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

[osofast240sx]

You wont buy Microsoft because products that were not done or designed by Microsoft in any way, shape or form failed? That is precisely the sort of irrational manufacturer bashing I'm talking about.

im not bashing! Just stating my experience. Bottom line using Mac hardware to run Microsoft software works very well.

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If this ran OS X I'd buy it in a heartbeat.

Let's have an iPad that runs a REAL operating system!
Why not stylus support?
Why not USB?
Why not a card slot?
Just a content vehicle isn't where it's at anymore. While you're at it, why not FLASH support?

IOS isn't it. Hope someone from Apple market research reads these postings.

your dreaming you're dreaming if you think Apple is going to read your post. Just because you haven't figured out how it's not just a content vehicle, does not make it one!!

 

[MyopicPaideia]

It has nothing to with the OS. There's not a single thing about Windows that makes it work "better" in the business world. It was a monopoly created by Microsoft and the use of their server tools coupled with Windows helped them to create that. Banking institutions are certainly not remaining on Windows due to preference. It's near impossible to change. That's all. I KNOW. I worked in one for years.

That's exactly correct. It isn't that there is not software out there that is either cloud/web-based or native to OSX that will not work or will not be a good solution. It is simply that the really big companies and industries didn't just materialise in the past 10 years, they've been around forever! It is no surprise that national and multinational corporations don't want to go through the headache of migrating to an entirely different platform. Besides the technological and security of data issues, they would have massive indirect costs such as retraining the vast majority of their IT department and bringing in consultants to do that as well as educate their 1000's of employees, the opportunity cost of dropped productivity as half their workforce flounders around relearning keyboard shortcuts for copy and paste, etc. It would literally be a logistical and operational nightmare.

However, I do know of several multimillion dollar companies with 25-1000 employees here in Sweden that don't include the OS Windows in their corporate or professional environment at all, unless you count Azure. I am a finance executive at one of them.

I can see a generational shift moving away from Windows as a corporate platform front end unless Microsoft concentrates on it hard. If they lose their focus and try to be hip and Apple-like, focusing on the consumer market, it could just open the door for OSX.

That has always been Windows real strength, typical office admin, clerical, and IT department tasks. Apple and OSX has always owned the creative market. Microsoft needs to make sure it doesn't lose its data crunching mojo with all this mobile first, cloud first business, because Apple is nudging in the opposite direction at the same time and nibbling away there...

 

[zipa]

But what does this version add that the other two did not have

A screen that is big enough and has a better aspect ratio for work.

 

[Freyqq]

That is Microsoft's argument, true. As has been done to death over and over, it's a bit like saying that you don't need a toaster and a fridge if you can get a toast-making fridge. It's just a bizarre way of thinking about things. What's next? We don't need a smartphone and a laptop/tablet when we can have a smartphonelaptoptablet? Convergence for the sake of convergence is silly. If you want the best tool for the job, you need the best tool for the job. Nobody takes a Swiss Army Knife to a sword fight.

I can see the appeal. When you travel, some would take an ipad and a macbook air. A surface would allow you to take just the surface. That's the reason why I got a Dell Venue 8 Pro over an ipad. If I'm on the go, I want to be able to do anything I could need to do. I don't want to be able to do just 90% of what I need to do, and then have to go home to use my laptop to finish the rest. Most people couldn't just take an ipad on a trip and be confident that they could do everything they need to do...too many limitations.

You're analogy doesn't work because a toaster and a fridge are two complete separate devices that do opposite things. A tablet and a laptop are very similar in most respects. It's just a laptop with a touchscreen and a removable keyboard.

 

[subsonix]

A screen that is big enough and has a better aspect ratio for work.

Sure, but it's not bigger than the usual laptop screen, it's not a unique feature. I doubt that screen size alone is going to change anything in comparison to Surface 2.

The tablet market is pretty much owned by iOS and Android, it's has already established itself in the minds of consumers, in regards to what it is and what to expect. This whole discussion is pretty much a damn clone of last years discussion and the discussion the year before that, my guess is we will have the same discussion next year, but then about the new fantastic Surface 4.

 

[Freyqq]

Using the new surface looks like it could be annoying using on the lap. However, since the heat-making portions of the device are in the screen, it would never get noticeably hot.

