16 ms·

Announcing the Surface 3

368 points by JoelSutherland 12y ago

ykl 12y ago
Wow, at that price point and feature set, I think Microsoft finally has something that can plausibly be considered an iPad-killer.
- lostgame 12y ago
  When I can actually download an MP3 from my browser and open it on my iPad I'll consider using it as an actual thing again. Until then? It's not a computer. This is.
  - freehunter 12y ago
    Kind of off topic, but related: I recently bought an audio book from Humble Bundle and have been trying to figure out how to put it on my iPhone.I don't listen to audio books at home, only in the car or while I'm walking. Anyone know how to easily download an audiobook from Humble Bundle and put it on an iPhone to listen to later?
    - vanderZwan 12y ago
      I don't have an iPad, but perhaps you could download it on your laptop in a Dropbox folder (or a similar service), and then open it in the Dropbox app using something like VLC? That's how I use my Android tablet, at least.
      - HCIdivision17 12y ago
        I had tried that in the past, and it didn't quite work well. I'd bet that it's been updated to integrate better, though. Could be a pretty good solution if you're used to using Dropbox.
    - stonemetal 12y ago
      If I am not mistaken what they give you is a huge MP3. You need to download it, import it to iTunes, and put it on your phone just like you would any other MP3.
      - semi-extrinsic 12y ago
        Wouldn't it just be magical if you could download any file to your phone without needing a computer? Because that's what my $180 (without a contract) Moto G allows me to do.
    - wlesieutre 12y ago
      The "easy" thing to do is to download it to your computer and sync it through iTunes. As far as 3rd party audiobook player solutions, no idea. Maybe there's one that can download it, or maybe they're all tied in to their own audiobook stores. That seems to be the trend these days :(
    - TheDong 12y ago
      No it's not related. HN is not your tech support forum. Especially not for trivially google-able issues.
      - freehunter 12y ago
        It's not trivial. They give me 50 mp3s in a zip folder. The guy was talking about troubles downloading an mp3 to an iOS device. Please, feel free to send me a LMGTFY that has a result showing how to open a zip file of mp3s on an iOS device without having iTunes on a desktop.
        tinco 12y ago
        http://lmgtfy.com/?q=extract+zip+files+on+ipad&l=1 http://lmgtfy.com/?q=extract+zip+files+on+ipad&l=1 http://lmgtfy.com/?q=play+mp3+on+ipad+without+itunes&l=1 http://lmgtfy.com/?q=play+mp3+on+ipad+without+itunes&l=1 Please consider not posting on HN in the future.
        TheDong 12y ago
        "without itunes" is a pointless constraint that the parent did not have. Searching "transfer mp3 to iphone" will give you hundreds of results telling you how to install iTunes and transfer the mp3s.
        M4v3R 12y ago
        As I've said above - you can upload the file to iOS device using GoodReader, and it can extract the zip archive as well.
      - HCIdivision17 12y ago
        You'd think it was trivial, but it's shockingly hard to do without using iTunes. For a person who frequents HN, that's extremely unintuitive. And iTunes is terrible, so that solution is out. It took me forever to realize that just because I can kinda-sorta interact with my iPhone as a storage device doesn't mean that it's even remotely going to actually behave as one. The whole process is infuriating if you go in expecting it to be simple (which, given it's an iPhone, one might reasonably expect). Try to find an obvious way to put an mp3 on an iPhone without some odd middleware software; some of the software looks sketchy - and/or has a cost, and a many suggestions are to just use Google Play or Amazon Music. I also like the Winamp plugin from 2010, as well. That sort of list is pretty much the opposite of trivial. I mean, if it was drag-and-drop, sure, but this that ain't. Personally? I ended up just uploading my music to Amazon and use their app. It's less infuriating than the Music app on the stock iPhone.
    - artmageddon 12y ago
      Most of the ways I can think of pretty much involve iTunes for syncing the audiobook to your device. It's the one thing I can't stand about being an iDevice user. Another way to do it though might be to upload it to DropBox, open it from there, then maybe try to save it in your phone somehow?
    - nevi-me 12y ago
      There's Android for that* * [I know I'm not being helpful, but I couldn't resist. Haven't tried doing that on my iPhone when I had one, but pretty easy to move stuff around on Android or other OS'es]
      - lostgame 12y ago
        Yeah. Let me know when GarageBand runs on an Android and I'll buy one in half a second. I require that app to compose on the go and open my projects in Logic Pro afterwards. It's absolutely the most critical part of my workflow. Composing on the subway, to open files later in Logic and make them into full-blown musical pieces? It's literally what sold me on the platform. Oh. Wait. GarageBand is, and always will be, iOS/Mac OS only. Guess I can't use Android. But then, as a musician, what breaks my workflow more than not being able to simply download MP3's onto my device? It makes me want to bang my head against a wall.
    - M4v3R 12y ago
      As others said - canonical way is to use iTunes. Another way is to use app like GoodReader, which has a file system of its own, you can create folders, and you can download files from websites/URLs to them. GoodReader can not only store and organize your files, but it also opens all the popular formats in the app (PDFs, images, MP3s, etc.).
      - deleted 12y ago
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      - walterbell 12y ago
        GoodReader can also sync files via an iOS web server, and open-standard SSH (sftp) and WebDAV, not just the usual cloud storage vendors.
    - motdiem 12y ago
      I download those to dropbox, then either sync them in the dropbox app, or use an app like goodreader or eddy (there are others), which can play from a dropbox folder
    - imaginenore 12y ago
      CopyTrans Manager (free)
- drivingmenuts 12y ago
  I don't know about iPad-killer, but finally something worth checking out.
  - moosey 12y ago
    Agreed. I don't think will have a iAnything killer until other companies step up their marketing in a big way. Apple is a marketing behemoth.
- TelmoMenezes 12y ago
  What's the difference between a "price point" and a "price"?
- zghst 12y ago
  The iPad is a lifestyle device, whereas the Surface is a productivity device. The iPad Air 2 is deathly thin and a bit lighter. It is also much much more simpler, has many more (interesting) applications tailored just iPad, where as using the Surface as a tablet is more iffy (ms's app store is filled with garbage and tons of rip offs and clones). When it comes to consumer purchases, play always wins over work. It's Microsoft's job to market this tablet to the masses, so the productivity angle is not very persuasive.
- higherpurpose 12y ago
  Really? You don't think it's overpriced?
mg1982 12y ago
Bet the optional* keyboard costs like $300 now, though. *not really optional
- sz4kerto 12y ago
  You'd lose the bet. Keyboard is $129, docking station is $199, pen is $49.
