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

[zipa]

My point then and now is that the product is a compromise, if you need a laptop you will get a better laptop by getting a regular laptop.

Absolutely. But I have a laptop at work. It spends most of its time in a dock, something that the Surface can do equally well.

When I pick it up to go to a meeting or to meet a client, however, the laptop as a form factor is much worse than a tablet. A tablet in less "intrusive" when discussing with a client. You are always "hiding" when you sit and type at a laptop, it is awkward to hold it while presenting so you need remotes and whatnots, which have to be pocketed while taking notes and so on.

And don't get me started about taking notes. Need to sketch a quick ad-hoc network diagram?

"Sure, wait a minute while I'm loading Visio"

*chug chug whzzz*

"Any minute now..."

*Whrrr chug chug*

"Oh, it can't read those content packs on my network drive"

...

As opposed to just taking the stylus and drawing a few lines, boxes and cylinders in OneNote.

That right there is what I need to solve, and as far as I can tell, the Surface Pro 3 does just that.

I was looking at a Galaxy Note Pro just for this, but that would not have been able to double duty as a workstation, so I'd be carrying even more devices with me.

 

[subsonix]

Could well be. Can it feel like a normal laptop, and a normal tablet? It possibly can.

Is a swiss army knife the only tool you need, or is a real knife and screwdriver actually better.

 

[SlCKB0Y]

If you look at my later post, you'd see that Windows 8.1 showed a .8 per thousand infection rate as opposed to slightly over 24 per thousand for XP.

The longer an OS has been in the wild, the more compromised it will get. In 10 years you'll find windows 8 has a much higher ratio

 

[tdale]

Is a swiss army knife the only tool you need, or is a real knife and screwdriver actually better.

Your right. My point is I am on my rMBP right now. If I could unclip the screen and use it as an iPad, that is a hybrid that is a real knife and screwdriver that are usable as if I had two devices. My imaginary Apple hybrid would be exactly the MB and the iPad. Perfect. How close the SP3 gets is the $64000 question. It has to due to its cost. If its 80%, then that is a problem. I am 100% happy with my MBP and iPad, if I was 80% happy with its replacement, thats a problem.

 

[SlCKB0Y]

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.

Errr, the CULV i5 in the surface will perform similarly to the CULV i5 in the MacBook air... As will the i7s.... And they will all outperform the entry level surface with the i3.

The PCIE ssd in the MacBook Air will probably be twice as fast as the storage in the surface.

----------

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?

Who said anything about ipad? I'd rather an android which can and will do exactly what you're talking about without all the compromises

 

[tdale]

Another issue.

I am used to fingerprints on my iPad. No way on my rMBP. I'd struggle with that.

 

[bobob]

The Type Cover 3 (10.5 ounces) is heavier than a Nexus 7 (10 ounces).

 

[Ezhik]

Just windows#

Well I heard people here say it about anything Google, and even Ubuntu.

 

[osofast240sx]

Is a swiss army knife the only tool you need, or is a real knife and screwdriver actually better.

If 90% of your customer base is screwing in one screw every six months then you sel them a Swiss Army knife. If the bulk of your customer base is screwing in 20 screws per day then you build them and sell them a full complement of tools.

 

[^^BIGMac]

WOW... M$ shoots and scccccccccoooooores.

lolno

 

[Menneisyys2]

The Type Cover 3 (10.5 ounces) is heavier than a Nexus 7 (10 ounces).

Apples to oranges.

 

[osofast240sx]

WOW... M$ shoots and scccccccccoooooores.

lolno

Explain how they scored? It's essentially the same tablet that lost billion dollars.

 

[spinedoc77]

True. The percentage of iPad users that also use a laptop on a daily basis is under 50%. If you count the number of folks who tote around a tablet and laptop, that number is less than 10%. Very misleading. I'm embarrassed for Microsoft for throwing a slide like that up. Maybe they meant 96% of tech reporters.

I'm sorry, I missed the link to the research you got those percentages from. Can you relink it please?

----------

My point then and now is that the product is a compromise, if you need a laptop you will get a better laptop by getting a regular laptop. It's the dual nature of Win 8 and this product that ends up being a compromise.

Sure it's a compromise, most anything is. A laptop and an ipad is a compromise as well, a desktop would be much more powerful, more stable, have a larger screen, full size keyboard, mouse, etc. Why on earth would you choose a laptop/ipad over a desktop when it's obviously a compromise? Heck for that matter why choose a desktop over a server? Why not just use a mainframe, not much of a compromise there.

 

[subsonix]

If 90% of your customer base is screwing in one screw every six months then you sel them a Swiss Army knife. If the bulk of your customer base is screwing in 20 screws per day then you build them and sell them a full complement of tools.

Going with your example, then they are using the knife almost 100% of the time, excluding that one time twice a year. I think they would want a real knife.

 

[MacAddict1978]

For business, this is a far more attractive than a MBA or iPad.

That is also more who this is targeted for, not someone playing angry birds, reading news, or for their porn collection.

