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

[ImperialX]

Suit yourself, but admit you are making a wild guess.

David Pogue thinks it's quite good.

https://www.yahoo.com/tech/microsoft-surface-pro-3-review-if-you-had-to-be-a-86496376264.html

Hey, I think it's quite good as well. It's a good piece of tech. But I also thought the Surface Pro 2 was quite good. Look what general consumers thought of that.

A successful product needs mass market appeal far more than us techies and a few journalists approving it, and the Surface Pro 3 isn't any better than its predecessors when it comes to that. Saying that the Surface Pro 3 is going to succeed in gaining mass market appeal is far more of a wild guess than saying it's going to flop. You know it's true.

 

[harvey2502]

You're conveniently forgetting that Apple still continues to use the same substandard TN screen that was barely passable from 2010...

While I assume the surface pro is using an IPS 2160x1440 display.

iPads have IPS screens. Please get your facts straight.

 

[ImperialX]

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.

That's strange. Every time I've gone through customs they tell me to take the iPad out of the bag alongside my MacBook. Tablets didn't get any special treatment.

 

[HenryDJP]

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

I don't get heated about this place or from anyone here. Nobody here has that type of power to annoy me. You couldn't be more wrong about the way I feel despite what you're reading in my post. At least I don't throw insults like some have here already. Now, end of topic.

 

[Technarchy]

40 pages?

Yeah, I would say MSFT has struck a nerve.

And I do believe if the Surface Pro 3 was done by Apple to replace the MBA, it would be lauded as the second coming.

It's okay to say other tech companies do something cool sometimes. It doesn't hurt.

----------

iPads have IPS screens. Please get your facts straight.

Macbook Air's use TN screens.

 

[Eidorian]

That's strange. Every time I've gone through customs they tell me to take the iPad out of the bag alongside my MacBook. Tablets didn't get any special treatment.

The TSA would be for entering the secure area of the terminal. Customs is another story entirely and another level of scrutiny. Though I admit being somewhat surprised too.

 

[Technarchy]

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.

I think in terms of components it's obviously has parity with the MBA.

But it has the versatility of being a full OS experience tablet for browsing, reading, watching movies etc etc etc.

But when you need it to be a real PC laptop, it can be that to.

Considering the number of people walking around with iPads with Logitech keyboards, and Macbooks, there is no way people aren't seeing the merit of the Surface's design and goals.

 

[skaertus]

iPads have IPS screens. Please get your facts straight.

He is probably talking about the MacBook Air, which still uses a TN screen. iPads have always used IPS.

 

[Eidorian]

Hey, I think it's quite good as well. It's a good piece of tech. But I also thought the Surface Pro 2 was quite good. Look what general consumers thought of that.

A successful product needs mass market appeal far more than us techies and a few journalists approving it, and the Surface Pro 3 isn't any better than its predecessors when it comes to that. Saying that the Surface Pro 3 is going to succeed in gaining mass market appeal is far more of a wild guess than saying it's going to flop. You know it's true.

I believe this is where the Atom based tablets come in at the $499 range. 9-11", Atom quad core, and Office bundled with many of them. I really want a Surface Pro 3 but if Apple comes out with their own version I might pick that up.

Though I'll end up buying Windows 8.1 and Office for that too. They really need to get enough sold for consumers to show off to their peers and start the snowball rolling.

 

[IJ Reilly]

Hey, I think it's quite good as well. It's a good piece of tech. But I also thought the Surface Pro 2 was quite good. Look what general consumers thought of that.

A successful product needs mass market appeal far more than us techies and a few journalists approving it, and the Surface Pro 3 isn't any better than its predecessors when it comes to that. Saying that the Surface Pro 3 is going to succeed in gaining mass market appeal is far more of a wild guess than saying it's going to flop. You know it's true.

It doesn't need mass market appeal to be successful, if only because the term "mass market" is just as vague as "niche market." The techies are never going to be happy because they judge things on strictly technical terms that matter only to propeller-heads. In any case I am not predicting anything. I am simply noting that Microsoft learns from its mistakes and will keep trying.

 

[SlCKB0Y]

That does bring up the question, is that sensor solely for the backlit keyboard or does it also function for automatic screen brightness adjustment?

It is for screen brightness as well.

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.
.

Yea I compared the base models of both because they will be a very similar price once you get the keyboard for the surface.

 

[Liquorpuki]

That's strange. Every time I've gone through customs they tell me to take the iPad out of the bag alongside my MacBook. Tablets didn't get any special treatment.

