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Surface Pro shows what Macbook could have been, what new Macs need?

I like it here :)

BJ can come out with his nice big bold statements and no one takes the bait and turns it in to an endless argument for no reason, his POV is accepted and moved on

boltjames said:
Wave the white flag, accept the final score of 96-4, release MacBook for Windows, put the best hardware together with the most popular operating system, give your damn consumers what they want, let's go already. It shouldn't be that as a price to pay for the stellar hardware one must accept an operating system that is foreign and not work-friendly. As they criticize the Music industry and the TV industry, Apple is the problem in the computing industry.

BJ
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Fthree said:
The surface line is still not attractive whatsoever. I am open to new designs but nothing beats the timeless design of the MacBooks including the new rMb.
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I agree the MB (and MBP) looks really sharp but I have to say I do like the looks of the Surface Pro. I'm split on the SurfaceBook. I think it does look nice, but I'm not entirely sure about the hinge. I seem to go back and forth on this.
 
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Interesting to hear Paul Thurrott and co-host discuss the Surface Book and Surface Pro 4 - there seem to be some issues. Worth a listen to the latest Windows Weekly - as Thurrott etc are just as critical about Microsoft and it's recent hardware as Apple commentators can be on Apple hardware.

(Getting pre-release hardware to review, lack of review units - was Microsoft rushing them out for review so it meets Holiday period or wanting to get out before iPad Pro?)
 
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t0mat0 said:
Interesting to hear Paul Thurrott and co-host discuss the Surface Book and Surface Pro 4 - there seem to be some issues. Worth a listen to the latest Windows Weekly - as Thurrott etc are just as critical about Microsoft and it's recent hardware as Apple commentators can be on Apple hardware.
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Thurott posted a review of the SurfaceBook on his site, I'm largely disappointed with that though.

It seemed more like a first look article then an actual review. No talk about actual usage, benchmarks, or the screen. Just the physical design of the laptop.

I'll look to listen to Windows Weekly this afternoon when I get a chance.

I agree, that he's quick to mention a miss step by MS, and he's been critical of them in the past.
 
maflynn said:
I agree the MB (and MBP) looks really sharp but I have to say I do like the looks of the Surface Pro. I'm split on the SurfaceBook. I think it does look nice, but I'm not entirely sure about the hinge. I seem to go back and forth on this.
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The hinge goes along with the options and you can forgive the gap when closed when you consider what you gain :)

I guess the closest comparison would be the camera bump on smart phones you accept to gain the extra resolution
 
SteveJUAE said:
The hinge goes along with the options and you can forgive the gap when closed when you consider what you gain
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Agreed looks wise, you're right. My concern is how well will it handle the daily grind of opening and closing. Unfortunately that question is largely a rhetorical one, since no one can answer that yet.
 
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maflynn said:
I agree the MB (and MBP) looks really sharp but I have to say I do like the looks of the Surface Pro. I'm split on the SurfaceBook. I think it does look nice, but I'm not entirely sure about the hinge. I seem to go back and forth on this.
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In this case the hinge works as it allows for an angle to be presented to the user when the display is reversed for use with the pen, which to me makes sense. I very much want to see both the Surface Book & Surface Pro 4 and see exactly what each can offer to me.

Equally hoping that Apple will do something as equally exciting for the rMBP, however what I expect is a form factor mirroring the rMB, better speakers and more of the awesome "thiner & lighter" nonsense. There was a time when Apple was bold and adventurous with the Mac, now I see them as becoming rather staid, if not boring...

Q-6
 
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Queen6 said:
I very much want to see both the Surface Book & Surface Pro 4 and see exactly what each can offer to me.
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Agreed, I'm hoping to go to the MS store tomorrow after work and check both out. I own an SP3, so I'm more interested in the type cover and see if its worth buying.

Its funny, I go back and forth between wanting an iMac (though disappointed in what Apple rolled out), the SB and anxiously hoping to see a nice upgrade in the MBP line.
 
maflynn said:
Agreed, I'm hoping to go to the MS store tomorrow after work and check both out. I own an SP3, so I'm more interested in the type cover and see if its worth buying.

