only the RS which only runs App Store crap. I want the PRO which runs all Windows 8.1 Apps. That versions does not have LTE, so no thanks!
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Microsoft Introduces Thinner Surface Pro 3 with 12" Display Starting at $799
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only the RS which only runs App Store crap. I want the PRO which runs all Windows 8.1 Apps. That versions does not have LTE, so no thanks!
Well, since they are saying that this is a tablet that can replace a laptop, the real question is how many tablets have LTE. Quite a lot, actually.
Given how they compared the Surface Pro 3 to the MacBook Air, rather than the iPad, I suspect that Microsoft does see the Surface Pro 3 as more of a laptop that can double as a tablet, but nonetheless, they were talking up the tablet capabilities. Lack of built-in LTE could well be an issue, particularly since it has only 1 USB port.
No, if it's going to replace your laptop, it needs to have the same LTE capabilities as the laptop that it is replacing. Which is none.
Sure, I'd like to have it. Just as I have been wanting all my laptops to have cellular internet since I got the Nokia Booklet 3G. They haven't, though, but I still managed to get around with them.
They aren't marketing it as just a laptop. They are advertising it as an all-in-one device that can replace both a laptop and a tablet. It should at least offer the same LTE capabilities as a tablet. Otherwise, it requires carrying around a second device in order to achieve the same level of connectivity I get from my tablet, which sort of defeats the purpose of an all-in-one device.
What about it exactly do you think is slicker cooler and more eye catching?
I would much rather have the weight of my device on the bottom not the top. I would much rather be able to adjust the screen to the right viewing angle than using a kickstand on the back of the screen. I would much rather have a real chiclet keyboard (with properly spaced keys) and a really good trackpad. For me the only thing that needs updating on the MBA is the display. I'm hoping this year we get a new MBA with retina quality display.
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I'm with you all the way till the last two sentences.
Apple already has a MacBook with retina quality display called the Pro. The extra battery required to drive a beautiful screen like that adds weight. I'd rather have the choice to have a fully functional lower quality screen along with that absolutely insane battery life of a 13" MBA and the beautiful retina screen on the half pound heavier 13" MBP.
Well, the current MacBook Air form factor is definitely heading for the home strech on it's road of innovation.
Specwise, a MacBook Air with 16GB of RAM, a fast SSD and a CPU comparable to a 2.4GHz Ivy Bridge would be more than enough for the majority of people who don't run highly CPU-intensive applications for years to come, and Intel's current low-power chips are already in the ball park. And since it does most everything you throw at it instantly already, you don't have to trade performance for portability anymore anyways.
The display leaves things to be desired, but Retina seems on its way. Also a 15" MBA would be nice at some point, as the MBPs won't probably get any slimmer any time soon as powerful CPUs also require powerful cooling. And the 15" retina displays are in the supply chain already, too.
Which leaves the last frontier to any laptop, of which the MBA is, due to the low-power CPUs, the most likely to pioneer for a real, portable computer: Passive cooling, thus the first, completely silent Mac. As the heat dissipating area of a 15" MacBook Air would also be larger, the larger display would also help with the cooling. No electrical cooling also makes for a longer-lasting battery.
It's close to impossible to do something else with the current form factor, and something like this should be perfectly possible for 2015, and I know that I wouldn't mind such an MBA as the upgrade from an MBP, either. For smaller displays, the tablet form factor with a keyboard and a pen kind of works, too: Microsoft just demonstrated that, eh?
Specwise, a MacBook Air with 16GB of RAM, a fast SSD and a CPU comparable to a 2.4GHz Ivy Bridge would be more than enough for the majority of people who don't run highly CPU-intensive applications for years to come, and Intel's current low-power chips are already in the ball park. And since it does most everything you throw at it instantly already, you don't have to trade performance for portability anymore anyways.
The display leaves things to be desired, but Retina seems on its way. Also a 15" MBA would be nice at some point, as the MBPs won't probably get any slimmer any time soon as powerful CPUs also require powerful cooling. And the 15" retina displays are in the supply chain already, too.
