Surface Pro 3 announcement and prices

[maflynn]

I have been wanting to replace my Macbook and now it's almost 7 years old.

My laptop is 2 years old, and its robust enough to handle all my needs with one exception. I'm getting tired of running Windows in a VM. Office for windows is light years ahead of Office the Mac, and I'm sure MS does this on purpose but the fact remains when I'm using office, I'd much rather do it in windows.

Its WAY over priced.

Over priced how? a 128GB iPad air costs 929 and wifi only model costs 799. SP3 128GB model is 999 as well. Add on the fact that the SP3 is a full laptop replacement and not a tablet that compliments a laptop its not over priced. While I like my rMini it has no where near the capability as my laptop, either the hardware or the software. The SP3 has both, the hardware and software - it doesn't seem over priced to me

The one thing I do wish MS did is include the smart cover, it seems ticky tack of them to charge for that when it really is needed

 

[ChrisTX]

A point I think people are missing. Considering this is a convergence endeavor, it will replace, in theory, an iPad and Macbook Air on the low end. That's not a bad deal by any means.

Surface Pro 3, i5, 128gb
$999.00 + keyboard = a hell of a lot less than a Macbook Air i5 + iPad Air.

And I actually think the SP3 can pull it off. The 3:2 HD display is far more conducive to being a tablet and laptop than the old 16:9, 10" display from previous generations.

I've always trashed the new Windows and Metro UI but I'm so tempted to give this S3 a fair shot. The price is putting me off a bit, but I'm wanting up upgrade my iPad 3. I've been waiting for the next full sized iPad. My local mall is about to get a Microsoft Store, I might go check this out.

 

[Eidorian]

My laptop is 2 years old, and its robust enough to handle all my needs with one exception. I'm getting tired of running Windows in a VM. Office for windows is light years ahead of Office the Mac, and I'm sure MS does this on purpose but the fact remains when I'm using office, I'd much rather do it in windows.

I have been waiting for 4 years now for Apple to release something that I want with money in hand and then they don't. Then I realize I'm going to install Windows 8.1 and Office on my MacBook anyways. That's at least $300 right there that is in favor for the Surface Pro 3 right there. Then I want a convergence device that is going to replace my laptop and tablet so that I can just get a larger phone for my Android tasks. Then comes the Surface Pro 3.

Seriously, if Apple just released an identical device with an Apple logo and OS X installed on it I would probably be all over it. It has to be x86. I am not touching ARM on some iPad Pro.

The amusing thing is how I will find other Mac users around here and they also agree with me on how boring Apple has become in the past few years and how they are just going along with their 3-5 year old Macbooks. It's not a testament to the durability of their hardware. It's a testament to how they can not entice return buyers.

 

[Djlild7hina]

Dang, missed that 'GRADUATION' promo. That combined with education discount is like $200 off. definitely would've bought one.

 

[srkmish]

This seems like its going to be an awesome product. It will be very less time before other manufacturers start offering great hybrids at competitive price points. Apple will surely be thinking of integrating their touchscreen with laptop as well, even though they may not like to admit it publicly.

 

[Michael Goff]

I wondered why MS released this now with Haswell and not waiting for Broadwell. Perhaps they were expecting Intel to have the Broadwell chipsets ready by now.

I can see this handling 80% of my needs since I'm in windows for work and I'm using RDP to access servers and running Office.

I think the wife will kill me thought

Because Broadwell isn't coming out until holiday this year. That leaves it open for them to release the next version in March or so.

 

[maflynn]

Dang, missed that 'GRADUATION' promo. That combined with education discount is like $200 off. definitely would've bought one.

Someone at the WPCental was able to apply the promo code last night but its not working now. That would have been enough for me to jump on as well.

 

[Rodster]

The one thing I do wish MS did is include the smart cover, it seems ticky tack of them to charge for that when it really is needed

As dumb as this might sound. That is the ONE thing that's held me back from buying a Surface Pro. If you advertise the device as a laptop replacement then give me a DAMN keyboard.

Typical MS marketing.

 

[Vegastouch]

Anyone know what the battery life is said to be on the SP3?

 

[Technarchy]

Anyone know what the battery life is said to be on the SP3?

9hrs browsing.

 

[Eidorian]

Anyone know what the battery life is said to be on the SP3?

9hrs browsing.

I'm expecting the first round of reviews within the next 24 hours and then battery life might take a little longer to run to get repeatable results.

 

[ggibson913]

It kinda seems like Microsoft no longer has a dope at the wheel. This guy's seems to know what he is doing. Look out Apple/ Google.

 

[spinedoc77]

As dumb as this might sound. That is the ONE thing that's held me back from buying a Surface Pro. If you advertise the device as a laptop replacement then give me a DAMN keyboard.

Typical MS marketing.

No it doesn't sound dumb, it's reasonable IMO and I'm a huge fan of the SP3. Someone at MS said that they were close to releasing a full hinging keyboard attachment but weren't happy with it, I forgot where I read that. If they released that as an accessory I think it would go a long way to bridging that laptop gap, and it would be an optional accessory unlike the keyboard on the MBA.

Honestly I'm surprised they didn't release one. I can only assume the issue was 1) weight, not only the weight of the keyboard but you have to weigh it down so it doesn't flip backwards, it was probably very heavy versus the MBA, and 2) the hinge design looks ugly, I haven't seen anyone make a svelte one yet.

