Surface Pro 3 thread - Info, thoughts, opinions

[cronos]

Once I realized that using a tablet+separate keyboard meant that I could stay in portrait view, I lost all interest in hybrids.

3:2 on the SP3 (or Pixel) makes it somewhat better, but it seems to me that landscape monitors are an artefact of the notebook form factor that we don't have to tolerate any more.

Ha that's the exact same way I'm thinking. If I ever get a SP3 I won't be getting the touch cover and would keep using my stand alone BT keyboard.

Landscape monitors are a necessity when you want to work on multiple things simultaneously.

What he's saying is that with a 'hybrid' keyboard+cover you are stuck on landscape no matter what. For those who would like to use the tablet on portrait orientation from time to time, it's much better to get a separate keyboard and cover/stand.

 

[EightySix Four]

Ha that's the exact same way I'm thinking. If I ever get a SP3 I won't be getting the touch cover and would keep using my stand alone BT keyboard.



What he's saying is that with a 'hybrid' keyboard+cover you are stuck on landscape no matter what. For those who would like to use the tablet on portrait orientation from time to time, it's much better to get a separate keyboard and cover/stand.

I understood what he was saying, I was disagreeing with the idea that landscape orientation is an artifact of the notebook form factor. If I have my keyboard on it's because I want to get "real" work done, which is when I usually want landscape. Just my opinion.

 

[Ravynmagi]

I dislike the Windows button on the tablet. Why do Windows tablets need a button on the bezel anyway? Just swipe up from the right and you have a Windows button right there. And the Start button is on the taskbar as well. Too many Windows buttons. Seems the the Windows button on the bezel just creates problems.

I'm holding the tablet in landscape mode and I realized I naturally want to put my thumbs on the bezel to hold it. I can't do that on the right side because of the annoying button.

I REALLY hope Microsoft gives us the option to disable this button (apparently there is a way, but it disables all the tablet buttons currently, no good).

 

[EightySix Four]

Interesting, when I hold it, it is usually in portrait so I haven't run into that yet. I could see how that would be annoying though.

I used handwriting recognition to write this, not bad.

 

[s44]

Landscape monitors are a necessity when you want to work on multiple things simultaneously.

I've found vertical window stacking more useful than side to side, at least on my 1080p desktop monitor and 25*16 tablet.

 

[EightySix Four]

I've found vertical window stacking more useful than side to side, at least on my 1080p desktop monitor and 25*16 tablet.

The only time I have ever liked monitors oriented in portrait were when I had two side by side personally. Vertical multitasking feel unintuitive to me.

 

[at80eighty]

I dislike the Windows button on the tablet. Why do Windows tablets need a button on the bezel anyway? Just swipe up from the right and you have a Windows button right there. And the Start button is on the taskbar as well. Too many Windows buttons. Seems the the Windows button on the bezel just creates problems.

I'm holding the tablet in landscape mode and I realized I naturally want to put my thumbs on the bezel to hold it. I can't do that on the right side because of the annoying button.

I REALLY hope Microsoft gives us the option to disable this button (apparently there is a way, but it disables all the tablet buttons currently, no good).

why: branding. they are still struggling to gain a foothold. being distinctive is nice, but a quick look at the logo by an onlooker is good brand reinforcement

fwiw, the penny arcade guy says they have come up with a way to disable it when using the pen; perhaps the same can happen with user feedback for general landscape tablet use as well

 

[jalyst]

Halle -freaking- lujah!!! >.>
https://twitter.com/anandshimpi/status/480093866188869632

Although, it won't surprise me if it gets delayed more or dropped entirely at this point, it does happen quite often with AT.

 

[Ravynmagi]

Got my SP3 today, spent $1500 on the 8/256GB model. And now I'm wondering what the heck have I done?

This thing isn't really going to replace my laptop. The keyboard is far too inadequate for that. I'd rather type on my $200 Chromebook. This thing really needs a keyboard dock, not sure why that hasn't happened yet.

It's improved as a tablet compared to the SP2, lighter, thinner, bigger, better speakers, better wifi. But it's really overkill for a tablet.

Funny thing is I'm still going to carry my Dell laptop or HP Chromebook and I'm still going to carry my iPad mini or Nexus 7.

