Download!Download Point responsive WP Theme for FREE!

Microsoft is Just Better

XBO-PS4

Reading through some XBox One reviews earlier today, and I am convinced that these sites/reviewers either, a) don’t have a clue, or b.) have Apple stuck so far up their butts they can’t clearly rationalize (see a.). What they and many others don’t understand is that Microsoft has no interest in keeping between the lines. Their focus is to introduce game changing (no pun intended), affordable devices for people to use in multiple ways. They will not be pigeonholed into pre-defined categories. On the contrary, they are creating new categories. Disclaimer: I am going to make some assumptions in the paragraphs below for simplicity in trying to make my point. These assumptions are in no way a reflection of my personal preferences.

Game Consoles

Ok, for arguments sake, let’s assume that the new Sony PlayStation 4 rates a perfect 10. It’s a gaming console for serious gamers. I get that. No dispute. Let’s also assume for a minute that the XBox One rates respectable 8.5. Based on what I have read, that’s close to a fair assessment. Ok, but XBO is not just a Gaming Console. It is also an Entertainment Console. So let’s run through those numbers again. This time, it’s the XBO that rates a 10. And I will politely give the PS4 a fair 6. So, if you are out shopping for a Gaming Only Console, looks like the PS4 is for you (10 vs. 8.5). But if you are interested in a Gaming/Entertainment Console, then the XBO is the only logical choice (18.5 vs. 16). Why do reviewers not consider ALL of the things a device can do, and instead focus of a pre-defined list of questions based on a narrow minded view. Why would you say the XBOs additional cost is not justified, even though it is far from being a one trick pony. Who wrote the rules that state a gaming device cannot do other things, like make Skype calls or watch TV. News flash reviewers. THE GAMING CONSOLE IS DYING! (despite Sony selling millions of PS4s to “serious” gamers only).  The Gaming/Entertainment Console is the “new” now. Revolutionary, not evolutionary. Change you damn script and reevaluate.

iPad_asus

Tablets

Again, I will assume (reluctantly) for a moment that the iPad rates a perfect 10 in this category. And, I will give Windows tablets a clear 8 for their very respectable offerings. But, lets take a closer look. What happens to that Windows tablet when you attach a keyboard and flip out a kickstand. That tablet is suddenly a respectable laptop. How the hell did that happen. What am I looking at? Let’s call it a Tablet/Convertible. Ok, as a baseline the Windows Tablet/Convertibles get a 10 here. Innovative, affordable, flexible. How about that iPad. Sure, you can add a BT keyboard, and maybe get a case so you can prop it up. But, can you install Adobe Acrobat, or AutoCAD, or maybe even Microsoft Office? I will be generous and give the iPad a 5 in the Table/Convertible category. If I have $500 to spend, do I want a device that can do one thing very well (although I still can’t find that USB port), or maybe a device that can do several different things pretty well. The tablet as we knew it for the past few years is losing that pizzazz as these feature rich tablet/convertibles flood the market. Another new category that is confusing reviewers. Ok, I get it.  Here is the “bar” (iPad) and everything gets measured against the bar. But when something revolutionary comes along (as the iPad did a few years ago), you need to take a step back and reevaluate. The iPad is not a PC. The Windows tablet/convertible is. Oh, and the PC isn’t dead. It just looks different.

Sure, sometimes it’s better to have a device designed for a specific need. You can buy slotted and Phillips screwdrivers in various sizes. But if you only have the resources (or space) for one, that 4 in 1 screwdriver is a best bet. Works almost as well as having four of the specific slotted/Phillips variants. And that makes it cheaper, even though 1 for 1, it will cost you more up front. If all you do is read books, then maybe you only need an eReader. That’s your choice. But if your looking to get bang for your buck, then you best bet may be one of Microsoft’s reimagined new categories of new devices. It’s time for consumers to get out of that box that manufacturers have built around you. Just sayin.

3 Comments