  - mg1982 12y ago
    You got me there. My point, as you no doubt know, was that they're advertising a low headline price and then jacking it up with 'optional' extras that provide core functionality.
    - dman 12y ago
      The competition (ipad / android tablets) doesnt come with keyboard either.
      - mitchell209 12y ago
        But iPads and Android tablets don't have a UI that practically requires the precision of a trackpad. Obviously you don't have to use the Desktop on your Surface 3, but Microsoft is clearly pushing that as a core feature.
        chton 12y ago
        I can't speak for the Surface 3, but I have owned a Surface Pro 3 for a good while now. I _never_ use the trackpad. Browsing, office, even doing software development can all easily be done using finger and pen (for when you need finer control). I've gone so far as to check if there is a Type Cover for it that doesn't have the trackpad, but uses the space for something else. I know it's the popular thing to say that Windows 8 isn't fit for touch devices, but it's outdated and usually only reiterated by people who don't have any proper experience doing it.
        12y ago
orf 12y ago
Looks interesting until I see that it's $499 in the US and $945 (£639) in the UK. Why! Edit: Was looking at the Surface Pro 3, the standard Surface is only ~$620. Not too bad I guess.
- sz4kerto 12y ago
  £419, not £639. That's $619 -- reasonable considering that the UK price contains VAT and there's some cost of repatriating the profit for MS.
- atwebb 12y ago
  Where are you seeing $499 US? EDIT: Sorry, I get it now, this is the non-Pro version. I'd gone right to Amazon from a link here and it gave me the Surface 2 vs the Pro 3
- MCRed 12y ago
  The UK charges taxes at all different levels of industry. This causes imported products to be more expensive. Happens to the products in the USA too, but the overall tax rate is lower.
  - Someone1234 12y ago
    Plus in the UK taxes (VAT) is included in the headline price, whereas in the US taxes are shown during checkout (although, yes, US tax is typically around 5%, as opposed to the UK's 20%). I did a quick calculation and it seems like the UK is "only" being overcharged by $21/£15 when you take into account VAT. Which may exist due to exchange rate shifting and the additional regulatory costs perhaps. PS - An extra 15% sales tax for free healthcare is a good trade if you ask me. But each to their own. :)
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- edvinbesic 12y ago
  Those are comparing the Surface 2 to the Surface Pro 3, the announcement is for the Surface 3, sans Pro.
- freehunter 12y ago
  I'm not seeing Surface 3 specs on that page, just Surface 2 and Surface 3 Pro.
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- freehunter 12y ago
  Amazon is probably talking about the Surface 2, not the Surface 3.
- edvinbesic 12y ago
  I don't think the comparison the the iPad really does the Surface any justice. The iPad was built specifically as a media consumption device - couch surfing, movies on an airplane etc. This was, at the time, what the hardware allowed for. You could argue that hardware has caught up and the iPad is looking a little stale right now, and I wouldn't disagree, but its more of a Zune device rather then a Laptop. I'm sure we'll see a convergence in the next couple of years in both Apple and Google camps.
artmageddon 12y ago
I'm definitely going to keep my eye on this. My iPad 3(30-pin connector) is still going strong for me, but I'm highly considering this when it's released. The fact that it'll run Windows 10 is definitely exciting too, though I wonder if it will get bogged down upon the arrival of Windows 10 as certain iOS devices have for certain iOS releases. Glad to see Microsoft is making strides in this space.
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kyllo 12y ago
Does it overheat? Does it have a fan? Overheating and fan noise are a couple of the biggest complaints I heard about the Surface Pro 3.
- sz4kerto 12y ago
  Probably not/no, it doesn't. It has an Atom X7 with 2W SDP, while the least powerful Surface Pro 3 has 6W SDP, the i5 and i7 versions are somewhere closer to 10W.
  - slantyyz 12y ago
    When my Atom-based Vivotab Note runs at 100% CPU, it feels mildly warm. Which is nothing compared to when my Surface Pro 1 gets hot.
- Ravengenocide 12y ago
  >> It also doesn’t require a fan for cooling, which allows the device to be thinner and quieter. Seems like it doesn't have a fan, but until someone actually tests the device there is no real way to know if it will overheat or not.
  - alandarev 12y ago
    There is. Worst case is 100% conversion of maximum power consumption to the heat. With 2W processor, you can safely assume overheating will not be an issue. Other question would be whether processor is powerful enough to handle Windows 10 desktop applications (I am not talking about games, but even Skype is CPU hungry nowadays)
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wz1000 12y ago
Does anybody have experience of running Linux on previous Surface devices?
- wlesieutre 12y ago
  Haven't tried it myself, but check out http://www.reddit.com/r/surfacelinux http://www.reddit.com/r/surfacelinux
- 3pt14159 12y ago
  I'm interested in this question too. I set my girlfriend up with the Surface Pro 3, and besides it being awkward on her lap (ironically, the Surface needs a surface), I think its an amazing machine, especially for the price. It isn't quite Apple level with the hardware design, but it's close and it feels like Windows 8 was designed for it. My worry is that Ubuntu wouldn't really work with the touch screen. Edit: I should mention, she got the i5 1.9 GHz and mostly uses it for work (Excel / Outlook) and video (Skype / Netflix). No fan issues.
  - sz4kerto 12y ago
    Well, her use case is exactly where this Surface would work well (and maybe a Pro is a bit of an overkill).
    - 3pt14159 12y ago
      Eh, I figured the money was worth it since she wanted to do HDMI to a pretty decent projector. Plus, her last laptop lasted her 5 years and I figured a Surface Pro would too.
- rehemiau 12y ago
  https://jaxbot.me/articles/linux-on-surface-pro-2-through-vmware https://jaxbot.me/articles/linux-on-surface-pro-2-through-vm...
- Someone1234 12y ago
  I'm not saying don't do it. I am just suggesting that you may have a better user experience buying something more traditional like a Macbook Air. I suggest this for one simple reason: Many of the Surface's features are ultimately software/driver driven. For example, the keyboard, the pen (both halfs), even much of the touch interaction, and on screen keyboard. So unless you have really incredible driver support, the Surface is going to just be obnoxious to try and use. You might wind up with a USB keyboard/mouse plugged in most of the time. Can it be done? Maybe. Should it? Depends how much you like pain.
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Someone1234 12y ago
