MacBook Air Vs Surface Pro 3

[Freyqq]

Surface Pro 3 has the potential to be great, but by most accounts the trackpad/keyboard are much worse than macs. You could get an apple bluetooth keyboard and an external mouse, but then you can't use it on your lap. Lots of compromises, but the Surface Pro is getting more and more interesting with each revision.

Having a retina screen on the surface pro puts pressure on apple, though. If that computer, with the similar specs as a macbook air, has retina...then perhaps apple will respond by upgrading the macbook air line to retina screens.

 

[great high wolf]

My machines are 1.5 to five years old so Thunderbolt has never been applicable, until now anyway.

Keyboard, mouse, ethernet, printer, monitor, external drive, phone, and power. That's eight cables by my count.

Plus, I have another cable clipped to the side of the monitor so clients can plug in their own USB devices instead of me doing it. Some clients are funny that way.

So at a minimum, in the absence of a docking station, I have nine cables to contend with every time I arrive at and leave the office.

Plus, and this is a biggy, where do you physically place your laptop so that it is out of the way of your work papers, files, reference materials and coffee?

When I have a client sitting opposite me my desk must be neat, tidy, and presentable. That is to say, it must be suggestive of a professional workspace.

A rats nest of cables does not look professional. Placing a $2,500 laptop in the middle of it all where it is susceptible to errant cups of fluid is not only unsightly, but stupid. I've used a few different configurations, but by and large most docking stations allow the laptop to be mounted directly under the monitor, out of the way and out of danger.

So I think I will stick with my docking stations. They make a lot of sense to me. YMMV.

A Thunderbolt dock (Startech do one that would cover everything you list except power) fixes the technical side of the problem. As for arranging your workspace - as you say, YMMV.

 

[linjac951]

I really hate these threads. Why do we compare two different computers. Yes they are two different computers. Unless MacBooks had windows as the main operating system, these threads are pointless. You should choose what ever computer you work with better. In the end its down to OSX or Windows. Which of those two you prefer to work on. Specs wars are pointless now that most ultra books, tablets and all MacBooks have SSDs paired with ulv processors. Gaming, you should only be playing indie games or low resource games on these laptops not battlefield 3 or titan fall, although if the settings are low enough, it is more than playable. But I don't recommend it.

 

[maflynn]

I really hate these threads. Why do we compare two different computers.

they're not two different computers in the sense that MS is the one marketing the SP3 as a MBA alternative.

Yes they are two different computers. Unless MacBooks had windows as the main operating system

The MBA can and does run windows.

, these threads are pointless. You should choose what ever computer you work with better. In the end its down to OSX or Windows. Which of those two you prefer to work on. Specs wars are pointless now that most ultra books, tablets and all MacBooks have SSDs paired with ulv processors. Gaming, you should only be playing indie games or low resource games on these laptops not battlefield 3 or titan fall, although if the settings are low enough, it is more than playable. But I don't recommend it.

I think there is value in these types of threads and potential buyers need to vet out what solution is best for them. The OS is less important as it used to be. It does boiled down what you prefer, and that requires analysis and in some cases people asking for opinions, i.e., creating threads here. I guess if you find it pointless that's your opinion, and you can find other topics that interest you. Given the length of this thread and others like this, its a topic that has generated a lot of interest.

 

[EthanNixon]

It's crazy how so many people have used the Surface Pro 3 and formed their opinions on it, I haven't even seen it in person yet...

 

[maflynn]

It's crazy how so many people have used the Surface Pro 3 and formed their opinions on it, I haven't even seen it in person yet...

June 6th, they'll be in Microsoft stores, so you'll have some hands on time with it - if there is a MS store in your local vicinity. I have one on pre-order but I would like to go play with one to validate that its a good option for me.

 

[EthanNixon]

June 6th, they'll be in Microsoft stores, so you'll have some hands on time with it - if there is a MS store in your local vicinity. I have one on pre-order but I would like to go play with one to validate that its a good option for me.

I work for Microsoft.

 

[linjac951]

they're not two different computers in the sense that MS is the one marketing the SP3 as a MBA alternative.


The MBA can and does run windows.


I think there is value in these types of threads and potential buyers need to vet out what solution is best for them. The OS is less important as it used to be. It does boiled down what you prefer, and that requires analysis and in some cases people asking for opinions, i.e., creating threads here. I guess if you find it pointless that's your opinion, and you can find other topics that interest you. Given the length of this thread and others like this, its a topic that has generated a lot of interest.

I don't know, I see it as a tablet vs an ultra book. Also, windows has a long way to go to catch up in user experience. The only direction microsoft has now is enterprise products. Windows should have distinguished its tablets with the desktop products not squish them together into the surface pro. It really hurt desktop users and tablet users. On top of that Surface is not even much lighter than an air.

 

[crashoverride77]

On what do you base your opinion of the Surface that it's "complete junk?"