 

[Technarchy]

It kinda seems like Microsoft no longer has a dope at the wheel. This guy's seems to know what he is doing. Look out Apple/ Google.

Look how much the Surface as evolved in such a short period of time.

It went from something I would never consider to "That's cool, I want it" in a short period of time.

Kudos to Microsoft to doing something cool and desirable. Outside of Xbox, you don't see that very often.

 

[Eidorian]

Look how much the Surface as evolved in such a short period of time.

It went from something I would never consider to "That's cool, I want it" in a short period of time.

Kudos to Microsoft to doing something cool and desirable. Outside of Xbox, you don't see that very often.

I would not be surprised to see Surface 4 at CES 2015 with Broadwell. They're cracking the whip to get their best product out.

 

[Rodster]

No it doesn't sound dumb, it's reasonable IMO and I'm a huge fan of the SP3. Someone at MS said that they were close to releasing a full hinging keyboard attachment but weren't happy with it, I forgot where I read that. If they released that as an accessory I think it would go a long way to bridging that laptop gap, and it would be an optional accessory unlike the keyboard on the MBA.

Honestly I'm surprised they didn't release one. I can only assume the issue was 1) weight, not only the weight of the keyboard but you have to weigh it down so it doesn't flip backwards, it was probably very heavy versus the MBA, and 2) the hinge design looks ugly, I haven't seen anyone make a svelte one yet.

I meant to say MS should include one with the Surface Pro. It should not be an accessory. I'm not sure if I got my point across.

 

[Cnasty]

Between what I have seen in Windows Phone updates, the XBOX updates and big decisions (right or wrong), and now this awesome device.

I am very impressed with Microsoft lately and what they have going on.

This coming from a huge Apple fan (ipad,appletv,mac,etc) and a strictly Android phone guy.

Very impressive and think this is an amazing time for tech consumers with the big 3 in the mobile/tech market right now (samsung, apple,microsoft).

 

[rhinosrcool]

I meant to say MS should include one with the Surface Pro. It should not be an accessory. I'm not sure if I got my point across.

I got it. Ever since the 1st surface pro, I have said the same thing. In all marketing, the keyboard is shown as so integral to the whole experience. To have it as an expensive accessory is poor business that sales reflect. If they included it, they could use that as a big marketing point.

So far, this update looks good, but let's get more real world reviews.

 

[miketheappleguy]

Well, I bit the bullet and pre ordered the I5 256 gb 8gb ram. I can get 10% off because I'm a student (Although I think anyone can). with the surface pro and keyboard taxes included it was $1363. Wasn't sure how well the 4 gigs of ram would work in the future. This thing hopefully will last me 4 years or more.

 

[MyiBill]

Was going to preorder today but then the rumor that the retina MBA are coming at WWDC. Decisions decisions.

 

[Eidorian]

Was going to preorder today but then the rumor that the retina MBA are coming at WWDC. Decisions decisions.

I'm waiting for Computex first and then WWDC.

 

[Lloydbm41]

The very fact that people are considering the Surface Pro 3 in the same league as the MacBook Air/Pro (and willing to buy such a product, putting their money where their mouth is) speaks volumes about the device.

This is the first time that I would actually hesitate and have to think long and hard whether to buy a MBA or SP3. In the past, given the choice, I would have chosen a MacBook 10 out of 10 times without a second thought.

 

[maflynn]

I'm back to leaning not to buy it. I figure I can put my $$ to better uses. It is a lot of money but since it would replace a laptop, that means replacing my rMBP and while only Ivy Bridge, it has a nice dGPU, 16GB of ram and 256GB SSD.

With the rMBP I can easily set it up as dual boot for both windows and OSX so I can use windows when I need to or OSX (I've gotten tired of Vmware and the performance issues)

I think I'd be giving up too much with the SP3, though its a damn sexy device and I can see it replacing my rMBP but since I spent so much moola on the rMBP 2 years ago I hate to replace it.

 

[OSMac]

Impressed with the MS event. Liked how they acknowledged the MacBook Air's usefulness many times and the shortcomings of existing Windows tablets.

Releasing the SP3 now with the lack of Broadwell is puzzling. MS made great effort to promote how much Intel worked worth them on the product, yet Intel's upcoming CPU designed for devices like this, is missing? It's not like Broadwell is just another minor speed bump, it's supposed to be a massive change, designed for tablet devices greatly improving battery life, graphics and not needing a fan at all.

Seems like a early Broadwell CPU would have been the perfect fit for this device. An opportunity for Intel and MS to show they are back in the post PC game.

When Broadwell finally does release could leave SP3 buyers wishing they waited.

 

[maflynn]

Seems like a early Broadwell CPU would have been the perfect fit for this device. An opportunity for Intel and MS to show they are back in the post PC game.

I think that's what MS thought as well, but with Intel delaying Broadwell they could either wait until late holiday season for the release or go with what they have available from Intel now, Make the back to school season and holiday season. Then next spring roll out a broadwell based surface.

When Broadwell finally does release could leave SP3 buyers wishing they waited.

That's the funny thing with technology, the same thing can be said about MBPs or iPads. Given the improvements that the SP3 has, I don't see buyers incurring buyers remorse when the SP4 is out.