How many of us are saying, “They listened to me” now that Microsoft has finally decided to make a tablet—themselves? I know that I’ve taunted them often, and everyone knows large companies listen in matters of importance—when taunted by me. With all those intelligent people at MSFT, meeting in all those separate MSFT workshops, doing something MSFT tablet took far too long. But, I must take full credit for the Surface Tablets, because they are exactly like the cardboard proto-types I created in my garage more than a year ago. Well, mine didn’t have a kickstand; it kept falling off. Good choice not to go with the blue duct tape Microsoft. And, those attached keyboards/covers are a brilliant idea. I ran out of cardboard, but they would have been my idea, too.
I’m sitting by the phone waiting for Bill and Steve to call. Just need to tell them a few more things, and ask Bill what’s holding up our golf tee time—I’ve been waiting years for that, too. Let me check my notes.
Surface things to say to Steve when he calls:
- Steve, you really need to get some educators and kids to take that Surface through its paces. Fingerprints, stylus writing, keyboarding and Bing, Bing, Bing.
- You might want to rethink that kickstand. It will never stand up on a classroom desk, or to students with less delicate opening and propping skills. Still works for picture frames, but I’m sort of glad the duct tape didn’t stick on that one for me.
- Don’t sell the Surface tablet choices for Ultra computer prices. That would be a huge mistake. Sell them comparable to the iPad 2 and the New iPad prices. I know, you’re thinking that these are more than tablets, but put your glasses on—they are tablets. You’ll sell a bunch, so don’t go Apple on us with pricing!
- I really like what you’ve done with my ideas. Please tell Bill golf tee times around 8 AM are fine—and if a cart, free drink and sandwich were offered—that would be great, too.
- If you want my cardboard proto-type for a museum, or something, let me know fast, my wife has a dump trip planned. Seems all my good stuff disappears, and she doesn’t care what Sotheby’s thinks.
Well, that should do it. I’m not sure why I wasn’t invited to the grand release, or why the press hasn’t called yet. Hmmmm, maybe I missed e-mail, or I was out herding cats at the time. Steve and Bill will let me know—I’m sure. Can’t wait to tell them how proud I am of them. I’m sure they’ll say the same to me.
Some of my friends want to know when they can buy a Surface, so maybe I should ask about that for them. I’m certain my review model is on a truck headed for me right now. Can’t wait to play around with it; I’m sure the real one is more responsive than cardboard.
Ken Royal is a teacher/education and education technology blogger/reporter, video interviewer, podcaster, education event news commentator with 34 years of classroom/school and instructional technology experience. His teaching accomplishments include: 4-time district teacher of the year, Connecticut Middle School Teacher of the Year, and Bill and Melinda Gates award for Technology School of Excellence. Read more of Ken’s work at Royal Reports.