Which leaves the last frontier to any laptop, of which the MBA is, due to the low-power CPUs, the most likely to pioneer for a real, portable computer: Passive cooling, thus the first, completely silent Mac. As the heat dissipating area of a 15" MacBook Air would also be larger, the larger display would also help with the cooling. No electrical cooling also makes for a longer-lasting battery.
It's close to impossible to do something else with the current form factor, and something like this should be perfectly possible for 2015, and I know that I wouldn't mind such an MBA as the upgrade from an MBP, either. For smaller displays, the tablet form factor with a keyboard and a pen kind of works, too: Microsoft just demonstrated that, eh?
Well then, isn't it nice that such a class of devices exists so that you can have one? Me, I'm not interested in any of those, but a tablet that is dockable and runs a proper OS is the bee's knees for me.
Sorry, I thought the recent announcement was that they had added LTE support to the Pro 2, I did not realize it was only the regular Surface 2.
The non-retina display of the MacBook Air is terribleitʼs a TN panel with awful viewing angles.
Consider the fact that $399 will get you an iPad with a 9.7″ 2048×1536 IPS Retina Display with almost 100% sRGB coverage, yet the $899 MacBook Air only has an 11.6″ 1366×768 TN panel with a limited gamut. Itʼs ridiculous.
And now we have the Surface Pro 3 which has a 12″ 2160×1440 IPS panel, that most likely covers the full sRGB gamut for $799.
As a tablet though, the Surface kickstand is significantly better than any other device offers.
Iʼm not aware of anything else which even has a stand built in, with all the other tablets relying on a flimsy cover stand that adds weight and thickness.
And while the MacBook keyboards might be better than the Surface Type cover, donʼt think they are anything particularly special.
The flat keys are horrible compared to sculpted keys, and thereʼs so little travel on newer models. While they may look the same at a glance, the keyboard on the original MacBook is so much better than my Retina MacBook Proand the old MacBook Pro keyboard with sculpted keys was a lot better than the chiclet design.
That's why they don't make one size fits all. What you describes fits your needs, but the SP3 is a product that seems to be striking a chord with other folks. I'm drawn to it for a number of reasons.
tbh, the kickstand device is cool, though I think a laptop is better for lap usages but from what I've read the redesigned kickstand and cover improve the surface pro's labability (is that even a word). That is using it on my lap is not a major requirement but it is improved so its a plus.
This product has obviously struck a chord in many readers, hence this very extensive discussion.
Perhaps it presages the convergence of the laptop and tablet form factors. I hope Apple considers this approach and introduces a product that also appeals to the market segment that would buy this kind of product.
Here is what it could have:
A mechanically attachable keyboard (NOT magnetic) that would give the device rigidity when used as a laptop.
Intel inside, so it can run OS X and programs like Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Final Cut Pro, etc.
12 inch or larger screen
A kickstand like the Surface Pro 3
A slot for removable storage.
A stylus that would work with Illustrator and Photoshop
Retina or better display
Mouse support in laptop configuration
Thunderbolt and multiple USB ports
A beefy battery that will give this powerhouse a reasonable operating time
And, obviously, Apples traditional build quality and fabulous design, iPads great touch interface and virtual keyboard, etc.
MS is onto something here; too bad its Windows and MS.
Perhaps it presages the convergence of the laptop and tablet form factors. I hope Apple considers this approach and introduces a product that also appeals to the market segment that would buy this kind of product.
Here is what it could have:
A mechanically attachable keyboard (NOT magnetic) that would give the device rigidity when used as a laptop.
Intel inside, so it can run OS X and programs like Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Final Cut Pro, etc.
12 inch or larger screen
A kickstand like the Surface Pro 3
A slot for removable storage.
A stylus that would work with Illustrator and Photoshop
Retina or better display
Mouse support in laptop configuration
Thunderbolt and multiple USB ports
A beefy battery that will give this powerhouse a reasonable operating time
And, obviously, Apples traditional build quality and fabulous design, iPads great touch interface and virtual keyboard, etc.
