Surface Pro 3 Announcement
 

It seems like a winner for Microsoft. Some of the specs:
Available with i3, i5, or i7. Starting price $799

12 inch screen (3x2 Aspect)
2160 X1440
800 gm
USB 3.0
Friction Hinge (22-150 degrees)
15-20% more battery life
Fanless (?)
Display output to 4K monitors
Front speakers 40% more powerful
Type covers 40% thinner
Impressive pen capabilites with OneNote

Will be available tomorrow for pre-order

Does anyone see any negatives?

I'll reserve judgement, but I will point out that several of the folks who will likely weigh in on this announcement immediately declared the initial release of the Surface as a winner and then very quickly declared it not a winner.

Marketing hoopla rarely provides the definitive answer on new product success...

Regards

Other than running Windows 8? ;)

Fanless is a huge step forward. But 800 grams is heavy for a tablet.

But I need more details before I can judge. Real world battery life?
Integrated LTE?

It looks like reasonably nice hardware, except that it's still quite heavy for a tablet.

I think the more interesting question is if there are any customers who didn't buy a current Surface because the display was too small or for other hardware reasons. I'd bet that the vast majority of people who chose alternates to the Surface did so for reasons unrelated to the screen size, resolution, amount of storage, available ports, etc. If that's the case, making the hardware better won't really help the situation.

Bob

I think its pretty clear Microsoft is trying to sell this as a laptop not a tablet. Microsoft's own video has a tag line "the tablet that can replace your laptop". IIRC the Surface 1 & 2 were 10" screens and this is a 12" screen. I believe the device is a very capable, but I'm concerned that Microsoft's typically poor marketing will doom it.

I recently bought a new ultrabook, and opted for the Lenovo Yoga 2 Pro over the Sufrace 2, because I felt the screen size was going to be too small. Had this been available 3 months ago, I think I probably would have gone with the Surface 3, as it seems like a better laptop option, especially when traveling.

One of the things I've really liked about a tablet as a laptop replacement is that I can detach a keyboard. So I would likely find a way to hang the screen from the seatback, and use a USB keyboard on the tray table. For me, there just isn't enough room to use a laptop on those tiny trays.

Considering I didn't even know there was a 2 (I do remember the initial release hoopla), it needs to be really, really, really,.....good to succeed.

I think $800+ is too much, but that's just me.

If the $800 is for the i5 or i7 with at least 128GB SSD and 8GB RAM, it would be okay I think. But more likely it would be a i3, 4GB RAM and 64GB SSD. It is an $800 2lb ultrabook without the keyboard. Now if they will price the i7, 8GB, 512GB SSD with keyboard under $1000, it would be very attractive.

Heard there will still be a fan. Quieter but still a fan.

I thought they were going to intro an 8-inch tablet?

Maybe that's later in the year? They are rumored to be picking up the Tegra K1 for their ARM Surface, which would be the only realistic way of competing against iPads and Android tablets, price-wise at least.

Not sure why they announced the Intel Surface Pro 3 now, instead of later with Broadwell processors, which would improve battery life.

Yeah there is a fan.... re-invented

http://www.engadget.com/gallery/micr...!slide=2626785

The 12" form factor is actually quite nice, I use it in my Samsung Note Pro, but I don't see myself going to Windows 8 tablets ever again.

I currently travel with a Surface Pro along with either a Touch Cover or Power Cover depending on flight length. I also use it as a tablet at home with no cover. It's heavy for a tablet, but I don't mind all that much (usually used sitting in bed). That said, the only reason I went to the Surface Pro (atcually to an Asus T100 then to a Surface Pro) was because I was tired of traveling with an Android tablet AND a 12" Ultrabook. Now the Surface Pro is the only device I need for travel, and I overcome its battery shortcomings with the Power Cover for long flights. I would have stuck with the Asus T100 (no complaints other than cheap build quality) had the $400 Surface Pro deals not started appearing. I have no complaints about screen size, even when editing Powerpoint slides or light Excel/Word editing.

If I were looking for a new laptop (and weren't quite such a cheapskate), a $799 Surface Pro 3 would likely be right in my crosshairs. I really like only having to travel with one device, and this new Surface Pro 3 looks like a very solid laptop that can be used as a tablet as well. Now, the large size might have me picking up something like a Dell Venue 8 Pro for home use, but the Surface Pro 3 looks perfect for business travel. Even if it were exactly as designed but still a 10.6" screen, I'd still consider it near-perfect for business travel and likely an even better tablet than it is at 12".

This is the pricing structure that seems likely:

http://www.zdnet.com/surface-pro-3-pricing-7000029677/

A 13" rMBP is cheaper, though of course it doesn't include Office. If I was in the market for something at the i7, 8 GB, 512 GB SSD range, that's where I'd be looking or even some of other Windows laptops.

I am hearing it literally is quite the hot item, that is concerning if true.

I hope the damn power keyboard cover is backlit on this go-round. I'd like to think the extra capacity would more than compensate for the precious little draw illumination requires.

I like my Pro 2, but the trackpad is a joke. I think they are on the right track, as an elegant 12" unit could do quite well. I don't think the prices are bad at all for a premium build.

The pen needs to be smaller and have an internal silo. I wouldn't use mine that often but it would be nice. I don't need a Sharpie.

The issue with their power connection leaves much to be desired. Apple nailed it with magsafe and puts this one to shame.

Ouch $2K and it probably doesn't even include the keyboard cover... I guess I will keep using my Dell Venue 8 Pro which is under $200 AND included Office. :p