Microsoft Introduces Thinner Surface Pro 3 with 12" Display Starting at $799

[pacalis]

Hahah. How do you figure that?

It's CPU is not even close to that of the rMBP. The entry level Surface Pro has a CPU below that of the entry level MacBook Air.

Plus the MacBook Air will destroy it in I/O speeds.

I agree that Microsoft has a hit here, and that this is an amazing product.

As for performance, it uses the ultra-low voltage processors which are comparable to the ones in the MacBook Air, and not the Pro. Performance-wise, I don't think the Surface Pro 3 will beat the Pro.

I haven't seen the specs on the chips yet, and Sickboy you're cherry picking comparisons, but I would think the i7s in the SP3 would be at least comparable to the i5s in the low end rMBPs.

And stuff like I/O speeds is really stretching. The SP3 display is far more like a rMBP than a MBA. Never mind the additional touch and pen functionality of the display.

For the record, I don't think the SP3 will outperform a lower end rMBP. I just think that for many users {and that excludes those who do highly intensive tasks like gaming and video editing etc.. }, the real world differences between the two won't be noticeable. Much like for many users the choice between the 13 MBA and rMBP really comes down to the display quality.

 

[IbisDoc]

Love it how you downplay the MBA advantages whilst individually listing every sensor on the surface as a feature! Also pretty sure the MBA has a light sensor.

Now, what you didn't mention was performance and usability.

The MacBooks have the best touchpad of any laptop I've ever encountered and their keyboard experience will be much better than that of the surface.

The base MacBook Air will have a faster CPU and much faster storage as well as having 128gb vs 64gb.

Importantly, the surface, if used as a tablet has the downsides of an ultra book (increased weight vs ipad or android tabs, battery life of an ultra book) and when used as an ultra book has the downsides of a tablet (second rate keyboard and trackpad).

As a device, it's still a compromise - it's a decent tablet and a decent ultra book with some usability issues compared to buying both devices separately. Some people would prefer the best in class ultra book AND the best in class tablet, which be attained when these are purchased separately.

One big factor that YOU are downplaying in that analysis. As a tablet, Surface can multitask. So say, for instance, you like to watch MLB, NBA, NHL, college football, TV shows, Futbol, etc.. With an iPad, in order to do anything else simultaneously, you need a SECOND IPAD. Wonder how that would look on a scale, by the way. If any Microsoft lurkers are here, you can use this marketing idea for free.

With a Surface, you only need one device.....a huge upside that you neglected to mention. For some people, multitasking (for many reasons, not just video) is a big deal. In this context, iPad is a one-trick pony, no?

 

[HenryDJP]

Samsung is a big Android OEM, and Microsoft would love if they made Windows Phones. You don't get that if you insult them, or at least you might not. That's just one example.

I totally respect your opinions Mike but that has nothing to do with Android. In fact that is extremely farfetched. That's a hardware relationship between Microsoft and Samsung only and that's a future possibility rather than attacking a company (Apple) that Microsoft makes software for their customers which by the way Microsoft makes money from.
I'm giving you directly related examples, you're giving me farfetched future possibilities. Makes no sense.

I see now that you own a Surface. No wonder you're supporting Microsoft attacking Apple and totally insulting them while making up reasons why they don't attack other competitors. Lol, come on. You've revealed yourself now.

 

[l0gikb0mb]

Sure you lose out on 1" of display

Why does everyone not know what aspect ratios are? It's not just 1" smaller. It's a completely different aspect ratio. The MacBook Air is 16:9 which is by far the worst for any sort of productivity.

Seriously. Just like the iPad Mini is only 2" bigger than the iPhone 6 right?

 

[Michael Goff]

I totally respect your opinions Mike but that has nothing to do with Android. In fact that is extremely farfetched. That's a hardware relationship between Microsoft and Samsung only and that's a future possibility rather than attacking a company (Apple) that Microsoft makes software for their customers which by the way Microsoft makes money from.
I'm giving you directly related examples, you're giving me farfetched future possibilities. Makes no sense.

I see now that you own a Surface. No wonder you're supporting Microsoft attacking Apple and totally insulting them while making up reasons why they don't attack other competitors. Lol, come on. You've revealed yourself now.

