>There are some fundamental differences between the two products.
>
>Phones are really built by third parties and branded by them. HTC, Samsung, etc. Then co-branded for the carrier. Microsoft only makes the OS. How many times have you seen a Google ad for an Android phone from HTC or Samsung?
>
>With Surface, both the hardware and OS are Microsoft branded. You won't see a Surface tablet from Dell or HP. (That's not to say they won't copy the design, but the name "Surface" is a Microsoft hardware product) So, Microsoft will have to do some marketing. This is the Apple strategy.

Well there were things like Kirby and Zune to set off some great keyboards and xBox ...

Although the Surface seems to be built according to my wishes.
For the pro an exchangable battery would be nice - the trend (started by apple)
to not allow the user to exchange the battery is stupid.
If I want to carry 3 loaded cells for a long work session away from wall outlet I want to change them!
And intel might drain more energy thereby lessening the lifespan.
But USB3 host, digital screen out and mSDHxC (64GB) with hardware keyboard -
exactly my wish list (perhaps screen size a liiiiittle bit bigger and 1920 * 1200 or higher)

Any idea why they offer no 7' ARM ? Just following Jobs utterings and Aplle lead ?
IMHO the perfrect size for data entry in the field - light enough to hold for a couple of H and easy to pocket.

regards

thomas