Post by algernonbarton on Dec 24, 2012 6:51:13 GMT 1
With the launch of the Surface tablet computer, Microsoft has set the standard for its partners to follow, but it has also released a piece of consumer hardware. So, how long can we expect the company to support it?
Typically Windows gets 5 years of support for consumers, and then a further 5 years of extended support for business versions. For Surface, which is a combination of Microsoft hardware and software, it seems Microsoft is following a similar timeline, promising a minimum of 4 years support for the hardware. For Windows RT, support will run until at least April 2017.
In both cases, that’s very generous compared to the competition. And when you consider how quickly the 1st-gen Surface tablet will be replaced on the market by new hardware, it could seem overly generous.
So, if you picked up a Surface and love it, you can continue to use it safe in the knowledge Microsoft will be issuing software updates until 2017. If the hardware breaks, you’ll also be able to source replacement parts for the next four years, although you’ll have to pay for them outside of your warranty period.
Don’t forget that Microsoft’s partners will also be releasing Windows RT devices. So while that hardware may get support for a much shorter period of time, the Windows RT operating system will enjoy the same April 2017 support cut-off date.
I’m pretty sure only a very small percentage of users will be clinging on to their original Surface come 2017. Such is the pace of change within the tablet market that the desire to upgrade will be too great for most consumers. Even so, it’s nice to see Microsoft supporting its products for so long when honestly it probably really doesn’t need to.