Surface Pro 3
Microsoft announced a new Surface Pro 3 today. It's got a 12" screen, is thinner and lighter than the Surface Pro 2. Has a much better kickstand and a new pen.
Configurations/Pricing
i3-4GB RAM- 64GB - $799
i5-4GB RAM-128GB - $999
i5-8GB RAM-256GB - $1299
i7-8GB RAM-256GB - $1549
i7-8GB RAM-512GB - $1949
Lower end units available beginning June 20; higher end units available on August 31.
Edit: The Surface Pro 3 is lighter than the Surface Pro 2.
Comments
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Interesting that there are rumors of a 12 inch MacBook Air or iPad Air in the works. Seems like both MS and Apple have decided that 12 inches is the sweet spot for an transitional device between a pure tablet and a pure laptop.
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Very Pricey. ... Way out of my league. Makes the Dell look even better.
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Paul C said:
Very Pricey. ... Way out of my league.
But cheaper than buying both a laptop and a tablet - which is what the Surface Pro 3 just might replace.
This is my personal Faithlife account. On 1 March 2022, I started working for Faithlife, and have a new 'official' user account. Posts on this account shouldn't be taken as official Faithlife views!
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Possibly I just have not fully evolved. There are times the tablet just "won't do" without a keyboard and mouse >>> For me.Mark Barnes said:Paul C said:Very Pricey. ... Way out of my league.
But cheaper than buying both a laptop and a tablet - which is what the Surface Pro 3 just might replace.
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I've had my laptop for a couple years now. It has a 280gb HDD.
The new Surface Pro 3 is going to replace both my laptop and my original iPad. That old ipad just doesn't cut it anymore.
I'll most likely bite the bullet and go for the i7 256gb Pro 3. Means I'll have to wait until fall. But that also means I can go get my Windows Phone.
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This is interesting. Nice to see it finally maturing. I'm an Apple guy, but I may need to take a serious look at this.
Has anyone used the previous Surface Pros for Logos? I'd be interesting in seeing how well using Logos alongside Onenote on the Surface Pro works.
Anyone with any experience with that?
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Paul C said:
Possibly I just have not fully evolved. There are times the tablet just "won't do" without a keyboard and mouse >>> For me.
Yes, that is true for most users (which is why takeup of these types of devices has been slow). But the Surface Pro does have a detachable keyboard, and significantly it seems to have improved it's trackpad to be as good as most laptops. And unlike standalone tablets, you can plug a mouse in if you wish.
http://www.theverge.com/2014/5/20/5734866/surface-pro-3-hands-on-photos-impressions
This is my personal Faithlife account. On 1 March 2022, I started working for Faithlife, and have a new 'official' user account. Posts on this account shouldn't be taken as official Faithlife views!
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It can't be anywhere near as good as: http://www.trulyergonomic.com which is what I have:
Mark Barnes said:the Surface Pro does have a detachable keyboard,
Disclosure!
trulyergonomic.com
48G AMD octacore V9.2 Acc 120 -
Thanks for the link. I must admit drooling a bit. But I must stick to my original statement....Out of my league. Especially considering my already crowded stable. [:P]Mark Barnes said:Paul C said:Possibly I just have not fully evolved. There are times the tablet just "won't do" without a keyboard and mouse >>> For me.
Yes, that is true for most users (which is why takeup of these types of devices has been slow). But the Surface Pro does have a detachable keyboard, and significantly it seems to have improved it's trackpad to be as good as most laptops. And unlike standalone tablets, you can plug a mouse in if you wish.
http://www.theverge.com/2014/5/20/5734866/surface-pro-3-hands-on-photos-impressions
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You are one suave dude.Unix said:It can't be anywhere near as good as: http://www.trulyergonomic.com which is what I have:
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Mark Barnes said:Paul C said:
Possibly I just have not fully evolved. There are times the tablet just "won't do" without a keyboard and mouse >>> For me.
