Hi chaps,
Not a real emergency, but the Microsoft Surface Pro is on sale at a nearby store today, and today only.
Before I rush out and buy one, does anyone know if it’s possible to get Java and Eclipse running on them? I’m under the impression that I could do anything with it that I could do on a laptop? Are they running a standard version of Windows 8?
Cheers,
nerb.
Surface Pro uses Windows 8 RT which is different (worse) - no desktop, only the “Metro” l&f as well as the Tile-Based functionality.
Didn’t know there were two versions :persecutioncomplex:
I thought that the Surface RT is running Windows 8 RT, and the Surface Pro was running a full blown version of Windows 8?
Surface Pro runs over the x86 architecture, with a full version of Windows 8.
I.e, you can run virtually anything you do on a basic desktop computer on this tablet, so yes you can use Eclipse and the JDK on it.
You just made a bit of money for Microsoft Jeremy ;). Thanks for that.
Well I got one. It’s a groovy little thing, but I think it will take me a little while to get used to it. Not to mention I have to wrap my head around Windows 8 :clue:.
Will try and get the JDK and Eclipse running a bit later. I foresee it being very handy when travelling, at work, or too lazy to get out of bed. It beats having to lug my monster of a laptop around.
Cheers,
nerb.
For anyone reading this now or into the future, it’s all good. I successfully installed the JRE, JDK and eclipse and they all run fine.
Cheers,
nerb.
How does the programming on a tablet go, i imagine its really bad with a on schreen keyboard.
I imagine it would be if you were using an on screen keyboard, but the surface pro has a removable keyboard:
Oh didnt know, thanks for the info 
[quote]Microsoft Q4 2013 Earnings: Company Lost $900 Million On Surface
[/quote]
[quote]Surface Pro Is No Bargain Even After $100 Price Cut
[/quote]
Spoiler: Nobody wants them for a reason.
Yep, you can purchase the detachable keyboard for them. There is both a fancy looking ‘touch’ keyboard, or a more traditional mechanical keyboard; the latter of which is more suitable if you are doing a lot of typing. Unfortunately however, it is an optional extra, priced at about $130.
I think making the keyboards optional extras is a bit dirty. A machine like this is targeted towards the ‘mobile office’ crowd, as opposed to the casual tablet user. As such I guess the vast majority of users will need a keyboard, and I think they are trying to make an easy quid from that.
Overall I think the surface is quite expensive for what it is. It hovers in the realm between a tablet and an ‘ultrabook’. There are similar ultrabooks for sale at considerably lesser prices, some more than $300 cheaper. So I think it really pays to look around at your options before purchasing something like this; you may be able to find something that fits your needs and save a quid or two.
Personally however, I am quite happy with it. It is a good mobile workstation, but at the same time can easily be used as a traditional tablet for light entertainment. The only problem is that I now cry every time I look at my bank account! Nonetheless, that was the choice I made.
Cheers,
nerb.
