MS Surface Event today - AT liveblog

[preslove]

That's some aggressive pricing. I wonder what the Surface pro 2s are going to be going for before they sell out :hmm:

 

[Insomniator]

I dunno, reading AT's blog now... I'd still rather have two devices that perform their task great vs one that does both OK (or even good). I don't have anything against MS's direction and I think some day the devices will all be unified but it doesn't look like we are there yet with the SP3. Just a little closer I suppose.

Completely depends on the user -- I see PC's, phones, tablets all just as web browsers now basically. I do zero photoshop, 3D work, word processing, etc... just games on my desktop and internet/netflix on everything else. My work computer is a Windows 7 desktop connected to three screens. Its not like a surface will help me there.

 

[desura]

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.

It is useful for me because I like to type out documents on a tablet, hooked to a BT or USB keyboard, while in portrait mode.

 

[s44]

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

But the fixed kickstand still basically limits you to landscape, no?

 

[Imaginer]

I dunno, reading AT's blog now... I'd still rather have two devices that perform their task great vs one that does both OK (or even good). I don't have anything against MS's direction and I think some day the devices will all be unified but it doesn't look like we are there yet with the SP3. Just a little closer I suppose.

Completely depends on the user -- I see PC's, phones, tablets all just as web browsers now basically. I do zero photoshop, 3D work, word processing, etc... just games on my desktop and internet/netflix on everything else. My work computer is a Windows 7 desktop connected to three screens. Its not like a surface will help me there.

However, if the mass market can really drive things, then these options on a computing local level can really go away - if swayed enough.

I rather not see that happen.

Also, due to the decreased interface barrier and computing barrier, one can easily learn these things - and become something more - rather than just simply consuming games and movies (the whole premise of tablets to begin with). Software ranges from free to full featured capable products, so even if one has the capable hardware, one isn't left out in any software capability as seen in the strict tablet realms.

And it is computing, that is quite good actually, that travels well for me. It is something I have been itching for since my first laptop purchase, only to be realized about a decade later - through industry bickering (I feel).

 

[Canbacon]

From what I have heard from the grapevine it is not Wacom tech but n-trig. I'm a bit bummed about that, but if it is done well (better than the Dell) it should be ok.

 

[bearxor]

This seems way too big to be used for a tablet. This is more of a laptop replacement than a "best of both worlds" compromise.

I'm already seriously considering a iPad Mini to go along with my Surface Pro. This would just seal it.

 

[Zaap]

Holy....!

WILL own the 12".

 

[bearxor]

Word on the street seems to be the i5 is a 4300U, the i7 is a 4500U.

They've also dropped the Wacom digitizer for some other manufacturer.

I think if you need a 12" screen, like Zaap, who uses it for scripts, then it's a good purchase.

But as a Surface Pro 1 owner, I can't find a good enough reason to upgrade. I can't imagine a SP2 owner wanting to do so either. Unless you need that 12" screen, of course.

 

[SexyK]

I'm in for one. Going to be nice to be able to trash my stacks of legal pads and have immediate access to all my notes for all my clients all the time on the SP3 and on my phone. Going with the pad/pen form factor was a genius move. Glad they got away from 16x9 for this.

EDIT: assuming the i5 is a 4300U, the i7 is a 4500U, comparing these chips on the Intel ARK site suggests that the i5 is not a huge drop off. I was sold on the i7 option but comparing the chips side by side suggests that the real world difference will be slight, and the i5 actually supports some features that the i7 doesn't. Any thoughts on this point?

 

[ultimatebob]

Is the lack of updates for the Surface 2 Windows RT product another sign that the OS platform is slowly dying?

 

[Canbacon]

Word on the street seems to be the i5 is a 4300U, the i7 is a 4500U.

They've also dropped the Wacom digitizer for some other manufacturer.

I think if you need a 12" screen, like Zaap, who uses it for scripts, then it's a good purchase.

But as a Surface Pro 1 owner, I can't find a good enough reason to upgrade. I can't imagine a SP2 owner wanting to do so either. Unless you need that 12" screen, of course.

N-trig is the new sensor.

I think, users from SP1 to 3 and mainly for note taking would be a good upgrade. Artists maybe not with the loss of the wacom sensor. Though it really depends on how good the implementation of the n-trig sensor/pen is.

Users from SP2 to 3 definitely is more of a wait and see and try at the store type thing.

 

[cronos]

Awesome, Microsoft! This is very tempting!