Yes, that is true for most users (which is why takeup of these types of devices has been slow). But the Surface Pro does have a detachable keyboard, and significantly it seems to have improved it's trackpad to be as good as most laptops. And unlike standalone tablets, you can plug a mouse in if you wish.
http://www.theverge.com/2014/5/20/5734866/surface-pro-3-hands-on-photos-impressions
I have an original Surface Pro and the keyboard and touchpad on the detachable Type cover works GREAT when I am away from my desk. I have used both L5 and Evernote on the device with NO PROBLEMS, but my study style does not require them at the same time - I do MS Word alongside L5.
Making Disciples! Logos Ecosystem = LogosMax on Microsoft Surface Pro 7 (Win11), Android app on tablet, FSB on iPhone & iPad mini, Proclaim (Proclaim Remote on Fire Tablet).
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i would love to sell my original surface and get something that does not radiate my hand with so much heat (or my lap) that I need to put it on a cool surface 20 min after using it. I have set the fan to come on more aggressively to no avail. I will wait for the upgrade reviews and a huge sale before committing to another HOT surface.
p.s. I would be curious if the I3 $800 version sans keyboard would be fast still with Logos 5.x. I hate to downgrade my processor but maybe it would help with the heat. sigh.
um - nevermind...the I3 doesnt seem to have 128. another sigh.
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The i5 128GB is less than a grand. Just do it. You know you want to. [:D]
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I wish you hadn't told me this, I only bought a Surface Pro 2 this last week! Up to now I have found it to be a beautiful, well thought out piece of kit. It is so much faster than the previous lap top, Ipad and desk top that it has replaced. None of those computers were slouches in their spec but I think the SSD is a real game changer if you are using Logos. I have a large screen that I can use if I want the space to work and now also can use the "full fat" Logos programme on my travels.
I really didn't think there was much they could improve on but if as you say it is thinner and lighter that can't be bad. As for the screen size if it is much bigger than the present Pro 2 I think it loses the idea of being a mobile tablet.
Anyway thanks Bill for the heads up.
Tony Keating
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Dear Greg,
I personally use the Pro 2 for Logos and use OneNote beside it. It works very well as you can split the screen to accommodate both or use an external monitor if you want loads of space.
Hope this helps.
Tony Keating
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You can pre-order now at the Surface website.
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Pulled the trigger on an i5 256gb pre-order.
Now all I have to do is save up the money for when it ships!
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Congrats. I'll be impatiently awaiting your review.
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Mike Pettit said:
Pulled the trigger on an i5 256gb pre-order.
That's the sweetspot, I think, and the model I would be buying if I didn't already have a perfectly good laptop and iPad!
This is my personal Faithlife account. On 1 March 2022, I started working for Faithlife, and have a new 'official' user account. Posts on this account shouldn't be taken as official Faithlife views!
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That type of purchase is on the far distant horizon for me, But from what I can see from here, I believe I would opt for the 128GB version , and if needed, make use of the micro SD slot. Your mileage may vary.Mark Barnes said:Mike Pettit said:Pulled the trigger on an i5 256gb pre-order.
That's the sweetspot, I think, and the model I would be buying if I didn't already have a perfectly good laptop and iPad!
It is fun to speculate, and live vicariously. [:)]
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Paul C said:
Very Pricey. ... Way out of my league. Makes the Dell look even better.
For me, the Surface Pro 2 was a bargain. It replaced my lap top, which needed replacing, my iPad tablet, and my desktop. Best tool for ministry I have ever bought. Runs full Logos 5, Microsoft Word, One Note all great at the same time. Logos 5 has never been faster and better for me to use.
The Surface Pro 3 looks even better. Of course, I cannot buy a new computer every year, but my Surface Pro 2 does plenty good enough.
The 12 inch screen on the Surface Pro 3 sounds very nice, and I suppose the i7 processor may be faster. But I really have no problem with the Surface Pro 2 screen - even with my poor eyesight. And i5 processor on the Surface Pro 2 runs Logos plenty fast enough for me. If fact, I had an i7 quad processor on my old laptop, and the Surface Pro 2 is faster than it was.