I own a Surface Pro 3, and when I first got it I'd describe the experience as just mediocre. However Microsoft has been aggressively updating the software as has Intel, and as a result of those effects the SP3 has really stepped up and is now quite a good little tablet/ultrabook combo. I only have two remaining concerns with the SP3: My i5 version continues to get extremely hot near the middle of the device (e.g. when gaming or using a lot of CPU, like BitTorrent). Worryingly hot in fact. And the Magsafe like connector fails right near the magnet (the wire un-twirls), see Amazon's reviews of the power supply for examples and photos. I think this new 10.1" could be interesting form-factor for this device and a top end Atom CPU really distinguishes it from the SP3. The naming is getting a little confusing, I checked the posting date to make sure this wasn't an old announcement for the SP3. Surface 3, Surface Pro 3, Surface 2 RT, uhh... PS - Does anyone else keep seeing a completely white screen when visiting Microsoft's web-sites. It goes completely white for like 5 seconds and only then does any content load. I am using Chrome retail latest.
- Throwaway1224 12y ago
  I'm confused... You say you own "a Surface Pro 3" but MSFT is only just announcing "the Surface Pro 3". Some other people are saying they own a Surface Pro 3. How can this be? It's too early in the morning for this...
- SmellyGeekBoy 12y ago
  > PS - Does anyone else keep seeing a completely white screen when visiting Microsoft's web-sites. It goes completely white for like 5 seconds and only then does any content load. I am using Chrome retail latest. Yes, this has been happening to me as well for the past week or so. Also on Chrome latest.
- danieldk 12y ago
  Surface 3, Surface Pro 3, Surface 2 RT, uhh... Well, at least it is better than before, when people bought a Surface tablet expecting it to run regular x86 desktop applications, because Windows. Having nearly the same name (Surface RT vs. Surface Pro) didn't really help.
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- untog 12y ago
  "I already have an iPhone, and iPad and a Macbook Pro. Why would I want this?" Er, I'm guessing you wouldn't, if your current setup works for you. But it could potentially replace the iPad that you rarely use and the Macbook that you do. If I was in the market for a new laptop I'd strongly consider a Surface 3 Pro with a docking station - perfect for when I'm sat at my desk with a monitor (what I do with my Macbook anyway) and a lot more portable when I'm not. I agree with you about Windows, to an extent - as a developer I just find the environment lacking. But for the vast, vast majority of people running full Windows is a benefit, not a drawback.
  - deleted 12y ago
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    - untog 12y ago
      For an iPhone? Of course not. For a Macbook? Sure it is. Sure, so you don't like Windows, but for most people it's fine.
  - dublinben 12y ago
    >it could potentially replace the iPad that you rarely use and the Macbook that you do. Isn't the takeaway that this device can't actually replace someone's primary computer, even if could replace their seldom used tablet?
- sz4kerto 12y ago
  > it runs windows, and I have no interest in that Then it's definitely not your device. It's main point is that it runs full Windows. If I were using Macbook + iPhone, I would not think at all about buying this. It's probably more interesting for people like me who want to work on Windows and/or Linux, but definitely nothing from Apple. :) (I have no problem with the company or the products in general, just they don't fit me at the slightest, while Windows on desktop and Linux on the server is just exactly what I need.) It is also interesting for people who need a full computer but who don't need a lot of computing power. I find pen input indispensable nowadays, so a Galaxy Note + a Surface is just the ideal tool (if you have a compile server, but I do).
arenaninja 12y ago
This comes as a complete surprise to me. I had no idea it was coming out, and I've been generally excited about progress on the Surface. I wonder if Mike Krahulik will be doing another write up, since his review of the Surface Pro 3 was immensely thorough. Can't wait to see it at stores, I think I'll jump in on this one. EDIT: I also hope they have a video showing Windows 10 on this Surface
vinceyuan 12y ago
As a iPhone/iPad/MacBook user, I think Surface 3 looks good. R.I.P. Surface RT.
geerlingguy 12y ago
Actual product page: http://www.microsoft.com/surface/en-us/products/surface-3 http://www.microsoft.com/surface/en-us/products/surface-3 And buy now page with tech specs: http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/en_US/pdp/productID.314885500#buy-product http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/en_US/pdp/productI... Looks like $499 for 64GB storage and 2GB RAM, $599 for 128GB storage and 4GB of RAM (WiFi models; 4G LTE model pricing wasn't showing for me).
- venomsnake 12y ago
  MS have really low bar for high end laptop. 16G at least of ram or go away ... Edit: It was about 3 pro ... ignore.
- Someone1234 12y ago
  That 2 GB, 64 GB model just looks painful to use. I've seen a lot of Windows installs use up more than 64 GB, in particular as WinSXS grows as more updates are installed (thus more duplicate DLLs are stored). If anyone asked me, I'd describe 128 GB as the "minimum" storage needed for Windows. And even then you aren't storing much if any user data on it. 4 GB is the minimum I'd run anything newer than Windows XP on. The SSD's speed might be able to "save" the 2 GB from being completely unusable, but it is still going to be damn slow with the amount of paging that's going to occur. Honestly, I get that Microsoft wants to hit that magical $500 figure, but that device is going to give a really poor use experience in my opinion.
  - Vexs 12y ago
    I really can't even use a computer that's less than 4 gb these days, especially once chrome gets it's grubby hands all over my RAM. Just running baseline I find that most windows systems take up about two GB of RAM, and after you load up chrome, word, whatever; it hits the 4GB+ range. I mean, we're starting to see phones with 2GB of ram, it's completely unacceptable for a modern tablet.
    - dman 12y ago
      How much RAM does the Ipad have?
noteloop 12y ago
Looks like this is the first 14nm Cherry Trail device with its fanless Quad-core Intel Atom x7-Z8700 processor. Hopefully it will be a great CPU for HTPC use.
- slantyyz 12y ago
  I'm pretty sure the last generation was good enough for HTPC use, so this one should be better. Probably not good enough for real-world 4k, but up to 1080p, yes.
awalGarg 12y ago
+1 for lowering the price alone. Even though I don't like Windows much, I think Surface is quite a nice device for a lot of people.
lmnm 12y ago
Granted this is anecdotal, but using a colleagues surface pro 2 recently was a frustrating experience. Keyboard had horrible response time and the device itself had a lag of a few seconds. Couldn't see myself using one anytime soon. That being said, I'll give the Surface 3 a test drive as I don't want to write off a new product based on the failings of its older siblings.
- huxley 12y ago
  I've got a Surface Pro 2 which I use like an appliance (in my case, a mobile drawing tablet), it works well except for the alleged trackpad on the keyboard which is the absolute worst thing about it. Even the key travel I can live with, but the trackpad is awful.
- slantyyz 12y ago
