Does Microsoft now make more exciting computers than Apple?
It feels so strange to say this, but Microsoft is killing it with its Surface hardware.
Along with Windows 10 S, Microsoft announced its very first clamshell notebook, the Surface Laptop -- and what a laptop it is. From its handsome machined aluminum body, to its soft Alcantara fabric-covered keyboard, to its gorgeous touchscreen, to its 14.5 hour battery life, the Surface Laptop seems to have it all.
Subbing in for Mashable Tech Editor Pete Pachal is yours truly, Senior Tech Correspondent Raymond Wong. And joining me on this week's MashTalk podcast is Chief Correspondent Lance Ulanoff and Assistant Programming Editor Louise Matsakis.
Aimed at the education market, Windows 10 S is an unusual proposition (2:39). It's Windows 10 through and through with one big caveat: It only runs apps from the Windows Store. That's right you can't run third-party apps unless upgrade to Windows 10 Pro.
Microsoft says this makes Windows 10 S machines more secure and improves performance. Is this really a smart idea? And is the Surface Laptop really better than Apple's MacBooks? Lance breaks it down.
Next, Business Reporter Kerry Flynn joins to chat Apple earnings (15:35). No surprise, iPhone sales were down. Same for iPad. Macs sales were up. And Apple Watch sales have doubled since last year during the same period between January and March, according to CEO Tim Cook.
More interesting than slumping iPhone and iPad sales is Apple's new $1 billion fund to promote advanced manufacturing jobs in the U.S. Does this mean "Made in USA" iPhones in the future?
Lastly, we talk BlackBerry -- specifically, the company's new Android-powered KEYone (26:16). There's a lot to like and dislike about the phone and its QWERTY keyboard. But what does a self-proclaimed former BlackBerry die hard turned iPhone user think about the KEYone? Mashable Publishing Coordinator Shishira Sreenivas stops by to share her thoughts. Is the phone compelling enough to make her switch back? You'll have to listen to find out.
And, as always, don't forget to leave your questions and comments by tweeting @Mash_Talk with the #MashTalk hashtag. We welcome all feedback.
Raymond Wong is Mashable's Senior Tech Correspondent. He reviews gadgets and tech toys and analyzes the tech industry. Raymond's also a bit of a camera geek, gamer, and fine chocolate lover. Before arriving at Mashable, he was the Deputy Editor of NBC Universal's tech publication DVICE. His writing has appeared on G4TV, BGR, Yahoo and Ubergizmo, to name a few. You can follow Raymond on Twitter @raywongy or Instagram @sourlemons.