Maybe in four years or so, I will getting a Surface Pro 5 or 6, but for the foreseeable future the Surface Pro 2 is my computer.
(I think this would be a great time to pick up a bargain on a Surface Pro 2, if you wanted one.)
"In all cases, the Church is to be judged by the Scripture, not the Scripture by the Church," John Wesley0 -
Mark Barnes said:Paul C said:
Possibly I just have not fully evolved. There are times the tablet just "won't do" without a keyboard and mouse >>> For me.
Yes, that is true for most users (which is why takeup of these types of devices has been slow). But the Surface Pro does have a detachable keyboard, and significantly it seems to have improved it's trackpad to be as good as most laptops. And unlike standalone tablets, you can plug a mouse in if you wish.
http://www.theverge.com/2014/5/20/5734866/surface-pro-3-hands-on-photos-impressions
When I went from a desktop to a laptop, I made it a point to only use the laptop keyboard until I was used to it. It soon became natural. I did the same thing with the Surface Pro 2. The only keyboard I use is the Type 2 Surface Pro Keyboard. After a few weeks, it became completely natural. I do use a blue tooth mouse, which is helpful for Logos 5 and other programs not designed for touch. But it is nice to snap off the magnetically attached keyboard and use the Surface Pro as a tablet for extended reading. And the touch screen is extremely useful for all programs.
"In all cases, the Church is to be judged by the Scripture, not the Scripture by the Church," John Wesley0 -
I stated that I have not FULLY evolved. However, I am evolving. At the moment, I don't see the day when I don't have a PC. I just like the machinery. Big monitors.Big Speakers, Big touch and pen inputs for photo editing. You know, Big boy toys. Having a hand held version of the PC is awesome, but it doesn't replace it. It extends/mobilizes it. >>>> For me. [:D]Michael Childs said:Mark Barnes said:Paul C said:Possibly I just have not fully evolved. There are times the tablet just "won't do" without a keyboard and mouse >>> For me.
Yes, that is true for most users (which is why takeup of these types of devices has been slow). But the Surface Pro does have a detachable keyboard, and significantly it seems to have improved it's trackpad to be as good as most laptops. And unlike standalone tablets, you can plug a mouse in if you wish.
http://www.theverge.com/2014/5/20/5734866/surface-pro-3-hands-on-photos-impressions
When I went from a desktop to a laptop, I made it a point to only use the laptop keyboard until I was used to it. It soon became natural. I did the same thing with the Surface Pro 2. The only keyboard I use is the Type 2 Surface Pro Keyboard. After a few weeks, it became completely natural. I do use a blue tooth mouse, which is helpful for Logos 5 and other programs not designed for touch. But it is nice to snap off the magnetically attached keyboard and use the Surface Pro as a tablet for extended reading. And the touch screen is extremely useful for all programs.
Edit:
The only "TV" access I have is web streaming. My PC is routed to a flat screen TV. I get all the acces to movies and news that i care to watch for very little cash outlay.
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Was unable to edit my last post here. I may not go for the i7. Going to wait out the reviews and performance info. Micrsoft added a specifically designed fan to the Pro3. I will definitely get a 3 though.
One additional thought,f Microsft wants to show they are serious about the Surface Pro 3 replacing laptops and tablets, they need to include the keyboard. It's expensive enough already as it is.
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I think that's wise. Let others find, and report the bugs. And You are right, If it's a laptop replacement, One should not have to sink another $130 into a keyboard. [:(]Terry Roberts said:I may not go for the i7. Going to wait out the reviews and performance info. they need to include the keyboard. It's expensive enough already as it is.
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One thing to keep in mind is that any bluetooth keyboard or any usb wireless keyboard will also work with the Surface devices. I actually used an old wireless key and mouse on my SP2 in my office until I sprung for the Type Cover 2.
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For those who are comfortable spending 2 grand for a "laptop replacement" without a keyboard, Carry On. For now, It's a spectator sport for me. [:)]
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Paul C said:
For those who are comfortable spending 2 grand for a "laptop replacement" without a keyboard, Carry On. For now, It's a spectator sport for me.
