Still blue. I've had Windows Vista, 7, 8, and 8.1 BSOD on me. In every case, it was due to either a failing dGPU, or a badly written driver for the dGPU. Windows 10 has been pretty stable for me, so far (knock on wood.)
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Surface Pro shows what Macbook could have been, what new Macs need?
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Still blue. I've had Windows Vista, 7, 8, and 8.1 BSOD on me. In every case, it was due to either a failing dGPU, or a badly written driver for the dGPU. Windows 10 has been pretty stable for me, so far (knock on wood.)
I think it's a bit of an overused term someone goes out and buys some cheap add-on with crappy drivers then get some reference memory error message on a blue screen that lasts 5 seconds and then blames Windows
You would expect Apple to be more stable from a point that 3rd party add-ons or modifications are almost non existence compared to Windows platform. Apple has almost complete control and sealed box approach. With this comes a double edge sword with the apparent stability comes lack of choice, innovation, competition other than what Apple picks and chooses as it's priorities to maintain sales.
In a theoretical world where all the laptops and PC's are only made by Apple or MS it would be more interesting to see which OS prevailed.
Maybe some hypothesis of this could be made up from the smartphone market ie despite IPhone being the most successful model it's still outsold be all the others, as people want choice for many reasons.
Apple know there market and appeal very well to these users, MS however allows many OEM's to pick their market segment they wish to compete in and give a very broad spectrum of choice to the masses. Of course they do not do this for free but one should not knock an OS that manages to do so much for so many and is still the preferred business tool.
Pick which OS is right for your needs and respect those who's preferences differ
I think another huge problem with Windows has been bloatware. PC Manufacturers, especially on the consumer side, got paid to add this junk, which they happily did since their margins were so tight. Much of this software wasn't properly tested and it would cause conflict and dependency issues. This had a negative impact on performance, user experience, and often caused other problems.
But the Surface products don't have any of this junk installed, and most PC Manufacturers are now doing a better job of avoiding it. But by Microsoft controlling the hardware and software, much like Apple, these surface products are now much more stable. This, along with Win 10 being very stable. I think much of this perception is a hangover from XP/Vista/ME days.
But the Surface products don't have any of this junk installed, and most PC Manufacturers are now doing a better job of avoiding it. But by Microsoft controlling the hardware and software, much like Apple, these surface products are now much more stable. This, along with Win 10 being very stable. I think much of this perception is a hangover from XP/Vista/ME days.
Definitely part of the issue with the PC space, many wanted more for less, and this was a workable model for many vendors to subsidise the price, equally the associated bloat also brought multiple negatives especially on the customer satisfaction side.
Microsoft have learnt much from Apple`s model, it`s obviously far easier if you control both the hardware & software environments. Absolutely there is a market for the Surface, Surface Pro and now the Surface Book, and I only see this market growing as Apple have so elegantly illustrated there is a strong market for well designed, reliable hardware, coupled with a robust OS.
I have considered a Surface Pro since release, however the initial iterations were too limited and lacking finesse, equally Microsoft has continuously addressed user and technical concerns on each release. Personally as someone who frequently travels internationally for business I can absolutely see purpose in the Surface Pro 4 & Surface Book under Windows 10. much will come down to unbiased reviews, user input and ultimately what Apple delivers for Skylake.
For me I look at what the system can do for me, not who produces it. Ultimately; usability, flexibility, efficiency & design will always win out over blind brand loyalty.
Q-6
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Very few people would understand or want a too-thick iPad and a too-clumsy notebook running two operating systems.
And anyone who did and could afford one can certainly afford them as two separate devices which perform better and aren't compromised. I mean, this theoretical Frankenpad wouldn't be cheaper and it wouldn't be lighter, so what's the point?
BJ
All Apple needs to do to create a Surface Book is to release an iPad Pro add on that is essentially a MacBook Pro 13" base without the display. When you attach the iPad Pro using the Smart Connector, it just becomes a 12.9" Retina MacBook Pro running OS X. When you detach it, it reverts back to iOS.
This add on could be priced at $799. So $799 + $799 = $1,598. Surface Book starts at $1,499.
