4 ms·

I assume he means something like the Surface Pro? I don't think we'll see anything like that from Apple until the weight issues are resolved. The MS Surface Pro

by jsz0 14y ago

I assume he means something like the Surface Pro? I don't think we'll see anything like that from Apple until the weight issues are resolved. The MS Surface Pro is 2 pounds. The original iPad at 1.5 pounds was pushing the limits of what most people found acceptable for a device you might hold for a long period of time. Even the small weight difference between the 2nd and 3rd generation iPads is noticeable. Now add more than half a pound to that weight and you're holding a boat anchor. Microsoft seems to think that perhaps a device like the Surface Pro is a better value than two separate devices. I can't see how that would be true. You end up with half a laptop and a tablet too heavy to actually use as a tablet. Two devices cost more but are actually a better value because they can both be very good devices.

frugalfirbolg 14y ago
Hmm, I use a Lenovo X220 convertible as a tablet for extended periods with little fatigue. It weighs 3.88 lbs. I've also used the IBM T60 tablet. I'll admit that the iPad's lightness is a nice feature, but not a necessity. Also, I am not a power lifter, and for comparison my little sister has also used these form factors and carries a 17" MacBook Pro at 6.66 lbs. My point is that for some people this is a viable form factor. My primary concern about the Surface Pro is cooling since it doesn't appear to have fans and the last batch of Ivy Bridge CPUs were using some questionable heat compound between the die and outer casing. I also wonder if it will be capable of delivering reasonable performance with applications such as Photoshop or run a WAMP server and IDE at the same time.
- astrodust 14y ago
  Microsoft's track record with cooling is far from flawless if the gigantically expensive Xbox 360 recall is any indication. I really wonder if they can tame the heat problem in the device using current-spec chips, or they're going to stall until Intel's 2013 chips hit and they have more margin.

by jsz0 14y ago

frugalfirbolg 14y ago

Hmm, I use a Lenovo X220 convertible as a tablet for extended periods with little fatigue. It weighs 3.88 lbs. I've also used the IBM T60 tablet. I'll admit that the iPad's lightness is a nice feature, but not a necessity. Also, I am not a power lifter, and for comparison my little sister has also used these form factors and carries a 17" MacBook Pro at 6.66 lbs. My point is that for some people this is a viable form factor. My primary concern about the Surface Pro is cooling since it doesn't appear to have fans and the last batch of Ivy Bridge CPUs were using some questionable heat compound between the die and outer casing. I also wonder if it will be capable of delivering reasonable performance with applications such as Photoshop or run a WAMP server and IDE at the same time.

astrodust 14y ago
Microsoft's track record with cooling is far from flawless if the gigantically expensive Xbox 360 recall is any indication. I really wonder if they can tame the heat problem in the device using current-spec chips, or they're going to stall until Intel's 2013 chips hit and they have more margin.