  I've got a Surface Pro 1 and I don't notice that. I do notice that the Surface Pro's performance can suck if you don't have the right settings in Windows Power Options, but that's not unique to the Surface. I had the same experience with my quad-core i7 laptop out of the box, and it was fixed by increasing the minimum CPU speed in the Power Options control panel.
sixothree 12y ago
I hate to say it but I'm dreading whatever awful television commercials they'll start putting out. They really do make it embarrassing to own a Surface Pro 3.
- Someone1234 12y ago
  I don't know about you but all I do all day is constantly click the keyboard on and off, and open/close the kick stand... Just over and over again, like I am a QA robot... But seriously, Microsoft has some of the worst advertising period. I cannot think of a major company which is worse than Microsoft at advertising in general.
  - dv35z 12y ago
    Are there any more cringe-worthy than Songsmith? - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oGFogwcx-E https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oGFogwcx-E
    - hansjorg 12y ago
      Maybe I'm getting old, but that wasn't as cringey as I remember it. And the program actually seems pretty cool and hi-tech. Crank up the jazz-slider!
  - a8da6b0c91d 12y ago
    I thought those Seinfeld and Bill Gates ads were great.
  - bloaf 12y ago
    They can do it right when they want to. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3ZGGIdpfEM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3ZGGIdpfEM
- bduerst 12y ago
  The "I am the best"[1] SP3 commercials were still better than the cringey Surface 2 commercials [2], IMO. [1] https://youtu.be/1jP4O7rEHQ8 https://youtu.be/1jP4O7rEHQ8 [2] http://www.ispot.tv/ad/75ZE/microsoft-surface-2-teacher http://www.ispot.tv/ad/75ZE/microsoft-surface-2-teacher
mikelat 12y ago
I was honestly hoping they'd give up on the whole touchscreen + mouse/keyboard interface integration, this announcement pretty much confirms they're in it for the long haul. Both inputs are vastly different so their UIs are full of compromises and over-sized controls.
- cududa 12y ago
  ...But Windows 10 pretty completely addresses that.
  - zghst 12y ago
    Not fully, It is still full of massive compromises. Tablet mode is still broken and confusing and there's only two more months until it ships!
- BinaryIdiot 12y ago
  Have you tried Windows 8.1 on a touch screen (especially a tablet)? I find Windows 8.1 awkward to use on a desktop or non-touchscreen computer but for a touchscreen? I absolutely LOVE the interface for launching applications. I'm actually kind of sad it's all going away in favor of something closer to the desktop in Windows 10; I would have liked the Windows 8.1 style to stay when in a touchscreen or tablet mode.
  - ehaughee 12y ago
    My understanding is that tablet devices will have some defaults to keep them closer to 8.1 than the desktop-friendly changes made for Win10. I am currently running Win10 and can confirm you are able to set the default behavior of the start menu to the 8.1 screen or Win7 menu behavior. Not sure if that addresses all of your concerns but it does seem like Microsoft understands at least some people enjoyed the start screen.
    - BinaryIdiot 12y ago
      Ah that's good; I installed and tried out Windows 10 a few weeks ago on my tablet / convertible and I didn't see any way to bring a Windows 8.1 like menu back only the Windows 10 start menu. I'll have to look into it, thanks!
jonknee 12y ago
In the video, having the price starting at $799 and then dropping down to $499 was clever. Seems like a great deal.
melling 12y ago
Wish they could have gone with the new USB standard. These form factors would really benefit from it. http://www.anandtech.com/show/8377/usb-typec-connector-specifications-finalized http://www.anandtech.com/show/8377/usb-typec-connector-speci...
- yAak 12y ago
  I agree, if only because I want adoption of that new connector type to spread quickly. But given that it only has one USB port, I'm not surprised that Microsoft chose not to ship something that would basically require an adapter. I imagine they are shaving pennies to keep cost down without giving up quality, but I wonder what the added cost would be to have two USB ports? (And how much extra the new USB parts would cost?)
  - joshuapants 12y ago
    Perhaps space was more of a concern than cost?
  - Someone 12y ago
    I would think having two USB-C connectors poses a problem. If you allow charging over only one of the connectors, customers will find that highly confusing. If you allow charging the device over both, you have to be prepared for the case where people plug in two power sources (yes, some users will do that, if you give them half a chance). I think your best bet would be to go for #2. I think that requires software (or maybe hardware) that reliably handles the 'two power sources' problem. I wouldn't run that on the main OS and CPU, so you need something else, maybe a single chip that drives two USB type C connectors. I guess those may not yet exist. (That's quite loose thinking, so it may be hugely incorrect. Educate me)
    - CamperBob2 12y ago
      It wouldn't be much of a challenge at all to support two power sources, or at least to keep them from doing any harm. Couple of diode-connected MOSFETs, maybe a penny each at the scales we're talking about.
forgotAgain 12y ago
It's just sleazy that all of their advertising is centered on how the keyboard differentiates the device from other tablets and then the keyboard isn't included in the base price.
- Someone1234 12y ago
  I strongly agree with this. The keyboard is great. Having a choice of keyboards is also great. However Microsoft makes the keyboard a core part of this device (both literally, and in adverts) so to me there should be no scenario where it doesn't ship with one. They should just set the price at $599 and include the keyboard. At least it is an "out the door" price then, not $500 with a hidden $100 tack-on.
  - joshuapants 12y ago
    I believe the idea behind not including it is that you can choose the color of your keyboard without them having to anticipate demand for certain colors and package them together. I don't think that's a very good rationalization (just give them an option for keyboard color and ship a second box!), however.
    - seunosewa 12y ago
      Nobody needs colored keyboards. The keyboard color should just match the device it's made for.
      - joshuapants 12y ago
        I'm kind of dumbfounded by this. People like personalized goods, this is no different from picking a colored iPad case or wanting your car in some color other than Ford Black.
      - vacri 12y ago
        Nobody needs colored keyboards. You can make this argument all the way down to basic sustenance, healthcare, and shelter. No-one needs more than those things.
Aissen 12y ago
So Windows RT is dead ? I'd say good riddance, it was just too closed. I remember having a family friend buying one of those devices and trying to install Chrome on it. Well, no luck, WinRT's closed policies won't allow that (and it's not a technical issue.). But their store policies will still allow fake "Chrome" apps packaging an IE webview.
- cwyers 12y ago
