Microsoft Announces "Surface" Tablet (1 Viewer)

[Abraham]

So I got a really nice Surface Pro 3 at a conference with a keyboard. This one is i5 and 256gb storage.

I am a Mac guy.

That said, this is a really really nice machine. In fact I venture to say that a Pro 3 with keyboard is exactly what Microsoft promised; a versatile tablet and laptop replacement. Granted, mine is a $1500 machine but I turned my back on windows 3 years ago and this machine has me excited that ms has a future.

So anyone on the fence, consider this an endorsement.

 

[Otis]

So I got a really nice Surface Pro 3 at a conference with a keyboard. This one is i5 and 256gb storage.

I am a Mac guy.

That said, this is a really really nice machine. In fact I venture to say that a Pro 3 with keyboard is exactly what Microsoft promised; a versatile tablet and laptop replacement. Granted, mine is a $1500 machine but I turned my back on windows 3 years ago and this machine has me excited that ms has a future.

So anyone on the fence, consider this an endorsement.

Interesting.

 

[Mr. Pickles]

Win8 is so awful there's no chance I'd consider this.

 

[NewlyRetired]

My ipad 2 is going to have to be replaced.

Is there a recommended Windows 8 tablet (full windows, not RT) in the $400-$500 range with a similar screen size to the ipad (9-10 inches) ?

 

[cstu]

My ipad 2 is going to have to be replaced.

Is there a recommended Windows 8 tablet (full windows, not RT) in the $400-$500 range with a similar screen size to the ipad (9-10 inches) ?

You could pick up a Surface Pro 2 for about $500 on ebay.

 

[gandalas]

My ipad 2 is going to have to be replaced.

Is there a recommended Windows 8 tablet (full windows, not RT) in the $400-$500 range with a similar screen size to the ipad (9-10 inches) ?

ASUS T-100 (as mentioned above). Full Windows 8.1 tablet for $400 or less, includes keyboard and full version of Microsoft Office.

Have had mine since the release last October, and still loving it.

 

[Maelstrom]

Win8 is so awful there's no chance I'd consider this.

Don't hate, mine looks and functions pretty much just like Win7, just with superior code under the surface, leading to a faster computing experience (gaming, average desktop stuff, file copies, etc). I recommend people give the "Start Screen" a few weeks, and if it is still something you hate, then install one of the "start menu clones" (I don't use one, the Win8 start screen does exactly what I need it to do). I don't hardly ever use any of the actual Apps, I use one for reading comics and currently have Skype installed for Win8, but going to switch Skype to the desktop version soon. Spend all of my time in the "standard" desktop mode - it boots directly there and the Start Screen is just a full screen version of the Start Menu from Win7.

 

[BigTex]

Love my Surface 3. my girlfriend bought it for my birthday.

 

[cstu]

Surface Pro 4 based on Intel's Broadwell chip coming next year

I expect MS to dump the RT tablets and come out with two SP4 versions:

- Fanless version based on the low power Broadwell (Core M) chip which would be thinner, lighter, and have longer battery life than the SP3 (with fan), but not be much faster than the SP3.

- Fan version based on the Broadwell (Core U) chip which uses the same power (15 watts) as the the SP3. This would be the same size/weight as the SP3 but be much more powerful while still having longer battery life.

MS has confirmed that the SP4 will be the same size as the SP3 and use the same accessories.

 

[Slapdash]

My ipad 2 is going to have to be replaced.

Is there a recommended Windows 8 tablet (full windows, not RT) in the $400-$500 range with a similar screen size to the ipad (9-10 inches) ?

ASUS T-100 (as mentioned above). Full Windows 8.1 tablet for $400 or less, includes keyboard and full version of Microsoft Office.

Have had mine since the release last October, and still loving it.

Let us know if it is still working in two years. Most unreliable brand of laptop manufacturers I've seen.

 

[gianmarco]

My ipad 2 is going to have to be replaced.

Is there a recommended Windows 8 tablet (full windows, not RT) in the $400-$500 range with a similar screen size to the ipad (9-10 inches) ?

