I know the SP2 was in demand, but it didn't seem there was too much supply.
Certain regions of the world had a logistics issue where there wasn't enough supply and definitely there was some domestic order and supply issues for those that did not pre-order the Surface Pro 2.
I like where the hardware is going, but the market demand doesn't seem to be there. I think it all comes down to price/marketing - not much people would be willing to invest in such an expensive product that isn't popular.
It isn't a fashion contest. I jumped and was an early adopter through both the Pro 1 and Pro 2, because it is in a form that did everything I needed, running all Windows programs on the go along with a great digitizer pen and touch options - not seen before. It is more or less function for me.
That is possibly a biggest discrepancy why I have not at all jumped on the iPad train - or Android tablets for that matter. What mattered to me, is getting a great tool that is very capable anywhere with no or little compromise. I finally got it, and surprisingly it was Microsoft that finally put all the pieces together - since their lessons and foray into Tablet/Slate PC computing with Windows XP.
Contrast that with the iPad (comparing Surface/Surface 2 here) and Macbook Air which are very popular. I think the Surface is yet another Zune like device.
Another comparision, the Zune had better DSP than the current iPod at the time, but so many are entrenched with the Apple only option mindset - that despite any headway, none was made with the Zune. It was between this and the initial (and even the second Surface RT) that finally gave Microsoft a needed, focused effort where it mattered - instead of chasing a very fickle market.
My feelings are mixed on the SP3. The SP2 had such a short life cycle, and there are still some problems that plague the device, that MS has yet to fix.
I have been tracking their social media. They have been responding to some problems via private messages to resolve them. And even if the Surface Pro 3 is announced, doesn't mean that support would stop for the previous Pro devices (firmware) and most definitely support would not stop for Windows 8.1+.
Lifecycle only matters in the hands of the end user and playing support. As long as it is capable for the intended function over the expected life, then it is still living. That is the definition of lifecycle. Not defined by market analysis or anything of the such.
I like my SP2, and I wish they released a thinner/lighter version with a 10"-11" display. I just feel 12" is too big. I'm looking to sell my SP2 when Apple releases a Macbook Air w/ retina display.
Even with the buzzword "retina", it is just a feel good word when there are already capable options out there. And much like shoe sizes, one cannot keep the manufacturing lines dedicated to each whim of a varying form factor (if one really wants a custom form - one would have to source the design, components and fabrication themselves - but for a one off device and tooling - it isn't cheap and is against the lowered cost of volume manufacturing.
I would highly encourage other OEMs to make or continue to make like minded , quality, solid devices.
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