I also own a MacBook Air, as well as a Galaxy Nexus and a Lumia 520.

I support a company going after their biggest competition as long as it doesn't hinder them.

 

[HenryDJP]

I also own a MacBook Air, as well as a Galaxy Nexus and a Lumia 520.

I support a company going after their biggest competition as long as it doesn't hinder them.

You're still avoiding the point that Microsoft is attacking Apple and Apple's customers are a customer of Microsoft's. I'm just going by your logic. So why is it okay for them to attack Apple and ignore Android. They have no business relationship with Android but they do have a business relationship with Apple. I can see you really don't have any valid points or a valid rebuttal so we'll just let it go at this point.

 

[Michael Goff]

You're still avoiding the point that Microsoft is attacking Apple and Apple's customers are a customer of Microsoft's. I'm just going by your logic. So why is it okay for them to attack Apple and ignore Android. They have no business relationship with Android but they do have a business relationship with Apple. I can see you really don't have any valid points or a valid rebuttal so we'll just let it go at this point.

Actually, they're just attacking Apple.

And, really, I would think this was just a calculated thing. They don't have to worry about their Office monopoly, but they really do with they had a phone one as well. Can't you see they're attacking where they are capable?

 

[Dmunjal]

You're still avoiding the point that Microsoft is attacking Apple and Apple's customers are a customer of Microsoft's. I'm just going by your logic. So why is it okay for them to attack Apple and ignore Android. They have no business relationship with Android but they do have a business relationship with Apple. I can see you really don't have any valid points or a valid rebuttal so we'll just let it go at this point.

Let me try to answer that. Android isn't the competition. Android tablets are typically less than $500 and Microsoft is going after the ultrabook/tablet market over $1000. That is the MBA. If they can get some iPad converts at the same time, all the better for them.

I have noticed that Microsoft is going after Chromebooks of which Samsung is a manufacturer.

 

[HenryDJP]

Let me try to answer that. Android isn't the competition. Android tablets are typically less than $500 and Microsoft is going after the ultrabook/tablet market over $1000. That is the MBA. If they can get some iPad converts at the same time, all the better for them.

I have noticed that Microsoft is going after Chromebooks of which Samsung is a manufacturer.

MacBook Air is not the only Ultrabook and the majority of Ultrabooks are Windows machines. Based on how they advertised the Surface it wasn't about competition but rather solving the problem of having an Ultrabook AND a Tablet. That would qualify any Ultrabook AND an Android tablet which no doubt many people have this combination. You're not suggesting that Macs and iPads are outselling the competion so much that it makes Android and Windows Ultrabooks irrelevant?

 

[tdale]

1. I have no idea why the iPad gets mentioned. The SP3 is a laptop with a removable screen, running a full OS. An iPad is a tablet running a tablet OS, where its main claim to fame is consumption. SP3 competes with other laptops.

2. Why so many haters? I use and really enjoy my Apple gear. iPhone 5S 64GB, iPad Air 3G 128GB, rMBP, Apple TV. Microsoft brings out a really nice product, and for many on here its automatically hated. If Apple brought this device out, its an amazing, innovative product. If the SP3 was factually a top device in all respects, it will still be hated, probably more. problem for mke is to read this thread I have to read the drivel that some write.

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Actually, they're just attacking Apple.

And, really, I would think this was just a calculated thing. They don't have to worry about their Office monopoly, but they really do with they had a phone one as well. Can't you see they're attacking where they are capable?

Attacking? Are companies not allowed to compete with others. When does competition get renamed to attacking? Bizarre

 

[HenryDJP]

Actually, they're just attacking Apple.

And, really, I would think this was just a calculated thing. They don't have to worry about their Office monopoly, but they really do with they had a phone one as well. Can't you see they're attacking where they are capable?

You're missing the point entirely.

 

[Dmunjal]

MacBook Air is not the only Ultrabook and the majority of Ultrabooks are Windows machines. Based on how they advertised the Surface it wasn't about competition but rather solving the problem of having an Ultrabook AND a Tablet. That would qualify any Ultrabook and Android an Android tablet which no doubt many people have this combination. You're not suggesting that Macs and iPads are outselling the competion so much that it makes Android and Windows Ultrabooks irrelevant?

