GIMME New shop window
Last week Microsoft announced the arrival in the SA market of a number of new Windows 10 devices — ones that come preloaded with the latest Microsoft operating system — as well as the launch of an SA Microsoft online store: http://microsoftstore.co.za.
Among these products are the two new flagship phone devices, the Lumia 950 and the 950 XL (pictured). Yes, like the recent Apple and Samsung phone releases, Microsoft has offered consumers a phablet version (5,7 inches) of its top new phone (5,2 inches). (A phablet is between the size of a smartphone and a tablet.)
And given the productivity and business focus of Windows 10, this phablet could prove very useful. Not only does it run Windows 10 straight out of the box, it also has the full Office Suite preloaded as well as OneDrive for cloud storage. The combination, and added screen space, will help you work on the move.
If you want even more screen space, though, the Continuum feature — and an additional display dock — lets you connect peripherals like keyboards and screens, and allows you to use your phone like a PC.
The 950s also pack Snapdragon processors, 20 MP rear cameras capable of 4K video recording, and memory starting at 32 GB. And they look great!
They will be available through the normal cell service providers on various contracts, or you can pay the current cash price through the new Microsoft store — R10 549 for the 950 and R11 499 for the 950 XL — and this, for a limited time, includes a free Fitbit Flex activity-tracker wearable accessory. Also expect new Windows 10 laptops, tablets and convertible laptops to arrive in stores between now and January 2016. These
include midrange to premium-priced and high-spec laptops from brands like Acer and Lenovo, and lower-cost tablets and laptops from lesser-known Microsoft partners, starting from around R1 499.
A wide range of accessories that enable mobility is available through the new online store. These include foldable Bluetooth keyboards (R2 100, pictured), universal mobile keyboards that can pair with three devices (Windows, Android or iOS) and switch between the two (R1 278), as well as the Arc touch mouse (R1 199), which stores flat and snaps into shape for use.