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Microsoft Announces Intel Atom-Based Surface 3 With Windows 8.1 for $499

Give credit where it's due.

Microsoft really got things right with the SP3. I've one as a portable work device (i7/8/512)

At this point with the Surface 3, with equivalent storage as the iPad, it ends up being cheaper than the iPad and potentially a lot more productive.

Besides, it's $100 cheaper in both 64GB/2GB RAM and 128GB/4GB RAM variants than the iPad Air 2 with equivalent storage.

The only downside is Windows, but I'm running the DP builds of Windows 10 and it seems good.

http://www.wired.com/2015/03/microsoft-surface-3/ - source for pricing.
 
Well then, looks like apple needs to step up its game and offer OSX on their pads. If not then why own one? I use my iPhone 6 plus far more than my iPad....If the iPad offered what my Macbook Pro does then I might use it more. Apple's tablets need a big change if they want to stay relevant...
 
yjchua95 said:
Give credit where it's due.

Microsoft really got things right with the SP3. I've one as a portable work device (i7/8/512)
Click to expand...

$2,080 US for that configuration with the Type Cover - - at that price, they better get their tablet right!
 
balamw said:
The official word from MS.


How can I add more storage space to my Surface 3?

A: Surface 3 is available with two storage options: 64GB and 128GB. The built-in microSD card reader is compatible with microSD cards up to 128GB. And it's easy to connect thumb drives and external hard drives for even more storage space with the full-size USB port.

​

B
Click to expand...
Has Microsoft just invented those ports, I can't find any on my iPad, I'm sure they can't be useful if Apple hasn't got them.
 
JohnWick said:
Well then, looks like apple needs to step up its game and offer OSX on their pads. If not then why own one? I use my iPhone 6 plus far more than my iPad....If the iPad offered what my Macbook Pro does then I might use it more. Apple's tablets need a big change if they want to stay relevant...
Click to expand...

As it stands today, OS X is not optimised for touch in any shape or form. Perhaps we will have to wait for a complete overhaul or OS 11 or whatever they will call it for it to offer the best of both worlds?
 
Talked to my wife this morning. She wants to dump the iMac and get one of these. When she is at a playdate at a park she misses out sometimes on having a computer. She does home educator stuff (preparing worksheets, doing PDF stuff), and she loves my ability to mark up documents with my Surface Pro's pen and also Miracast to a TV. It is perfect for homeschool as a virtual whiteboard.

Nothing like this in the Apple ecosystem currently.
 
A bit of an unrelated question: Why does the front end of the MS type-cover (apparently) have to be tilted backwards (<)90° when it is attached, thereby "floating" above ground. Wouldn't it make more sense if it was inserted w/o the "tilt" so that it can lay flat on the ground (not to mention the preservation of screen real estate)?
 
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paysdoufs said:
A bit of an unrelated question: Why does the front end of the MS type-cover (apparently) have to be tilted backwards (<)90° when it is attached, thereby "floating" above ground. Wouldn't it make more sense if it was inserted w/o the "tilt" so that it can lay flat on the ground (not to mention the preservation of screen real estate)?
Click to expand...

It can lay flat. They only show it attached that way to show that it can be used in that manner. Probably, most people prefer it that way. I use my SP3 with it attached to the screen like that. It covers no part of the usable screen.
 
kodos said:
Talked to my wife this morning. She wants to dump the iMac and get one of these.
Click to expand...
I don't know about dumping the iMac, I can see using this in addition to the iMac. The iMac is just too powerful, and has a larger screen to give up on it totally imo.
 
Until Microsoft pushes a touch friendly version of Office for Windows users, including Visio and Project, you still need a mouse...

Screens are too glossy and the type is "fuzzy"...

iPad retina is still the best in class...
 
EGlasheen said:
Until Microsoft pushes a touch friendly version of Office for Windows users, including Visio and Project, you still need a mouse...

Screens are too glossy and the type is "fuzzy"...

iPad retina is still the best in class...
Click to expand...

Office 2013 is touch friendly, 2016 will be even better.

iPad isn't in the same league as SP3.
 
yjchua95 said:
Give credit where it's due.

Microsoft really got things right with the SP3. I've one as a portable work device (i7/8/512)
Click to expand...

bobob said:
$2,080 US for that configuration with the Type Cover - - at that price, they better get their tablet right!
Click to expand...

