Bill Gates: iPad users frustrated that 'post-PC' device is not PC enough

Bill Gates: iPad users frustrated that 'post-PC' device is not PC enough
Gates: Surface doesn't require users to sacrifice PC features

Former Microsoft CEO Bill Gates has thrown a barb in the direction of tablets like Apple's iPad, claiming users are frustrated by the lack of PC-like features on the device.

Speaking on US business network CNBC, Gates says tablet users miss having a keyboard, and using rich software like Microsoft Office.

He said, "Tablets have so far been dominated by iPad-like devices. A lot of those users are frustrated, they can't type, they can't create documents, they don't have Office there."

Instead philanthropist Gates suggested that the true post-PC devices are those like the Microsoft Surface, which bring a desktop-like OS, familiar software and a clip on keyboard, without the bulkiness of a laptop.

Richness and portability

"If you have the Surface or the Surface Pro, you've got the portability of a tablet, and the richness of a PC in terms of a keyboard and Microsoft Office," he said.

"It's going to be harder and harder to distinguish between tablets and PCs.

"We're providing [tablet users] with the benefits that they've seen that have made tablets a big category without giving up what they expect in a PC."

Gates also went on to talk about Apple's recent stock woes and the predictions that the company's years of incredible growth may be coming to an end, as Microsoft itself experienced.

He added, "With tech companies, whoever is the leader is always questioned. They say 'is this the end of them?' and there's more times people think that's the case than it actually is the case."

Via Business Insider

Chris Smith

A technology journalist, writer and videographer of many magazines and websites including T3, Gadget Magazine and TechRadar.com. He specializes in applications for smartphones, tablets and handheld devices, with bylines also at The Guardian, WIRED, Trusted Reviews and Wareable. Chris is also the podcast host for The Liverpool Way. As well as tech and football, Chris is a pop-punk fan and enjoys the art of wrasslin'.

Latest in iPad
The new Apple iPad (A16)
Even without Apple Intelligence, the new iPad is still one of the best tablets you can buy
iPad Air M3
Apple makes one hardware change to the iPad Air that might be the best indicator of its true lightweight tablet intentions
Apple iPad A16
Apple's new entry-level iPad ups the performance for the same price, but doesn't support Apple Intelligence
iPad Air M3
Apple updates iPad Air with powerful M3 chip and pairs it with Pro-level Magic Keyboard
Apple iPad Air 2024
New iPads could be hot on the heels of Apple’s imminent M4 MacBook Air upgrade
The iPad Pro 2024 against a pink background. Text reads: Lowest Price
Quick! The 13-inch iPad Pro M4 is back to its lowest-ever price for Presidents' Day
Latest in News
Michelle, Keats, and Doctor Amherst looking unimpressed and worried in The Electric State
Netflix drops trailer for The Electric State, and I'm getting serious District 9 vibes
YouTube TV
YouTube TV might be planning a big Netflix update that puts the best streaming services first
Google Pixel 9 Pro
Here are the 7 best Pixel 9 and Pixel Watch 3 features landing in March’s Pixel Feature Drop
Bang & Olufsen Beogram 4000C Saint Laurent Rive Droite Edition
Bang & Olufsen's latest reworked turntable is a masterpiece of retro revival, in a breathtaking wooden presentation box
Apple Watch Series 10
Apple unveils new Apple Watch bands – here's what's in the Spring 2025 collection
iPad Air M3
Apple makes one hardware change to the iPad Air that might be the best indicator of its true lightweight tablet intentions