Mark Barnes: Mike Pettit: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!
Mike Pettit: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.
Paul C: Very Pricey. ... Way out of my league. Makes the Dell look even better.
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
Mark Barnes: Paul C: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
Paul C: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.
Michael Childs: Mark Barnes: Paul C: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.
Terry Roberts: 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.
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.
Paul C: 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.
Michael Childs:But if it is not for you, no problem brother.
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.
Michael Childs: 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
Paul C: The forum is here to discuss how to best use the software.
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: 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.
It would seem we are dividing into 2 camps. Welcome to the camp I have chosen.
Paul C: 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!
Bill Anderson: Paul C: 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: 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.
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
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.
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.
Mike Pettit: Michael Childs: 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.
Michael Childs: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.