The Dell Venue 11 Pro is $499 with full Windows and free MS Office. If you get the mobile keyboard for another $150ish, you can double the battery life to about 15-16 hours and have a full laptop/tablet machine like the Surface Pro.

I have one and am quite pleased with it.

ETA--Looks like they don't offer the free Office with it anymore but they do with the Venue 8 Pro

 

[Slapdash]

Win8 is so awful there's no chance I'd consider this.

Don't hate, mine looks and functions pretty much just like Win7, just with superior code under the surface, leading to a faster computing experience (gaming, average desktop stuff, file copies, etc). I recommend people give the "Start Screen" a few weeks, and if it is still something you hate, then install one of the "start menu clones" (I don't use one, the Win8 start screen does exactly what I need it to do). I don't hardly ever use any of the actual Apps, I use one for reading comics and currently have Skype installed for Win8, but going to switch Skype to the desktop version soon. Spend all of my time in the "standard" desktop mode - it boots directly there and the Start Screen is just a full screen version of the Start Menu from Win7.

After playing around with Windows 8 on my fiancee's laptop, I decided it would be less painful to get a MacBook and use OSX. Just an annoying OS and it doesn't help that the Surface is overpriced.

 

[Maelstrom]

Win8 is so awful there's no chance I'd consider this.

Don't hate, mine looks and functions pretty much just like Win7, just with superior code under the surface, leading to a faster computing experience (gaming, average desktop stuff, file copies, etc). I recommend people give the "Start Screen" a few weeks, and if it is still something you hate, then install one of the "start menu clones" (I don't use one, the Win8 start screen does exactly what I need it to do). I don't hardly ever use any of the actual Apps, I use one for reading comics and currently have Skype installed for Win8, but going to switch Skype to the desktop version soon. Spend all of my time in the "standard" desktop mode - it boots directly there and the Start Screen is just a full screen version of the Start Menu from Win7.

After playing around with Windows 8 on my fiancee's laptop, I decided it would be less painful to get a MacBook and use OSX. Just an annoying OS and it doesn't help that the Surface is overpriced.

That's exactly the problem...people "play around with" Windows 8 for a few minutes and make a decision. Use it for a week, and it won't be an issue.

 

[Koya]

Best computer Ive owned. Yeah the OS has quirks, but i'll take almost good to very good at just about everything and full M$ suite over really good at certain things, but simply not made for business needs. For travelling, presenting and watching vids its pretty awesome. Light, good accessory options. Thin.

My Ipad now sits under my bed utterly worthless.

 

[the moops]

My Ipad now sits under my bed utterly worthless.

I'll go gentle on you next time we meet in WIS baseball playoffs if you send me that worthless piece of junk

 

[Slapdash]

Win8 is so awful there's no chance I'd consider this.

Don't hate, mine looks and functions pretty much just like Win7, just with superior code under the surface, leading to a faster computing experience (gaming, average desktop stuff, file copies, etc). I recommend people give the "Start Screen" a few weeks, and if it is still something you hate, then install one of the "start menu clones" (I don't use one, the Win8 start screen does exactly what I need it to do). I don't hardly ever use any of the actual Apps, I use one for reading comics and currently have Skype installed for Win8, but going to switch Skype to the desktop version soon. Spend all of my time in the "standard" desktop mode - it boots directly there and the Start Screen is just a full screen version of the Start Menu from Win7.

After playing around with Windows 8 on my fiancee's laptop, I decided it would be less painful to get a MacBook and use OSX. Just an annoying OS and it doesn't help that the Surface is overpriced.

That's exactly the problem...people "play around with" Windows 8 for a few minutes and make a decision. Use it for a week, and it won't be an issue.

Sorry, I'm not going to spend a week figuring out how to do all of the functions that worked just fine on the previous version.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Win8 is so awful there's no chance I'd consider this.

Don't hate, mine looks and functions pretty much just like Win7, just with superior code under the surface, leading to a faster computing experience (gaming, average desktop stuff, file copies, etc). I recommend people give the "Start Screen" a few weeks, and if it is still something you hate, then install one of the "start menu clones" (I don't use one, the Win8 start screen does exactly what I need it to do). I don't hardly ever use any of the actual Apps, I use one for reading comics and currently have Skype installed for Win8, but going to switch Skype to the desktop version soon. Spend all of my time in the "standard" desktop mode - it boots directly there and the Start Screen is just a full screen version of the Start Menu from Win7.