This add on could be priced at $799. So $799 + $799 = $1,598. Surface Book starts at $1,499.
It's actually a pretty good idea, but I'm afraid it'll be way too complex for most users. Also, if that's the case, then it means there must be two computers, one in the iPad one in the base. Seems not very economical IMO. I still feel they just need to create iOS X which is a much more advanced version of iOS that is actually closer to a desktop computer.
What happens when you pop the screen off to give someone a closer look at something?
Wow!!!!!
I was just in Best Buy, and they had an SP4 on the floor. It's not on sale yet, but there was a Mocrosoft employee there, letting people test drive.
I'm floored!!!! While the difference is subtle, vs my SP3, those small improvements make a huge difference, in sum.
First, the keyboard is awesome! My SP3 always felt like a flimsy compromise. I don't like using it at all. But this one actually felt better than my MBA... Or at least as good.
The display is brilliant! I didn't think the SP3 could be improved upon much, but they did. Dare I say it's the best small display I've ever seen?
Size and form is a bit thinner and lighter, which is just enough to make it a very nice tablet.
People are gunna' fall in love with this thing. I'm ordering one today!
I was just in Best Buy, and they had an SP4 on the floor. It's not on sale yet, but there was a Mocrosoft employee there, letting people test drive.
I'm floored!!!! While the difference is subtle, vs my SP3, those small improvements make a huge difference, in sum.
First, the keyboard is awesome! My SP3 always felt like a flimsy compromise. I don't like using it at all. But this one actually felt better than my MBA... Or at least as good.
The display is brilliant! I didn't think the SP3 could be improved upon much, but they did. Dare I say it's the best small display I've ever seen?
Size and form is a bit thinner and lighter, which is just enough to make it a very nice tablet.
People are gunna' fall in love with this thing. I'm ordering one today!
Ha, it's a lot more than that. If you're truly into hybrid devices, the SP4 is the best on the planet. But if you'd rather have two separate devices, that's not something that someone can convince another of. There is no right or wrong answer on which approach is superior.
But if you're like me and have dreamt of a device that's a good tablet, a solid laptop, and a good enough workstation (for my needs), then the SP4 is a God-send. My SP3 was pretty good too, but I think this round now puts to over the top! The subtle improvements in the keyboard, the skyline bump, the beautiful screen (best small one I've seen win my life), etc.
Some of this is due to Microsoft (Win 10 and Continuum) and some is just due to the state of innovation (Skylake). But forces are converging to deliver the type of solution I've wanted for years. But that's just me.
Let's put it this way - My personal iMac refresh funds are now being re-directed. My iMac will still serve as my Apple ecosystem server and occasional Mac reference platform for work, but my SP4 will now be my primary workhorse. It's fast enough, flexible enough, and a good enough tablet. The thought that I could be casually browsing entertainment stuff on my couch, when a work email post up, and jump into full on PPT or XLS in seconds is very appealing to me, personally. I'll have my entire desktop with files, edits, open tabs, etc... the way that I work, available to me in an instant, from a tablet. That's cool to me, though it may seem backwards and goofy to many.
Many on here would prefer to have two or three devices, and there's nothing wrong with that. I've come around to wanting to do everything on one device (not counting my iPhone), and that's OK too. YMMV.
But if you're like me and have dreamt of a device that's a good tablet, a solid laptop, and a good enough workstation (for my needs), then the SP4 is a God-send. My SP3 was pretty good too, but I think this round now puts to over the top! The subtle improvements in the keyboard, the skyline bump, the beautiful screen (best small one I've seen win my life), etc.
Some of this is due to Microsoft (Win 10 and Continuum) and some is just due to the state of innovation (Skylake). But forces are converging to deliver the type of solution I've wanted for years. But that's just me.
Let's put it this way - My personal iMac refresh funds are now being re-directed. My iMac will still serve as my Apple ecosystem server and occasional Mac reference platform for work, but my SP4 will now be my primary workhorse. It's fast enough, flexible enough, and a good enough tablet. The thought that I could be casually browsing entertainment stuff on my couch, when a work email post up, and jump into full on PPT or XLS in seconds is very appealing to me, personally. I'll have my entire desktop with files, edits, open tabs, etc... the way that I work, available to me in an instant, from a tablet. That's cool to me, though it may seem backwards and goofy to many.
