Surface Pro 3

[Alfy]

I'm writing this on my iPad and I am not fond of Windows 8 but... Darn, that device is sexy! I still feel the price is not quite right, however. I understand the Surface would not be nearly as nice if MS was aiming at the bottom-end of the market, but I just can't see myself switching - and abandoning a legacy of apps! - at that price, even with the lure of a full-fledged OS. And the weight is also an issue: if it is uncomfortable to hold up and use as a proper tablet, than it's just an ultrabook with less ideal - but still sexier! - form factor. Maybe in a couple year's time, with the Surface 4?

[pl001]

Originally Posted by rcentros

Yep. It looks like they've given up on the consumer tablet market -- at least with Surface Pro 3 (I don't know what else they're planning on coming out with). This (the Surface Pro 3) looks more like an attempt to blunt Chromebook's growing sales. Doesn't come close to matching prices, however.

Well the Surface Mini is late, yes, but the S2 is only 6 months old. And there are other good 8" Windows tablets available. So I would not conclude they are giving up on the consumer market.

And SP3 is in no way a competitor to chromebooks. Completely different products. Chromebooks are cheap internet devices to do basic laptop tasks. The SP3 is a premium device designed to to anything from Photoshop to tablet functions.

[rcentros]

Originally Posted by pl001

Well the Surface Mini is late, yes, but the S2 is only 6 months old. And there are other good 8" Windows tablets available. So I would not conclude they are giving up on the consumer market.

And SP3 is in no way a competitor to chromebooks. Completely different products. Chromebooks are cheap internet devices to do basic laptop tasks. The SP3 is a premium device designed to to anything from Photoshop to tablet functions.

I'm not the target market, but if I was going to do "serious" computing, I would want a real keyboard.

As for Chromebooks, they are changing. You have the high-end Pixel, and now Samsung and HP are releasing mid-range Chromebooks as well. It's not that a Chromebook and the Surface 3 are the same device, but Microsoft seems to be aiming for the same market.

For the price of a Surface 3, you can buy an inexpensive, but servicable laptop, and a Chromebook and a decent tablet.

And ... do most Microsoft PC users buy and use a $900 photo editing program? It seems to always be mentioned as a reason to buy a Windows computer.

[Prestidigitweeze]

Originally Posted by HarryT

It works perfectly well with a Bluetooth or a USB keyboard, of course; you don't HAVE to buy the Microsoft one.

One advantage to slower than anticipated tablet sales for MS is that accessories seem to get discounted fairly quickly. I own the MS Wedge Mobile Keyboard specifically because it went on sale for under $25 just before last Christmas. I use it regularly despite not owning any MS tablet (so far); it's very portable and seems to offer a universal keyboard/stand solution for every tablet and phablet I own. The keyboard protector that doubles as a stand is a particularly nice touch. Had I not found such a good deal, I'd have picked up a Logictech 810 for the illuminated keys.

[dwig]

Originally Posted by rcentros

... It's not that a Chromebook and the Surface 3 are the same device, but Microsoft seems to be aiming for the same market. ...

I don't think so. Chromebooks don't fit the market at which MS seems to be aiming the SP3.

Judging from the summary reports from the MS event, it would seem that MS is positioning the SP3 at the corporate market where IT makes the acquisition decisions and are faced workers who want a tablet but need to access the corporation's internal standard software and stay under IT's sercurity control. The ability to place an SP3 on a user's desk instead of a Windows notebook plus a separate tablet is is distinct advantage.

[WillysJeepMan]

Originally Posted by rcentros

I'm not the target market, but if I was going to do "serious" computing, I would want a real keyboard.

As for Chromebooks, they are changing. You have the high-end Pixel, and now Samsung and HP are releasing mid-range Chromebooks as well. It's not that a Chromebook and the Surface 3 are the same device, but Microsoft seems to be aiming for the same market.

For the price of a Surface 3, you can buy an inexpensive, but servicable laptop, and a Chromebook and a decent tablet.

So what? If you don't need a notebook in tablet form factor then it would be wasteful to buy one.

Originally Posted by dwig

I don't think so. Chromebooks don't fit the market at which MS seems to be aiming the SP3.