I am sure it is not for everyone, but I spent $1299, and consider my Surface Pro 2 a bargain as a replacement for my desktop, laptop, and tablet. It is the best computer buy I ever made, by far.
But if it is not for you, no problem brother.
"In all cases, the Church is to be judged by the Scripture, not the Scripture by the Church," John Wesley0 -
I'm not downing anyone for their choices/preferences. The forum is here to discuss how to best use the software. I have found the Dell Venue 8 pro best serves my mobile needs. I have 2 cases for it. One with a bluetooth keyboard, One without, depending on my destination. I have less than $300 in the tablet and all accessories. I just think folks on a budget should know there are options. [:D]Michael Childs said:But if it is not for you, no problem brother.
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I agree. Intended no hostility. Just pointing out that you can get an excellent Surface pro 2 for much less than $2,000. You are also talking about 8 Gig of ram vs much less. It is not comparing machines than will run Logos 5 equally well.
"In all cases, the Church is to be judged by the Scripture, not the Scripture by the Church," John Wesley0 -
Michael Childs said:
I agree. Intended no hostility. Just pointing out that you can get an excellent Surface pro 2 for much less than $2,000. You are also talking about 8 Gig of ram vs much less. It is not comparing machines than will run Logos 5 equally well.
Mr Child's
While the 10" screen of the pro 2 would be fine as an e-reader it seems to me that to allow Logos to breathe the 12" screen of the pro 3 would be preferable, is that your view as well?
Mike
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Paul C said:
The forum is here to discuss how to best use the software.
Or, in in my mind as the OP of this thread, this is a place to discuss the machines on which we run Logos. [:)]
Paul C said:I have found the Dell Venue 8 pro best serves my mobile needs. I have 2 cases for it. One with a bluetooth keyboard, One without, depending on my destination. I have less than $300 in the tablet and all accessories. I just think folks on a budget should know there are options.
I have an Asus VivoTab Note 8, which is a tablet comparable to the Dell Venue 8 Pro. Both are excellent mobile solutions for running Logos.
But, I also have a 2013 MacBook Air 11." I would love to have one device. I am just not so sure that the SP3 will perform as well as a tablet as the Asus I now have. A 12" tablet is awfully large. I have really come to enjoy the 8" full Windows tablet form factor. I worry that holding a 12" tablet will be a bit much. Maybe with the extended kickstand I can use my lap more rather than hold it. We'll see.
But on the price front, I have over $1,800 invested in both of these units. If -- and that is a big "if" -- the SP3 could replace both, I would spring for it. I just have doubts that I will be able to live with the compromises. Having one device that claims it can replace my laptop and be my tablet is a very bold claim. I have found so far that having a laptop that does the work of a laptop and a tablet that does the work of the tablet is the best solution. The compromise I have to make is having two devices.
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It would seem we are dividing into 2 camps. Welcome to the camp I have chosen. [:D]
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Paul C said:
I have found the Dell Venue 8 pro best serves my mobile needs.
I'm glad that works for you, and wish it did for me! Like many people here, I have different types of mobile needs. If I just want to read the Bible (or other Logos resource), and perhaps lookup a commentary, then my iPad or iPhone is best. I don't want a full-blown Windows device for that. But if I want to study, I can't do that on my iPad - it's too limited - I need a proper PC.
For me, partly because I have a large Logos library, and partly because I have a fast desktop PC, I couldn't contemplate studying with Logos on anything as underpowered as a Dell Venue. In fact, I couldn't even install my Logos on a Venue - it wouldn't fit! The minimum spec I would consider would be 4Gb RAM, 128GB SDD, i3 processor — and if at all possible I'd want 8GB RAM, 256GB HDD and an i5. That's why I currently use a laptop in addition to my iPad and iPhone. But I'd gladly trade in the laptop and iPad for a Surface 3 Pro, which would seem able to genuinely replace both devices.