  Windows RT is deader than dead; they're the only thing Microsoft makes that isn't getting Windows 10. Lumias that AT&T sell for $50 off contract? Windows 10. Xbox One? Windows 10. Okay, I guess they still sell the 360 and it's not getting Windows 10. Everything else? Windows 10. But not Windows RT. (Windows 10 Mobile will be allowed onto tablets, but not ones above a certain screen size, so RT isn't able to get that, either.)
  - Aissen 12y ago
    Wondering if it's not a rebranding: with Windows 10 running on raspberry pi, what's the catch ? Are they simply abandoning the 9+inch tablet ARM devices?
    - cwyers 12y ago
      Microsoft has cut down to basically three versions of Windows that they admit to: * Windows 10 IoT, which runs x86 and ARM, and is the one that runs on the Raspberry Pi. * Windows 10 Mobile, which replaces Windows Phone 8, and I believe is also x86 and ARM, for devices under a certain screen size. No desktop, runs the Windows Universal versions of Office. * Windows 10, which replaces Windows 8 for desktop, and runs only on x86. Has a desktop and runs both versions of Office, desktop and Universal. RT slotted between Mobile and the full Windows -- it had a desktop, but only for a special ARM version of Office. Now there's a version of Office for Windows Universal, and so you can run Office without the desktop. Thus, the version of Windows with a desktop that can't run any non-Office desktop apps is geting killed. You can either get Windows 10 Mobile without desktop, or full Windows.
- 12y ago
Sealy 12y ago
Does anyone else see the glaring difference between how Microsoft markets its products VS how Apple markets their products? Microsoft: List 101 features. Tell everyone how amazing each new feature is. Remind everyone that there is a huge array of features. List them out again. Apple: Take a nice photo. Done.
- kelukelugames 12y ago
  This is because Apple's core marketing principle is to "impute". Microsoft's is called "".
- symmetricsaurus 12y ago
  Main points from http://www.apple.com/macbook/ http://www.apple.com/macbook/: * Dimensions * Keyboard size * Screen resolution * Trackpad features * Wireless capabilities * No fan * Battery design and battery life * Operating system * Apps ... Seems like a bunch of features to me. Can't view Apple's videos since I don't have Quicktime, so I can't compare there. Edit: Apple's page is prettier than Microsoft's.
  - Sealy 12y ago
    Fair point. What I wanted to get across is that when Apple releases a new product, I see the picture, and I just want it. When Microsoft releases a product, it seems like their marketing department just wants to hammer a list of features into my head which just results in me not wanting anything. Any marketer want to give their two cents?
  - throwawaymsft 12y ago
    Apple avoids specs in ads. The closest is doing things like pulling a laptop from a manila envelope: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLrW5SKusn0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLrW5SKusn0 Which, at the time, was revolutionary. Or "1000 songs in your pocket" (not 4GB in your pocket).
- throwawaymsft 12y ago
  Yep. Apple built up a reputation (over a decade) for creating high-quality products. You don't need to know the internals. The Microsoft ecosystem didn't do this, to put it mildly. Which spyware/adware/bloatware is coming along with your PC purchase? Which plasticky parts? Which underpowered CPU? Which horrible battery life? People see a Christopher Nolan movie just because he's involved. Interstellar didn't need a typical Michael-Bay style trailer to entice people to go. It's all about the expectations people have going in. When you don't trust the chef, you want to see all the ingredients.
raindrop777 12y ago
Does anyone know if the 256GB SSD is user upgradable to 512GB. The price difference looks too much?
- freehunter 12y ago
  Assuming it's similar to the rest of the Surface line (which seems a safe bet), the answer would be no but you can expand the storage with an SD card.
- dagw 12y ago
  Short answer: No. Long answer: The Surface 3 Pro had an SSD that could in theory be upgraded, but it required some serious disassembling to pop the display off, and even the ifixit guys couldn't pull it off without breaking at least one screen. https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Microsoft+Surface+Pro+3+Teardown/26595 https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Microsoft+Surface+Pro+3+Tear...
- JBiserkov 12y ago
  User replaceable? No. Brave hacker replaceable? Hell YES! http://liliputing.com/2015/03/upgrade-a-surface-pro-3-with-a-power-drill.html http://liliputing.com/2015/03/upgrade-a-surface-pro-3-with-a... http://surfacepro3ssdupgrade.blogspot.mx/2015/02/surface-pro-3-ssd-upgrade-i7-with-1-tb.html http://surfacepro3ssdupgrade.blogspot.mx/2015/02/surface-pro...
Sealy 12y ago
Does anyone else see the glaring difference between how Microsoft markets its products VS how Apple markets their products? Microsoft: List 101 features. Tell everyone how amazing each new feature is. Remind everyone that there is a huge array of features. List them out again. Apple: Take a nice photo. Done.
martijn_himself 12y ago
I wonder if the Atom x7 SoC combined with 4GB of memory can do a reasonable enough job at running Visual Studio 2013/2015 on the move. I expect it is a bit too much to ask.
- freehunter 12y ago
  I've run it on a dual-core Atom 1.6Ghz with 2GB of RAM on an old Thinkpad Tablet 2. It wasn't fast, but it ran. A quad-core Atom with 2GB of RAM can run Skyrim, so I would guess it would handle Visual Studio okay as long as you're not using it to compile a project the size of Windows Vista.
  - martijn_himself 12y ago
    I've pretty much decided on getting one (the 4GB RAM version) if it gets positive reviews. The work I do in Visual Studio is fairly limited- not nearly the size you are alluding to- and I'm pretty heavy OneNote user which I am pretty stoked about to try out with the optional pen. If I could play the odd indie game on it that's even better.
arikrak 12y ago
I'm waiting for PennyArcade to write a post about using this tablet for drawing...
- wlesieutre 12y ago
  Photoshop is not a program I'd want to run on an Atom x7. It's not an in-order architecture anymore, but it's still not fast.
reustle 12y ago
I would buy this exact device running Ubuntu in a heartbeat.
seanmcdirmid 12y ago
With the stylus, this would make a great sketching, note taking device. I think that is the killer app here.
nabaraz 12y ago
Why the heck would they only have 2GB Ram? I know they are trying to achieve that sweet < $500 price range but they could have just externalize the RAM modules than just soldering directly to the motherboard.
- IanDrake 12y ago
  Because paging with an ssd is pretty fast and these machines aren't meant for memory intensive apps anyway.
pervycreeper 12y ago
With the Chromebook pixel having the same screen ratio, is 3:2 the new 4:3 ? Any context for this new trend?
emsy 12y ago
Slightly off-topic, but my wife needs a new PC with pen input (as she needs to draw a lot). Does anyone with an Atom tablet happen to know if this will work with Photoshop (it's the heaviest program she'll be using)? If not what are the alternatives? I heard the Lenovo Yoga 2 is better than the Surface Pro 3 but I'm terribly out of the topic since a while now.
- scienceoflife 12y ago
