Microsoft Surface - ok, I want to make games for this BAD

#21 Microsoft trying to sell this as a "computer" instead of a human interface for existing X86
computers and subsystems.

What a noob.. (whoever sales person thought that up)..

Anyway it's got potential. But as usual someone INSISTED on not having a mouse or KB
associated with it.

Because it needs to be more like Aero so the user can manipulate in 3d space.

I would add a track ball with buttons and slider to this and a keyboard.

#22 @Vashner

I think an "onscreen" keyboard would be cool. As for a mouse? Unless you are trying to play an FPS, you don't need a mouse, it's a touch screen interface.

#23 @Vashner:

So you would INSIST that a new 3D holographic interface have a keyboard and mouse?

If you read some of the blurb then you'd see that a large push from the developers were to get away from PC paradigms. The only reason reason we're all using keyboards and mouskiches is that it was the (relatively) arbitrary choices some engineers made utilizing what was available at the time.

I have not seen anything touting it as a "computer instead of a human interface" but then again I might just have missed it or it might have gone right over my head.

#24 Great! Instead of a mouse and keyboard, we will all develop chronic back pain!

#25 What I'm saying is that interactive displays should be projected upright, directly in
front of the viewer, like Star Wars. We shouldn't be forced to look down all the time.
Until then, I don't see it as being truly innovative.

#26 Right. So hold your arm out straight in front of you.

Now keep it there.

Still want it projected upright?

;p

#27 I didn't say anything about putting your hands in the air. I was talking about display purposes.
Hands should be in the most natural place. So should your eyes and head. That is the best human interface.

#28 So a display like a normal monitor (ie vertical), with a duplicate on the table in front of you to interface with? That would be cool.

#29 I said "I" would put a trackball and keyboard on the plate.

As a tool to work beyond what MS is doing. They have a 2d approach. I am talking
about using something like this to make 3d art. Having a Aero like OS interface and the trackball would let you roll it over in 3d space.

I didn't say a little strap would pop up and lock your hand over the trackball and the keyboard.

What's with the tone on the forum nowdays?

You guys need to take a chill pill. I could understand if there was some personal remark but
when we try to exchange ideas we should be more polite and focus on the tech not the person.

#30 @Vashner:

I was not aware my comment had a "tone", my apologies if that's how you perceived it. Perhaps I should have put a big smiley at the end to show that the tone was (as the other about holding out ones arm was) one of friendly "ribbing".

So while you're handing out chill pills perhaps one for yourself? ;p

[edit]

Oh yes almost forgot: I concur about the 3D input to allow e.g. 3D sculpting.

Perhaps they need to come up with a small hollow cube like input device that
tracks the shape and position of your hands giving you full 3D (and higher) interaction.

#31 @ neo regarding the blocking your opponent thing

That's true, but why don't people do that with chess and regular game controllers anyway?

#32 @Vashner

I think I would like a setup at an angle like a drawing desk.

#33 Ah yes, another Star Wars reference. Holographic chess.

#34 @Sam:

I had my tongue firmly in my cheek of course - although the smearing of opponents units sounds great ;p
I think the innate shared workspace will feel like a (slightly) different paradigm in general though.

@Anton:

Have you had a look at the Wacom Cintiq then?

Check out some vids here

#35 @Neo Binedell

...

...

...

I don't need a new car. I need a Cintig. I NEED a Cintig.

#36 This!

Will bring life back to Pen&Paper RPG!

#37 @Christian S

Yes!! Though, I've only played... twice I think. It was a lot of fun.