It's not junk. The SP3 has some nice features and is a unique product in some ways BUT BUT BUT
Microsoft is loosing its plot so bad it's not even funny. They used to try go after iPads but now they changed their slogan to
"The sp3 is a better laptop than an iPad and a better tablet than a laptop". That statement is so stupid it's beyond believe that they said this on their keynote.
That basically means the sp3 is not as good as an iPad or as good as a proper laptop. It is literally the most stupid thing I ever heard to describe a product.
I know it's not the best example but it would be the same if BMW would say that the m3 " is a better city car than a ferrari and a better sports car than a ford fiesta". (Bad example as m3 is an awesome car, but the comparison I think is still valid)
As they say better to master one thing than be a jack of all trades.

 

[Fizzoid]

I work for Microsoft.

There must be a few others in this thread who do also, as they've already got so much experience with it

 

[maflynn]

They used to try go after iPads but now they changed their slogan

Its not as good as an iPad, its larger, heavier and is basically a full computer - it was a marketing mistake to consider the Surface and Surface Pro an alternative to the iPad imo. They had to change their tune. All companies do that, if something doesn't work they change.

As they say better to master one thing than be a jack of all trades.

That has been the knock on the SP3, its trying to be a laptop and tablet and its not doing either much good. From the reviews/hands on I have read, its a viable alternative to a laptop, thanks to its small size. As a tablet, not so much.

 

[kelon111]

That has been the knock on the SP3, its trying to be a laptop and tablet and its not doing either much good. From the reviews/hands on I have read, its a viable alternative to a laptop, thanks to its small size. As a tablet, not so much.

Actually , I prefer my tablets to have a similar aspect ratio and size to a piece of paper.
I wanted the Surface Pro 3 to be a bit bigger when it came to the screen size.

 

[crashoverride77]

Its not as good as an iPad, its larger, heavier and is basically a full computer - it was a marketing mistake to consider the Surface and Surface Pro an alternative to the iPad imo. They had to change their tune. All companies do that, if something doesn't work they change.


That has been the knock on the SP3, its trying to be a laptop and tablet and its not doing either much good. From the reviews/hands on I have read, its a viable alternative to a laptop, thanks to its small size. As a tablet, not so much.

I toally agree with what you said and that they had to change their slogan. I prefer they still try to go after iPads or laptops rather than coming up with that idiotic slogan.

 

[crashoverride77]

Surface Pro 3 looks to be a very good product.

Microsoft is working in an one-for-all approach: It wants to integrate laptop, desktop and tablet. Apple is taking the two-device approach.

That said, for one and for now I will stick to my Macbook Air and iPad Mini retina.

Very nice description without sounding like a fanboy. I actually prefer the old surface pro as I think the new one is way to big (old one was also) to be a useful tablet at all. Besides that the new screen might be bigger to make it a nicer laptop but than it's in that weird 4:3 layout which I do not like at all for a laptop. I will also stick with my mac and ipad because both do their individual task much better than the surface and have other features that Microsoft cannot provide. Microsoft run a "do it all in one" strategy for two completely different products and it will not work, at least now. Nevertheless the surface is awesome for a lot of people and if I would be required to use windows natively in a portable fashion I would not hesitate to use one.

 

[elchorizo]

they're not two different computers in the sense that MS is the one marketing the SP3 as a MBA alternative.


The MBA can and does run windows.


I think there is value in these types of threads and potential buyers need to vet out what solution is best for them. The OS is less important as it used to be. It does boiled down what you prefer, and that requires analysis and in some cases people asking for opinions, i.e., creating threads here. I guess if you find it pointless that's your opinion, and you can find other topics that interest you. Given the length of this thread and others like this, its a topic that has generated a lot of interest.

Not to mention, these threads are fun. I love tech toys and I enjoy the banter a great deal. I think the SP3 looks awesome to be honest. I love the 3x2 form factor especially. Finally someone other than Apple understands that 16x9 isn't optimal! That being said, I love my rMini and can't see getting another tablet anytime soon to replace it (I don't consider the SP3 to be a laptop at all, I only think of it as a tablet with a cool keyboard accessory).

 

[EthanNixon]

There must be a few others in this thread who do also, as they've already got so much experience with it

Half of this thread must be developers of the Surface Pro 3...

 

[SchlepNT]

Can't wait for it. I just got the Surface Pro 2 at Christmas, but this is a bit too big of an upgrade to pass up. The new form factor looks great, and I'm honestly amazed at the engineering that got the device to the same thickness as the ARM version (Surface 2).

The device isn't for everyone, and I think that's well noted here. Since I do a lot of travelling for work, I need a device that's very light and very compact. The ability to take notes and mark up Word docs, use it for reading manuals and signing off on PDFs, and pass it around as a whiteboard during software development meetings is huge.

Until the SP3 announcement, I had no idea so many people typed on their laps. I stopped buying Apple laptops after around 2008 because they absolutely fried my legs. Now with tablets, whether it's this or an iPad, I don't have to worry about that. Not a big lap typer, I guess. The trackpad does look nice for on the plane, but anywhere outside of that, I prefer the MS Arc Mouse. Pretty much the perfect travel mouse.

There are better laptops out there, and there are definitely better tablets. I do like that this option exists, though, and hope Microsoft will continue to iterate on it. Hopefully next time without outdating my Type Cover and dock.