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I'll say they haven't found it. It's still too heavy.

When this thing is as light as an iPad Air and has the same 12 hour battery, then I'll say they've found it.

It's 12" instead of 10" and has the processor and ram of a full computer. I'd say that the tradeoff is reasonable.

 

[zipa]

Sure, but it's not bigger than the usual laptop screen, it's not a unique feature.

It is quite unique in that the screen comes with touch/stylus input and the rest of the computer as well, i.e. it is a tablet and not a laptop. Like I said, I'm not interested in a laptop. A laptop is all kinds of wrong for what I do.

I doubt that screen size alone is going to change anything in comparison to Surface 2.

I know that it will. As in I'm buying this, but I didn't buy the Surface Pro 2 because it was too small.

The tablet market is pretty much owned by iOS and Android, it's has already established itself in the minds of consumers, in regards to what it is and what to expect.

Yes, but I just don't see this as a consumer product, just as you usually wouldn't see a consumer buying a Lenovo ThinkPad-series PC. I see this as a rather fit-for-purpose enterprise tool.

 

[HenryDJP]

Sure, but it's not bigger than the usual laptop screen, it's not a unique feature. I doubt that screen size alone is going to change anything in comparison to Surface 2.

The tablet market is pretty much owned by iOS and Android, it's has already established itself in the minds of consumers, in regards to what it is and what to expect. This whole discussion is pretty much a damn clone of last years discussion and the discussion the year before that, my guess is we will have the same discussion next year, but then about the new fantastic Surface 4.

Well Said. If MS doesn't get this one out the door there may not be a Surface 4.

 

[subsonix]

Yes, but I just don't see this as a consumer product, just as you usually wouldn't see a consumer buying a Lenovo ThinkPad-series PC. I see this as a rather fit-for-purpose enterprise tool.

Right, but it wasn't enough for the last version. But, I'm tired of this now, we have different opinions. No more quotes please, I can't help myself.


I may be wrong.

 

[Zellio]

That is Microsoft's argument, true. As has been done to death over and over, it's a bit like saying that you don't need a toaster and a fridge if you can get a toast-making fridge. It's just a bizarre way of thinking about things. What's next? We don't need a smartphone and a laptop/tablet when we can have a smartphonelaptoptablet? Convergence for the sake of convergence is silly. If you want the best tool for the job, you need the best tool for the job. Nobody takes a Swiss Army Knife to a sword fight.

No, but if they are masters at weaponry and bring a sword, a bo, and a pair of nunchuks to a fight...

Or a sword and a gun..

Etc.

One size doesn't fit all. The best tool is what you can make the best use of, rather it's one thing or several.

 

[Digital Skunk]

An OSx tablet would be awesome, but it won't happen anytime soon. Apple banks on consumers buying both a tablet and a laptop from them. This whole "simplicity" of the ipad to me is marketing junk invented by a company that knew they could double dip into consumers pockets. I've always said Apple are marketing geniuses, the pinnacle of marketing was convincing consumers how stupid they were and that they needed such a dumbed down device.

Very true on all accounts. The day we see an OSX 12" tablet that competes with the SP3 and siphons money from the MBA side is the day that Apple would really be doomed.

They've thoroughly convinced many of their customers that spending more money on a more diverse set of products with varying degrees of limitations and UX is the way the to go.

Stepping out of that world was very enlightening for me.

Microsoft's sights are aiming for the +$1,000 market. The goal is replacing both a tablet and a laptop with a single device.

And from what I am seeing they are doing a very good job. I just got finished watching a video about Grass Valley's (a broadcast equipment maker) new NLE (video editor) that scales performance based on the system it runs on.

Running it on a 12" tablet would be welcomed for that would want to do it . . . . . for whatever reason.

May be. But, in my experience (which I confess is not much), Android tablets have provided a poor experience. Bad software. Android does not have as many apps designed for tablets as iOS does.

Trust those that have already said, that was a thing of the past. Android and 3rd party app devos have more than caught up to Apple and iOS in terms of quality apps for productivity and gaming in both the smartphone and tablet market.

Any app worth downloading has both on Android and iOS. Any app worth paying money for works as advertised across platforms, and almost all of the apps I personally use are on all three mobile platforms and full OS installs.

