That was the second news conference where Microsoft brought attention to all the Mac portables in the audience. This time it worked in their favor to bring their point across.
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Microsoft Introduces Thinner Surface Pro 3 with 12" Display Starting at $799
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It was sorta Apple-like but...unlike Apple, Microsoft didn't have much to really offer and focused on small features as if they were really worth talking about such as the kickstand. Big Whoop. The guy talked way too long and remained on one piece of software which was One Note while briefly switching to the crossword puzzle app to show off the stylus. There's was really nothing to be WOW'd about.
well, for those dollars quoted, and if i want a productivity machine, i will just buy a macbook air, or pro. those microsoft Surface commercials are kinda neat but that and $5 will get you a coffee at Starbucks.
It should have been more like Apple where they show it off, talk about how it is thin and light, talk about how the processor is faster, and brag about the screen.
All this guy did was show off how thin and light this thing is, how powerful the processor is, bragged about the screen, and then bragged more about the kickstand that allows people to use this one device in different ways.
>_>
Not really. Both are comparable, depending on what your particular use pattern is. If you need a laptop, the Surface 3 competes with the MBA; if you need a tablet, it competes with the iPad Air. In my opinion, in both of those use cases the Surface compares quite unfavorably (size, weight, battery life, power, etc). BUT, if you need both, then the Surface Pro 3 starts to shine, and clearly beats the iPad Air + MacBook Air combo all over the place.
So, again, it all depends on what you are looking for.
In my opinion, the whole issue is somewhat moot unless this is your first and only computing device. If you love Windows 8 and/or have to run Windows programs, you have no choice, and the hardware comparisons just don't matter at all. Likewise if you love OS X or iOS and/or have an investment in software for those, you have no real choice, and the hardware comparisons just don't matter at all. If this is your first purchase of many, it is the entire ecosystem that you are buying into, and that is more important than the specific hardware of this one device.
Which is, of course, the main problem with this thread. Microsoft has put together a pretty nice set of hardware to work with their software. Too many of us on this board, though, are wedded to Windows or OS X/iOS to really give the hardware of the Surface Pro 2 a decent evaluation. Personally, I see a lot of nice ideas I'd like to see Apple bringing in to one line or the other (but really never have a need for a tablet which changes into a laptop of vice versa so don't want the severe compromises associated with that).
But.. that's pretty much Apple's edge when presenting new hardware - since the innards are generic PC parts, the well-rounded design and minute manufacturing refinements (that are largely pointless for the common person) is where they shine. So we get a computer launch that's more like a car show.
But hey, it works, so MS is right to hop on that bandwagon.
LOL, thanks for saying this. I thought there was something wrong with my internet connection. I have very fast comcast service.
Yeah, the bad press about WINDOWS 8 was not hype, it's the real deal. As someone who has long used both Macs and Windows, i was surprised at how awkward it is. Truly a strange beast. Neither a good touch UI, or traditional UI. Windows 8 is as bad as everyone says it is. Vista has nothing on 8
No, he priced out the i7 + 512GB model from Microsoft's spec sheet, which is the level of processor and storage you'd want to compare with a MacBook Pro.
There is no MacBook sporting an anemic i3 and 64GB of storage, so it is hard to compare the "starting price" to any Mac laptop.
Yeah, particularly the 1GB RAM (and the lack of windowed multitasking / Wacom support)...
LOL, thanks for saying this. I thought there was something wrong with my internet connection. I have very fast comcast service.
Surface Pro 3: 1.76lbs
TypeCover 2 (although I assume the new one is lighter since it's thinner): .48lbs
Total: 2.24lb
MacBook Air 13": 2.96lbs
Are you seriously trying to tell me that .7lbs is now only 25 grams?
I agree, I think they should include a keyboard at these price points. They'll take a bit of hit up front, but I'd guess it would benefit them in the long run. With the keyboard, it's ready to go right out of the box.
i agree. because, seriously, why would you want one without a keyboard? then it's like having an overpowered tablet..
btw i like it, if i needed a casual personal computer with high portability then i'd consider one. only drawback of this design is, it only really stand on a table, not on lap/bed, etc.. (maybe i'm wrong though, i never tried one)