From what a TSA agent told me, the rule is if you have multiple devices you have to take both out. If you only have a laptop, you still have to take it out. If you only have a tablet, you can leave it in the bag.

Though I wouldn't be surprised if TSA agents are confused themselves and just make stuff up

 

[magbarn]

iPads have IPS screens. Please get your facts straight.

Umm.. I was responding to a poster who was comparing the surface pro to the MACBOOK AIR which, since the last time I checked, are still using TN SCREENS.

 

[HenryDJP]

40 pages?

Yeah, I would say MSFT has struck a nerve.

And I do believe if the Surface Pro 3 was done by Apple to replace the MBA, it would be lauded as the second coming.

Doubt it. But I love how you try to ruffle feathers here.

 

[Freyqq]

I think in terms of components it's obviously has parity with the MBA.

But it has the versatility of being a full OS experience tablet for browsing, reading, watching movies etc etc etc.

But when you need it to be a real PC laptop, it can be that to.

Considering the number of people walking around with iPads with Logitech keyboards, and Macbooks, there is no way people aren't seeing the merit of the Surface's design and goals.

True. An ipad air is 1 lb. A keyboard case is about another 1 lb. A Surface 3 Pro is about an extra 0.5 lb with keyboard, but you're getting an extra 2" of screen size and a real intel processor and a full desktop OS. Sounds like a reasonable tradeoff to me.

Now they just have to get their touch apps up to par with iOS, and they've got a real threat to Apple on their hands.

 

[IbisDoc]

Hey, I think it's quite good as well. It's a good piece of tech. But I also thought the Surface Pro 2 was quite good. Look what general consumers thought of that.

A successful product needs mass market appeal far more than us techies and a few journalists approving it, and the Surface Pro 3 isn't any better than its predecessors when it comes to that. Saying that the Surface Pro 3 is going to succeed in gaining mass market appeal is far more of a wild guess than saying it's going to flop. You know it's true.

Excellent points. This is why I implore everyone on this site to jump on the Surface bandwagon, regardless of its affordability for you. For the good of society, there needs to be healthy competition in the laptop/tablet world. Usually, we all celebrate Pogue's general Apple-centric views. Now that he is heaping praise on this non-Apple device, it should be a no-brainer purchase. Trust me...in the long run, it will force your favorite company to stay humble, grounded, and customer-focused.

I've owned every single iOS device, and every single MacBook....and I already preordered the Surface for the good of humanity. Probably won't even use it much, but it can sit in my closet next to my two google Nexus and three Kindle devices.

 

[HenryDJP]

True. An ipad air is 1 lb. A keyboard case is about another 1 lb. A Surface 3 Pro is about an extra 0.5 lb with keyboard, but you're getting an extra 2" of screen size and a real intel processor and a full desktop OS. Sounds like a reasonable tradeoff to me.

Now they just have to get their touch apps up to par with iOS, and they've got a real threat to Apple on their hands.

And get rid of Windows because not everyone wants to use that OS or be forced to use it anymore. Regardless of what you get with the Surface it will only touch a niche market and because the way Microsoft positioned it and designed it, it's not a TRUE laptop nor is it TRUE tablet so it's not a solution for many. Many people are perfectly fine with their tech solutions be it carrying multiple devices or just one.

 

[Freyqq]

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

Yeah. Apple supporters here should really be overjoyed that this product exists. Competition means that Apple now has to bring out even BETTER products to compete. Competition is good for consumers.

 

[HenryDJP]

Excellent points. This is why I implore everyone on this site to jump on the Surface bandwagon, regardless of its affordability for you. For the good of society, there needs to be healthy competition in the laptop/tablet world.

I've owned every single iOS device, and every single MacBook....and I already preordered the Surface for the good of humanity. Probably won't even use it much, but it can sit in my closet next to my two google Nexus and three Kindle devices.

Are you serious??? You can't be serious. You want people to buy the Surface so it helps Microsoft with mass adoption and for the good of humanity? LMAO. Let's let people put their money towards something they will see a need for, not to help competition so other products can evolve. Oy vey.

 

[Freyqq]

And get rid of Windows because not everyone wants to use that OS or be forced to use it anymore. Regardless of what you get with the Surface it will only touch a niche market and because the way Microsoft positioned it and designed it, it's not a TRUE laptop nor is it TRUE tablet so it's not a solution for many. Many people are perfectly fine with their tech solutions be it carrying multiple devices or just one.