Its funny, I go back and forth between wanting an iMac (though disappointed in what Apple rolled out), the SB and anxiously hoping to see a nice upgrade in the MBP line.
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Right now the only portable that Apple produces that interests me is the rMB, which speaks volumes, given my first MBP was the first back in 2006...

Disappointed yes, surprised no. Actually I tell a lie, there is one other Apple portable I am interested in, my Early 2008 15" MBP which I am considering restoring it back to pristine condition for sentimental reasons, this is a machine that owns no man anything :)

Q-6
 
My 2012 rMBP is the absolute best laptop I've owned, though with it going on 4 years I'm thinking of upgrading. Its mostly a desktop computer at this point since I use my SP3 for my travel needs. Since its a basically desktop now the iMac was appealing to me with the larger 27" display and what not.

I've been using apple laptops since the old powerbook days. The first laptop I got was I think 2002.
 
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maflynn said:
My 2012 rMBP is the absolute best laptop I've owned, though with it going on 4 years I'm thinking of upgrading. Its mostly a desktop computer at this point since I use my SP3 for my travel needs. Since its a basically desktop now the iMac was appealing to me with the larger 27" display and what not.

I've been using apple laptops since the old powerbook days. The first laptop I got was I think 2002.
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Pretty much the same on the usage. For me I can live with a non upgradable portable, however a desktop it makes no sense. I can build a faster better Hacintosh with far greater usability & scalability.

Q-6
 
Queen6 said:
I can build a faster better Hacintosh with far greater usability & scalability.
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You know with the iMac being what it is, people have mentioned being more drawn the hackintosh option. I have an old Core i7 hackintosh collecting dust in m closet. With a new motherboard and CPU, I'd basically will have a fully functioning computer - hmmm.
 
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maflynn said:
Agreed looks wise, you're right. My concern is how well will it handle the daily grind of opening and closing. Unfortunately that question is largely a rhetorical one, since no one can answer that yet.
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Agreed no one can confirm any long term fatigue test but certainly wont get KB prints on the screen :)

1462161004464729923.jpg
 
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maflynn said:
You know with the iMac being what it is, people have mentioned being more drawn the hackintosh option. I have an old Core i7 hackintosh collecting dust in m closet. With a new motherboard and CPU, I'd basically will have a fully functioning computer - hmmm.
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Exactly, a desktop and "throwaway" tablet are very much different beasts, equally I rather feel Apple does not care for that train of thought. If I decide to go for a desktop solution, one thing is guaranteed it wont involve Apple`s hardware, on point of priceable alone.

Q-6
 
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AFEPPL said:
Yes, I have had one in my hands at the MS store in Las Vegas
Very impressive.
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I'm working in Boston today (as opposed to from home), and the Microsoft store is one subway stop from my office. I'll be going their after work and checking things out.

I'm eager not only to check out the SurfaceBook but also the type cover for the SP4, since its compatible to my SP3.
 
SteveJUAE said:
I just watched the fstoppers Youtube videos, there four of them about the Surface Pro and Book and although he did not compare the 13" MBP he did the quad core 15" which he also shows beating the Surface Book duo core
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This was posted in an another thread as well.

What I have trouble with this review is that he seemed to go out of his way to nitpick a number of issues.
First he was incredulous that the SB was slower then the MBP, but Microsoft never said its faster then the quad core 15" MBP. Secondly he's criticizing the keyboard as too quiet which is the very feature MS was promoting.

I just found his tone to be a annoying, I know he kept saying he's a windows user but I didn't feel this was an objective review.

Now, I'll not disagree with some of the comments, such as the display having more bounce then the MBP. I can understand why (the computer is in the display) but it still can be annoying.

Here's another review from PC World and one from Ars Technica and Engadget's review

I didn't link to only positive reviews to paint an uneven picture but rather sites that I'm more familiar with have a little more trust in the quality of the articles.
 
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maflynn said:
This was posted in an another thread as well.