After playing around with Windows 8 on my fiancee's laptop, I decided it would be less painful to get a MacBook and use OSX. Just an annoying OS and it doesn't help that the Surface is overpriced.

That's exactly the problem...people "play around with" Windows 8 for a few minutes and make a decision. Use it for a week, and it won't be an issue.

Sorry, I'm not going to spend a week figuring out how to do all of the functions that worked just fine on the previous version.

/grandpa

 

[hxperson]

Win8 is so awful there's no chance I'd consider this.

Don't hate, mine looks and functions pretty much just like Win7, just with superior code under the surface, leading to a faster computing experience (gaming, average desktop stuff, file copies, etc). I recommend people give the "Start Screen" a few weeks, and if it is still something you hate, then install one of the "start menu clones" (I don't use one, the Win8 start screen does exactly what I need it to do). I don't hardly ever use any of the actual Apps, I use one for reading comics and currently have Skype installed for Win8, but going to switch Skype to the desktop version soon. Spend all of my time in the "standard" desktop mode - it boots directly there and the Start Screen is just a full screen version of the Start Menu from Win7.

After playing around with Windows 8 on my fiancee's laptop, I decided it would be less painful to get a MacBook and use OSX. Just an annoying OS and it doesn't help that the Surface is overpriced.

Overpriced compared to what? Just looking on Amazon.com, the lowest end Macbook Air costs $839 compared to the Surface Pro 3 i5 at $949. And the MacBook Air has a slower processor, much lower resolution (1366x786 vs 2160x1440), no touch screen, and the exact same amount of RAM and HD space. I think $110 more is pretty fair for those differences. (note here in Canada, they are only $50 difference in price, which is even more compelling)

 

[Slapdash]

Win8 is so awful there's no chance I'd consider this.

Don't hate, mine looks and functions pretty much just like Win7, just with superior code under the surface, leading to a faster computing experience (gaming, average desktop stuff, file copies, etc). I recommend people give the "Start Screen" a few weeks, and if it is still something you hate, then install one of the "start menu clones" (I don't use one, the Win8 start screen does exactly what I need it to do). I don't hardly ever use any of the actual Apps, I use one for reading comics and currently have Skype installed for Win8, but going to switch Skype to the desktop version soon. Spend all of my time in the "standard" desktop mode - it boots directly there and the Start Screen is just a full screen version of the Start Menu from Win7.

After playing around with Windows 8 on my fiancee's laptop, I decided it would be less painful to get a MacBook and use OSX. Just an annoying OS and it doesn't help that the Surface is overpriced.

Overpriced compared to what? Just looking on Amazon.com, the lowest end Macbook Air costs $839 compared to the Surface Pro 3 i5 at $949. And the MacBook Air has a slower processor, much lower resolution (1366x786 vs 2160x1440), no touch screen, and the exact same amount of RAM and HD space. I think $110 more is pretty fair for those differences. (note here in Canada, they are only $50 difference in price, which is even more compelling)

Add in another $100+ for a keyboard right? Costing over $200 more than a similarly speced alternative is pretty overpriced. Particularly since MacBooks already are.

 

[cstu]

The 11.6" Macbook Air (128GB) and the 12" i3 Surface Pro 3 with a Type keyboard will both cost $800.

The Macbook Air lacks a touchscreen and pen support, but has better battery life.

The Surface Pro has a microSD port so you can add 128GB (~$100) of storage and better screen resolution.

Bottom line: it depends on whether you want a laptop that doubles as a tablet and runs Windows.

 

[cstu]

My view on the products:

Macbook Air = laptop

Surface Pro = tablet with near laptop capabilities when you're on the go but that you can hook up to a monitor/keyboard/mouse for real computing.

