PC Help

[nviz22]

So I am looking for a 2-1 form factor. I love the Surface 3, but it's a little pricey. I found a Dell Venue 11 Pro which has similar specs to the 128GB Surface 3, which is the one I prefer. I love the keyboard style too.

What I want is to spend the least amount possible, but is 2GB of RAM enough if I need to cost cut? I want to use it for typing papers, formatting documents, watching sporting events, and have something portable. My iPad doesn't fit the bill these days for that. It's great and all, but a 2 in 1 is much better.

A 1080p display, 4GB of RAM combo seems fine. I am looking at a Surface Pro 2, but it's refurb for $350. I want to keep pricing down. I hear the Atom isn't good enough for multi-tasking as much. Any thoughts?

 

[nickchallis92]

2GB of ram is woeful. It would seriously compromise performance even on the most basic of tasks.

My PC with 8GB of ram uses 2GB of ram sitting idle with no applications open.

 

[MRU]

2GB of ram is woeful. It would seriously compromise performance even on the most basic of tasks.

My PC with 8GB of ram uses 2GB of ram sitting idle with no applications open.

Chrome browser alone would use more than that

 

[maflynn]

I think 4GB is tight for windows, never mind 2GB.

Look for a Surface Pro on craigslist, ebay or swapp, you may be able to score something fairly inexpensively.

 

[page404]

At work I have a laptop with 4GB and it comes to a grinding halt with Chrome, Webstorm and a few other small programs open.

 

[nviz22]

I think 4GB is tight for windows, never mind 2GB.

Look for a Surface Pro on craigslist, ebay or swapp, you may be able to score something fairly inexpensively.

What's a good price for the Pro? I saw $350 for a refurb Pro 2 from Newegg. 4gb is probably the sweet spot for me since my MBP is my main work device. I just need something to edit docs and watch video content really. Windows isn't optimized to work with 2GB of RAM?

 

[kasakka]

I'd look for a used Surface Pro 3. Still won't be cheap but better than buying new.

 

[nviz22]

I'd look for a used Surface Pro 3. Still won't be cheap but better than buying new.

Best I can find is probably on Cowboom, but it's in "acceptable" condition.

 

[j26]

What's a good price for the Pro? I saw $350 for a refurb Pro 2 from Newegg. 4gb is probably the sweet spot for me since my MBP is my main work device. I just need something to edit docs and watch video content really. Windows isn't optimized to work with 2GB of RAM?

I have a tablet with 1 gig RAM, and it works tolerably well for documents and video.
It obviously won't do for power usage, but I'd say 2 gigs would work okay - the S3 has 2 gigs and I'd say Microsoft wouldn't ruin the Surface brand with an underpowered machine.

 

[nviz22]

So I am looking to get the Surface 3 4GB model on Black Friday. Is there anything comparable to the Surface 3 with a similar concept of a 2 in 1 w/ a detachable keyboard, good battery life, and can be used for school work (portability is a major feature)? I am looking for something about $400-$450.

 

[maflynn]

What's a good price for the Pro?

Check out Swappa.

 

[nviz22]

Check out Swappa.

Didn't find anything as good as the Surface 3 deal I'll get on Black Friday.

 

[maflynn]

Didn't find anything as good as the Surface 3 deal I'll get on Black Friday.

Yeah, you may find something on that day. I'm waiting for that day as well

 

[nviz22]

Yeah, you may find something on that day. I'm waiting for that day as well

If I had more disposable income, I would get an Apple Watch. I am looking forward to Gen 2 because of the potential for improvement.

 

[nviz22]

Does anyone know devices that are comparable to the 128gb/4gb of RAM Surface 3?