Surface Devices

[Queen6]

Whats come to my attention lately are the price increases and and the lowering of customer service. The price of the new Smart Keyboard with trackpad and scissor keys is a lot higher than i it should be (in my opinion). For the price of that keyboard you could buy an iPad Air.

The thing is by the time you top everything out, prices can reach near £2,000 if you include the Apple Pencil, the Smart Keyboard with trackpad and the 12.9” iPad Pro.

For that kind of money you can buy buy the entry level Surface Book 2

I regret selling my Surface Pro 6, at this stage I’m going to wait and see what happens with Neo and Duo. The Surface Book really interests me as well.

Anyone have an idea when Microsoft could announce the new Surface Book 3? Are we talking soon or the back end of this year?

Sorry to say it's been obvious for years. Many think that I'm a Hater, is very far from the truth. The Mac could have been so much more with so much potential, so totally wasted....

Apple is just starting to try with the new Air as undoubtedly sales are falling, due to reliability and performance issues. 16" MBP should be absolutely the pinnacle of Apple's engineering capabilities, yet one look it remains to be problematic, being Professional in name only.

Currently enjoying a 2011 15" MBP OS X 10.13, far as I want to go, sheer and utter disappointment. Apple exec's should watch the 1984 Super Bowl Ad and take stock as Apple is now the new IBM.

Take a risk, be innovative, Microsoft Surface is; synergistic, exciting and interesting, meanwhile the Mac is ZZZ nothing new here; over heating, undercooling, weak dGPU that kills CPU performance when engaged. Just what the **** does Apple think it's power users spend time on "FarceBook"? seems that way...

Our move to W10 solely lies with Apple, enjoy selling those $4K+ notebooks to students, as we don't need Apple's issues worse still Apple's excuses...

Q-6

 

[Dave245]

Sorry to say it's been obvious for years. Many think that I'm a Hater, is very far from the truth. The Mac could have been so much more with so much potential, so totally wasted....

Apple is just starting to try with the new Air as undoubtedly sales are falling, due to reliability and performance issues. 16" MPB should be absolutely the pinnacle of Apple's engineering capabilities, yet one look it remains to be problematic, being Professional in name only.

Currently enjoying a 2011 15" MBP OS X 10.13, far as I want to go, sheer and utter disappointment. Apple exec's should watch the 1984 Super Bowl Ad and take stock as Apple is now the new IBM.

Take a risk, be innovative, Microsoft Surface is; synergistic, exciting and interesting, meanwhile the Mac is ZZZ nothing new here; over heating, undercooling, weak dGPU that kills CPU performance when engaged. Just what the **** does Apple think it's power users spend time on "FarceBook"? seems that way..

Our move to W10 solely lies with Apple, enjoy selling those $4K+ notebooks to students, as we don't need your issues worse still Apple's excuses...

Q-6

I think that Apple are relying on the ecosystem to trap people, especially people like myself. The more Apple products you own the more difficult you will find it to leave (at least in my experience).

i have noticed that even Samsung smartphones are looking better than the iPhone 😳. I have been an iPhone user since the 3GS. Why do the current iPhones have a notch and bezel, when the Samsung galaxy phones (including the Note 10) have less bezel and look more appealing. Maybe my eyes are starting to open, but should I really be looking at Samsung, is the Surface Duo going to be a smartphone that is better. The Note is very appealing with the S-pen especially.

being trapped in an ecosystem isn’t very good. I liken it to being in looking over your garden fence to see someone having a bbq but you are not invited because you can’t get over the fence. Even if you climb over you are scared that you might fall flat on your face, so you stay in your own garden.

 

[xraydoc]

Whats come to my attention lately are the price increases and and the lowering of customer service. The price of the new Smart Keyboard with trackpad and scissor keys is a lot higher than i it should be (in my opinion). For the price of that keyboard you could buy an iPad Air.

The thing is by the time you top everything out, prices can reach near £2,000 if you include the Apple Pencil, the Smart Keyboard with trackpad and the 12.9” iPad Pro.

For that kind of money you can buy buy the entry level Surface Book 2

I regret selling my Surface Pro 6, at this stage I’m going to wait and see what happens with Neo and Duo. The Surface Book really interests me as well.

Anyone have an idea when Microsoft could announce the new Surface Book 3? Are we talking soon or the back end of this year?

I would think pretty soonish.