 

[Abraham]

I really like this thing. And I haven't even started figuring out the tricks to it (like turning on the stylus while the machine is sleeping launches one note apparently.). I go to desktop mode right away instead of using the tiles too. At some point I'll dig in

I use an air at work so I'm used to the build of my Mac which makes the surface type cover feel less than rigid. But it holds up well to my typing and while the mouse pad could stand to have a larger surface area, it's still really good.

If I were a windows user I would buy a docking station and use this is my primary machine for sure. Like I said, the one I have is loaded pretty good (i5, 256gb, 8gb) but if you use windows and need a new machine and do not consider this instead of the same old same old from dell, hp, and Len then you are doing yourself a disservice.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

How much better is the 3 than the 2?

 

[Koya]

How much better is the 3 than the 2?

I have a 3, wife has 1st gen... my understanding is the three really stepped it up. Wife didnt upgrade to the 2 as she didnt think it was worth it over the 1, but she has said that the 3 is so much better than either'

 

[Abraham]

How much better is the 3 than the 2?

I believe it is an entirely different form factor. Isn't the 3 twelve inches while the others were 11?

 

[cstu]

How much better is the 3 than the 2?

I believe it is an entirely different form factor. Isn't the 3 twelve inches while the others were 11?

Bigger screen, better resolution, but not much else different.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

How much better is the 3 than the 2?

I believe it is an entirely different form factor. Isn't the 3 twelve inches while the others were 11?

Bigger screen, better resolution, but not much else different.

I have a 2 through work and it is a bit heavy and the keyboard is somewhat flimsy. A bigger screen and lighter weight would probably get me to use it more.

 

[Otis]

Really considering selling my MBP and buying a Surface Pro with a docking station setup. Hmm.

 

[the moops]

Is it an app based machine like a tablet or can programs be installed on it like the air?

 

[Abraham]

Both. It's a windows laptop that has an app marketplace. You can add apps (Netflix, Facebook, angry birds, etc) that work both in tablet mode and laptop mode.

One thing I really like that it does better than my Air - if I turn on my iphone hotspot for wifi, the surface connects as fast as I can unlock it. My air takes as long as ten seconds and a couple "network list" refreshes. Makes a huge difference to someone like me.

 

[Abraham]

Really considering selling my MBP and buying a Surface Pro with a docking station setup. Hmm.

Unless you need a MBP you don't really need that much horsepower. If you aren't a heavy graphics or video editor guy then a Pro is overkill and the retina trade off is really hard to justify considering the weight (assuming the machine travels with you to the couch or work)

If you are a gadget nerd like me (and I know you are) I would consider either a newer Air or the Surface.

Btw - you still using the Note or back to iphone?

 

[Mario Kart]

Really considering selling my MBP and buying a Surface Pro with a docking station setup. Hmm.

I'm tempted by the Surface Pro as well however the last year when I switched to a Windows phone, I realized I am, at this time, to ingrained into the Apple ecosystem. Until Windows makes things a little easier to use, I have to stick with Apple.

One thing Apple does need to do though is to "copy" the form factor of the Surface Pro 3. They have been hesitant to release an iOS with the function of a desktop like the Surface Pro and other tablets now have. Apple needs to do this as well and what better way than to make a bigger iPad where you might be able to make the app icons a little bigger depending on what you use with a detachable keyboard. Seems like the perfect fit and I'm not buying another tablet until Apple does this or the Surface Pro 4 is really great.

 

[the moops]

My air takes as long as ten seconds and a couple "network list" refreshes. Makes a huge difference to someone like me.

10 seconds!

 

[Abraham]

My air takes as long as ten seconds and a couple "network list" refreshes. Makes a huge difference to someone like me.

10 seconds!

First world problems, I know. It's a big difference though when I hop in to a cab and need to fire it up to send some info or whatnot and my next stop is 10 blocks away.

 

[Otis]

Really considering selling my MBP and buying a Surface Pro with a docking station setup. Hmm.

Unless you need a MBP you don't really need that much horsepower. If you aren't a heavy graphics or video editor guy then a Pro is overkill and the retina trade off is really hard to justify considering the weight (assuming the machine travels with you to the couch or work)If you are a gadget nerd like me (and I know you are) I would consider either a newer Air or the Surface.

