Microsoft Surface Might Just Be the Real Deal...

If being the first person in Kansas City to purchase a Microsoft Surface Tablet/PC/? make me an early adopter, so be it. Though I am an equal opportunity early adopter, I have spent my share (and probably a few other people's shares) of time camping out in Apple's lines. When I showed up at the Microsoft Store at 6am Friday morning I didn't know what to expect, would I be the first or the 51st to arrive, after all, since the Xbox launch several years ago Microsoft hasn't really had any large "fanboy" product launches. Over the course of the next 4 hours the line gradually began to fill in, it was interesting.  Were not talking just the typical Microsoft "fanboys", they ranged from 8-80 carrying murses, iPads, iPhones, Android phones/tablets and yes even a few Windows phones.  Some were truly early adopters, like me, others were drawn by the hope of a truly connected Microsoft ecosystem (phone-tablet-Xbox-Live-PC), and some were just curious.  Microsoft had hired an event planning team to play music, keep us entertained and hand out unlimited snacks and refreshments - we're tailing a large red wagon full of candy and fruit snacks.  There was a large kiosk set up with double sided touch screens with Xboxs and Kinects.  Store staff circulated through the line giving demos on Surface and its accessories as well as answering any questions that we had.  At first touch I was in love, the build quality of Surface is something to behold, from it sharp and bright 16 x 9 screen to its VaporMg case to its thoughtfully designed kickstand. Not to mention the Type and Touch covers, in one word - Wow!  We are talking real integration here - not an add on like we used to...  When the doors opened at 10am, the 4 hours line really flew by thanks to Microsoft's team - take note Apple, we were treated to the best personalized user sale's experience that I have ever witnessed.  One by one we were escorted by our own individual Microsoft Store Rep to a seat where we were offered soft drinks and given a personal tour of our New Surface, which was fully setup and personalized for us before we left - bravo Microsoft - you nailed it.  I have never experienced such euphoria at a product launch.  I am now six days in, and I can't put it down, it goes everywhere with me.  I have owned countless tablet and mobile devices through the years, they don't call me Inspectorgad for nothing, for the 1st time I am not just a content consumer, I am a content creator!  This combination of software, hardware and Type/Touch covers really work!  it took me about 15 minutes to get used to the Type cover, it's amazing - clearly a technology innovation.  Having a full version of Office not just an Office viewer or compatible program is huge, Microsoft Office is the world's dominant content creation tool.  I hope my Macbook Air doesn't get to lonely, a layer of dust is starting to form.  Have you tried a Surface yet - let me know. Now if only my carrier was going to offer a Window 8 phone sic I might just have to switch carriers!  I think that Surface just might be the real deal ...