Okay. I’ve done it.  I didn’t just drink the kool aid I dove head first into the pond.

So maybe a start at the beginning.  I’m a windows user.  Always was, always will be (okay, there was a brief dalliance with the iPhone — though I refused to stand in line — and I did own a MacBook Air… of course I immediately formatted it and installed Windows 7 on it).  But my passion has always been Microsoft systems being used for productivity type applications.  To me this is a wonderful time to run a business because there’s so much good software available to get you to the next level.

About three months ago dissatisfied with carting about a laptop I started looking for devices that would let me read & respond to mail, browse the web and do some rudimentary business activities largely with out opening and powering up the laptop (and maybe later without carrying it).  I had been an iPad user but found that to be an overgrown movie watching music box.  Mind you — very sexy — but as far as using it for work, not quite there yet especially for people living in the Microsoft Office – Outlook – Exchange eco system.

I originally thought I’d try the (big) Kindle Fire because it had built in cellular data for a flat rate of $50 for the year (250mg month limit).  It had a email client that would connect to Exchange, a browser which reviews said was good and of course books, music, etc.  Well…. epic fail.  Totally useless device.  Ate through my month’s allotment of data when it switched from WiFi to Cell without warning me and between the browser crashing and a few other things, just not my cup of tea.

It was while I was struggling with my Kindle at the airport that I walked past one of the Microsoft popup show & tell stores (well actually I glided past on the walkway, I then walked back).  After a 5 minute tour I was hooked.  I boarded the plane and by the time I landed I already knew where the local Microsoft store was, that they had stock and I picked it up.  By the next day I was taking notes, reading emails, etc. all on my new Surface RT.  I was hooked!

Read about my experiences in following posts