 

[s44]

This thing isn't really going to replace my laptop. The keyboard is far too inadequate for that. I'd rather type on my $200 Chromebook.

Please tell me you mean the HP, because if that's relative to the C720 then it's total fail.

 

[bearxor]

Word going around is that the SP3 CPU has been throttled enough so that it's not quite as fast as the SP2. Anyone else experiencing that?

 

[HopJokey]

I picked up an SP3 yesterday and I love it. But I concur with Ravy, I prefer it had a hard keyboard dock.

Not sure it beats the X1 Carbon I use but it is getting closer.

 

[corkyg]

Not sure it beats the X1 Carbon I use but it is getting closer.

Thank you for that comment - it is very significant to me.

 

[EightySix Four]

Watched F1 with the NBC Sports app this morning while lounging around and the adjustable kickstand is perfect for watching in bed, you can always find some spot that works. Sound is great for a tablet and better than my Lenovo Yoga by a long shot.

I have been able to find a "lappable" position in every scenario I have been in thus far except for with my leg crossed, which was the way I preferred to sit with my other laptop.

I have found a place I like to store the pen, the crease in the keyboard cover is the perfect width for the clip on the pen and is deep enough that the pen doesn't hit the screen (although I imagine it would if you pressed on it or hit it). For simply carrying around, it works great.

 

[Imaginer]

I had a chance to obtain a Surface Pro 3, and alongside comparisons to the Pro 2, here are some notables:

The Surface Pro 3 is able to give me consistent very light strokes in drawing in the programs I loaded (once I placed the Wintab N-Trig drivers on - since the site was completely down yesterday).

The Surface Pro 2, has more smoother strokes in comparison.

The Surface Pro 3's pen is solidly in weight, light as a typical quality pen.

The Surface Pro 2's pen implementation I used, the Lifebook pen, feels light as a pencil.

The heat dissipation when I usually handled both of the devices (both flat on my legs), the Surface Pro 2 feels overall more cooler, due to the extra chassis and dual fans versus the Surface Pro 3's fan and heat area being in the upper right corner.

The battery capacity I have with the Surface Pro 3 charges up to 40WHr to 41Whr. I expect this to settle much like the Surface Pro 2 over time, but from that initial get-go, the battery capacity is the same.

The wattage draw in typical applications is the same for me.

Diablo 3 runs well enough. There is some cursor bug where I had to switch to Windowed mode for the cursor to appear.

I still like Wacom's software implementation.

Typing on the two is comparable, for what I do. Type cover and device both flat. However with the Surface Pro 3, I am more inclined to use that variable kickstand for a "drafting" setup on my lap, with the keyboard still deployed. I can still type just as comfortable with both in such a manner. (of note, I am 5' 7" in height, with a "leg runway" of 16").

The magnetic stabilization strip, coming from a Surface Pro 2 avid and consistent user, takes a bit to get used to. In places like IE, this can hinder my access to the bottom bar areas if I do use the magnetic strip with the touchscreen (which I tend to do a lot). Without it, I can type just fine in a more "laptop" screen angle deployment.

Of other notes, the rear camera isn't angled like in the past Pros. It is straight on. That means, that if you were to record a table top conversation with another person across the table, it would be angled down in aperture with the Surface Pro 3. (edit: kickstand deployed)

The Surface Pro 3, gets more warmer than the Surface Pro 2, especially in the upper right corner when in typical use for me (drawing, running programs). Due to the mass, and fan balance of using two fans with the Surface Pro 2 in a symmetrical manner, the heat is more spread and feels warm, not isolated to my right leg being warmer than the other.

 

[finbarqs]

Halle -freaking- lujah!!! >.>
https://twitter.com/anandshimpi/status/480093866188869632

Although, it won't surprise me if it gets delayed more or dropped entirely at this point, it does happen quite often with AT.

Why would you need a review? There are millions of reviews around the web. Granted they are all mixed reviews, you can sum up the entire web like this:

It's not made for everybody, but it's closer to what the ideal that is a 'hybrid' than what Microsoft has done in the past. Is the surface for you? Maybe. It definitely is it's own niche.