 

[Queen6]

I think that Apple are relying on the ecosystem to trap people, especially people like myself. The more Apple products you own the more difficult you will find it to leave (at least in my experience).

i have noticed that even Samsung smartphones are looking better than the iPhone 😳. I have been an iPhone user since the 3GS. Why do the current iPhones have a notch and bezel, when the Samsung galaxy phones (including the Note 10) have less bezel and look more appealing. Maybe my eyes are starting to open, but should I really be looking at Samsung, is the Surface Duo going to be a smartphone that is better. The Note is very appealing with the S-pen especially.

being trapped in an ecosystem isn’t very good. I liken it to being in looking over your garden fence to see someone having a bbq but you are not invited because you can’t get over the fence. Even if you climb over you are scared that you might fall flat on your face, so you stay in your own garden.

Agree very much so, that's Apple's way, equally once you break out it's a whole new world. Not perfect by any means, however far more diverse with the ability to match the hardware to your needs not what Apple thinks and forces...

Q-6

 

[SteveJUAE]

Agree very much so, that's Apple's way, equally once you break out it's a whole new world. Not perfect by any means, however far more diverse with the ability to match the hardware to your needs not what Apple thinks and forces...

Q-6

More to the point it's not exclusive, you can still mix and match and have a few Apple toys other than watch

Better still snap up the bargains and 2nd hand units to keep your interest in if you need the occasional fix

 

[Falhófnir]

I wonder if Microsoft will have AMD variants (at least) of their next Surface Books? Those are clearly the current gen chips to be using by the looks of the first reviews!

 

[Dave245]

I wonder if Microsoft will have AMD variants (at least) of their next Surface Books? Those are clearly the current gen chips to be using by the looks of the first reviews!

This is interesting https://uploadcomet.com/microsofts-gaming-laptop-surface-book-3-specs-design-and-release-date/6989/

The specs seem good, it will be interesting to see if there are any design changes on the Surface Book3. Will they change the speed at which the screen detaches. That feature seems really useful.

 

[Falhófnir]

This is interesting https://uploadcomet.com/microsofts-gaming-laptop-surface-book-3-specs-design-and-release-date/6989/

The specs seem good, it will be interesting to see if there are any design changes on the Surface Book3. Will they change the speed at which the screen detaches. That feature seems really useful.

I forgot above, the SB uses U series chips (standard 15W on the 13" model and TDP upped to 20W on the 15") - it will be interesting to see how the AMD equivalents do in real world usage, anything like the H series and Intel's core business is in serious jeopardy, whether they've finally got Ice/Tiger Lake working on 10nm or not.

It sounds like 1650/ 1660 drop in replacements are a given for the graphics, which will be a nice bump in graphics performance, particularly over the 2GB 1050 in the 13" model! If they're changing the chargers up, hopefully the power draw issue under max load with the 15" will be dealt with as well.

 

[Dave245]

I forgot above, the SB uses U series chips (standard 15W on the 13" model and TDP upped to 20W on the 15") - it will be interesting to see how the AMD equivalents do in real world usage, anything like the H series and Intel's core business is in serious jeopardy, whether they've finally got Ice/Tiger Lake working on 10nm or not.

It sounds like 1650/ 1660 drop in replacements are a given for the graphics, which will be a nice bump in graphics performance, particularly over the 2GB 1050 in the 13" model! If they're changing the chargers up, hopefully the power draw issue under max load with the 15" will be dealt with as well.

also I wonder if the prices will remain the same as the book 2, or if they will increase. it will be interesting to see if they just drop it on the website one day, or if they will upload a video introducing it.

 

[Dave245]

Don’t know if anyone has seen this, it shows the Neo in action. I think it looks great. Im looking forward to Microsoft releasing it.

 

[Queen6]

Don’t know if anyone has seen this, it shows the Neo in action. I think it looks great. Im looking forward to Microsoft releasing it.

Me too, highly interested in Neo, may just depose my UMPC 360 degree 2in1, but will take something impressive 😆

Neo needs to perform out the gate, if not I may opt for the quadcore version of my i7 OneMix 3S Platinum, equally there's a certain guilty pleasure in watching a PC with the footprint of an 8" tablet Turbo Boot past 4GHz, brief it may be, rewarding it is 😎 First PC I put together I was totally impressed as I OC'd it's Intel 486DX4 CPU to a monstrous 120MHz 😆

Q-6

 

[SteveJUAE]

Our SB2 has been fine for 2 years until last week when the base unit refused to acknowledge the top tablet

Its a very odd fault and as far as I can tell rare as the base unit still continuous to be on and the fans run regardless.