 

[maflynn]

Until the SP3 announcement, I had no idea so many people typed on their laps. I stopped buying Apple laptops after around 2008 because they absolutely fried my legs. Now with tablets, whether it's this or an iPad, I don't have to worry about that. Not a big lap typer, I guess. The trackpad does look nice for on the plane, but anywhere outside of that, I prefer the MS Arc Mouse. Pretty much the perfect travel mouse

I have an SP3 on pre-order and I'm waiting but to be honest, I'm still vetting out whether I want to keep the order or keep my current laptop.

The thing that keeps me mulling this over is the fact that the SP3 isn't a great laptop and not a great tablet.

I think what it does offer is the size and weight that makes it a nice light laptop, and with the pen/touch screen it will allow me to edit my documents and spreadsheets fairly easily.

There's no perfect device but you need to figure out what works best for you. I think this will be help for me.

I agree with the cooking of legs with my rMBP. I can and do use it on my laptop but only for short periods of time - my legs get too warm.

 

[S.B.G]

I have an SP3 on pre-order and I'm waiting but to be honest, I'm still vetting out whether I want to keep the order or keep my current laptop.

The thing that keeps me mulling this over is the fact that the SP3 isn't a great laptop and not a great tablet.

I think what it does offer is the size and weight that makes it a nice light laptop, and with the pen/touch screen it will allow me to edit my documents and spreadsheets fairly easily.

There's no perfect device but you need to figure out what works best for you. I think this will be help for me.

I agree with the cooking of legs with my rMBP. I can and do use it on my laptop but only for short periods of time - my legs get too warm.

So you did order one after-all!

I'll be curious to hear how it works out when you get it.

 

[maflynn]

So you did order one after-all!

I'll be curious to hear how it works out when you get it.

I cancelled it, and then found that I could order one through the edu site of MS - I work for an organization that qualifies for the education discount. Add on the fact they (my company) give me 500 dollars towards the purchase of a computer, I'm basically paying half price. That alone made me re-add the order.

Since I have like 3 weeks to make up my mind (won't ship until 06/20), I figured why not wait in the virtual line as I mull things over

Its not a definite that I'm going to go through with it, but I'm leaning that way.

 

[SchlepNT]

I have an SP3 on pre-order and I'm waiting but to be honest, I'm still vetting out whether I want to keep the order or keep my current laptop.

The thing that keeps me mulling this over is the fact that the SP3 isn't a great laptop and not a great tablet.

I think what it does offer is the size and weight that makes it a nice light laptop, and with the pen/touch screen it will allow me to edit my documents and spreadsheets fairly easily.

I haven't yet touched the SP3, but to me it looks like a great laptop unless you want to type with it in your lap. The SP2 was almost a great laptop, but the 10.6" screen is just a bit too claustrophobic, and the trackpad really is truly awful enough to be noticeable the 2% of the time I actually use that.

That said, it isn't the "best" laptop. If you purely need laptop functionality and nothing else, I'd probably go with a MBA running Windows or a Yoga 2 Pro if you have occasional need of a touch screen.

I agree with the cooking of legs with my rMBP. I can and do use it on my laptop but only for short periods of time - my legs get too warm.

Glad people didn't suddenly forget, lol. I haven't used a MBA for extended periods in my lap, so I have no idea whether or not that is a better experience.

 

[C. Robert]

Holding up a 12 inch tablet with a PC fan blowing doesn't sound like something I'd want to do. Using a laptop that is top heavy and has a cloth keyboard also sounds like something I don't want to do.

 

[SchlepNT]

Holding up a 12 inch tablet with a PC fan blowing doesn't sound like something I'd want to do. Using a laptop that is top heavy and has a cloth keyboard also sounds like something I don't want to do.

According to Paul Thurrott's review, the fan never came on while he was using in tablet mode. I've rarely experienced that happening on my SP2 already. The keyboard you're thinking of is the touch cover, which doesn't exist for the SP3. The Type Cover is just a laptop keyboard detached from the laptop.

 

[C. Robert]

According to Paul Thurrott's review, the fan never came on while he was using in tablet mode. I've rarely experienced that happening on my SP2 already. The keyboard you're thinking of is the touch cover, which doesn't exist for the SP3. The Type Cover is just a laptop keyboard detached from the laptop.

I've played with the sp3 and the fan came on while playing solitaire and the type cover is cloth covered plastic and plastic keys. Don't get me wrong, it is innovative its just not something I would want as a laptop or a tablet. I'd rather have a healer laptop and a tablet than pay the this type of money for something that I wouldn't enjoy using. Microsoft just should have made an amazing laptop.

 

[SchlepNT]

I've played with the sp3 and the fan came on while playing solitaire and the type cover is cloth covered plastic and plastic keys. Don't get me wrong, it is innovative its just not something I would want as a laptop or a tablet. I'd rather have a healer laptop and a tablet than pay the this type of money for something that I wouldn't enjoy using. Microsoft just should have made an amazing laptop.

I thought they weren't supposed to be at MS stores until tomorrow? Where'd you see one? I'd like to get up close with one.