 

[Imaginer]

Why would you need a review? There are millions of reviews around the web. Granted they are all mixed reviews, you can sum up the entire web like this:

It's not made for everybody, but it's closer to what the ideal that is a 'hybrid' than what Microsoft has done in the past. Is the surface for you? Maybe. It definitely is it's own niche.

Speaking from a device standpoint, The Surface Pros are the best Tablet PC in ages, thanks to the hardware matching up with the ability to take any work existing anywhere, software and software capability. (Edit: laptops are longer to deploy, definitely requires seating, and limited in input handling versus having touch options and pen manipulation).

All while providing the platform for entertainment needs too (gaming is a bonus though but can be leveraged).

It is a huge reason why I held of on any Android and most certainly iPad implementations. However, there is a typical consumer mentality that grew into the distinct laptop use category, and made a good note to keep it segregated in use instead of being a bit more plastic in mentality. This is where hybrids are starting to appear - and some have took advantage of it, from OEM standpoints and consumer standpoints.

From a security standpoint, most devices aren't safe. Intrusions are now starting to happen on such a level that even mobile devices can be compromised. And it all still boils down to safe computing and networking practices.

Again, had if EVERYONE chased the dairy cow, then such other solutions may not exist. This is my primary gripe with PC OEMs of the past, Android makers of the present, and possibly continuing into the future - doing as much easy, cookie cutter implementations, for as most margins as possible.

 

[Imaginer]

Other notes:

Upon initial configuration, this took about maybe 20 minutes - I didn't exactly stopwatch the time or remember, but it wasn't long. My settings all came through, due to using the Microsoft account on my Surface Pro 2 of the past in Windows 8 (of which only the synced settings appeared).

Upon installing my software loadout, the tiles are recognized in place where I had them before on my Surface Pro 2. I cannot think if any desktop icon layout would allow such a thing. Again, I synced my Start screen layout, so that plays into some of the setting transfer.

Palm blocking works. If I form a typical handwriting "fist" the Windows haptic button does not register, even if I do not have the pen in hand, ready to draw or take notes. Even gripping the side with my thumb a tad second ready to rest, it would not register. If I "fat thumb" on the grip area, the Windows bezel icon would not activate. If I give a distinct press, thumb or finger, it would then switch to the Start Screen.

A nifty thing I noticed, in some lighting when looking very up close at an angle, one can definitely see "tron" lines on the screen versus the Surface Pro 2. Possibly one is seeing the N-Trig implementations and the proximity of the layer for digitizing close to the screen.

The trackpad on the keyboard cover, takes lessons learned from both the Pro 1 and Pro 2. It is recalling the past, more tactile buttons of the Pro 1, while being more or as sensitive as the Pro 2 for me. Being a larger device, the trackpad is obviously more roomy, wider and taller. HOWEVER, the trackpad for me is a contingency device (given touch screen and pen access) - of which can now be turned off in the Modern PC Settings areas.

Scaling defaults to the middle ground, in Modern areas, can be adjusted to either be smaller or larger. Desktop scaling, it starts off at 150% much like the past Pros I worked with. I feel no need to change it down to 125% just yet though, as for both touch manipulation and pen manipulation while maintaining UI view is fine.

In setting up some programs, there ARE areas of window text dialog where that area of UI hasn't adjusted - namely in the installers. But that doesn't hinder the end result of working with an application (for my applications at 150% scaling). The font is blurred in the installer text dialog with some installers.

One thing of note, is that some UI is definitely fixed. the Autodesk exchange, search, and help top bar does overlap with the minimize, maximize and close buttons. But this is in a previous software version (2012).

I do wish another pen is released, give it barrel and tilt recognition in that pen with a pressure erase end. Microsoft said it would have software driver configuration options more robust to allow a setting of pressure curves that would apply to all programs, and those programs can finess them if needed. A radial menu with shortcuts and functions like Wacom would also be good.

 

[Imaginer]

Last few points:

The Power connector is VASTLY improved. I can be more sloppy in positioning the connector end to the Surface Pro 3 and it would fit in with the contact pins and all. I am guessing this is why the adapter is now 36W instead of 48W because looking inside, the contacts are much thinner, but there are a lot more pins to work with, versus the male power connector end only sporting a few - posing a future docking method.