MS is onto something here; too bad its Windows and MS.
Wouldn't that make it a laptop then? Or are you thinking something like a transformer type laptop?
Well both; when the keyboard is attached, it would be a laptop and when not attached it would be a tablet. I was getting at the method of attachment. The magnetic system works well on a table, but not so well when used on your lap or in places like classrooms where there is space constraint and a laptop would be more usable. I did not mean a permanently attached keyboard. Sorry for the imprecision!
I like the Surface 3. As much as I like my Ipad 3 and Mini 2, I don't like how no iOS device works well with any stylus, note taking on the Surface 2 has been flawless. iOS apps also have a tendency to crash which has never happened on my older Surface 2 which is being replaced by the Surface 3 soon.
Windows 8 is still rubbish for any laptop/desktop but it's a totally different matter on the Surface. What's also great is how you're not condemned to using Office 365 (cloud) like on iOS.
Windows 8 is still rubbish for any laptop/desktop but it's a totally different matter on the Surface. What's also great is how you're not condemned to using Office 365 (cloud) like on iOS.
Exactly, everyone here is describing what fits their needs. I happen to prefer the form factor of a traditional laptop when I'm doing something that requires a lot of keyboard trackpad use.
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I have a Logitech iPad case which has a stand and it's really nice. But I actually don't use it much because I'm usually just holding my Air in my hand. As far as Mac keyboards, I have no issues with the current design, don't experience the problems you do. To each his own, I guess.
Aside from replacing the mini DisplayPort connection with Thunderbolt, what you describe is already pretty much exactly the Surface Pro hardware.
The main difference is that Apple does not have support for touch, or the option to run tablet applications built into OS X like Windows does.
The primary issue is not rigidity, it's weight - the device is top-heavy.
A laptop has most of its weight in the base, but most of the weight in a tablet is in the "screen".
The only way to really offset that properly is to have a large base with an extended battery, but then you're basically doubling the thickness and weight of the device.
Intel did show off an interesting prototype last year that used electropermanent magnets, and "Smart Frame" - switching between a near frameless display in notebook mode, and thicker borders when used as a tablet.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nG8CPaX1PxQ
But you can see that with the thin base they used, it's not very well balanced, and the hinge is nowhere near as solid as a proper notebook.
Really, I think it's all about the mindset you have.
The Surface is primarily meant to be a tablet, which can also work as a notebook if you need it while you're at a desk.
Using a detachable keyboard is never going to be a great experience on your lap.
If your main interest in it is to try and replace a MacBook, you're looking at the wrong device.
But the fact that it is a tablet means you can do a lot more with it than a traditional notebook too - especially if you're an artist.
Using touchscreens vertically is usually quite a bad experience - but if you use your tablet for video playback, or if you're at a desk, it's very nice to have.
Even the best cases pale in comparison to the Surface kickstand - and the fact remains that you have to use a case with the iPad to begin with.
Adding a case completely eliminates the weight and thickness advantages of the Air.
It'd be an all-in-one device, even without OS X's having a touch-optimized version. Actually, I wouldn't need the latter at all - all I want is a decent device, with a high-res screen & decent pen support, to run OS X.
Currently, this is where the Mac line completely fails:
- the MBA's screen is a joke (non-IPS, low-res)
- no MB's support active digitizers, ruling out for example PDF annotation, illustration etc. work. Of course, these (at least the latter) can be done with external, even inexpensive Wacom digitizers but it's much-much less effective than doing it right on the screen. (I know as I've done it a lot with my Wacom Bamboo digitizer together with my BMP 17". Much-much more awkward than doing it right on the screen.)
Well that all depends on what part of the enterprise you are talking about. Staff-facing systems, sure, Microsoft is peerless but a lot of these places will be using unix/Linux to do a lot of their heavy lifting...
