MS Surface Event today - AT liveblog

PingviN

Golden Member
Nov 3, 2009
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Looks great, really. I have a Tab 7.7 and a 13,3" crap-top (it's really slow, even with an SSD) looking to replace both. This is pretty much all I wanted in a tablet. It all comes down to pricing though.
 

desura

Diamond Member
Mar 22, 2013
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This is more exciting and interesting than Apple events now.

It's about time they made it a little less widescreen so it's better to use in portrait mode.
 

darkewaffle

Diamond Member
Oct 7, 2005
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Similar size and aspect ratio to a normal piece of paper is subtle but smart. Simply making that connection makes the device more approachable imo.
 

desura

Diamond Member
Mar 22, 2013
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Hope the RT is still around and is thinner than an iPad.

I had wished they would make a portrait kickstand...
 

Zink

Senior member
Sep 24, 2009
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Looks like they are aiming to be a better Macbook Air. Screen, cooling, pen all look great, I'm just not sure if a flexible keyboard cover can really provide all the "lapability" of a traditional clamshell design. If they get close enough it won't matter as the extra tablet functionality with the pen and for relaxed use will be worth it.
 

PingviN

Golden Member
Nov 3, 2009
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Okay, turning the screen on with the pen-clicker-thingy is pretty cool
 

Red Storm

Lifer
Oct 2, 2005
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Looks like a nice improvement over the previous gen, but I was hoping to see a smaller Surface too.
 

Imaginer

Diamond Member
Oct 15, 1999
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Couple of notes.

I am definitely interested in the more variable configurations of the kickstand (now very analog variable compared to two discrete settings of the Pro 2). The 3:2 12 inch aspect ratio on par of a typical notebook/notepad is indeed nice - this means that it is a taller device (landscape wise) meaning it would possibly still fit in my current bag.

I am interested in the different Core i series processor configurations, but would like to know the generation used and some of the specifications revealed. Definitely would opt for an i7, given battery management for very low powered usage, but with the still active (but very compact) cooling involved would allow full mobile performance that isn't seen out there but only with a few products. I also wish there would be different memory configurations (16GB option? - pricey but I feel at times this is worth it)

The Windows bezel button is now on the side of the screen. This is very nice, as my base of my right thumb would not be inclined to hit the Windows bezel button on my Surface Pro 2 at times.

Some pen functions are indeed nice. I see two side barrel buttons. I see the sound byte of eliminating parallax. Others.... 256 levels of pressure and being able to turn on the device with a typical ball point pen guesture... This means a different pen technology used. I am concerned if it is something that is Wintab compatible or on a level of compatibility and fineness of Wacom's pen technology. Would one still be able to hover mouse navigate? Would one always have to put pen tip to screen to function?
 

HopJokey

Platinum Member
May 6, 2005
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When can you actually get it? Like not pre-order, but when can I get it in my hands?
 

Imaginer

Diamond Member
Oct 15, 1999
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I had wished they would make a portrait kickstand...

In reality, what is that any of use for?

If I am viewing portrait mode, it most likely be in my hands, like viewing typical books and documents. I don't see the need to have this designed for this one specific purpose.

Compare to the now variable kickstand on landscape mode. Reasons being, is that when writing or drawing like an easel, there is much more "horizontal" space to rest and move around in and very seldom one would move their hands vertical. It is more versatile in a traditional laptop manner (which the design team is going for in multi-functional design tackling).

A landscape kickstand, is also more structurally stable in a thin form than using that very same hinge mechanism and kickstand thinness on a now taller form.
 

Instan00dles

Golden Member
Jun 15, 2001
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Oh this thing has me really intersted. I have my surface RT right now which I like alot but its limited to just webpages really. This new surface could easily replace my 13" laptop but it might be a bit to big to replace my RT. Cant wait to see it in stores
 

darkewaffle

Diamond Member
Oct 7, 2005
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Anand says the presentation said "on sale tomorrow". So... tomorrow? I would assume at Microsoft stores and online?
 

SketchMaster

Diamond Member
Feb 23, 2005
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I think MS was smart to focus on just the SP, let the 3rd party figure out the sub 10" market. I honestly wouldn't want a smaller Surface as it already feels a bit too small when I'm really trying to work.

I'm really happy with all the improvements and I think this will be what I sell my SP1 for. The kick stand makes the system much more flexible, the 12" screen is a perfect size for portability vs usability and the faster hardware will be nice for light gaming and heavy workloads.