 

[slash7844]

That's exactly correct. It isn't that there is not software out there that is either cloud/web-based or native to OSX that will not work or will not be a good solution. It is simply that the really big companies and industries didn't just materialise in the past 10 years, they've been around forever! It is no surprise that national and multinational corporations don't want to go through the headache of migrating to an entirely different platform. Besides the technological and security of data issues, they would have massive indirect costs such as retraining the vast majority of their IT department and bringing in consultants to do that as well as educate their 1000's of employees, the opportunity cost of dropped productivity as half their workforce flounders around relearning keyboard shortcuts for copy and paste, etc. It would literally be a logistical and operational nightmare.

However, I do know of several multimillion dollar companies with 25-1000 employees here in Sweden that don't include the OS Windows in their corporate or professional environment at all, unless you count Azure. I am a finance executive at one of them.

I can see a generational shift moving away from Windows as a corporate platform front end unless Microsoft concentrates on it hard. If they lose their focus and try to be hip and Apple-like, focusing on the consumer market, it could just open the door for OSX.

That has always been Windows real strength, typical office admin, clerical, and IT department tasks. Apple and OSX has always owned the creative market. Microsoft needs to make sure it doesn't lose its data crunching mojo with all this mobile first, cloud first business, because Apple is nudging in the opposite direction at the same time and nibbling away there...

There is not a good alternative softwares for big corporations. Name one alternative to SAP that runs on OSX. If you are talking about small businesses, with revenue of couple millions to tens of millions, yes. multi platform softwares such as QuickBooks will be sufficient.

 

[spinedoc77]

The untold downside to the Surface is the low quality touch apps. As a Dell Venue 8 Pro owner, some of the apps that you would use every day are either terrible or nonexistent on the store yet. For instance, Mail has a bunch of issues. One is that hyperlinks in text-based emails are not highlighted, so you can't click them to open a webpage. Another is a lack of unified inbox. Also, i often get errors with gmail. I've had to instead use the gmail web app for email, which is not optimized for touch either. Calendar does not sync with google, so I've had to use the google calendar web app too. That one is even worse for touch.

That said, some apps are pretty good. The built-in news, finance, and sports apps are pretty good. A few others, like the popular youtube app, are perhaps even superior to their iOS counterparts made by google. The Facebook app is also good. Still, a lack of some well-known apps and the utter failure that is Mail will depreciate the platform until fixes arrive.

That's odd, I don't have those issues. I just sent myself a text email to make sure, the link I had in it was highlighted and linked me right to IE11. Otherwise I agree, windows needs a unified email app. I don't have an issue with it because I use hotmail, and it works flawlessly with that, but you definitely have a valid point. My google calendar though does sync with my windows calendar, I use that every day.

 

[MyopicPaideia]

Yes, but I just don't see this as a consumer product, just as you usually wouldn't see a consumer buying a Lenovo ThinkPad-series PC. I see this as a rather fit-for-purpose enterprise tool.

Excellent point, I wish Microsoft would actually market it that way instead. This could be the ultimate "bring your own device" machine. That docking station in the launch presentation was pretty slick. Basically just pick up your screen and go, but still have your physical work machine with you.

I really hope the rumoured rMBA/iPad Pro has a similar compelling dynamic to it. The size of the screen (and genius aspect ratio choice), the thinness of the form factor, and the weight certainly go a long way towards making this thing a much more dynamic device than its predecessors.

All Apple really needs to do is take the training wheels off of iOS and unlock all the OSX access and feature's it already has built into it, but are sheltered away for simplicity's sake. What you would have then is basically a touch UI version of OSX and a pointer UI version. Make a simple unique gesture in order to switch between the two UI's.

That type case 3 is pretty nifty as well, I wonder why no 3rd party has copied the design for the iPad? That hinge magnet making for an angled keyboard was a really good addition, I can see that being extremely comfortable to use.

Not in the market for anything non-OSX, but I sure hope Apple hits one out of the park this fall!!

 

[Freyqq]

That's odd, I don't have those issues. I just sent myself a text email to make sure, the link I had in it was highlighted and linked me right to IE11. Otherwise I agree, windows needs a unified email app. I don't have an issue with it because I use hotmail, and it works flawlessly with that, but you definitely have a valid point. My google calendar though does sync with my windows calendar, I use that every day.