Btw - you still using the Note or back to iphone?

I'm on a One Plus. Still reslly liking Android. Also love the Chromebook/Chromebox things. In fact my ideal machine would probably be a ChromeOS tablet with a killer screen and which converts really well to laptop with a nice keyboard and maybe even can easily dock for a desktop setup. Basically a Surface running ChromeOS, though I wouldnt need quite as much horsepower as in the Surface Pro.

 

[Abraham]

Don't know if this has been part of windows for a while, but the native photo editing software is amazing. I took some pictures of my kids and the wife watched in awe as I smoothed out skin marks, erased a cut on one kid's nose, made it look antique, got rid of a shadow, and saved what looks like a professional quality portrait. I was shocked at how easy it was.

 

[SacramentoBob]

I'll second Maelstrom's comments that Windows 8 > Windows 7 once you get past the interface changes. It's not nearly as dramatic as the shift from Windows 3.1 to Windows 95 and we all managed to survive that.

 

[cstu]

I'll second Maelstrom's comments that Windows 8 > Windows 7 once you get past the interface changes. It's not nearly as dramatic as the shift from Windows 3.1 to Windows 95 and we all managed to survive that.

But is it better?

 

[msommer]

I'll second Maelstrom's comments that Windows 8 > Windows 7 once you get past the interface changes. It's not nearly as dramatic as the shift from Windows 3.1 to Windows 95 and we all managed to survive that.

But is it better?

Personally I prefer the touch screen. I have 7 and 8 laptops and I keep reaching out on the 7 to move something - resulting in nothing but smear marks...

I like the snipping tool a lot, I like the tiles but I have to say I spend 90% of my time in desktop mode

 

[SacramentoBob]

I'll second Maelstrom's comments that Windows 8 > Windows 7 once you get past the interface changes. It's not nearly as dramatic as the shift from Windows 3.1 to Windows 95 and we all managed to survive that.

But is it better?

Yes. I prefer 8 to 7 now.

It was a poor design choice to use on their server platform though.

 

[Maelstrom]

I'll second Maelstrom's comments that Windows 8 > Windows 7 once you get past the interface changes. It's not nearly as dramatic as the shift from Windows 3.1 to Windows 95 and we all managed to survive that.

But is it better?

Yes. I prefer 8 to 7 now.

It was a poor design choice to use on their server platform though.

Most definitely, I'm not sure what they were thinking on that one at all.

 

[Mister CIA]

I use Windows 8.1 at work and at home all of the time. I'm nearly a fan but I reserve a little hate for the damn charms bar that is always getting in my way on the right-hand side of the display. It's annoying and worthless, and best I can tell there is no way to turn it off.

 

[msommer]

Not a big fan of the charms but they don't bother me, not even the right one

 

[captain_amazing]

I'll second Maelstrom's comments that Windows 8 > Windows 7 once you get past the interface changes. It's not nearly as dramatic as the shift from Windows 3.1 to Windows 95 and we all managed to survive that.

Windows 3.1 >>>> Windows 95

 

[Otis]

Had this in my shopping cart a few minutes ago and almost pulled the trigger. Sooooo close.

 

[Abraham]

Pansy.

 

[Otis]

I teach as an adjunct professor at a local grad school, and saw that it's on the list for the educational discount, which resulted in 10% off when I put it into my cart.

tempted

It doesn't help that a good college buddy of mine turned Microsoft engineer turned international reality TV star turned restaurateur keeps hawking it on Facebook and other sites.

 

[Otis]

Question for guys with a Surface 3 -- how good is it as a laptop/for typing? Is it a very strong laptop replacement? Or just sort of a gimmick you can eek by with for typing? Or something in the middle?

 

[Koya]

Question for guys with a Surface 3 -- how good is it as a laptop/for typing? Is it a very strong laptop replacement? Or just sort of a gimmick you can eek by with for typing? Or something in the middle?

With the good keyboard, it's great response and backlit as well.

If anything, I type easier / faster and more accurately with the surface as compared with my last laptop which had a full keyboard.

 

[Abraham]

It takes a little getting used to the sound and feel but it is very comfortable for full typing.