Can't wait to see the hands-on reviews.
 

darkewaffle

Diamond Member
Oct 7, 2005
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The Surface Pro 3 goes on sale on Wednesday, starting at $799 (Microsoft has not announced prices outside the US yet -- this converts to about £480 and AU$860). There are three versions -- an Intel Core i3, Intel Core i5, and Intel Core i7. The starting price is for the Intel Core i3. Customers who want an Intel Core i5 will need to dish out $999 (£590, AU$1,080) to $1,299 (£770, AU$1,400), depending on storage and RAM. The Intel Core i7 goes up to $1,949 (£1160, AU$2,100) for 512GB of storage and 8GB of onboard RAM

A little bit more information on pricing and specs from cnet.

Nevermind, straight from doc MS made available:

Intel® Core™ i3, 64 GB and 4 GB of RAM $799
Intel® Core™ i5, 128 GB and 4 GB of RAM $999
Intel® Core™ i5, 256 GB and 8 GB of RAM $1,299
Intel® Core™ i7, 256 GB and 8 GB of RAM $1,549
Intel® Core™ i7, 512 GB and 8 GB of RAM $1,949

Surface Pro 3 Accessories Estimated retail price (USD)
Surface Pro Type Cover $129.99
Additional Surface Pen $49.99
Additional 36W Power Supply $79.99
Additional Pen Loop $4.99
Docking Station for Surface Pro 3 $199.99
Surface Ethernet Adapter $39.99
 
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Imaginer

Diamond Member
Oct 15, 1999
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I think MS was smart to focus on just the SP, let the 3rd party figure out the sub 10" market. I honestly wouldn't want a smaller Surface as it already feels a bit too small when I'm really trying to work.

I'm really happy with all the improvements and I think this will be what I sell my SP1 for. The kick stand makes the system much more flexible, the 12" screen is a perfect size for portability vs usability and the faster hardware will be nice for light gaming and heavy workloads.

Can't wait to see the hands-on reviews.

Pretty much this. That is why Microsoft is setting the bar, but still letting others work in providing other "shoe sizes" to fill. This differs from the Apple mentality that they are like the perceived Nike of the shoe world and one only buys from Nike, regardless of determined need or specific personal feel - that can be easily catered by other OEMs.

Edit:

All while such encompassing Windows devices are able to play well with one another, and can move to different "shoes" if one either outgrows them or simply needs a different physical feel, without trading off any software or computing capability.

/Edit

Plus, it is possibly a lesson learned on the RT end - being the Surface initially released as an RT device only, with the Pro lines released substantially later after. Not much bought into the Surface RT. This is just a natural response.
 
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gorcorps

aka Brandon
Jul 18, 2004
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Looks really good. I still don't understand why they refuse to make a keyboard dock with proper hinge. This flexible magnetic hinge is a nightmare trying to use on an actual lap.
 

Imaginer

Diamond Member
Oct 15, 1999
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Overall, up until the last part of the presentation mentioning the 256 pressure levels, and the nifty pen on feature, I would have been an instant buy (at least if not sometime down the line).

But, like the pen in the first two Surface Pro lines being the biggest draw, I am not sure if the pen in the Pro 3 would be just as the same "draw" for me. But it may come down to actual handling for art and drawing in the various art programs out there to really determine if the 256 pressure levels (no mention of pen tilt, or pen barrel rotate) is good enough.
 

Imaginer

Diamond Member
Oct 15, 1999
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Looks really good. I still don't understand why they refuse to make a keyboard dock with proper hinge. This flexible magnetic hinge is a nightmare trying to use on an actual lap.

Docks...

This means two separate discrete devices. Compared to just simply flipping the keyboard out of the way and not forgetting that secondary discrete device attachment. (Lenovo's Yoga lines do this too)

There is a specific reason why I DIDN'T pick up the Samsung ATIV Smart PC Pro, released earlier than the original Surface Pro. It was a mechanical, clunky keyboard implementation that ultimately resulted in if I used it as a drawing slate, I have to constantly detach and set aside (along with mechanical failures that can go with it).

But, other OEMs CAN fill that needed gap (and if not already have).
 

bearxor

Diamond Member
Jul 8, 2001
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I need to know what processors are actually being used. If one of the i5's has Iris, then I might consider the upgrade. Otherwise, I don't see anything that's going to make me put down the SP1 and pick this up.

I'm also hoping that this doesn't mean the end of the 10.6" Surface Pro line. I think 12" is probably a bit too large, but I'd need to get one in my hand.
 

finbarqs

Diamond Member
Feb 16, 2005
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the first and second pro has 1024 pressure levels. Also, still no GPS sensor, no data either...

But wireless AC!!!! check! 12" check!