I would love this simply for when I have small meetings with 1-3 people and cannot get an entire meeting room with a projector. (iPad requires virtualization to do any of what I need to do, and it doesn't always do that well and is a bit too small.)

This is also great for sales people or anyone who is interacting with customers in ways the iPad is a fail.

People custom ordering a kitchen with a company that holds orders records in an access database for example.

This isn't a play tablet. For it's potential, the weight and size are worthy of its existence.

This is really not much of a competitor to Apple seeing as how they don't go after the business market really at call. Their pro market is creative professionals, and they even have lost their touch there over the last 5-7 years.

The only horror of this thing is Windows 8. The first OS in history to hate itself.

$1949 + $130 type cover = me opting for a retina MacBook Pro instead.

no thanks, I'll take this instead. Plus, it runs my OS of choice

http://store.apple.com/us/buy-mac/macbook-air

good thing we have choices!

I still don't see how this is a compelling tablet. It's not something I'd want to curl up on the couch with and read a book on. It's not something I'd easily slip into my purse or backpack if I was going out somewhere. It may be a really nice laptop (and it seems Microsoft is going after the MBA) but I don't see it as a tablet. I mean look at all Microsoft press shots....they show it with the kickstand out and the keyboard cover attached. I see this as Microsoft's version of a laptop with touchscreen. And I see it mostly taking share from other Windows OEMs.

so can i get the pro 1 for $199 now

I just saw it refurbished on groupon for $399, $199 for rt

 

[subsonix]

Sure it's a compromise, most anything is. A laptop and an ipad is a compromise as well, a desktop would be much more powerful, more stable, have a larger screen, full size keyboard, mouse, etc. Why on earth would you choose a laptop/ipad over a desktop when it's obviously a compromise? Heck for that matter why choose a desktop over a server? Why not just use a mainframe, not much of a compromise there.

Eh, what are you talking about. You obviously buy a laptop because you want a portable computer, servers, and especially mainframes run completely different software and requires specialized people to operate. The point is, it's a compromise both in terms of being a tablet, and a laptop.

 

[the-msa]

That may be the case for you but the numbers don't lie. Millions of windows devices are infected daily.

the sole reason being that windows has a market share of 88% or more. os x is not more malware/virus proof than windows. its just than no virus writer cares about the 7% os x users when they can screw with the 88%.

 

[HenryDJP]

You are misquoting. he did not say we have to appreciate the Surface Pro 3. He refers to new tech.

Zipa's comment is about this thread and threads like it that are heavily strewn with anti Microsoft comments rather than a discussion on the product. Same if the thread was about an Android product. Interestngly there are many positive comments on the SP3, made by Apple enthusiasts/fans.

Uh let's not play with each other man. This article is about the Surface Pro 3 unless somehow I misread the article title and it's really about the Samsung Galaxy S5.
Instead acting so self-righteous (and I'm saying this because you talk as if people don't troll Apple forums) why you don't take a surf to a few Microsoft enthusiast boards or Android enthusiast boards. One mention of Apple products from an "outsider" and people make the most rude responses and throw insults. Same thing I see on CNET. when the article is about Samsung, Android or Microsoft, their fanboys attack anyone that mentions Apple, especially if that person makes valid points. When the article is about a "new tech" product from Apple the then Anti-Apple people troll those CNET articles and they waste no time coming here to troll Apple-related articles.

I just love how people come here and expect MacRumors members to remain civil when others can't be about Apple. There is more criticism about Apple right here on MR but according to you people here don't seem to be allowed to criticize non-Apple products. And newsflash, there are many people that just don't like Microsoft and it doesn't matter what they make, they will be criticized for it.

Actually I haven't even criticized the Surface Pro 3 other than the fact that it didn't have LTE. I thought it was a nice product. It's just not for me. But if you guys expect an Apple enthusiast board (YES, Apple enthusiast) , (this place is called "Mac"Rumors,) to sing the praises of non-Apple products all the time then you're not being realistic.
Even on MR Apple releases a new product it gets tons of criticism for what Apple missed or didn't do or just to criticize for no reason making baseless statements. So if you expect these same people to praise non-Apple products you've registered on the wrong forum.

 

[spinedoc77]

Going with your example, then they are using the knife almost 100% of the time, excluding that one time twice a year. I think they would want a real knife.

Not if they travel all the time.

----------

Eh, what are you talking about. You obviously buy a laptop because you want a portable computer, servers, and especially mainframes run completely different software and requires specialized people to operate. The point is, it's a compromise both in terms of being a tablet, and a laptop.

Just over exaggerating to make my point. Everyone gripes that it's a compromise, but anything is a compromise especially when it's mobile. A 11" laptop is a compromise over a 13" laptop, which is a compromise over a 15" laptop, etc.

I'll give you a more realistic example. Carrying a laptop and an ipad is a compromise because you have 2 devices to put in your bag, worry about, keep charged, add weight, etc. A laptop is also a compromise if I need to pull the screen off and use it as a tablet at times, or if I need to draw on it.

The point is we all live with acceptable compromises. Each consumer has to pick and choose which compromises they will live with based on what they need.

