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I agree with Anandtech the Pro 3 is almost there, but not quite. The Surface Pro 1 sold me on the idea of an everything device. It had its limitations, but it w

by fumar 12y ago

I agree with Anandtech the Pro 3 is almost there, but not quite. The Surface Pro 1 sold me on the idea of an everything device. It had its limitations, but it worked as a laptop, desktop, and a tablet. Each scenario had its limits and the most limited one was the laptop perspective. As a tablet it worked great with movies, browsing the web, light gaming, etc. As a desktop it was powerful enough to run the adobe suite on an external monitor. But as a laptop the kickstand and keyboard were not ideal. The Surface Pro 3 removes some tablet usability and improves on the laptop experience. I am not sure if this is ideal. I recently upgraded from the Pro 1 to the Pro 3. I am having a hard time using the 12" screen as a tablet in bed and on the couch. Using the device with pen in hand is harder due to the larger screen real estate. Even using the Metro side of things is more cumbersome due to the larger screen. Tiles and settings on touch interface are too far apart now. After a few days, I have concluded that the Pro 1 was a better "tablet" with the ability to be a desktop and laptop. The Pro 3 is more of a laptop/tablet hybrid with a focus on laptop-ability. Even with all the new enhancements, I think I will return the device and purchase a Pro 2 instead. Edit: I used the Pro 1 as my main machine for almost a year. The pen was useful in photoshop/illustrator. I also used it for gaming; Fifa 2013, Civ 5, and some indie games.

bcoates 12y ago
The article makes it sound like there's no place at all to attach the pen on the Pro 3, is that true? I'm a heavy pen user w/ my Pro 1, that would be a dealbreaker for me.
- fumar 12y ago
  True. It comes with an attachable pen holder, but it is held on by glue. I do miss the pen's ability to attach to the Surface. The eraser nub is now a button on the pen. The top of the pen activates OneNote. The pen does feel more durable and better in hand. I would check it out in person.
  - RyJones 12y ago
    I kept losing the pen on my Surface Pro because I needed power more than the pen. Very annoying.
    - lstamour 12y ago
      Now that it doesn't attach there, I think you'll develop new habits to avoid losing it in the future. Happened to me too because the pen was tiny, black and ... less useful.
      - RyJones 12y ago
        Yeah, I bought an aftermarket pen and promptly list it, too.
- dworin 12y ago
  I clip mine onto the cover, the same way I used to clip regular pens onto the cover of my notebooks.
- lstamour 12y ago
  You can "attach" the pen magnetically to two positions on the surface device itself, including the power area where you're used to, and magnetically to the power bar also, iirc. Plus a loop for the keyboard if you buy one. Personally, I used the Universal 13" Snugg case I also got at the Microsoft Store and was very happy putting the pen in with the power adapter.

by fumar 12y ago

bcoates 12y ago

The article makes it sound like there's no place at all to attach the pen on the Pro 3, is that true? I'm a heavy pen user w/ my Pro 1, that would be a dealbreaker for me.

fumar 12y ago
True. It comes with an attachable pen holder, but it is held on by glue. I do miss the pen's ability to attach to the Surface. The eraser nub is now a button on the pen. The top of the pen activates OneNote. The pen does feel more durable and better in hand. I would check it out in person.
- RyJones 12y ago
  I kept losing the pen on my Surface Pro because I needed power more than the pen. Very annoying.
  - lstamour 12y ago
    Now that it doesn't attach there, I think you'll develop new habits to avoid losing it in the future. Happened to me too because the pen was tiny, black and ... less useful.
    - RyJones 12y ago
      Yeah, I bought an aftermarket pen and promptly list it, too.
dworin 12y ago
I clip mine onto the cover, the same way I used to clip regular pens onto the cover of my notebooks.
lstamour 12y ago
You can "attach" the pen magnetically to two positions on the surface device itself, including the power area where you're used to, and magnetically to the power bar also, iirc. Plus a loop for the keyboard if you buy one. Personally, I used the Universal 13" Snugg case I also got at the Microsoft Store and was very happy putting the pen in with the power adapter.