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How is the Microsoft Surface?

Posted on 11/28/14 at 1:40 pm
Posted by CBandits82
Lurker since May 2008
Member since May 2012
54014 posts
Posted on 11/28/14 at 1:40 pm
worth a buy?
Posted by WavinWilly
Wavin Away in Sharlo
Member since Oct 2010
8781 posts
Posted on 11/28/14 at 1:48 pm to
The 3 is a nice device.
Posted by Hopeful Doc
Member since Sep 2010
14941 posts
Posted on 11/28/14 at 2:05 pm to
I would urge you to check out the App selection at the Microsoft RT store before considering the Surface 3. You cannot install regular windows programs, and app selection is very limited compared to the other two main mobile OS players. There are decent alternatives to the vast majority of apps. Some apps just can't be alternated though (specifically- games). RT as an OS doesn't really allow for workarounds or installing regular windows programs. The App Store is what you get.

The MS surface Pro, however, should be considered a mid-tier laptop that happens to be in tablet form and doesn't come with a keyboard (you can add its fancy little type cover, or you can add a regular, full sized one behind the USB port. You can also use bluetooth ones) or cd drive.


Despite being almost identical form factors, they're world's apart in terms of capability (and price). The regular 3 is a decent enough tablet that's app-limited (possibly lacking, depending on what you, specifically, need. It's not limited or lacking if you don't need apps that are on Android and iOS but you don't use. The vast majority of apps suck anyway, so you very well could be set. Just look first). The Pro 3 is a good laptop with a touch screen and no keyboard. If considering the Pro 3 and just didn't type it, at least give consideration to the Venue Pro 11.


Edited for a stupid mistake on my part.
This post was edited on 11/28/14 at 2:36 pm
Posted by Floating Change Up
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Member since Dec 2013
11830 posts
Posted on 11/28/14 at 2:09 pm to
I have the 128GB Surface Pro 2. I believe I will never own another laptop or PC as long as they are making the Surface.

If you travel, it is without a doubt the best business class solution on the market. That said, I know that ASUS and Acer now have similar models in the same market space as the Surface for a bit better price.

Microsoft failed in marketing the Surface when it first came out. Those crappy dancing workers clicking the key board did nothing to show how versatile the device truly is to the business user. This new marketing campaign is a bit better comparing the Surface with the Mac AirBook (or whatever it's called), but it is still missing the boat on what I think is the bulk of potential buyers.

They should be marketing the device to the typical business traveller -- getting through security, working (or playing movies or games) on the plane, and setting up at a client location -- all easier than most laptops on the market.

As for apps, the standard Windows apps all run great. I also run video and image editing software, some developer apps, and accounting software -- all with remarkable speed for such a small device.

I'm already planning on the Surface Pro3 acquisition soon.

Posted by Floating Change Up
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Member since Dec 2013
11830 posts
Posted on 11/28/14 at 2:13 pm to
quote:

there's one flavor of Surface Pro 3


Not sure if I am misunderstanding you, but I don't think this statement is accurate.

You can get the Surface Pro 3 with the i3, i5, and i7 processors --- all at different price points.
Posted by ILikeLSUToo
Central, LA
Member since Jan 2008
18018 posts
Posted on 11/28/14 at 2:24 pm to
quote:

The MS surface Pro, however, should be considered a mid-tier laptop

Depending on the model, it should be considered a very high-end laptop. Their absolute cheapest model is mid-tier.


quote:

there's one flavor of Surface Pro 3, there are 5 or so DVP11


There are 5 flavors of the Surface Pro 3.
Posted by Hopeful Doc
Member since Sep 2010
14941 posts
Posted on 11/28/14 at 2:26 pm to
quote:

You can get the Surface Pro 3 with the i3, i5, and i7 processors --- all at different price points.



Oops. I am mistaken. I thought SP3 just had storage options. Disregard that part, but the Venue Pro 11 series is still comparable and should be checked out.
Posted by ILikeLSUToo
Central, LA
Member since Jan 2008
18018 posts
Posted on 11/28/14 at 2:46 pm to
quote:

That said, I know that ASUS and Acer now have similar models in the same market space as the Surface for a bit better price.