This is my personal Faithlife account. On 1 March 2022, I started working for Faithlife, and have a new 'official' user account. Posts on this account shouldn't be taken as official Faithlife views!
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Bill Anderson said:Paul C said:
The forum is here to discuss how to best use the software.
Or, in in my mind as the OP of this thread, this is a place to discuss the machines on which we run Logos.
Paul C said:I have found the Dell Venue 8 pro best serves my mobile needs. I have 2 cases for it. One with a bluetooth keyboard, One without, depending on my destination. I have less than $300 in the tablet and all accessories. I just think folks on a budget should know there are options.
I have an Asus VivoTab Note 8, which is a tablet comparable to the Dell Venue 8 Pro. Both are excellent mobile solutions for running Logos.
But, I also have a 2013 MacBook Air 11." I would love to have one device. I am just not so sure that the SP3 will perform as well as a tablet as the Asus I now have. A 12" tablet is awfully large. I have really come to enjoy the 8" full Windows tablet form factor. I worry that holding a 12" tablet will be a bit much. Maybe with the extended kickstand I can use my lap more rather than hold it. We'll see.
But on the price front, I have over $1,800 invested in both of these units. If -- and that is a big "if" -- the SP3 could replace both, I would spring for it. I just have doubts that I will be able to live with the compromises. Having one device that claims it can replace my laptop and be my tablet is a very bold claim. I have found so far that having a laptop that does the work of a laptop and a tablet that does the work of the tablet is the best solution. The compromise I have to make is having two devices.
My thoughts exactly. [Y]
But... I am open for having laptop/tablet as one device, plus WP phone (I have Lumia 820) and desktop computer at home for "real work" on 3 monitors etc.
Bohuslav
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I would enjoy trading in my original Surface Pro (which you all know overheats no matter what settings I adopt) for something fast, affordable, thin, and cool to the touch after using Logos 5.x and OneNote for more than 20 minutes in my hand or laptop. Sigh.
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Maybe you could advertise it on Craigslist in Alaska. They might appreciate the hand warmer. But seriously, If you get a chance, do a little hands on time with a Venue 8 Pro. You will be amazed. [:D]
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Mike Pettit said:Michael Childs said:
I agree. Intended no hostility. Just pointing out that you can get an excellent Surface pro 2 for much less than $2,000. You are also talking about 8 Gig of ram vs much less. It is not comparing machines than will run Logos 5 equally well.
Mr Child's
While the 10" screen of the pro 2 would be fine as an e-reader it seems to me that to allow Logos to breathe the 12" screen of the pro 3 would be preferable, is that your view as well?
Mike
Yes. I would think that the 12 inch screen would be preferable. No doubt, if I had the choice at the time, I would have taken the 12 inch screen.
On the other hand, I feel the screen of the Surface Pro 2 is very good. My eyesight is not the best, (I am totally blind in my right eye, and near sighted in the left). But I have no problem running full Logos 5 or Microsoft Word or anything on the Surface Pro 2. (I do sometimes wish Logos 5 would "stretch and pinch" like most programs do under Windows 8. That would make it more tablet friendly, no matter what the Tablet.). But I have no problem reading my resources.
So I will not be upgrading to Surface Pro 3 in the near future. But yes, if I were buying one today, I would buy the Surface Pro 3.
Just one more thing, and I will not burden you all with more of my opinions on this matter. There is no compromise in terms of speed and performance with Logos on the Surface Pro 2, and I certainly would believe on the Surface Pro 3. It runs better than on my too expensive i7 quad core old laptop which also had 8 gig of ram and an SSD hard drive. That is no exaggeration.
And if you really want a larger screen, you can always plug in a monitor to the Surface Pro. I did some early on, but soon decided there was no need. The monitor is still on my desk ready to plug in, but I haven't used it in months. Same with a large keyboard. I do use a wireless mouse, which I find helpful with many programs not written for touch screen.