  I would suggest a touch screen that supports a professional drawing stylus. There are styluses that can do more features. http://www.sensubrush.com/ http://www.sensubrush.com/
  - seanmcdirmid 12y ago
    Well, if you want to go pro, you would have to go with a Wacom Cintiq.
    - emsy 12y ago
      That's where we're coming from. She was using my Wacom Cintiq, but she's mainly comfortable working on the couch and she needs it for elaborate line drawings, rather than paintings (she works in education). The iPad just didn't work out because she's uses a special windows software for the whiteboards. So a Win 8 tablet with a digitizer seems like the perfect match, I'm just uncertain which tablet to buy.
      - seanmcdirmid 12y ago
        Check out http://penny-arcade.com/news/post/2014/05/23/surface-pro-3 http://penny-arcade.com/news/post/2014/05/23/surface-pro-3, they've fixed many of the problems gabe pointed out (helps that Lynwood is near Redmond). I suggest trying one at a store somewhere. The 10" with an Ntrig might be a better bet because if it is more portable. Otherwise, not many win tablets still have styluses (especially the Wacom resistive kinds).
BinaryIdiot 12y ago
Overall this looks great but I wish they wouldn't have eschewed the kickstand from the Surface Pro 3; the kickstand on this thing only have 3 levels versus the amazing kickstand on the Surface Pro 3. Honestly that's a complete deal breaker for me (not that I was going to buy one anyway but if I was in the market I would not bother).
ChicagoDave 12y ago
I had an ASUS tablet a year ago (sold it to my brother who loves it). I do a lot of coffeehouse meetups with fellow entrepreneurs and one thing I loved about the ASUS was the pen and being able to draw pictures easily in OneNote. Having played with the Surface Pro 3 tablet at BestBuy a few times, it's a dream to use. I've wanted a Surface Pro 3, but the price is prohibitive and I already have a Yoga Pro 2 and a MacBook Pro. I don't really need a development laptop, but I want that OneNote pen-drawing capability to communicate. So the Surface 3 looks about right. I'd need the 4GB model with 128GB and with the SD slot you should be able to add more. And that pen. That pen is simply a dream to write with...and I want one. I just wish they'd make a better (metal) keyboard and include it in the price.
- higherpurpose 12y ago
  > Having played with the Surface Pro 3 tablet at BestBuy a few times, it's a dream to use > So the Surface 3 looks about right. You realize this has much lower performance, and most likely won't give you the same experience, right?
  - alsocasey 12y ago
    It should manage drawing in OneNote ok, though.
doczoidberg 12y ago
It is to expensive! Here you get the smallest SP3 Pro with i3 core for the same price tag. It has a bigger screen, more performance, double RAM and a better kickstand.
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robertwalsh0 12y ago
The type cover seems like a good thing in theory, but in practice feels very "tacked on." Especially in that you have to find a level surface (no pun intended) to rest the device on.
- TheTaO 12y ago
  That was the case for the old keyboard covers. The new ones are much better though.
- seanmcdirmid 12y ago
  You can actually prop it up on your lap; at least with the SP3. Still not good enough to satisfy my typing needs but not as bad as I feared.
serve_yay 12y ago
I think the way they are arranged is awkward. All the weight is where the screen is, instead of where the keyboard is. It's disorienting.
hcal 12y ago
"educational institutions like University of Phoenix"
thoughtsimple 12y ago
The Atom CPU in the Surface 3 doesn't seem competitive with the A8X in the iPad Air 2. Geekbench results: Uploaded Model Processor Frequency Cores Platform Single-Core Score Multi-Core Score Feb 21, 2015 Intel CHERRYVIEW Intel Atom x7-Z8700 1601 4 Windows 32-bit 984 3210 Feb 13, 2015 Intel CHERRYVIEW Intel Atom x7-Z8700 1601 4 Windows 64-bit 990 3451 Uploaded Model Processor Frequency Cores Platform Single-Core Score Multi-Core Score Jan 27, 2015 iPad Air 2 Apple A8X 1500 3 iOS 64-bit 1814 4665
fit2rule 12y ago
I'll buy one when Linux is a first-class OS on it, and not a moment before. I'd love to have sexy hardware from Microsoft, running Linux. I don't know why thats so hard for the marketing-peeps to comprehend .. make it first-class, and you've got something that might have a chance against the rMBP-using 'elite' ..
m0skit0 12y ago
Most important question is: can I install Linux on it? (Haters gonna downvote)
- Dylan16807 12y ago
  It's x86 so probably? Enjoy your downvotes for being antagonistic, though.
  - m0skit0 12y ago
    Yeah, I really had hard time sleeping because thinking of the downvotes... Linux supports any architecture, that doesn't matter. I'm asking if anyone has tried or knows about this: Is there a bootlock? What's the shipped BIOS? Question is legit, this is M$ we're talking about, not precisely known for its openness. And just for asking, I'm being downvoted and called "antagonistic". You fanbois are just hilarious. It's called "freedom of choice". Yes, that actually exist outside your little world where companies decide what you have to use. I prefer to make my own choices. I might like the hardware design (which is actually nice, and M$ usually makes nice and functional hardware) but I don't like Windows. Period. In fact, I'm not even surprised of your answer and the downvotes, didn't expect otherwise from M$ fanbois ;)
    - Dylan16807 12y ago
      Microsoft has a policy of no boot lock on x86, boot lock on arm. They are only anti-choice in certain situations. I'm astounded that you can take an issue where microsoft has done something you agree with and turn it into a persecution complex.
djloche 12y ago
I am looking forward to the Surface pro 4 announcement. edit: to clarify - I'd like to buy a surface pro, but it is a tough call knowing they have a yearly product release cycle.
chetangole 12y ago
No USB-C?
hobarrera 12y ago
In the spirit of slashdot: But does it run linux?
bitL 12y ago
Atom, 2GB RAM, Full HD for $499? No, thanks!
pckspcks 12y ago
Well, I'm not getting one for three reasons: 1. The laptop sometimes sits on my lap. The surface keyboard doesn't work as a laptop. 2. The resolution is a joke. 3. There is no sane pen storage. For a pen device, that's dumb. Thinkpads add a few mm, and have a hole you put it in which stores it securely. There's a move to move everything out of the device to make it small, but carrying around 50 gizmos is worse than one slightly bigger gizmo.
- Ezhik 12y ago
  1366x768 is a joke. 1920x1280 is actually a pretty nice resolution, even if not a very common one.
jason46 12y ago
Its stated this runs "full windows", wtf does that mean? Can it be joined to a domain?
- JBiserkov 12y ago
  "full Windows" means it's not the bastard child that was Windows RT Business users will get a Windows 8.1 Pro.
dejv_cz1 12y ago
I would like to see comparison of Surface 3 and new Macbook... at least Surface has more ports.
gcb0 12y ago
is there any non-marketing comparison to the pro version? i'm scrolling up and down that page and i can't even answer if it is the same as pro3 with the crippled OS.
- gcb0 12y ago
  smaller screen. crappy cpu. two smallish storage options. no pen included. still could not find about SD card and usb ports.
argimenes 12y ago
April Fools?

