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
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!
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.
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!
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 Wesley
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]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.
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.
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. [:(]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.
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.
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 Wesley
But if it is not for you, no problem brother.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]
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 Wesley
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
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 Wesley
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
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
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.
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.
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 Wesley
I purchases a Surface Pro 3. I purchased the i5-8GB-256GB version. I have had it for several months now.
Logos.
Wow. I don't know what to say. It runs Logos as smoothly as any desktop or laptop. I finally have ditched the Logos mobile versions and now I use this. EVERYTHING at my fingertips while in Sunday School or the preacher teaches. Quick, responsive. I have had no problems, no complaints and I love that all my files are automatically synced.
Before this I had an iPad and used my phone....I can never go back now.
OneNote
If you like Onenote you will love it with the Surface pen. I no longer carry paper with me because I just write on my Surface Pro which is about the size of legal pad of paper anyway.
Microsoft billed this as the tablet that replaces your laptop. I know Surface 4 will be better, but they are really being truthful on this one. I have even gone on trips and left my laptop at home and just taken my Surface. I did not miss my laptop.
Now, I have one caveat to all this. You have to watch the battery. I take my son to church early and let him watch youtube videos. When I do after about 1 1/2 hours the battery can be down as far as 60% if I have the sound and screen light up high.
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.