Google Calendar does not sync. Proof: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/use-google-windows-8-rt

Hyperlinks do not work in text emails. Proof: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/...-working/2cb02b58-cb28-4ec9-a467-93111cc455c8

Hyperlinks do work in html emails. Since Windows Mail only sends html emails, it supports hyperlinks if you email yourself something. Not every service (example: gmail) does this. So, if a gmail user sends you something, chances are that you cannot see the hyperlink.

 

[MyopicPaideia]

There is not a good alternative softwares for big corporations. Name one alternative to SAP that runs on OSX. If you are talking about small businesses, with revenue of couple millions to tens of millions, yes. multi platform softwares such as QuickBooks will be sufficient.

Front end? Watch this 6 part webcast series from 2007. Native OSX SAP clients. We're talking about front end, I fully acknowledge that other unix variants and Azure are going to be sitting on the backend of all of this, that was never my argument.

 

[spinedoc77]

Google Calendar does not sync. Proof: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/use-google-windows-8-rt

Hyperlinks do not work in text emails. Proof: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/...-working/2cb02b58-cb28-4ec9-a467-93111cc455c8

Hyperlinks do work in html emails. Since Windows Mail only sends html emails, it supports hyperlinks if you email yourself something. Not every service (example: gmail) does this. So, if a gmail user sends you something, chances are that you cannot see the hyperlink.

I just sent a text email with url FROM my gmail account on my desktop at work and opened it with the email app on my windows tablet, the hyperlink came out highlighted and pressing on it opened up IE11. I also use google calendar as my main calendar and that syncs up fine with the calendar app on my windows tablet. Not sure what I'm doing right, but it seems to work.

I don't use gmail much though, I find hotmail far superior with aliases and more detailed ways to divert mail into different places. I'm not a big fan of google, it's their fault their email program doesn't scale properly. Chrome sucks on high dpi touch tablets as well, once again their fault. I don't mean this to sound callous, but maybe you need an android tablet for your google system to run well. Apple users seem happier with apple hardware to run their ecosystem as well, it doesn't surprise me that this is the case with Microsoft as well. I have also been planning on migrating from google calendar, but I've had it for so long I haven't bitten the bullet yet as I rely very heavily on appointments and need access to past ones.

 

[Fastestflash]

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.

Lol you sure are all over this forum trying your best to scrutinize the SP3 with selective, biased, and uninformed information.

As I said in the beginning of my post I approached my comparison objectively and compared the specs and price as listed on each product's webpage. If I missed any specs, features, or advantages I'm willing to concede those mistakes such as the case with the ambient light sensor. However, I will state that mistake was due in part to the feature being listed under the keyboard section on the MBA product's spec page. That does bring up the question, is that sensor solely for the backlit keyboard or does it also function for automatic screen brightness adjustment? I would assume both, but not sure given it's placement in the specs page.

Regarding performance, if you are to compare two products on that specific category, its best to select two model with comparable CPUs. You selectively point out the SP3's base model and compare it with the base model for the MBA which starts off with a higher class CPU. That is why I selected the i5 SP3 model which also happens to have 128gb of storage making your point on performance and storage moot. On that note, I'll also bring up the fact that the SP3's i5 configuration offers a newer and higher clocked CPU than that of the 11in MBA.

As for usability, specifically on typing on ones lap, I did acknowledge the MBA's edge over the SP3, but if it comes down to superior typing experience alone there are hundred of dedicated keyboard(usb or Bluetooth) that are far superior to the one on the MacBook Air.

On the subject of compromises, I would argue again that it comes down to personal preferences. Another way to look at it is, as a tablet the SP3 is far superior to the iPad in terms of power and productivity, also pointing out that the excellent battery life and light weight even if heavier than the super light iPad air. The fact the iPad air get slightly better battery life and is lighter doesn't take anything away from the SP3. When an iPad air 2 is released and it's half the weight of the original air it won't make the iPad air a bad tablet. In terms of it as an ultrabook, it has the added benefit of being extremely portable, allowing you to use it in situations where even a super light ultrabook would be awkward to use and the power is on par with and in some cases superior to even the most popular ultrabook(MBA 11 cough).