Because of the contact pins being the way they are in the Pro 3, I would be a slight bit concern of debris being caught in there, especially if one always handles and rests the Surface Pro 3 in a portrait orientation, Windows icon at the bottom. Lint may build in there with some restings, and may pose a problem. Not so with the Surface Pro 2 power connector, as I feel I can be a bit more "rough" with it.

The USB port, is a bit more loose than on my Surface Pro 2. It maybe due to the sourcing of the connector ends for this batch of Surface Pro 3 devices.

Speakers are now in the top front of the devices with the in place grooves. From a CLEANING perspective, this would make the user a bit more focused to detail as one cannot simply spray willy-nilly as one can with the Surface Pro 1 or Pro 2 on the screen. One must apply cleaner on a cloth at a small amount to avoid excess liquid to wipe with, otherwise one would risk getting debris and liquid in the speaker notches. Dust wise, if get the chance, the speakers can get clogged up I see in the future of device handling, due to the areas being more exposed versus the recessed vents. If I muffle the speakers slits on the front, this will be resulting in a muffled sound through the air vents, much like playback on the Surface Pro 1 and Pro 2 but more muffled.

I do not mind the speakers being through the air vents. This for me is a better compromise for my use in Tablet PC handling. But for a single user sound presentation, the Pro 3 gives a better orientation and approach to built in speakers. Due to this however, under portrait, it would mean it is stereo, much like having an Opera singer above and below the balcony, instead of side by side on a stage.

 

[Imaginer]

Final, more whimsical note: (and something I had not noticed until now)

In File Explorer, with my music and videos, there is an option for "Play To" upon selecting a file and that option shows in the ribbon (or invoked on a right click). I have a friend's Xbox 360 (the black elite version, not the redesigned ones) connected to a network. Simply selecting the file and options adds to the Xbox playlist on Windows. And it shows up upon playing through the hooked up 360 setup (receiver and TV being turned on as well as the 360). This 360 hasn't been updated in awhile though, maybe within a past year or so.

This is either invoked with media on the Surface Pro 3 itself or through accessing media on another computer on the same network. I believe there isn't any homegroup considerations to consider with the Xbox 360.

 

[HopJokey]

The Power connector is VASTLY improved. I can be more sloppy in positioning the connector end to the Surface Pro 3 and it would fit in with the contact pins and all. I am guessing this is why the adapter is now 36W instead of 48W because looking inside, the contacts are much thinner, but there are a lot more pins to work with, versus the male power connector end only sporting a few - posing a future docking method.

Agreed one of the first things I noticed was how much easier it was to plug in the power connector compared to the previous Surfaces.

 

[s44]

In File Explorer, with my music and videos, there is an option for "Play To" upon selecting a file and that option shows in the ribbon (or invoked on a right click).

Sounds like integrated DLNA, not a Windows-specific protocol.

 

[Imaginer]

Sounds like integrated DLNA, not a Windows-specific protocol.

It should tell you how much I actually value such a feature if I hadn't noticed or used it until now. Even if protocols are standard.

But, something of note, is that one can invoke and control media and continue to work on the same device with a large screen, essentially deferring what I feel most mult-monitor workers may have done, a video in one screen, typing/programming/drawing/note-taking on the main device. I mention draw and note-take or make more notes, because I can't do this on a laptop. On a couch - papers would be strewn everywhere along with books.

Would it be awkward? It is personal. As I type this, the Surface Pro is propped against my legs, I am lounging on my back raised against an arm rest and cushion's couch in my living room typing. I am also doing handwriting non-linear, 2D note taking (text is more 1D in handling). But I am more in a rested and relaxed position.

(ergo, I am no longer hindered to a desk for working)

 

[EightySix Four]

I just played a few hours of Civ V on mine in touch mode. The back definitely gets toasty and the fan spins up but it did an admirable job considering I had it set to play at full resolution.

 

[Nebor]

I just played a few hours of Civ V on mine in touch mode. The back definitely gets toasty and the fan spins up but it did an admirable job considering I had it set to play at full resolution.

My SP1 does that with no issues.