Even several days later they still kick on as the main batteries are the base

We hoped if we could deplete the battery that may restart the base but there is no way to drain it rapidly even with external devices as they too are not recognized when the tablet is not

What we have learned from this:

The top screen can be detached manually with a paper clip using the 6th hole up and a paper clip at 45 degs Google Youtube video​

​

The base unit is not really a serviceable part and other than from MS.​

​

Its almost impossible to get a replacement and then MS only do it with their extended warranties​

Fortunately as I bought the SB2 in Malaysia and I knew eventually it would end up in UK with my youngest I took out a Harvey Norman warranty that's ish international and and comes with a replacement clause if not repairable

The unit is now sent to Ireland MS repair point we await outcome

This should not be read overly negative as crap happens and it seems an unusual fault but if possible I would get the MS warranty if your plan is long term ownership, else its a great device and I miss it at times even over my $4k Razer laptop

Just to follow up MS are sending us a new/replacement laptop

 

[Dave245]

Just to follow up MS are sending us a new/replacement laptop

That's good of them if it's now out of warranty, how did you find the customer service from Microsoft?

 

[SteveJUAE]

That's good of them if it's now out of warranty, how did you find the customer service from Microsoft?

Sorry my youngest dealt with comms from UK but it seems no issue other than it cost me 80 ukp to send to Ireland by courier

 

[Dave245]

Surface Neo is going to be delayed until next year apparently. Surface Duo seems to be on track tho.

Surface Book 3 is rumoured to arrive soon tho, it will be interesting to see what’s announced. along with the Surface Go 2.

Is anyone holding out for the Surface Book 3?

 

[Dave245]

Me too, highly interested in Neo, may just depose my UMPC 360 degree 2in1, but will take something impressive 😆
View attachment 903320
Neo needs to perform out the gate, if not I may opt for the quadcore version of my i7 OneMix 3S Platinum, equally there's a certain guilty pleasure in watching a PC with the footprint of an 8" tablet Turbo Boot past 4GHz, brief it may be, rewarding it is 😎 First PC I put together I was totally impressed as I OC'd it's Intel 486DX4 CPU to a monstrous 120MHz 😆

Q-6

Unfortunately it seems Neo has been delayed. I'm now tempted to either get a Surface Pro X or the 2020 iPad Pro. I might wait and see what the Surface Book 3 has to offer, but it depends when it's going to launch.

 

[Falhófnir]

Surface Neo is going to be delayed until next year apparently. Surface Duo seems to be on track tho.

Surface Book 3 is rumoured to arrive soon tho, it will be interesting to see what’s announced. along with the Surface Go 2.

Is anyone holding out for the Surface Book 3?

Doing a quick bit of googling it looks like the Book 3 is meant to be a drop in GPU/ CPU upgrade to the current models - which will still be quite nice given the 2s are back on 8th gen Intel and 10 series NVIDIA (the GTX 1650 4GB will be a big improvement over the 1050 2GB in the smaller model, particularly).

Some pricing info (potentially) - the 13.5" will start from ~$1,750 (~£1,400) and the 15" from ~$2,450 (~£2,000). I would probably take that with a grain of salt, though. The original pricing was in Euros, and it looks like they've done a direct currency conversion so there could be all sorts of errors with VAT and multiple exchange conversions. More likely is pricing will be about the same (hopefully you get more for your money inline with what Apple's done recently, though!)

I would say I'm more interested in the upcoming Dell XPS models, though. Seem a better bang for buck, you can upgrade at least a few components, and I like the aesthetic they've gone with more.

 

[Queen6]

I'm happy enough to wait on the Neo as my UMPC is still fairly new. TBH it's only to be expected given the current global situation. To develop a new platform such as Neo & Windows 10X is going to clearly require a lot of close collaboration which is problematic for many now.

SB-3 no, not this year as don't foresee it being a major upgrade, again as with many others a time to circle and hold as COVID-19 interferes with day to day life and worse for some. Sooner all get on board, sooner we'll all be rid of it, equally I fear that horse has already bolted.