 

[osofast240sx]

For business, this is a far more attractive than a MBA or iPad.

That is also more who this is targeted for, not someone playing angry birds, reading news, or for their porn collection.

I would love this simply for when I have small meetings with 1-3 people and cannot get an entire meeting room with a projector. (iPad requires virtualization to do any of what I need to do, and it doesn't always do that well and is a bit too small.)

This is also great for sales people or anyone who is interacting with customers in ways the iPad is a fail.

People custom ordering a kitchen with a company that holds orders records in an access database for example.

This isn't a play tablet. For it's potential, the weight and size are worthy of

the iPad is the best point of sale device out there. It has zero learning curve, perfect for busmiess.

 

[spinedoc77]

Uh let's not play with each other man. This article is about the Surface Pro 3 unless somehow I misread the article title and it's really about the Samsung Galaxy S5.
Instead acting so self-righteous (and I'm saying this because you talk as if people don't troll Apple forums) why you don't take a surf to a few Microsoft enthusiast boards or Android enthusiast boards. One mention of Apple products from an "outsider" and people make the most rude responses and throw insults. Same thing I see on CNET. when the article is about Samsung, Android or Microsoft, their fanboys attack anyone that mentions Apple, especially if that person makes valid points. When the article is about a "new tech" product from Apple the then Anti-Apple people troll those CNET articles and they waste no time coming here to troll Apple-related articles.

I just love how people come here and expect MacRumors members to remain civil when others can't be about Apple. There is more criticism about Apple right here on MR but according to you people here don't seem to be allowed to criticize non-Apple products. And newsflash, there are many people that just don't like Microsoft and it doesn't matter what they make, they will be criticized for it.

Actually I haven't even criticized the Surface Pro 3 other than the fact that it didn't have LTE. I thought it was a nice product. It's just not for me. But if you guys expect an Apple enthusiast board (YES, Apple enthusiast) , (this place is called "Mac"Rumors,) to sing the praises of non-Apple products all the time then you're not being realistic.
Even on MR Apple releases a new product it gets tons of criticism for what Apple missed or didn't do or just to criticize for no reason making baseless statements. So if you expect these same people to praise non-Apple products you've registered on the wrong forum.

That's BS. Go to the windows tablet forums where everyone is a die hard Microsoft user. We have lots of discussion about Apple and the ipad. If anything I'm always quite surprised how civil people are on those forums, it's rare to see trolling or arguments or fanboys defending their products like morons. I'm not sure if their is an age differential, or the type of user, or maybe just coincidence but we all get along with each other and are able to discuss different brands and strategies without taking it personally as if Apple were one of our family members.

No one expects praise, not sure why you like to exaggerate so much. It's just annoying to see the constant "I won't buy it because Microsoft sucks" or "windows sucks" comments.

 

[HenryDJP]

If that is not manufacturer bias, then what is?

Lol, my post was manufacture biased? Did you misread the name of this place? It's called MAC-rumors....and you're calling MY post manufacturer biased. Now I could be wrong but last time I checked Samsung doesn't make Mac computers, neither does Microsoft, neither does Google, neither does HP, DELL or Alienware. I can think of one company that makes the Mac, iPad, iPhone, iPod and OS X which is the predominant discussion here daily and that would be Apple. Makes sense for it to be called an Apple-enthusiast board.

Look man, you've been really defensive about anyone speaking negatively about the Surface. You said you were purchasing one, you're getting what you needed...so honest question, why are you still hanging out here attacking people for criticizing the Surface Pro 3? I mean you're not any better. You replied to me calling people here "Rabid Fools" for criticizing the Surface (which they are entitled to do) so you insulting people is not being any more civil than others you complain about criticizing the Surface.

 

[subsonix]

Just over exaggerating to make my point. Everyone gripes that it's a compromise, but anything is a compromise especially when it's mobile. A 11" laptop is a compromise over a 13" laptop, which is a compromise over a 15" laptop, etc.

It's only a compromise if you think that bigger is always better.

I'll give you a more realistic example. Carrying a laptop and an ipad is a compromise because you have 2 devices to put in your bag, worry about, keep charged, add weight, etc. A laptop is also a compromise if I need to pull the screen off and use it as a tablet at times, or if I need to draw on it.

The point is we all live with acceptable compromises. Each consumer has to pick and choose which compromises they will live with based on what they need.

True, but the product itself is a compromise, a true laptop or tablet is a more focused product. If you prefer convenience of transportation over user experience, then I guess it's a compromise you are willing to take.

 

[osofast240sx]

No one expects praise, not sure why you like to exaggerate so much. It's just annoying to see the constant "I won't buy it because Microsoft sucks" or "windows sucks" comments.

I won't buy Microsoft because between 1990 and 2003 I've went through about 20 laptops and desktops all which have bricked. I've lost thousands of pictures. Since 2003 I purchased one laptop omg is an Apple laptop and it still works!!! I'm DONE with PC hardware!!!!!! Been there done that!!!!

 

[subsonix]

Not if they travel all the time.

You think they would always carry the screw driver considering it's only used twice a year? I don't.