90% or so of computers on the planet use a variant of Windows. Whether it is better than iOS or OSX is certainly up for debate, but it is plenty usable.

Convergence happens as a nature of technological progress. 10 years ago, you'd think someone was crazy to replace their dedicated camera with a phone camera. Now, that prospect is increasingly common. Eventually, the tradeoffs between a tablet and a laptop will be marginal, and the majority will have a device that is both. I would be highly surprised if Apple hasn't already came to the same conclusion, they are just waiting longer to make their move.

 

[Xiroteus]

It would have been perfect with wacom. I will wait on some reviews for how well n-trig works on sketchbook pro etc...

 

[HenryDJP]

90% or so of computers on the planet use a variant of Windows. Whether it is better than iOS or OSX is certainly up for debate, but it is plenty usable.

When did I say Windows wasn't usable? I said many people no longer want to use it or be forced to. And IMO the Surface Pro 3 would be a better machine in the eyes of many if it were natively running OS X, but then again, desktop OS's and tablets still don't mix perfectly well.

 

[Liquorpuki]

It would have been perfect with wacom. I will wait on some reviews for how well n-trig works on sketchbook pro etc...

MS just posted a summary of the new pen+digitizer.

They claim unlike the SP2 digitizer, accuracy doesn't taper off at the edges. At the same time they dropped the # pressure level to 256.

I always rely on Gabe from Penny Arcade to gauge how good the screen is since he actually relies on the Surface Pro to create his comics.

 

[ImperialX]

It doesn't need mass market appeal to be successful, if only because the term "mass market" is just as vague as "niche market." The techies are never going to be happy because they judge things on strictly technical terms that matter only to propeller-heads. In any case I am not predicting anything. I am simply noting that Microsoft learns from its mistakes and will keep trying.

I don't know, I consider myself a "techie" and I'm pretty happy with Apple's ecosystem right now.

I also think that the Surface Pro 3 would be an excellent choice if I didn't have enough money to buy an iMac, a MacBook Air and an iPad. Having a Surface Pro 3 to use on the go and a docking station + external display at home seems like the ideal single-computer solution for College students.

However, as good as that sounds, I only know this because I keep up with tech news. All of this means nothing for the majority of people who will walk into a shop looking for a "laptop" or a "tablet". The people who ask for a "laptop" will buy the MacBook Air because it's cheaper than the Surface Pro 3 with a keyboard and it's been proven to be a solid solution. The people who ask for a "tablet" won't buy something that costs $799 for the cheapest model and is twice as heavy as the iPad Air. Only the people like you and me who walk into a shop knowing exactly what a Surface Pro 3 is will buy the Surface Pro 3 - and trust me, we ARE in the minority and there isn't enough of us to make a product successful.

I believe this is where the Atom based tablets come in at the $499 range. 9-11", Atom quad core, and Office bundled with many of them. I really want a Surface Pro 3 but if Apple comes out with their own version I might pick that up.

Though I'll end up buying Windows 8.1 and Office for that too. They really need to get enough sold for consumers to show off to their peers and start the snowball rolling.

Apple will never make a hybrid. They want people to buy a Mac and an iPad. More $$$.

I truly think Atom-based ULV tablets are the future of Windows-based tablets. Haswell is good, but even with Broadwell, the battery life is just not at a level I expect from my tablets. I've owned an HP Envy x2 and the battery life is amazing to behold. It puts any Haswell-based machines I've used - including the MacBook Air I own - to shame. The weight is not bad either and certainly lighter than the Surface Pro! The only downside is that it's still a bit too underpowered, but with Bay Trail we're slowly getting there.

When it gets to a point that 7-inch Atom-based tablets can actually decode 1080p Hi10p MKV without stuttering, I do see myself replacing my Nexus 7 with it. Nothing's going to replace the iPad though - the apps are just too good.

 

[Freyqq]

It doesn't. It has SUMIFS() which does the exact same thing, I am very happy to have discovered just this past Monday.

It still can't be used seriously in the business world.

1. no guaranteed backwards comparability. Early iwork versions can't be read on the current version. However, MS office can open every excel version's files since the dawn of time.
2. windows users, which make up 90% of the computer market, can't read your files. Yes, you can export to Excel, but there is no guarantee that it will be 100% the same on MS Excel.
3. Excel is the standard. It has been for years, and it would take a lot to remove it's market position.