368 points by JoelSutherland 12y ago

ykl 12y ago

Wow, at that price point and feature set, I think Microsoft finally has something that can plausibly be considered an iPad-killer.

lostgame 12y ago
When I can actually download an MP3 from my browser and open it on my iPad I'll consider using it as an actual thing again. Until then? It's not a computer. This is.
- freehunter 12y ago
  Kind of off topic, but related: I recently bought an audio book from Humble Bundle and have been trying to figure out how to put it on my iPhone.I don't listen to audio books at home, only in the car or while I'm walking. Anyone know how to easily download an audiobook from Humble Bundle and put it on an iPhone to listen to later?
  - vanderZwan 12y ago
    I don't have an iPad, but perhaps you could download it on your laptop in a Dropbox folder (or a similar service), and then open it in the Dropbox app using something like VLC? That's how I use my Android tablet, at least.
    - HCIdivision17 12y ago
      I had tried that in the past, and it didn't quite work well. I'd bet that it's been updated to integrate better, though. Could be a pretty good solution if you're used to using Dropbox.
  - stonemetal 12y ago
    If I am not mistaken what they give you is a huge MP3. You need to download it, import it to iTunes, and put it on your phone just like you would any other MP3.
    - semi-extrinsic 12y ago
      Wouldn't it just be magical if you could download any file to your phone without needing a computer? Because that's what my $180 (without a contract) Moto G allows me to do.
  - wlesieutre 12y ago
    The "easy" thing to do is to download it to your computer and sync it through iTunes. As far as 3rd party audiobook player solutions, no idea. Maybe there's one that can download it, or maybe they're all tied in to their own audiobook stores. That seems to be the trend these days :(
  - TheDong 12y ago
    No it's not related. HN is not your tech support forum. Especially not for trivially google-able issues.
    - freehunter 12y ago
      It's not trivial. They give me 50 mp3s in a zip folder. The guy was talking about troubles downloading an mp3 to an iOS device. Please, feel free to send me a LMGTFY that has a result showing how to open a zip file of mp3s on an iOS device without having iTunes on a desktop.
      - tinco 12y ago
        http://lmgtfy.com/?q=extract+zip+files+on+ipad&l=1 http://lmgtfy.com/?q=extract+zip+files+on+ipad&l=1 http://lmgtfy.com/?q=play+mp3+on+ipad+without+itunes&l=1 http://lmgtfy.com/?q=play+mp3+on+ipad+without+itunes&l=1 Please consider not posting on HN in the future.
      - TheDong 12y ago
        "without itunes" is a pointless constraint that the parent did not have. Searching "transfer mp3 to iphone" will give you hundreds of results telling you how to install iTunes and transfer the mp3s.
      - M4v3R 12y ago
        As I've said above - you can upload the file to iOS device using GoodReader, and it can extract the zip archive as well.
    - HCIdivision17 12y ago
      You'd think it was trivial, but it's shockingly hard to do without using iTunes. For a person who frequents HN, that's extremely unintuitive. And iTunes is terrible, so that solution is out. It took me forever to realize that just because I can kinda-sorta interact with my iPhone as a storage device doesn't mean that it's even remotely going to actually behave as one. The whole process is infuriating if you go in expecting it to be simple (which, given it's an iPhone, one might reasonably expect). Try to find an obvious way to put an mp3 on an iPhone without some odd middleware software; some of the software looks sketchy - and/or has a cost, and a many suggestions are to just use Google Play or Amazon Music. I also like the Winamp plugin from 2010, as well. That sort of list is pretty much the opposite of trivial. I mean, if it was drag-and-drop, sure, but this that ain't. Personally? I ended up just uploading my music to Amazon and use their app. It's less infuriating than the Music app on the stock iPhone.
  - artmageddon 12y ago
    Most of the ways I can think of pretty much involve iTunes for syncing the audiobook to your device. It's the one thing I can't stand about being an iDevice user. Another way to do it though might be to upload it to DropBox, open it from there, then maybe try to save it in your phone somehow?
  - nevi-me 12y ago
    There's Android for that* * [I know I'm not being helpful, but I couldn't resist. Haven't tried doing that on my iPhone when I had one, but pretty easy to move stuff around on Android or other OS'es]
    - lostgame 12y ago
      Yeah. Let me know when GarageBand runs on an Android and I'll buy one in half a second. I require that app to compose on the go and open my projects in Logic Pro afterwards. It's absolutely the most critical part of my workflow. Composing on the subway, to open files later in Logic and make them into full-blown musical pieces? It's literally what sold me on the platform. Oh. Wait. GarageBand is, and always will be, iOS/Mac OS only. Guess I can't use Android. But then, as a musician, what breaks my workflow more than not being able to simply download MP3's onto my device? It makes me want to bang my head against a wall.
  - M4v3R 12y ago
    As others said - canonical way is to use iTunes. Another way is to use app like GoodReader, which has a file system of its own, you can create folders, and you can download files from websites/URLs to them. GoodReader can not only store and organize your files, but it also opens all the popular formats in the app (PDFs, images, MP3s, etc.).
    - deleted 12y ago
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    - walterbell 12y ago
      GoodReader can also sync files via an iOS web server, and open-standard SSH (sftp) and WebDAV, not just the usual cloud storage vendors.
  - motdiem 12y ago
    I download those to dropbox, then either sync them in the dropbox app, or use an app like goodreader or eddy (there are others), which can play from a dropbox folder
  - imaginenore 12y ago
    CopyTrans Manager (free)
drivingmenuts 12y ago
I don't know about iPad-killer, but finally something worth checking out.
- moosey 12y ago
  Agreed. I don't think will have a iAnything killer until other companies step up their marketing in a big way. Apple is a marketing behemoth.
TelmoMenezes 12y ago
What's the difference between a "price point" and a "price"?
zghst 12y ago
The iPad is a lifestyle device, whereas the Surface is a productivity device. The iPad Air 2 is deathly thin and a bit lighter. It is also much much more simpler, has many more (interesting) applications tailored just iPad, where as using the Surface as a tablet is more iffy (ms's app store is filled with garbage and tons of rip offs and clones). When it comes to consumer purchases, play always wins over work. It's Microsoft's job to market this tablet to the masses, so the productivity angle is not very persuasive.
higherpurpose 12y ago
Really? You don't think it's overpriced?