We are all individuals, and all work differently. My way is not better than yours. I just wanted to share what has worked so well for me. And since I own no stock in Microsoft or any other company, my feelings are not hurt if you chose another way. In fact, I love Dell products, and in no way am I down on the Dell Venue. I seriously considered buying one.
"In all cases, the Church is to be judged by the Scripture, not the Scripture by the Church," John Wesley0 -
Yes Large is not always better. A single window stretched across a huge monitor causes eye strain/exhaustion. The benefit to larger monitors is the ability to have multiple windows open at the same time. If you don't mind using tabs to move from one to the other, I think the smaller screens are easier on the eyes.Michael Childs said:And if you really want a larger screen, you can always plug in a monitor to the Surface Pro. I did some early on, but soon decided there was no need. The monitor is still on my desk ready to plug in, but I haven't used it in months.
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Bill Anderson: "...and a new pen"
Unfortunately L5 won't accept handwriting input in Notes from Windows 8.1, see http://community.logos.com/forums/p/76689/536819.aspx#536819
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Genghis said:
Bill Anderson: "...and a new pen"
Unfortunately L5 won't accept handwriting input in Notes from Windows 8.1, see http://community.logos.com/forums/p/76689/536819.aspx#536819
Yes, and Logos is neither pen or touch optimized. The controls require a precise pointing instrument. We'll see how precise the SP3's N-Trig pen is for that.
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At least We Can use the pen input here on the forums. Truthfully, I find it is only practical for to do or grocery lists. I'm sure the technology will evolve.
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I went in to Best Buy today and they had the SP3 displayed. It is beautifully engineered and made. Top notch. The type cover and trackpad are better, the screen is beautiful and the pen works well for what I will be using it for. It runs a little warm in the lower right hand corner, but if you back the screen brightness down to 60-70%, it cools off. It's not hot by any stretch of the imagination, but I like my tablets cool.[:D] They had the i5, 4GB RAM/128GB SSD and everything ran fast. I wish they offered an i5/8GB RAM/128GB SSD option, though.
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Thanks, Bill;
Are the holding fast to the MSRP?
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Paul C said:
Thanks, Bill;
Are the holding fast to the MSRP?
You know, since it isn't on sale yet, I didn't even look for the price. I was just there to check it out. In fact, I don't think I saw any prices out yet.
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Paul C said:
At least We Can use the pen input here on the forums. Truthfully, I find it is only practical for to do or grocery lists. I'm sure the technology will evolve.
Then you have never tried it in OneNote, which I find much better than Logos notes.
"In all cases, the Church is to be judged by the Scripture, not the Scripture by the Church," John Wesley0 -
[:$] You are correct. But now I will try it ... Thanks to your gentle and compassionate nudge. [:D]
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Paul, I did not mean to sound like a smart mouth. I just have been wowed by using my Surface Pro 2 to take notes by hand in OneNote with Logos, and then let OneNote convert the handwriting to text. OneNote is my preferred way to take notes in Logos, by hand and cut and paste.
Another practical use is to let OneNote record a lecture/Bible Study while I am taking notes by hand, then when I go back and tap on a note, it will play what I was hearing when I wrote that note. Doesn't apply to Logos, but is very, very practical.
This works well for me with my Surface Pro 2, and I bet it works at least as well on the Surface Pro 3. But I will not be upgrading at this time.
I note there is a Surface Pro 3 for $1299 that is i5 processor, 8 GB Ram, and 256 SSD HD. That is the same as the Surface Pro 2 was priced. The main difference would be the new bigger screen (I think.). If the Surface Pro 2 is discounted much I would consider getting my wife one.
"In all cases, the Church is to be judged by the Scripture, not the Scripture by the Church," John Wesley0 -
Thanks for the info. As I mentioned earlier... I am evolving. I guess one note should be part of my evolution.
God Bless
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Peace, Paul! Perhaps your new avatar is part of your evolution??? *smile*
I don't really understand it; however, I find it "pleasant" AND "friendly"!! Thank You! Do you have a comment re. your avatar that you're willing to share? *smile*
Philippians 4: 4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand..........
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