Microsoft surface Pro --USB 3 --great stuff

[jimbo45]

Hi there
Although the Ms surf pro tablet is still technically "Vaporware" it definitely seems slated (??? slates / tablets) to come out in Jan 2013 -- they just couldn't get them in the stores in time for Xmas!!

I think it's worth waiting for if you are considering a tablet. The USB 3 port IMO is well worth the wait and being able to watch video with ANY format by running a standard Windows application like VLC player is better than waiting for VLC to be ported to the RT ARM system.

I like the Native video resolution of 1920 x 1080 as well --.

Although initially against tablets having seen in the flesh the SURF RT model and was surprised that I actually liked it - I might well wait for the PRO version -- I can see myself using it for quite a few standard "Laptop" applications like EXCEL --although I might still need a "Real PC" for Photoshop.

Being able to print via a network printer and a standard windows application is also a valuable facility as is the USB3 slot.

I'd suggest that this tablet will make MINCEMEAT out of the IPads both old and new -- and Ms could well have a winner here.

Price will be the overriding thing here of course -- if I can get a small Ultrabook for the same price then I'd take that.

We'll have to wait and see --but on hardware and software Ms seems to have done it's homework properly.

Cheers
jimbo

 

[ProtoType]

Not sure what your questions is, but yes the surface is a great product. The Pro will be something awesome, and I plan on selling my iPad to get it.

Craigslist.org here I come...

Of course I'm gonna try to replace its iOS with w8 first... See if that works.

 

[area 66]

Not sure what your questions is,.

Jimbo never ask question......

Jimbo, what price would you be ready to pay for it, the way I see, it will be around if not over $ 1000

 

[FSeal]

Hehe, yes the Pro version looks competent. Though the display is barely adequate...

The real question is weight, battery life and to a lesser extent temperature... All three of those /could/ be problems. Those are the things I'll be watching closest when actual third party hands-on happens...

 

[pparks1]

I love the thought of a 1920x1080 display, but perhaps not as much on a 10.6" screen. Going to have to see that before I can be sure though.

I do agree that more media file support will be crucial, and USB 3.0 would be nice (although I use very little USB 3.0 now). But I'll be honest, if this thing is $1,000 it's going to likely be a miss for me. Like you said, I'd rather take a more capable laptop.

 

[SIW2]

Little bit of a coincidence Timmy is bringing out a new 13" macbook thing - not sure of the pricing yet, but I expect it to be premium.

I think you can get a small macbook in John Lewis for about £799 , the new fancy small one with retina display looks like it is £999

Pro Surfi things do look attractive - but if they are up against ultrabooks - it won't be easy for them.

 

[jimbo45]

Hi there
Yes Price will definitely decide it for me one way or the other. 700 USD OK but any more than that I'd spend the extra money on a new I7 powered Ultrabook.

This is one are of the market where the right entry price is ABSOLUTELY CRUCIAL. Ms have got the basis of an "Ipad Killer" here - but they need to get the price totally correct.

What might be an interesting strategy is for Ms to actually sell the tablet at a loss but make up by (don't you absolutely HATE the word) "Monetising" apps and content -- I.e charging for apps from the store and other services.

Amazon seem to be taking a similar route with the new Kindle e-readers -- sell the hardware cheaply - even at a loss but get users to buy more e-books.

Cheers
jimbo

 

[Coke Robot]

So far, touch ultrabooks have been around 1,000 for decent hardware.

I believe, and a rumor has it, that the Surface Pro will be starting at 800 US for the 64 gig model. I bet the price range will be 800-1,000 like the RT was from 500-700 dollars in the US. I think I even predicted the Surface RT being 500.... I may be a wizard....

Considering OEMs are charging pretty steep for touch, which I think they're selling the argument of two devices in one and less as well, probably to make up for lost profit ground. Microsoft doesn't have any ground to recover, so they can price their Surface Pros pretty competitively. I'm still going for one, as there isn't ANYTHING like it. And I like that.

Red touch cover and Surface Pro. YUM!

 

[area 66]

Any tablet over $ 500 is too expensive if you ask me, it's not a notebook. The Surface keyboard is crap for real productive work. If my kids ( 6, 10 ) ask me something for school it will be a notebook, if they want a tablet, they will have to wait end of school and have very good notes, as it will be a reward not a need.