What I have trouble with this review is that he seemed to go out of his way to nitpick a number of issues.
First he was incredulous that the SB was slower then the MBP, but Microsoft never said its faster then the quad core 15" MBP. Secondly he's criticizing the keyboard as too quiet which is the very feature MS was promoting.

I just found his tone to be a annoying, I know he kept saying he's a windows user but I didn't feel this was an objective review.

Now, I'll not disagree with some of the comments, such as the display having more bounce then the MBP. I can understand why (the computer is in the display) but it still can be annoying.

Here's another review from PC World and one from Ars Technica and Engadget's review

I didn't link to only positive reviews to paint an uneven picture but rather sites that I'm more familiar with have a little more trust in the quality of the articles.
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I totally agree and mainly non technical and subjective but at least you get to see the devices side by side, maybe best viewed with no sound :)

Did not see the links previously in this thread
 
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maflynn said:
This was posted in an another thread as well.

What I have trouble with this review is that he seemed to go out of his way to nitpick a number of issues.
First he was incredulous that the SB was slower then the MBP, but Microsoft never said its faster then the quad core 15" MBP. Secondly he's criticizing the keyboard as too quiet which is the very feature MS was promoting.

I just found his tone to be a annoying, I know he kept saying he's a windows user but I didn't feel this was an objective review.

Now, I'll not disagree with some of the comments, such as the display having more bounce then the MBP. I can understand why (the computer is in the display) but it still can be annoying.

Here's another review from PC World and one from Ars Technica and Engadget's review

I didn't link to only positive reviews to paint an uneven picture but rather sites that I'm more familiar with have a little more trust in the quality of the articles.
Click to expand...

Tend to agree, nor is the 15" a realistic comparison, equally I am following the Surface Book to see how it really is.


Q-6
 
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An all rounder will be hamstrung in not being able to be the best in specific markets as it's design choices preclude it. True with the iPad as much as the Surface Book. But from that you can get benefits.

Surface Book being a detachable tablet screen causes issues - sliding around, tillable backwards whilst resting on lap, screen heavy etc.

Praise where praise is due - there heat transfer and fan system looks decent for their setup.

Maybe Microsoft will actually make a laptop "without compromises" by making it a laptop not a detachable screen Surface Book? Early days.

The work on Continuum, having Windows 10 across the board - it's coming together for Microsoft, shame certain parts lag.

More competition is good for Apple
 
FWIW, I'm watching the Windows Weekly podcast and Thurrott is coming out very negatively towards the SurfaceBook. His position on not recommending is due to the issues he had with a pre-production unit. Now he qualifies his statements saying it is a pre-production unit but his concerns are warranted.
His issues are related to actual battery life (though other reviews mention very good battery life)
Lagging on the pen
Sound issues that appears to be feedback or electrical noice. Thurrott said MS will issue a patch to resolve this.

His negatively does give me further pause.

Mary Jo Foley appears more positive to the SB.
 
maflynn said:
FWIW, I'm watching the Windows Weekly podcast and Thurrott is coming out very negatively towards the SurfaceBook. His position on not recommending is due to the issues he had with a pre-production unit. Now he qualifies his statements saying it is a pre-production unit but his concerns are warranted.
His issues are related to actual battery life (though other reviews mention very good battery life)
Lagging on the pen
Sound issues that appears to be feedback or electrical noice. Thurrott said MS will issue a patch to resolve this.

His negatively does give me further pause.

Mary Jo Foley appears more positive to the SB.
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I very much like the concept of the Surface Book, and will definitely follow it with interest, however I think as it is such a new paradigm it would be prudent to wait on the second generation as Microsoft will have gained a great deal of metrics to ensure improvement which is clearly illustrated with the Surface Pro.

The Retina MacBook was a simple decision as it`s fundamentally more of the same in a smaller package, not so the Surface Book with it`unique features. If I fall on the side of Microsoft`s hardware for 2016, it will likely be a high tier Surface Pro 4, as it`s more developed and also less investment.

Q-6
 
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