re: How is the Microsoft Surface?

I've got a SP3 (i7/8GB/512GB) and it's a thoroughbred.

Light, portable, very nice HD screen, very responsive and fluid, runs the full version of Office, and easily runs some pretty heavy-duty simulation software I use for work.

I'm currently writing a book on mine and the form factor is very comfortable for extended periods of typing. It also sits very comfortably on my lap when I'm in the recliner and using the kickstand.

My battery charge almost always lasts me all day (8-12 hrs); the only exception is with intensive continuous use, then you're probably looking at about 6 hours. The Metro version of IE is very responsive and battery friendly if you use internet a lot.

OneNote is great for taking notes with the stylus. I rarely use a pad and pen anymore when making notes from calls with clients. Instead I use OneNote and am able to save, archive, organize, and retrieve my notes at will and they're with me when my SP3 is with me.

The only drawback I see at this point are some of the Metro apps aren't very polished. But as others have stated, it runs any software a PC will run so it's a moot point for users like me. And the key MUI apps most people would use (calendar, email, browser, contacts, weather, cloud storage, Skype, movies, maps, music, and travel apps) are solid to very good.

edt: It's also well built.