Your problem is that you insist on looking at the SP3 as being a glass half empty while it might not suit your needs it does for others. It comes down to getting what works best for you. In my case, I'm willing to give it a try and trade in two products for one. If my hunch is right I will be a very happy customer. while others deal with their "best in class" products and all the hassle that comes with carrying two products and chargers.

 

[harvey2502]

If anything, the announcement of the Surface Pro 3 adds credence to rumours of Apple working on a new MacBook Air which has a "fanless" design and which is even thinner than the current generation.

My personal opinions about the Surface Pro 3 and the Surface line as a whole:

1. Doesn't work well as a tablet. Still too thick, too heavy. This will be especially true for people who have used/are using an iPad Air. Because of the heft, it wouldn't be very pleasant to use it as a tablet for prolonged periods.

2. Best used as an ultrabook replacement, which can be occasionally used as a tablet. However, typing on an actual notebook keyboard is still much better than typing on the type cover.
There is only 1 USB port.
Also, even though the kickstand can be adjusted to be at any angle now, I don't think it would be very comfortable to use it as a notebook on your lap. Just think about it. How uncomfortable would it be? And you probably have to sit with both of your legs very close to each other to balance the thing.
I can use my MacBook Pro very comfortably on my lap, but with my Surface RT which I sold off, I couldn't. Maybe it's better now with the new kickstand.
I think this unpleasantness stems from the fact that the Surface is propped up by a kickstand at the back, whereas a laptop has a clamshell design. The Surface keyboard gets fidgeted around when being typed on when it is not placed on a totally flat surface. It gets very annoying.
Any other Surface users experienced what I'm talking about here?

3. As a result of point 1 and point 2, it doesn't function particularly well as a tablet, neither does it function well as a full-fledged notebook. It is a confused product. Compromises are made on both the tablet and notebook front.

4. It is not priced right. For the price, I think consumers would be better off getting a MacBook Air or MacBook Pro.

5. But I do think it was remarkably impressive that they managed to incorporate that much horsepower and features into such a design. Coming from my bad experience with a Surface RT, I just don't think it will work very well.

I would advice people who are interested in the Surface Pro 3 to wait for the rumoured new MacBook Air with "fanless" design. I really think most people would be best served with a notebook+tablet+smartphone combination. Just my 2 cents.

 

[tdale]

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.

I see. You seem a bit heated, I dont disagree with these points at all, but you seem to have misread the points we raised about fanboy comments. End of topic

 

[IJ Reilly]

Oh I like this bit.

"And by the way, travelers: Remember that laptops and tablets are worlds apart when it comes to air travel. You can use a tablet (but not a laptop) during takeoff or landing. You can leave a tablet (but not a laptop) in your bag as it goes through the TSA scanner machines."

Thankfully they have the resources to endure past mistakes so that they are able to learn from them.

I'm not sure I'm thankful, but I recognize the reality: Microsoft gets more mulligans than any tech company, and they take advantage of the do-overs. If Apple took three generations of a product to make one success, the media would be all over them. It's a double standard, but there it is.

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It's not really a wild guess. This is a refinement of a product that is already two generations old and has been nothing but a niche. (He admits as such right at the beginning) This is a nice improvement, but in order to be really successful, a device needs to be really really good at something. This remains both sub-par when compared to a good ultrabook and a good tablet. The ONLY people this appeals to is the tiny minority of users for whom an ultrabook and an ultralight tablet are too much to bear. That's not much of a market to go after.

I'd call it a wild guess because it's dependent on that tired old "niche product" argument. Virtually everything is a niche product, which only means it isn't for absolutely everybody. Some of those niches can be pretty big and profitable. How large a niche they find with this product remains to be seen. I prefer not to guess.

 

[spinedoc77]

If anything, the announcement of the Surface Pro 3 adds credence to rumours of Apple working on a new MacBook Air which has a "fanless" design and which is even thinner than the current generation.

My personal opinions about the Surface Pro 3 and the Surface line as a whole:

1. Doesn't work well as a tablet. Still too thick, too heavy. This will be especially true for people who have used/are using an iPad Air. Because of the heft, it wouldn't be very pleasant to use it as a tablet for prolonged periods.

