Hello there GH!
I was wondering what you thing in regard of the new Microsoft Surface Pro 3.
As I'm thinking about a new laptop as my old one broke down (the keyboard died =/) and I saw this new hybrid thingy from Microsoft and it got my attention totally. It just seems so productive to work with this and to use it for reading newspapers or scientific papers (as they mostly are in DIN A4 and pdf format). From the videos it seems very low in delay while using the Surface Pen and the integration of the office suite seems very very good as well especially OneNote. I can go on blabbering about how I like this device already just by watching videos and reading some reviews.
But still it has a steep price, although it starts with 799$ I guess you would want to buy at least the i5 version. Does anybody already own one and can share some of the experience you made? What about equivalent alternatives to such a hybrid with a full OS? Maybe something that is not as expensive as the Surface Pro 3 or other combination like a tablet with a lightweight 60% board (as I totally intent to buy or make a 60% board)?
I would like to gather some infos as I'm kind of on the edge what to do with the idea of buying the Surface Pro 3 or not. Maybe it's also helpful to others that are in a similar position.
edit: For me I would use the Surface Pro 3 mainly for my studys, making notes in OneNote as in pdf and ppt documents and reading papers and making notes while reading them. So I could put aside printing everything out and use it while on the go.
Regards,
genki
i've got the pro, which is identical to the pro2 except a bit slower. i can't speak to the 3's formfactor but the pro is a very good device. comfortable to use, very flexible either on the desk or lap. Even the type cover is a surprisingly nice typing experience. i've gotten a ton of mileage out of it. if i were in the market for a windows (note i say windows, not linux) laptop right now, i'd be buying a surface. as far as pro2 vs 3, i can't speak to that.
Umm..... there's always the surface pro 2.... which isn't much worse than 3..
performance wise, 2 is faster than 3...
but 3 is the one that's thinner + lighter...
There are NO ALTERNATIVES to the surface... it's best in class...
i've got the pro, which is identical to the pro2 except a bit slower. i can't speak to the 3's formfactor but the pro is a very good device. comfortable to use, very flexible either on the desk or lap. Even the type cover is a surprisingly nice typing experience. i've gotten a ton of mileage out of it. if i were in the market for a windows (note i say windows, not linux) laptop right now, i'd be buying a surface. as far as pro2 vs 3, i can't speak to that.
If you plan on using the pen much, you could read the reviews so you learn about its limitations. They changed the type of pen between Surface Pro2 and 3.
One small detail that irks me with the Surface-line is that neither has more than one USB port (out).
I'm still waiting for some other maker to come out with a better windows tablet than MS's.
I use a Surface Pro (original) daily since my big desktop is in a shipping container somewhere in the Pacific right now.
I absolutely love it.
I was talking about it in another thread, but it's the only "laptop" I've ever had that lets me change what keyboard I use with it without adversely affecting the ergonomics. I use the Touch Cover when I don't want to carry much with me. It works fine for 1-5 emails and light web usage. If I need to "do work", then I use one of my Pokers with a lightweight BT mouse. It's awesome for that.
I really love the multi-option interface. Touch is great for scrolling up webpages, etc. Pen is great for drawing. Mouse/KB is great for traditional office stuff.
I'll probably upgrade my Pro to the Pro 3 in the fall if/when the offer a processor bump. I don't mind the change in pen tech; I get sick of Wacom and their politics sometime anyway (us early adopters really felt it while Wacom withheld their WinTab drivers in the beginning so there was no pressure support in Adobe apps to keep the Surface from competing with their more serious tablets).
My wife gets jealous when we're on the couch and I'm using my Surface in "touch mode" but I can look up something in my client database or scroll through our pictures from vacation. Her iPad won't do any of that (not without VNC'ing into my Surface, heh).
I don't use the pen a ton anyway. It's not easy using apps like Lightroom because of the high-dpi. I usually plug into a large external monitor for that.
Regarding price: I find the Surface is pretty inline with prices on comparably-specced ultrabooks, especially metal-bodied ones. They do seem to hold their value better than other 'normal' ultrabooks based on ebay sales.Well maybe you are right, but there are still ultrabooks that are under 1000$ and are on par with the Pro 3 performance wise. Also there are a lot with multi-touch and they are also lightweight, maybe not as much as the Pro 3 but still. It's still just so much you need to pay.
I've only done 1 BT device at a time. The battery drain with 1 was negligible, as is turning off the BT altogether.Aren't there BT mechs around here? ;)
This is GH. What the heck are you doing messing around with BT keyboards!? ;)
There were some deals with Microsoft, Best Buy, Staples, etc where you can trade in any working old tablet towards a Surface. Maybe that would help? Got an old HP Touchpad laying around?I don't have any tablet laying around here. And I hope such a deal will be held here in Germany where I can trade in a laptop or such.