I like the aggressive pricing of only $749 for the 64 GB i3.

 

[Ravynmagi]

Is the lack of updates for the Surface 2 Windows RT product another sign that the OS platform is slowly dying?

I think it was just too early to refresh to Surface 2 RT. Not much reason to increase the screen size beyond 10 inches. And the Tegra 4 is still good enough for the tablet. Maybe it'll get a refresh later in the year when it's a year old.

 

[deanx0r]

Watching the Surface presentation really makes you appreciate the work Apple puts in their presentations. Damn it was dreadful to watch.

 

[cronos]

This is more exciting and interesting than Apple events now.

Watching the Surface presentation really makes you appreciate the work Apple puts in their presentations. Damn it was dreadful to watch.

So it's a tie then? :biggrin:

 

[Imaginer]

Watching the Surface presentation really makes you appreciate the work Apple puts in their presentations. Damn it was dreadful to watch.

Depends on what you expect of information out of the presentation. If it is about the "glamor" and "dazzle" then Apple possibly.

But the Surface presentation hit it with actual product demonstration and mention of capability. But again, it comes to what you are expecting.

The kickstand, bigger different aspect ratio screen, and the pen on features are standout. The subtle one being the Windows icon being in a different location along with a weight comparison of a Macbook Air (surprised that a iPad Air wasn't thrown on top of it or another tablet for good measure).

But with expectations, comes disappointments - namely the mention of the pressure pen levels (and a final indicator - the very same pen power on feature).

 

[bearxor]

I'm in for one. Going to be nice to be able to trash my stacks of legal pads and have immediate access to all my notes for all my clients all the time on the SP3 and on my phone. Going with the pad/pen form factor was a genius move. Glad they got away from 16x9 for this.

EDIT: assuming the i5 is a 4300U, the i7 is a 4500U, comparing these chips on the Intel ARK site suggests that the i5 is not a huge drop off. I was sold on the i7 option but comparing the chips side by side suggests that the real world difference will be slight, and the i5 actually supports some features that the i7 doesn't. Any thoughts on this point?

I wouldn't purchase the i7 256GB over the i5 256GB.

Now if you need the 512GB of storage...

 

[bearxor]

But the Surface presentation hit it with actual product demonstration and mention of capability. But again, it comes to what you are expecting.

I want to make sure I get this right.

Are you saying that you don't believe that Apple presentations have enough "actual product demonstration and mention of capability" during them?

 

[SexyK]

I wouldn't purchase the i7 256GB over the i5 256GB.

Now if you need the 512GB of storage...

That's pretty much what I'm thinking. The i5/256 looks like the best option all around.

 

[Gunbuster]

Does anyone have experience with Surface Pro's in a business environment? Dell has really been lame lately and I've been thinking of trying some of my people on Surface Pro's but the warranty aspect gives me pause. Will they swap a Surface Pro out at a store if you have the complete warranty?

 

[deanx0r]

I never really thought much about Apple's presentations because they just make it look easy. This presentation sounded like a late night infomercial. Those guys talked too much while failing to deliver a clear message. And the small details I never thought about like camera work, lighting, background, the use of silence or pauses, keynotes/powerpoint etc are now exposed flaws in Microsoft's presentation.

An Apple presentation feels like they set the bar for everyone else to catch up, while MS presentation feels like they are playing catch up with everyone else.

The information matters, but so does the delivery.

 

[crashtestdummy]

It's a very nice device. I still think that the key cover/kickstand combo is a bit less comfortable in your lap than a proper laptop, but it's definitely not bad if you plan to use the device as a tablet 50% of the time.

 

[bearxor]

Does anyone have experience with Surface Pro's in a business environment? Dell has really been lame lately and I've been thinking of trying some of my people on Surface Pro's but the warranty aspect gives me pause. Will they swap a Surface Pro out at a store if you have the complete warranty?

If they have the device in stock, yes they will.

 

[Imaginer]

I want to make sure I get this right.

Are you saying that you don't believe that Apple presentations have enough "actual product demonstration and mention of capability" during them?

I maybe biased, given I do not particularly pay attention to their streams or their lines - as they are really sole sourced on every computing aspect.

But the demonstrations of the iPad I seen scattered and my times of use with some others, drew enough conclusion - but it goes to my original "what is one expecting".

I did not expect much from a completely sole source provider (Apple) that doesn't try to integrate everything on a mobile level that is functional across the board. So it means my bias for them is really polar with their lines.