I guess it's been one of those things that everyone had been envisioning.

Apple made a video about it in the late 1980s. Dr. Merrick in The Island had a spankin' crystal one. It's been whispered for years now, and, finally, on the 29th of May 2007, it was made public.

Microsoft Surface goes mainstream.

The magic, the power, the possibilities.

Like, whoa. When I first heard the rumors about this big-ass multi-touch table of a computer, I scoffed, thinking, "Shyeah, right!" But lookie here! Microsoft delivers. Bill Gates himself demonstrates Microsoft Surface, and, I gotta say, it looks mighty fine. I was practically drooling when I first watched this Microsoft Surface Parody. Let it be known that I did not actually drool, but I came dangerously close to it as my jaw was hanging open.

Microsoft Surface PhotosMicrosoft Surface Food App

So, as expected, there came praises thundered, as did rants, about this new product. As a PC-user myself, I think I'm very excited over this thing, and whether or not I can actually afford it is beyond the point. I mean, just look at that! You can freakin' transfer photos by simply putting your camera on the screen (provided it's got Bluetooth, I guess). You can freakin' PAINT (without the paint itself, of course) on the freakin' screen! With a paintbrush! Ha! There may be hope for me yet as a painter.

A significant number of bloggers had commented that it's "just iPhone, except it's a lousy, heavy table". Err... yeah. But the screen display is 30 inches and that helps your poor eyes a lot, and a group of friends won't have to crowd around a computer to look at photos. And, like, duh. The iPhone is made to be portable. MS Surface is made for homes. Different uses. They're not to be compared on that point, methinks.

But, still, as cool as this gadget may be, I still have a couple of negative thoughts about it. Like, I'm reminded, again, of how lazy people can be. The voice over in the Parody said it all in this line:
...instead of interacting with people, you can order your food right where you are.
True, true, this is convenient, and, honestly, I think I'll thoroughly enjoy ordering food with Microsoft Surface. I think I'll totally enjoy playing with the bubbles that'll appear when I put my cold drink on the acrylic tabletop.

But still, I can't help thinking being reminded about The Net.

My worst thought about MS Surface? Some people might use its video sharing as an excuse not to spend time with their kids and friends. I shudder because of that. My parents, as irritated as I was with them when I was a slightly rebellious teenager, were always there, and, looking back, I wouldn't have it any other way.

But then, I might just be overreacting on that point. After all, we've had videos around for years, and parents (not all of 'em anyway) haven't deserted their kids yet. Maybe I'm just too affected by that part in the Parody. Hehe.

All fears aside, MS Surface really does look like an awesome thing to play with use in hotels and restaurants. Word is it won't be released til winter 2007, and until then, I suppose we can all just wait.

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