I've only done 1 BT device at a time. The battery drain with 1 was negligible, as is turning off the BT altogether.Aren't there BT mechs around here? ;)
This is GH. What the heck are you doing messing around with BT keyboards!? ;)
Yeah the one USB port is really a bummer.. I also thought about getting a USB hub for that to get more ports and use a KB and a cable mouse.Yeah, there are USB hubs made especially for the Surface.. silly..
Show Image(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/07/18/4e7ubene.jpg)
Love it. Go for it OP.
I don't like the Surface Pro 3 because it isn't compatible with Windows XP.
Not sure you can force XP to recognize uefi instead of bios. 7 is so much better than xp anyhow. You might be able to cobble 7 on there.
How's the battery life under ubuntu?Show Image(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/07/18/4e7ubene.jpg)
Love it. Go for it OP.
But how is it with the repair services, have you used it? How is it? What to do if the waranty runs out and the hinge breaks for example? Warranty is set for only 2 years I think.
How's the battery life under ubuntu?Show Image(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/07/18/4e7ubene.jpg)
Love it. Go for it OP.
Also is the touch screen/stylus working perfectly too?
So can you use a Poker II or JD40 on a Surface Pro 3, omg thats makes me want to get it! ;)Show Image(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/07/18/4e7ubene.jpg)
Love it. Go for it OP.
So can you use a Poker II or JD40 on a Surface Pro 3, omg thats makes me want to get it! ;)Show Image(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/07/18/4e7ubene.jpg)
Love it. Go for it OP.
Lovely news! :DSo can you use a Poker II or JD40 on a Surface Pro 3, omg thats makes me want to get it! ;)Show Image(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/07/18/4e7ubene.jpg)
Love it. Go for it OP.
Yes. You can use any standard USB keyboard with any of the Surface Pros. That's why I think every mech fan should own one!
I use a Poker X with original Surface Pro.
Lovely news! :DSo can you use a Poker II or JD40 on a Surface Pro 3, omg thats makes me want to get it! ;)Show Image(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/07/18/4e7ubene.jpg)
Love it. Go for it OP.
Yes. You can use any standard USB keyboard with any of the Surface Pros. That's why I think every mech fan should own one!
I use a Poker X with original Surface Pro.
i was looking for a Tablet and nearly got the Nvidia Shield Tablet. but then i saw some leaks about Nexus 9 and now i am waiting for that tablet to be released.
but Surface Pro 3 is like a tablet and a laptop at the same time! Would be cool to have some PC games on it! Hmmm, should i update my PC with some new components and get Nexus 9 or be happy with my gtx 580 SLI that i have on my pc atm and "only" get the Surface Pro 3 and update my pc later?
i5 256GB 8GB RAM or i7 256GB 8GB RAM
hmmm :p
Lovely news! :DSo can you use a Poker II or JD40 on a Surface Pro 3, omg thats makes me want to get it! ;)Show Image(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/07/18/4e7ubene.jpg)
Love it. Go for it OP.
Yes. You can use any standard USB keyboard with any of the Surface Pros. That's why I think every mech fan should own one!
I use a Poker X with original Surface Pro.
i was looking for a Tablet and nearly got the Nvidia Shield Tablet. but then i saw some leaks about Nexus 9 and now i am waiting for that tablet to be released.
but Surface Pro 3 is like a tablet and a laptop at the same time! Would be cool to have some PC games on it! Hmmm, should i update my PC with some new components and get Nexus 9 or be happy with my gtx 580 SLI that i have on my pc atm and "only" get the Surface Pro 3 and update my pc later?
i5 256GB 8GB RAM or i7 256GB 8GB RAM
hmmm :p
well depends how much you use your main rig compared to a tablet. If you are always on the run of course the surface is a good companion. if you use the tablet just to check mail on the couch then go for an android tablet and upgrade your PC. my 2c
Matt3o is probably right. If you don't care about running windows software (but you better make sure, cause many think they don't but end up needing to), any old Android tablet would suffice.yeah you are right! I am using my main rig the most and using the tablet for browsing and movies when i am on vacation or on travel. Sometimes in bed and sometimes while I watching TV. So maybe the surface is little overkill!
What makes the Surface special is its ability to be a decent tablet and still run Windows with reasonable specs.
Is it worth the price?Well, some people use it as there laptops and tablet. So its a great combo for that price!
Currently using the Note Pro 12.2 and considering switching over to the Surface Pro 3.
Get a ThinkPad. They aren't as thin or as light as a Surface, but if you really want the portability and touchscreen, get a Thinkpad Yoga or an X1 Carbon Touch. ThinkPads are better quality than most consumer electronics, though -- they're tougher and more maintainable. I know people who use models like the T41 -- released in 2003 -- as their main machines! I would compare the difference between a ThinkPad and a consumer-grade laptop, to that between a mech and a rubber-dome keyboard: it'll cost you a bit more, but it's higher quality and will last ages.
The difference between TPs and other consumer machines is pretty slim these days.