Judging from the summary reports from the MS event, it would seem that MS is positioning the SP3 at the corporate market where IT makes the acquisition decisions and are faced workers who want a tablet but need to access the corporation's internal standard software and stay under IT's sercurity control. The ability to place an SP3 on a user's desk instead of a Windows notebook plus a separate tablet is is distinct advantage.

I agree. Two completely different markets.

Chromebooks are for the walmart crowd who see something that looks like a notebook but cheaper.

SP3 is targeting corporate professionals.

[pl001]

Originally Posted by rcentros

And ... do most Microsoft PC users buy and use a $900 photo editing program? It seems to always be mentioned as a reason to buy a Windows computer.

It's just a convenient example because most everybody knows Photoshop requires good hardware to function well. That's maybe not as much the case today as it used to be, but still, people get the reference.

[Penforhire]

Adobe is currently licensing the combination of Photoshop and Lightroom for $10 a month (one year term). You'd have to be crazy to pay $900 for just PS.

[eschwartz]

Originally Posted by Penforhire

Adobe is currently licensing the combination of Photoshop and Lightroom for $10 a month (one year term). You'd have to be crazy to pay $900 for just PS.

That is what we call a "limited-time offer" which kind of implies it is not all that unusual for people to not get said limited-time offer, hence the idea that people do indeed pay $900 for it, in the general way of things. At least, for as long as you can still buy licenses from 3rd-party vendors.

[WillAdams]

Unfortunately, one no longer has the option of buying Photoshop from Adobe --- the only way they're licensing it is via their Creative Cloud membership which requires one to continue paying to keep the software working.

[eschwartz]

Originally Posted by WillAdams

Unfortunately, one no longer has the option of buying Photoshop from Adobe --- the only way they're licensing it is via their Creative Cloud membership which requires one to continue paying to keep the software working.

Indeed:

Originally Posted by eschwartz

At least, for as long as you can still buy licenses from 3rd-party vendors.

[rcentros]

Originally Posted by WillysJeepMan

So what? If you don't need a notebook in tablet form factor then it would be wasteful to buy one.

My point being, Microsoft advertises the Surface Pro (especially the 3) as being a laptop replacement. I don't agree (inferior keyboard), but the reason I mentioned being able to buy all three is to compare the price to a laptop. Personally I would rather have a real laptop and (if I needed one) a real tablet -- and save a few hundred dollars in the bargain.

[rcentros]

Originally Posted by WillAdams

Unfortunately, one no longer has the option of buying Photoshop from Adobe --- the only way they're licensing it is via their Creative Cloud membership which requires one to continue paying to keep the software working.

I would find an alternative. I don't like to rent my software. Fortunately I really don't have to worry about it when using Linux.

[MikeB1972]

Originally Posted by WillysJeepMan

It is pretty clear that the Surface Pro 3 is Microsoft's attempt to "reboot" the Surface brand.
"Rebooting" a line in a highly competitive market is the kiss of death.
<Trim>
This wiping the slate clean causes uncertainty in the accessory aftermarket.
<Trim>
there's a small market for those accessories and most likely not be compatible with the next gen.

These radical changes between generations is no small issue.
You don't get a second chance to make a good first impression.

Someone better let Samsung, Google, Sony, Nokia, etc know that accessories have to fit the next model then, because they keep changing the form factors with every new release.

[mgmueller]

Originally Posted by rcentros

...Personally I would rather have a real laptop and (if I needed one) a real tablet -- and save a few hundred dollars in the bargain.

You have to tell me, how to achieve that.
I'd gladly do so as well, but I don't see how.
I've pre-ordered the Surface Pro 3 i7 256GB model for € 1.500.
If I buy a laptop in that class and build quality, for example MacBook Air, I pay the very same.
Whatever tablet I add, I'll end up more expensive.
Of course I can buy a cheap netbook and a Nexus 7 for way less. But then I've got a smaller tablet, an inferior processor and so on.
I don't see any combination in the market, that can offer the same for less - else I would have bought it already...

BTW: I've bought the Dell Venue 8 Pro tablet for a meager € 350. A bargain. But of course it's a lower res display, only 64GB SSD, far from i7 processing power and so on...