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Microsoft Targets The iMac With New All-In-One Surface PCs, Reports Say (networkworld.com)
New submitter Miche67 writes: Two reports say Microsoft is working on an all-in-one (AIO) PC under the Surface brand. If that's true, it would put it in competition with HP and Dell, which have their own AIO lines, as well as put it in competition with Apple's iMac. Network World reports: "Both DigiTimes and Windows Central picked up on the story, each citing their own sources. DigiTimes, a Taiwan-based publication with connections to the PC industry over there (but also a very mixed record of accuracy) said the new devices would come in the third quarter of this year. Windows Central, which is a little better when it comes to rumors, said it did not have a solid release date." Business Insider was able to find a patent filing by Microsoft for a desktop PC that supports the rumored AIO design. "The device is evidently targeting a 'modern and elegant' design and is meant to be something akin to a premium appliance or furniture," Windows Central wrote. Intel's release date of the new Kaby Lake line of processors around Q3 of this year complicates things. While Kaby Lake is said to be more mobile-friendly with less power consumption and heat, they would make for a good choice for an AIO machine. However, it would be pushing it for Microsoft to release its AIO machines in the same quarter that Kaby Lake is due. On a semi-related note, a programmer at Building 88 recently confirmed that Microsoft will release Surface 5 devices next year powered by Kaby Lake processors. He posted pictures of four device holders marked "2017" on his Twitter account.
If not, it doesn't compete wit the iMac.
Things must be desperate inside Microsoft. They are attacking their own customers. (Dell, Asus, etc.)
They've already been doing that for a few years, now - ever since the first Surface portable was announced.
I suppose the good news for their partners is - Microsoft doesn't seem to be doing a particularly good job of competing with them. I'm a Mac guy; but, if I were in the market for a Windows portable, it'd probably be something more like the Lenovo Yoga line. I've used a few different Surfaces, and even the pricey keyboard cover absolutely blows chunks. Of course Lenovo has a few little issues of its own...
#DeleteChrome
Even before the Surface, they had the Zune which was billed as an iPod alternative, but ended up attacking Microsoft PlaysForSure partners