On the brighter note my old first Gen Surface Book is still soldiering on despite my daughters best efforts, dents and all 😆

Q-6

 

[Dave245]

I'm happy enough to wait on the Neo as my UMPC is still fairly new. TBH it's only to be expected given the current global situation. To develop a new platform such as Neo & Windows 10X is going to clearly require a lot of close collaboration which is problematic for many now.

SB-3 no, not this year as don't foresee it being a major upgrade, again as with many others a time to circle and hold as COVID-19 interferes with day to day life and worse for some. Sooner all get on board, sooner we'll all be rid of it, equally I fear that horse has already bolted.

On the brighter note my old first Gen Surface Book is still soldiering on despite my daughters best efforts, dents and all 😆

Q-6

The only reason I’m thinking about Surface Book 3, is because Apple haven’t updated the iMac in a while outside of a small spec update every year. I still have the 2012 iMac. It seems Apple are not interested in updating the iMac in a proper way (with a new design, at least reduce the bezels).

With that in mind I have thought about getting a Surface Book, leaving in on my desk alongside my iMac and using It for more powerful things. Then when I want to just watch a movie or something in tablet mode, I can carry it around the house and do so. Best of both worlds in one package is my thinking.

 

[xraydoc]

The only reason I’m thinking about Surface Book 3, is because Apple haven’t updated the iMac in a while outside of a small spec update every year. I still have the 2012 iMac. It seems Apple are not interested in updating the iMac in a proper way (with a new design, at least reduce the bezels).

With that in mind I have thought about getting a Surface Book, leaving in on my desk alongside my iMac and using It for more powerful things. Then when I want to just watch a movie or something in tablet mode, I can carry it around the house and do so. Best of both worlds in one package is my thinking.

I suspect the iMac will be updated before long. Main indicator is that I just bought one for my daughter, so that means a new one should come out any day now.

Rumors I've read is that the SB3 will be a spec upgrade from the current one, which honestly is probably fine. I've read impressive performance, though. 10th gen Intel quad core CPUs, nVidia graphics increase, 32GB RAM option, and I read a rumor of a Quadro GPU option for those who require a mobile workstation-class GPU/driver set.

 

[Queen6]

The only reason I’m thinking about Surface Book 3, is because Apple haven’t updated the iMac in a while outside of a small spec update every year. I still have the 2012 iMac. It seems Apple are not interested in updating the iMac in a proper way (with a new design, at least reduce the bezels).

With that in mind I have thought about getting a Surface Book, leaving in on my desk alongside my iMac and using It for more powerful things. Then when I want to just watch a movie or something in tablet mode, I can carry it around the house and do so. Best of both worlds in one package is my thinking.

That's how I'd summarise Surface Book "Best of both worlds" as long as your more desktop orientated. Gifted mine to my daughter as she's a talented digital artist felt this aspect was wasted in my hands...

Q-6
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I suspect the iMac will be updated before long. Main indicator is that I just bought one for my daughter, so that means a new one should come out any day now.

Rumors I've read is that the SB3 will be a spec upgrade from the current one, which honestly is probably fine. I've read impressive performance, though. 10th gen Intel quad core CPUs, nVidia graphics increase, 32GB RAM option, and I read a rumor of a Quadro GPU option for those who require a mobile workstation-class GPU/driver set.

Sod's law, don't you know it Take good care in these pressing times...

Q-6

 

[Dave245]

Looks like the Surface Book 3 will be announced. I’m intrigued to see what the Book 3 has and how they move forward with it. I’m a bit surprised to read that there will be no design changes, after all the Surface Book has had the same design since the original.

Microsoft prepares to launch Surface Book 3 and Surface Go 2

The new Surface devices should launch in May.

www.theverge.com

 

[LeeW]

I’m a bit surprised to read that there will be no design changes, after all the Surface Book has had the same design since the original.

True, but if you can't come up with a compelling design to replace what works, sometimes it is best to stick with what the customer knows and likes, in other words, be like Microsoft, not Apple...

 

[Dave245]

True, but if you can't come up with a compelling design to replace what works, sometimes it is best to stick with what the customer knows and likes, in other words, be like Microsoft, not Apple...

That’s a good point. They may still tweak the design, I believe that’s what they did with the Book 2, the hinge I believe was different.

I won’t mind as long as I can put it on my desk to use as a powerful computer, then detach the screen when I want to use a tablet or a larger note pad to take notes, draw and so on.

 

[Aika]

Hopefully this time around they don’t rip people off with the storage upgrades. That’s one thing I wish they hadn’t copied from Apple.