I just found what I think is a decent deal on a Dell venue 11 with the i5 for $420 out the door.
I think that is Dells attempt to clone the SP3.
I'll post a shot of it with my 60% when I receive it.
I just found what I think is a decent deal on a Dell venue 11 with the i5 for $420 out the door.
I think that is Dells attempt to clone the SP3.
I'll post a shot of it with my 60% when I receive it.
Where in the world did you find it for that low? That's like half off the baseline i5 model.
I just found what I think is a decent deal on a Dell venue 11 with the i5 for $420 out the door.
I think that is Dells attempt to clone the SP3.
I'll post a shot of it with my 60% when I receive it.
Where in the world did you find it for that low? That's like half off the baseline i5 model.
Oh snap! Good job.I just found what I think is a decent deal on a Dell venue 11 with the i5 for $420 out the door.
I think that is Dells attempt to clone the SP3.
I'll post a shot of it with my 60% when I receive it.
Where in the world did you find it for that low? That's like half off the baseline i5 model.
factory refurb stacked with a 30% off coupon. I had to use the chat to get it; The sales rep found the cheapest i5 venue config they had and then sent me the quote and I stacked the coupon on checkout.
Should be here thursday!
I'm about to head to the coffee shop where I do a lot of my work. Surface + GON pictures incoming.
I'm debating selling my mac mini for a pro 2 or 3.Do it now before they announce a new Mac mini. HA!
IMHO Surface Pro 2 is the current sweet spot, or at least until Pro 3 comes out with Core M. It's much cheaper, still powerful, still decent battery life (unlike Pro 1), and like Pro 1 has the USB port on the left side so you only need a 4-6" cable for your little travel mechy.I agree with this for the most part, from what I've seen. The big kills on the Surface Pro 3 would be the full adjustable kickstand, higher resolution display, and larger form factor (if you want a bigger screen) that's considerably thinner.
IMHO Surface Pro 2 is the current sweet spot, or at least until Pro 3 comes out with Core M. It's much cheaper, still powerful, still decent battery life (unlike Pro 1), and like Pro 1 has the USB port on the left side so you only need a 4-6" cable for your little travel mechy.I agree with this for the most part, from what I've seen. The big kills on the Surface Pro 3 would be the full adjustable kickstand, higher resolution display, and larger form factor (if you want a bigger screen) that's considerably thinner.
Otherwise, the Surface Pro 2 probably is the best bet. I have the original Surface Pro and the battery life is pretty crap and gaming performance is dreadful (Diablo III runs like a slideshow). Plus the Surface 2 at least has a few kickstand points, where the Surface Pro has one.
Do you have a Microsoft store nearby? I've found the folks there incredibly helpful and technically competent.
I was able to get a replacement and I already got my second replacement and finally it works fine. I tried some 1080p videos, surfing the web and working with OneNote/FreshPaint and it was normal I'd say. The fan didn't turn on while watching an 1080p video, it only got slightly warmer than before I started watching. So far I'm happy, I bet when I get my 60% this will be so georgous :D
Blargh - my replacement Surface Pro is now exhibiting random issues with the USB port. It will sometimes just stop working for 1 - 3 seconds, then find the device(s) again and work normally for an indeterminate amount of time. Good thing I just moved near a MS store, I suppose. That and when I got the replacement, it rattled when moved. Should have been a sign I took more seriously!
I love this device, I just wish they were a bit more reliable.
I love this device, I just wish they were a bit more reliable.
Oof. That's not fun. I use a hardwire connection whenever I can, but so far, my Surface Pro has been rock solid on wifi, thankfully. That's a bad break, man.I love this device, I just wish they were a bit more reliable.
I've been through three of the Surface Pro 3s and all have had bad Wifi cards (won't remain connected to WPA 2 PSK networks for more than 40 minutes before the card itself goes haywire. I'm starting to regret putting hardware faith in Microsoft and wishing I'd just gotten a 10 year old Thinkpad.
IMHO Surface Pro 2 is the current sweet spot, or at least until Pro 3 comes out with Core M. It's much cheaper, still powerful, still decent battery life (unlike Pro 1), and like Pro 1 has the USB port on the left side so you only need a 4-6" cable for your little travel mechy.I agree with this for the most part, from what I've seen. The big kills on the Surface Pro 3 would be the full adjustable kickstand, higher resolution display, and larger form factor (if you want a bigger screen) that's considerably thinner.
Otherwise, the Surface Pro 2 probably is the best bet. I have the original Surface Pro and the battery life is pretty crap and gaming performance is dreadful (Diablo III runs like a slideshow). Plus the Surface 2 at least has a few kickstand points, where the Surface Pro has one.
There's a wholesaler on ebay that just dumped a ton of SP2s that I'm going to see if I can grab one for super cheap. The bigger/thinner screen interests me, but not enough to spend double or more on considering my planned usage.