Many on here would prefer to have two or three devices, and there's nothing wrong with that. I've come around to wanting to do everything on one device (not counting my iPhone), and that's OK too. YMMV.
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As you note, not that you have to justify, but many thanks for your explanation of your reasoning/usage
I have tried several times to find good usage for Ipad or Tab and after a few weeks they end up just being a coffee table ornaments
I certainly see the appeal and the convenience even if only for occasionally to use a full OS in tablet mode
I think I am more likely to enjoy playing with the slate mode and pen more so than swapping between two devices especially when our smart phones already cover a high % of the functionality of an Ipad/Tab
It seems almost more justifiable especially if you prefer the footprint size of rMA or MBA.
Those that have opted for larger/heavier Mac's may need an intermediate device for couch convenience but I always found this was a pain as I was reaching for my laptop.
I have tried several times to find good usage for Ipad or Tab and after a few weeks they end up just being a coffee table ornaments
I certainly see the appeal and the convenience even if only for occasionally to use a full OS in tablet mode
I think I am more likely to enjoy playing with the slate mode and pen more so than swapping between two devices especially when our smart phones already cover a high % of the functionality of an Ipad/Tab
It seems almost more justifiable especially if you prefer the footprint size of rMA or MBA.
Those that have opted for larger/heavier Mac's may need an intermediate device for couch convenience but I always found this was a pain as I was reaching for my laptop.
It would be slightly thicker than the current MacBook and the iPad part would still be just as thick as an iPad, iOS and OS X communicate with each other since iOS 8 and it would be cheaper since they would have shared parts.
Can't speak to the SP4, because Best Buy was crowded and I didn't really get the opportunity to push anything. I can say that my SP3 runs very quiet, most of the time. But there are times when I do notice the fans a bit, mostly when I've got some pretty intense stuff running, or something is misbehaving. But I'm not much of a gamer. But that's not the whole story as many do complain about the fact that Win 10 will slow the CPU aggressively, to avoid thermal issues. While this is something I haven't noticed much, it's a pretty big thing on the net among gamers... something about SP3 cooling shooting all the heat into one corner of the slab?
But I've read a bit about improved heat distribution with the SP4, and that they put a lot of effort into thermal dynamics. No idea how much this will help, but it doesn't worry me too much. Honestly, my biggest worry is about not having a discrete GPU, should I eventually tack on two 4k displays?
But I've read a bit about improved heat distribution with the SP4, and that they put a lot of effort into thermal dynamics. No idea how much this will help, but it doesn't worry me too much. Honestly, my biggest worry is about not having a discrete GPU, should I eventually tack on two 4k displays?
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They can expand on Continuity. Whatever you were looking at is still on the screen, in iOS.
Not happening. iOS and OS X are two different operating systems and Apple has shown no intention of integrating them. There is no way that every app on iOS will ever have a counterpart on OS X and vice-versa, which means 'switching' on the fly will be an impossibility.
Continuity will work because Microsoft has standardized on ONE os, so all that changes when you switch to tablet mode is the UI. Nothing changes on the app side.
Right, I get the concept.
But it's going to be more expensive than if you purchased both individually as there is no major manufacturing savings in parts that isn't offset by the new design and the small amount of units that will sell.
Then you've got the issue of designing a notebook that is terribly top-heavy, the batteries living entirely in the screen/iPad section. Then you've got the issue of the screen/iPad part being thicker because the batteries are being asked to run a keyboard and its backlight.
Then you've got the issue of consumers buying a device with two operating systems which causes incomprehensible confusion. "So when the keyboard is connected I can put a file on the desktop but when I disconnect the keyboard the desktop disappears?" That'll be a laugh-riot at the Genius bar.
What you and others are describing as this "convertible" nirvana is the iPad Pro running OSX. And there's a reason Apple didn't go that way. iPad customers put portability and media ahead of functionality and officework.
