text: Ballmer's Vindication: Microsoft Launches 5 Apple-Killer Surface Products - LinuxInsider Ballmer's Vindication: Microsoft Launches 5 Apple-Killer Surface Products - LinuxInsider
  By Rob Enderle • TechNewsWorld • ECT News Network October 7, 2019 11:06 AM PT Email Article
  Given that Tim Cook forced out Steve Jobs' friend and lead designer Jony Ive, it is going to be hard not to appear a day late, and a dollar short when some of these new Surface products hit market.
  Microsoft continued to work on advancements, though, and like "The Tortoise and the Hare," as Apple kicked back, Microsoft continued to work on innovating. With the Surface Pro X it has what looks like a segment-leading offering.
  Now the new 15-inch Surface Laptop 3, which was developed jointly with AMD, is something Apple could respond to, but it has been treating its PC line like a cash cow, and the improvements have been few and far between.
  The Surface Duo, which unfortunately isn't due out until after mid-next year, could be that perfect-storm product that the initial iPhone was. It is both potentially more robust and far more affordable than the Samsung Fold.
  The Surface Neo, also due next year, has not only a foldable screen but also a unique magnetic Bluetooth keyboard that allows the product to transition from foldable tablet to little PC almost magically.
  Those of us who are the same age have different-sized ears from one another as well. This fit problem means that Apple's one-size-fits-all design is a compromise. The result doesn't fit many well. So many people lose AirPods that it has become a huge problem in places like New York.
  In contrast, the new Surface Earbuds have earpiece options that better adapt to our differences, stay in ears much better, and look better in use. You can control your music or even a PowerPoint presentation with them.