I'm suggesting that Windows ultrabooks aren't the competition because they run Windows. Also, Android tablets aren't really competitive to the iPad as everyone here will tell you.

If Microsoft does offer a Surface Mini, we might see that ad. But for now, the only competitor in this price range is Apple.

 

[HenryDJP]

I'm suggesting that Windows ultrabooks aren't the competition because they run Windows. Also, Android tablets aren't really competitive to the iPad as everyone here will tell you.

If Microsoft does offer a Surface Mini, we might see that ad. But for now, the only competitor in this price range is Apple.

Then Microsoft was just BS'ing the media and the consumer yesterday when they said they were trying to help people solve the problem of using a Tablet and Laptop. They were basically lying. In essence they just stated "We are trying to take Apple down" while pretending to appear to be helping consumers consolidate their real-world computing needs. Got it. Typical MS. I can't/won't support that kind of crap. Apple is still in the minority regardless of your philosophy.

 

[tdale]

I'm suggesting that Windows ultrabooks aren't the competition because they run Windows. Also, Android tablets aren't really competitive to the iPad as everyone here will tell you.

If Microsoft does offer a Surface Mini, we might see that ad. But for now, the only competitor in this price range is Apple.

SP3 competes with other laptops, Apple and Windows based.

Apple as that can grow the Windows market share

Windows laptops as that can grow Microsofts profits from hardware sales

Both, as that can grow Microsofts reputation for being the best removeable screen laptop for the "Laptop or tablet in one device" market

I thinks its a fine job at version 3. The price may deter though

 

[Dmunjal]

Then Microsoft was just BS'ing the media and the consumer yesterday when they said they were trying to help people solve the problem of using a Tablet and Laptop. They were basically lying. In essence they just stated "We are trying to take Apple down" while pretending to appear to be helping consumers consolidate their real-world computing needs. Got it. Typical MS. I can't/won't support that kind of crap. Apple is still in the minority regardless of your philosophy.

I think what you're describing is called marketing. Everyone does it.

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SP3 competes with other laptops, Apple and Windows based.

Apple as that can grow the Windows market share

Windows laptops as that can grow Microsofts profits from hardware sales

Both, as that can grow Microsofts reputation for being the best removeable screen laptop for the "Laptop or tablet in one device" market

I thinks its a fine job at version 3. The price may deter though

I honestly don't believe that Microsoft is trying to make money on hardware. The intent was to show the OEMs what is possible. And of course to grow Windows.

 

[tdale]

Then Microsoft was just BS'ing the media and the consumer yesterday when they said they were trying to help people solve the problem of using a Tablet and Laptop. They were basically lying. In essence they just stated "We are trying to take Apple down" while pretending to appear to be helping consumers consolidate their real-world computing needs. Got it. Typical MS. I can't/won't support that kind of crap. Apple is still in the minority regardless of your philosophy.

Wow, you really hate. There is no device that is a laptop or tablet in one. SP3 is. Take Apple Down??? Is there a problem with competing with Apple? Everyone competes with everyone, whether it be IT, cameras, or corn flakes

 

[HenryDJP]

Wow, you really hate. There is no device that is a laptop or tablet in one. SP3 is. Take Apple Down??? Is there a problem with competing with Apple? Everyone competes with everyone, whether it be IT, cameras, or corn flakes

This has nothing to do with hate. Hate what? I simply asked a question and the Microsoft supporters here keep bypassing it with excuses.
I suggest you go back and read from where this started before you begin to call someone (me) a hater.

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I think what you're describing is called marketing. Everyone does it.

Nah, All of Apple's keynotes directly attack the overall problem. They don't spend 90% of the Keynote focused on the competitor.

 

[spinedoc77]

This has nothing to do with hate. Hate what? I simply asked a question and the Microsoft supporters here keep bypassing it with excuses.
I suggest you go back and read from where this started before you begin to call someone (me) a hater.