BJ
+1 as always, zhenya.
Furthermore, people forget, it's not about the operating systems, it's about the input devices. I encourage all to watch Steve Jobs iPhone and iPad launch keynotes, all the answers are there. Revolutionary input devices begat revolutionary UI's begat revolutionary computers.
People like to do their office work with a mouse. History has shown this. For fun, I encourage all of these Apple Convertible Zealots to grab their notebooks, unplug the mouse, and build a professional Powerpoint presentation. Then, for extra laughs, try iMovie, try Excel, even sending an Email becomes a time-consuming adventure.
Next, try the inverse. You'll have to use your imagination, but as you recline in a hammock with your iPad and want to read news and listen to music imagine you've got a mouse that you've got to use in the process. Rub it on the ropes, slide it over your legs, try to advance the screens, again just adds complexity.
What MS is attempting to do with a single OS for both Notebooks and Tablets is a smart business move, but it's not optimized for each, its still really just Windows with touch. People can't do office work with touch and people don't want to whip out a mouse on a airline tray table to watch a movie. Children mold clay with their hands and write with a pencil. When they grow up, they do office work with a mouse and navigate media with touch. It's just how it is.
BJ
I think people are confused with what product is competing with which.
Surface Pro 4 vs iPad Pro
Surface Book vs rMBP13
You could say the Surface Book is rMBP + iPad Pro considering its functionality and slightly higher price than the rMBP.
I think it's hard to say if the Surface Book is the ultimate laptop because it's unconventional. At the moment I think the rMB is the ultimate laptop because it's ultraportable and appeals to everyone.
If you want a tablet AND a laptop then the Surface Book is the best option.
Surface Pro 4 vs iPad Pro
Surface Book vs rMBP13
You could say the Surface Book is rMBP + iPad Pro considering its functionality and slightly higher price than the rMBP.
I think it's hard to say if the Surface Book is the ultimate laptop because it's unconventional. At the moment I think the rMB is the ultimate laptop because it's ultraportable and appeals to everyone.
If you want a tablet AND a laptop then the Surface Book is the best option.
+1 as always, zhenya.
Furthermore, people forget, it's not about the operating systems, it's about the input devices. I encourage all to watch Steve Jobs iPhone and iPad launch keynotes, all the answers are there. Revolutionary input devices begat revolutionary UI's begat revolutionary computers.
People like to do their office work with a mouse. History has shown this. For fun, I encourage all of these Apple Convertible Zealots to grab their notebooks, unplug the mouse, and build a professional Powerpoint presentation. Then, for extra laughs, try iMovie, try Excel, even sending an Email becomes a time-consuming adventure.
Next, try the inverse. You'll have to use your imagination, but as you recline in a hammock with your iPad and want to read news and listen to music imagine you've got a mouse that you've got to use in the process. Rub it on the ropes, slide it over your legs, try to advance the screens, again just adds complexity.
What MS is attempting to do with a single OS for both Notebooks and Tablets is a smart business move, but it's not optimized for each, its still really just Windows with touch. People can't do office work with touch and people don't want to whip out a mouse on a airline tray table to watch a movie. Children mold clay with their hands and write with a pencil. When they grow up, they do office work with a mouse and navigate media with touch. It's just how it is.
BJ
Agreed. I would go further and say that MS had to do something to get in the touch screen game, but their idea that you can or need to have a keyboard / trackpad driven device (laptop or desktop computer) include touchscreen input is just adding a feature that doesn't really work.
You can't easily, or naturally, move your hands from the flat horizontal plane in front of you, when typing and using a touch pad, to the vertical plane of the screen, as it forces you to stop doing what you're doing in one plane, to shift to another. And once you do move to the vertical plane, you have to use significantly more muscle and motor skills to hold your arm / hand / fingers in place long enough to do what you could / should have been able to do on the keyboard / trackpad.
Anyone who thinks this isn't true is either fooling themselves or has some bizarrely long fingers that do not require the hand to be lifted from the keyboard to touch the screen in a meaningful way.