Yeah, the ASUS Transformer Book should be a serious consideration for anyone who likes the concept of the Surface Pro (full-blown windows on a convertible tablet) but not the price ($799 plus the cost of the keyboard for the absolute cheapest model) or for those who don't need the extra performance. You can get one for under $300 w/ keyboard, but obviously they are a good bit weaker than even the i3 Surface Pro (2GB RAM, extremely weak low-power CPU, 32-64GB SSD, lower resolution, etc.).

The most appealing ASUS model to me is the T200TA. Still has a weak CPU compared to the i3, but at least has 4GB of RAM. $459 w/ keyboard. The keyboard dock itself has a drive bay so you can add a 1TB 2.5" HDD for storage when using it as a laptop. Still, I am not "on the go" nearly enough to justify it. I'm just not a tablet person.
This post was edited on 11/28/14 at 2:49 pm
Posted by bluebarracuda
Member since Oct 2011
18222 posts
Posted on 11/28/14 at 3:04 pm to
The surface pro is my favorite piece of tech that I own, and I own some very nice tech stuff.
Posted by southernelite
Dallas
Member since Sep 2009
53140 posts
Posted on 11/28/14 at 3:06 pm to
im thinking about dropping the coin for the surface 3 pro.

i have the orginal surface pro, and could see myself enjoying the 3.

I like the miracast and whatnot. my only complaint is lack of casings and stuff. the kickstand on my original is in rough shape. If it were easier to use in your lap with the type cover, then it would truly destroy. I honestly don't use it in true tablet mode very much. just as a versatile hybrid laptop
Posted by GeeOH
Louisiana
Member since Dec 2013
13376 posts
Posted on 11/28/14 at 3:24 pm to
I have the surface pro and it is simply astounding.

Don't hesitate, get it and you'll have few regrets.
Posted by GeauxTigersLee
Atlanta
Member since Sep 2010
4641 posts
Posted on 11/28/14 at 3:26 pm to
How's the battery life on it?
Posted by StraightCashHomey21
Aberdeen,NC
Member since Jul 2009
125393 posts
Posted on 11/28/14 at 3:27 pm to
Just got a surface pro 3.

Its amazing. Even if my keyboard still hasnt come in the mail yet. I have 128GB ssd with an i5. Well worth the money.
Posted by CBandits82
Lurker since May 2008
Member since May 2012
54014 posts
Posted on 11/28/14 at 3:55 pm to
Wow, looks like everyone absolutely loves it.

Its time for me to drop coin on one.

Was considering a new laptop, but I love the tablet format and this looks like an easy choice.

Is typing on the keyboard awkward?

Posted by wizziko
New Jersey Nets Fan
Member since Jan 2006
35881 posts
Posted on 11/28/14 at 4:06 pm to
quote:

Is typing on the keyboard awkward?

I played with one at Best Buy last week and it wasn't bad at all. Just gotta get used to typing on a smaller form factor

Wish I hadn't bought my i7 beast of a laptop last year
Posted by MThawg
south
Member since May 2011
4458 posts
Posted on 11/28/14 at 4:24 pm to
I have the i5 256 ssd and the keyboard. Plenty power and typing is easy, the trackpad sucks for real. Really makes you use the touch screen. That said tho that is one of my only cons, the trackpad and only one usb.
Posted by southernelite
Dallas
Member since Sep 2009
53140 posts
Posted on 11/28/14 at 4:27 pm to
Also, there is a pretty sleek docking pad for it. it's a little expensive, but could very well eliminate the need for a desktop.
Posted by foshizzle
Washington DC metro
Member since Mar 2008
40599 posts
Posted on 11/28/14 at 7:19 pm to
I have a Surface 3 Pro and love it. You can run anything that will run on Windows 8.1, I have some enterprise-level apps installed for client demos and they work great. Get it and don't look back.
Posted by GeeOH
Louisiana
Member since Dec 2013
13376 posts
Posted on 11/28/14 at 8:00 pm to
My battery is fine. Haven't paid much attention. I use the keyboard when needed and have very few issues.

Wife is an attorney and uses it a lot to bring to court. We print pics, legal docs, etc wirlessly with our printer.

It's basically a mobile desktop
Posted by bluebarracuda
Member since Oct 2011
18222 posts
Posted on 11/29/14 at 2:48 am to
The type cover is great. As a poster above already stated, the trackpad is awful, but with the pen and touchscreen, the trackpad shouldn't be needed.
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