What Microsoft supporters? Why does everyone have to be in a camp? Most of us use multiple devices, including Microsoft, Apple, Android, whatever works best for our needs. Why people vehemently argue against or for a company I'll never understand, unless they have significant stocks or interest in that company. Microsoft has a strategy, only time will tell if it will work. If you can't understand marketing then I don't know what to tell you. Is Microsoft trying to "take Apple down"? Of course they are, newsflash they are a business directly competing with Apple. "while pretending to appear to be helping consumers consolidate their real-world computing needs" lol, really? Once again it's called marketing. Isn't Apple "pretending that you need a laptop and a tablet"? Both statements are equally ludicrous and inane.

 

[tdale]

This has nothing to do with hate. Hate what? I simply asked a question and the Microsoft supporters here keep bypassing it with excuses.
I suggest you go back and read from where this started before you begin to call someone (me) a hater.

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Perhaps you read your own wording, seems very clear to me.

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What Microsoft supporters? Why does everyone have to be in a camp? Most of us use multiple devices, including Microsoft, Apple, Android, whatever works best for our needs. Why people vehemently argue against or for a company I'll never understand, unless they have significant stocks or interest in that company. Microsoft has a strategy, only time will tell if it will work. If you can't understand marketing then I don't know what to tell you. Is Microsoft trying to "take Apple down"? Of course they are, newsflash they are a business directly competing with Apple. "while pretending to appear to be helping consumers consolidate their real-world computing needs" lol, really? Once again it's called marketing. Isn't Apple "pretending that you need a laptop and a tablet"? Both statements are equally ludicrous and inane.

Well said.

 

[zipa]

So tell me exactly how is it stupid for them to attack Android?

For starters, an average laptop + android tab costs less than the entry level Surface. That's not a very interesting market. Second, that group is already buying one Windows 8 device. It doesn't really benefit MSFT the same way if they choose to replace Windows with windows.

 

[Dmunjal]

Nah, All of Apple's keynotes directly attack the overall problem. They don't spend 90% of the Keynote focused on the competitor.

Again, everyone, including Apple does it.

The rule in marketing is to go after the leader. In tablets and expensive ultrabooks, that's Apple.

 

[HenryDJP]

For starters, an average laptop + android tab costs less than the entry level Surface. That's not a very interesting market. Second, that group is already buying one Windows 8 device. It doesn't really benefit MSFT the same way if they choose to replace Windows with windows.

Ah, ding ding ding, finally a proper answer to a very easy question. The only thing though is this is really about Ultrabooks and most of them are on par with the MBA in terms of price and features, also the cheapest iPad cost $300 so I hardly think that excludes Android tablets.

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Again, everyone, including Apple does it.View attachment 473284

The rule in marketing is to go after the leader. In tablets and expensive ultrabooks, that's Apple.

Actually Apple was going after the problem, not any direct competitors only and when did I say they never talk about competitors during their keynotes. I said they don't spend 90% of their keynotes talking about competitors. Microsoft spend more than 90% of their keynote focusing on Apple.

After the 3rd generation is the Surface still that weak in selling power that Microsoft can't focus 90% of their attention showing us all the awesomeness of their machine? I would've like to have seen a lot more. They focused on the screen what 5 five minutes (or seemed like). They focused on the pen and the handwriting which was fine but the only app they demo'd it on was One Note and then a crossword puzzle. Not much of a big seller on that. The guy didn't want to go over all the specs because he wanted to put forth more attention on the Macbook Air and iPad. LOL.
Shouldn't he be showing the camera (if it was updated), going over the battery life for every use of the machine, showing more benefits of the larger screen for a tablet? What about Cortana? Did they put it in there?

How about usable features that most people are going to need as whole since this machine is targeted for on the go users such as LTE?

Who knows, he didn't mention it. I'm guessing not. He didn't mention much about all the features and specs.
The pen was the star attraction and that was a nice feature but really not a serious dealmaker unless people were going after that.

 

[linuxcooldude]

I think it's awesome. Apple is very complacent, releasing the same rehashed product over and over again. Microsoft is trying very hard to innovate.

The rehash sounds more like Microsoft. I think they have also been playing catch up in tablets and several other categories from the Steve Ballmer era.

 

[mclld]

Damn shame people can not appreciate a new tech product

 

[AppleScruff1]

Damn shame people can not appreciate a new tech product

And it's usually the same ones time after time. If it had an Apple logo on it the discussion would be different.