm also very interested to see what Google brings to the table.

Several factors will go into to whether or not this is successful.

1. Adoption of Windows 8. Businesses which are just now getting to speed on Win7 may not want to move so quickly to an OS that has greater user restrictions and may require new software acquisition.

2. Integration with other devices. There are a lot of iPhones and Android phones as well as many legacy Blackberrys. There are not a lot of Windows smart phones. If you need a Windows 8 smart phone to really make this system work well, people will pass.

3. Value. At some point, something that is priced like a computer but does not fully work like a computer will be replaced by a computer. A tablet can do some things -- but not all things -- that a laptop can do. But it costs about the same. Admittedly, it is lighter and "cooler" but if I have any real work, I know which one I take. The included keyboard and ability to run real software, if it actually happens and does not cause the price to be above what the market will bear, could be a big plus for Microsoft. If it does not and ends up running shallow versions of software, then there is a problem.

Mike from Morgantown

1. There is evidence (though admittedly somewhat anecdotal) that businesses are eager to embrace Windows 8 TABLETS.  There are apparently general enhancements to the OS that businesses are wanting.

2.  Or it may make them want a WP8 device even more.  I've already heard from several people that are looking to get something else next time and it ranks high on their list.  Regardless, MS has already proven that they're supporting integration with other platforms through app support.  Native support (which is typically a better experience) will only be supported on WP8 devices.

3.  The RT version will be more featured than what you find in tablets today (including the iPad), but the Pro version IS a PC.  But you're right about pricing.  I'm still shocked people have paid what they have for iPad's (including many I know).  The Kindle Fire price is fantastic, but the iPad's are crazy expensive.  These will be that and more, but it looks like they'll be able to perform about as well as your average notebook (the Pro with ultrabooks).  That's pretty amazing stuff.

Well MS still has a monopoly on desktop computer OS marketshare. Mostly because PCs are literally hundreds to even thousands cheaper then MAC pcs and laptops.

Its just the phone and music player markets that MS cant hope to catch up to apple in.

I don't see where Apple is going to have $599 moment.  The area Apple works in, and how it approaches things, is NOT dependent on the greatest horsepower.  The videogame console business is this and leads to bleeding much red ink as possible to win market share.  By going with what people want, and not most horsepower, you are immune to doing what Sony did.

And then there is the whole Nintendo thing.  Like with the console business, there are two other competitors.  Maybe Microsoft catches Apple, some day... but that means they catch Android/Google also?  Microsoft has to try to be viable, and sustain itself, before anyone even can talk about them catching anyone.

Just wanted to comment on 2.  Very likely SmartGlass is going to be a major part to facilitate issues with integration between platforms.  Microsoft is likely running with "adapt and extend" now.  They did this with Kinect.  And now, the idea of SmartGlass will likely go far beyond just being an answer to the WiiU, or Apple's Airplay.  So, I would say to keep an eye on what is going on with SmartGlass.

They'd have to cut their prices to have a $599 moment. Ba-zing!

Most video game consoles that have won a generation were not the most powerful.

Microsoft tends to be one epoch behind the game when it comes to realms outside computer software. They caught up to Sony just when catching up to Sony no longer mattered, and yet continued to aim for Sony for some time after it was clear that this was not the goal to pursue. So it is in the tablet realm, where they aim for where the market is and not for where the market is going to be.