RockSpider said:
Wow $10,000 for a watch with a plastic band, but it has got 2 years warranty.
Click to expand...

The top of the line Apple Watch sells for $399 US.

(The direct comparison to the top of the line Surface Pro 3 that yjchua95 purchased - - ie: the one with the top of the line technology - - biggest screen/biggest battery/best processor/best RAM/best storage). If Microsoft starts selling an 18k gold Surface Pro 3, your comparison might make sense. ;) )
 
Steve121178 said:
Office 2013 is touch friendly, 2016 will be even better.

iPad isn't in the same league as SP3.
Click to expand...

I am a bit impressed that the Surface 3 could replace my parents iPad 3 and their old desktop system completely. And the Surface line will be even better next year with Intel Skylake processors, USB C Ports and Windows 10.
 
maflynn said:
Other then the microSD? Probably not, my SP3 has no storage expansion AFAIK
Click to expand...

MicroSD or USB flash drive and i'm good.

----------
Donoban said:
Bro, Windows 10 is Microsoft basically saying, 'soz guys, we screwed up'

Not sure what there is to like about Windows 8, that full screen start menu just pisses me off to no end.
Click to expand...

Sure, but that's not saying the OS foundation is bad. It's actually a rock solid OS and i've had no issues with stability or hiccups. In a PC gaming environment, Windows 8 looks the part so in that sense I like the look. It reminds me of the XBOX 360/ XBOX One design.
 
Narcaz said:
I am a bit impressed that the Surface 3 could replace my parents iPad 3 and their old desktop system completely. And the Surface line will be even better next year with Intel Skylake processors, USB C Ports and Windows 10.
Click to expand...

Yes ant they just need to work on that crappy touch keyboard cover as they still haven't got it right with the SP3 version. Ideally this should be included in the cost or priced at a lot less than the current version as it's ridiculously expensive for what it is.
 
Steve121178 said:
Yes ant they just need to work on that crappy touch keyboard cover as they still haven't got it right with the SP3 version. Ideally this should be included in the cost or priced at a lot less than the current version as it's ridiculously expensive for what it is.
Click to expand...

FYI they dumped the touch keyboard. It is now an actual physical keyboard that is also backlit. It offers a nice typing experience for the type of device IMO.
 
pvmacguy said:
FYI they dumped the touch keyboard. It is now an actual physical keyboard that is also backlit. It offers a nice typing experience for the type of device IMO.
Click to expand...

$130 US for the Type Cover - - at that price, they better get their keyboard right!
 
I sold my iPad mini retina to purchase a Surface Pro 3, it's an absolutely amazing piece of hardware, even before you consider the kickstand and pen integration. Massively more useful, I found i hadn't been using my iPad for months at a time whereas I bring my Surface Pro 3 with me daily.

With the Surface 3, Microsoft ensures they have the entire market covered.

While the Surface Pro 3 was more of a competitor to ultrabooks rather than tablets directly due to the higher specs and higher price, the Surface 3 looks squarely aimed at iPad/Android tablet buyers and in my opinion they've nailed it.

I've never been excited for a new release of Windows before, but I'm genuinely excited for Windows 10.
 
paysdoufs said:
A bit of an unrelated question: Why does the front end of the MS type-cover (apparently) have to be tilted backwards (<)90° when it is attached, thereby "floating" above ground. Wouldn't it make more sense if it was inserted w/o the "tilt" so that it can lay flat on the ground (not to mention the preservation of screen real estate)?
Click to expand...

As stated, it can lay flat, but it's much more secure snapped up in that position, and much more comfortable to type on. You'll notice that most keyboards not on a laptop and not designed to be as cheap as possible have some angle to them.

It doesn't take up any real estate at all. It snaps to the bezel.
 
paysdoufs said:
A bit of an unrelated question: Why does the front end of the MS type-cover (apparently) have to be tilted backwards (<)90° when it is attached, thereby "floating" above ground. Wouldn't it make more sense if it was inserted w/o the "tilt" so that it can lay flat on the ground (not to mention the preservation of screen real estate)?
Click to expand...

It's for keyboard stability when it's sitting on a lap. Otherwise it'll wobble left and right
 
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