2. Best used as an ultrabook replacement, which can be occasionally used as a tablet. However, typing on an actual notebook keyboard is still much better than typing on the type cover.
There is only 1 USB port.
Also, even though the kickstand can be adjusted to be at any angle now, I don't think it would be very comfortable to use it as a notebook on your lap. Just think about it. How uncomfortable would it be? And you probably have to sit with both of your legs very close to each other to balance the thing.
I can use my MacBook Pro very comfortably on my lap, but with my Surface RT which I sold off, I couldn't. Maybe it's better now with the new kickstand.
I think this unpleasantness stems from the fact that the Surface is propped up by a kickstand at the back, whereas a laptop has a clamshell design. The Surface keyboard gets fidgeted around when being typed on when it is not placed on a totally flat surface. It gets very annoying.
Any other Surface users experienced what I'm talking about here?

3. As a result of point 1 and point 2, it doesn't function particularly well as a tablet, neither does it function well as a full-fledged notebook. It is a confused product. Compromises are made on both the tablet and notebook front.

4. It is not priced right. For the price, I think consumers would be better off getting a MacBook Air or MacBook Pro.

5. But I do think it was remarkably impressive that they managed to incorporate that much horsepower and features into such a design. Coming from my bad experience with a Surface RT, I just don't think it will work very well.

I would advice people who are interested in the Surface Pro 3 to wait for the rumoured new MacBook Air with "fanless" design. I really think most people would be best served with a notebook+tablet+smartphone combination. Just my 2 cents.

I think it depends how you use a tablet as well. I rarely use my tablet held up with both hands, it's usually resting on a desk or if I'm lying down resting on my chest, or if sitting my elbows would rest on my thighs or a chair support. I couldn't see holding up even an ipad air suspended by just my arms for a long time no matter that it's lighter, I wouldn't even do that with a 8" tablet. The weight of my arms is much more than any tablet and would tire me out fairly quickly.

I also don't understand how a laptop is that much more comfortable on a lap in all honesty. Besides it getting hot it just seems too wobbly to sit there and type a lot, and I would greatly miss the mouse. Yes it's more stable than the SP3 for sure, but I'm not convinced that's really valuable. I suppose if I had to write my masters thesis on the subway every day I would opt for the laptop, but at that point I would re-evaluate my life lol.

In terms of tablet functions, I would think it functions better as a tablet, but that would vary by user. Personally I want a larger screen, that makes a better tablet for how I use it. 8" tablets are kind of useless to me, and the ipad size isn't that useful to me either. The most useful thing a tablet could do IMO is fold into a smaller pocketable size, otherwise if I have to put a SP3 into a man bag I would have to put an ipad into a man bag as well.

At the end of the day we are just discussing consumer preferences though.

 

[Fastestflash]

At the end of the day we are just discussing consumer preferences though.

I agree.

I recognize your name from tabletpcreview forums. Thinkpad tablet 10? Lol. Much more mature conversation on those forums. Ive been reading it for a bit waiting to see what those guys post and find regarding the thinkpad but haven't created an account. The tablet looks good, but the SP3 is def drawing me towards it especially considering the price of the tp10vs the SP3.

 

[spinedoc77]

I agree.

I recognize your name from tabletpcreview forums. Thinkpad tablet 10? Lol. Much more mature conversation on those forums. Ive been reading it for a bit waiting to see what those guys post and find regarding the thinkpad but haven't created an account. The tablet looks good, but the SP3 is def drawing me towards it especially considering the price of the tp10vs the SP3.

Yepper, those forums are very gentleman like and even when discussing non-Microsoft things we tend to "discuss" rather than vehemently and fanboyishly defend a company who could care less about them other than their wallet.

I think I'm one of the more onerous members on those boards, probably all the bad habits I learned here lol.

 

[Freyqq]

I think this device destroys all the Apple laptop devices with nearly no compromise.

It's lighter than a MBA, but also has performance that is comparable to the low and midrange rMBPs.

Plus touch/pen support. Plus a dock. I think MS has really hit it out of the park.

Performance is in the same range as the macbook air. Same watt processor (15w). It just has the 4400 graphics instead of 5000 graphics, so it has more of the chip allocated to CPU instead of GPU.