I think Apple knew exactly how popular the ipad was going to be, I give them credit for being an unbelievably savvy tech company. Apple could have built an OSx tablet and never built the ipad, was the hardware available back then? Probably not, but they would still have had a decent hit on their hands. Where there marketing truly hit genius height was in convincing the public that they were all stupid and needed the simplicity of iOS, and the public fell for it hook line and sinker. It also made things easy that they already had iOS on the iPhone so could just port it over, in essence making a huge iPhone. But the point is that Apple would never have released an OSx tablet, even if the hardware was available. There entire business runs off of the perceived and invented "need" to buy both a laptop for work and an ipad for consumption. Microsoft sees this marketing exactly for what it is and calls out Apple with the surface Pro, basically saying why bother buying 2 devices? I don't know if their strategy will work, but it's fascinating to discuss what's behind it.
It is fascinating. Simplistically the SP3 is a good idea. Its a laptop, with a removeable screen, for tablet use. It also allows you to run a full OS as a laptop or as a tablet. Windows 8 also has Metro, which is the optimised tablet OS. Its cheap? Cheaper than buying a laptop of same spec and a tablet? Overall, a good and innovative idea . One product buys you two devices, you also have two OS, desktop and Metro
I find it hard to find any criticism over the concept, and the hardware it getting solid reviews.
Apples equivalent, if they did one would struggle. It would have to be close to the cost of an MBA and an iPad, as it would need to have all the components of both, excluding the MBA screen (assumimg it was running OSX and iOS which each need their own componentry, some, but little room for overlap).
Better to not make such a device, advertise no compromise, free up iOS so its less toy like and less consumption biased and make it a genuine productive OS as well. Possibly sell as a combo with a small discount?
Microsoft Introduces Thinner Surface Pro 3 with 12" Display Starting at $799
I don't think any device should be targeting the goal of having it all into a single tablet. Think about what a tablet offers in terms of advantages over using a smartphone or laptop. A tablet should focus on those strengths IMHO.
The majority of iPad users I've seen uses it primarily as a movie player. Parents use it as a movie/gaming device for their kids. I haven't seen much in terms of heavy business use other than using it as a viewer for documents and slide decks.
For serious note taking, I'm yet to see much other than some ipad user struggling to keep up with college lectures and business meetings. Ive demonstrated that taking notes using a stylus on my SP2 is faster and more efficient than all iOS devices because the handwriting to text feature doesn't interfere with my palm resting on the screen. Plus Evernote integration is perfect in the SP's. On iOS I can't tell if it's simply the limits of what it can't do or that the software is simply primitive, I've tried many and none of them measure up.
The major downside to SP's is the price, the entry model started at 899 USD last year, which is 799 for the SP3.
I don't think any device should be targeting the goal of having it all into a single tablet. Think about what a tablet offers in terms of advantages over using a smartphone or laptop. A tablet should focus on those strengths IMHO.
The majority of iPad users I've seen uses it primarily as a movie player. Parents use it as a movie/gaming device for their kids. I haven't seen much in terms of heavy business use other than using it as a viewer for documents and slide decks.
For serious note taking, I'm yet to see much other than some ipad user struggling to keep up with college lectures and business meetings. Ive demonstrated that taking notes using a stylus on my SP2 is faster and more efficient than all iOS devices because the handwriting to text feature doesn't interfere with my palm resting on the screen. Plus Evernote integration is perfect in the SP's. On iOS I can't tell if it's simply the limits of what it can't do or that the software is simply primitive, I've tried many and none of them measure up.
The major downside to SP's is the price, the entry model started at 899 USD last year, which is 799 for the SP3.
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And if the device looked and felt like a laptop, and if the tablet looked and felt like a tablet? It would suit both uses well. Admittedly, the tablet will be too heavy as it has to have PC tech under the hood
Typing, I've seen many FAST typers banging away on an iPad.
You will never see business users using an iPad as a productivity device. You can, but you would'nt. Not untill Apple frees it from its ultra sandbox. Until then its a cool device to look, read and listen
SP3 expensive? How does it compare to a similar spec Ultrabook, AND a nice 12" Windows 8 Tablet?