mg1982 12y ago

Bet the optional* keyboard costs like $300 now, though. *not really optional

sz4kerto 12y ago
You'd lose the bet. Keyboard is $129, docking station is $199, pen is $49.
- mg1982 12y ago
  You got me there. My point, as you no doubt know, was that they're advertising a low headline price and then jacking it up with 'optional' extras that provide core functionality.
  - dman 12y ago
    The competition (ipad / android tablets) doesnt come with keyboard either.
    - mitchell209 12y ago
      But iPads and Android tablets don't have a UI that practically requires the precision of a trackpad. Obviously you don't have to use the Desktop on your Surface 3, but Microsoft is clearly pushing that as a core feature.
      - chton 12y ago
        I can't speak for the Surface 3, but I have owned a Surface Pro 3 for a good while now. I _never_ use the trackpad. Browsing, office, even doing software development can all easily be done using finger and pen (for when you need finer control). I've gone so far as to check if there is a Type Cover for it that doesn't have the trackpad, but uses the space for something else. I know it's the popular thing to say that Windows 8 isn't fit for touch devices, but it's outdated and usually only reiterated by people who don't have any proper experience doing it.
      - 12y ago

orf 12y ago

Looks interesting until I see that it's $499 in the US and $945 (£639) in the UK. Why! Edit: Was looking at the Surface Pro 3, the standard Surface is only ~$620. Not too bad I guess.

sz4kerto 12y ago
£419, not £639. That's $619 -- reasonable considering that the UK price contains VAT and there's some cost of repatriating the profit for MS.
atwebb 12y ago
Where are you seeing $499 US? EDIT: Sorry, I get it now, this is the non-Pro version. I'd gone right to Amazon from a link here and it gave me the Surface 2 vs the Pro 3
MCRed 12y ago
The UK charges taxes at all different levels of industry. This causes imported products to be more expensive. Happens to the products in the USA too, but the overall tax rate is lower.
- Someone1234 12y ago
  Plus in the UK taxes (VAT) is included in the headline price, whereas in the US taxes are shown during checkout (although, yes, US tax is typically around 5%, as opposed to the UK's 20%). I did a quick calculation and it seems like the UK is "only" being overcharged by $21/£15 when you take into account VAT. Which may exist due to exchange rate shifting and the additional regulatory costs perhaps. PS - An extra 15% sales tax for free healthcare is a good trade if you ask me. But each to their own. :)

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edvinbesic 12y ago
Those are comparing the Surface 2 to the Surface Pro 3, the announcement is for the Surface 3, sans Pro.
freehunter 12y ago
I'm not seeing Surface 3 specs on that page, just Surface 2 and Surface 3 Pro.

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freehunter 12y ago
Amazon is probably talking about the Surface 2, not the Surface 3.
edvinbesic 12y ago
I don't think the comparison the the iPad really does the Surface any justice. The iPad was built specifically as a media consumption device - couch surfing, movies on an airplane etc. This was, at the time, what the hardware allowed for. You could argue that hardware has caught up and the iPad is looking a little stale right now, and I wouldn't disagree, but its more of a Zune device rather then a Laptop. I'm sure we'll see a convergence in the next couple of years in both Apple and Google camps.

artmageddon 12y ago

I'm definitely going to keep my eye on this. My iPad 3(30-pin connector) is still going strong for me, but I'm highly considering this when it's released. The fact that it'll run Windows 10 is definitely exciting too, though I wonder if it will get bogged down upon the arrival of Windows 10 as certain iOS devices have for certain iOS releases. Glad to see Microsoft is making strides in this space.

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kyllo 12y ago

Does it overheat? Does it have a fan? Overheating and fan noise are a couple of the biggest complaints I heard about the Surface Pro 3.

sz4kerto 12y ago
Probably not/no, it doesn't. It has an Atom X7 with 2W SDP, while the least powerful Surface Pro 3 has 6W SDP, the i5 and i7 versions are somewhere closer to 10W.
- slantyyz 12y ago
  When my Atom-based Vivotab Note runs at 100% CPU, it feels mildly warm. Which is nothing compared to when my Surface Pro 1 gets hot.
Ravengenocide 12y ago
>> It also doesn’t require a fan for cooling, which allows the device to be thinner and quieter. Seems like it doesn't have a fan, but until someone actually tests the device there is no real way to know if it will overheat or not.
- alandarev 12y ago
  There is. Worst case is 100% conversion of maximum power consumption to the heat. With 2W processor, you can safely assume overheating will not be an issue. Other question would be whether processor is powerful enough to handle Windows 10 desktop applications (I am not talking about games, but even Skype is CPU hungry nowadays)

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wz1000 12y ago

Does anybody have experience of running Linux on previous Surface devices?

wlesieutre 12y ago
Haven't tried it myself, but check out http://www.reddit.com/r/surfacelinux http://www.reddit.com/r/surfacelinux
3pt14159 12y ago
I'm interested in this question too. I set my girlfriend up with the Surface Pro 3, and besides it being awkward on her lap (ironically, the Surface needs a surface), I think its an amazing machine, especially for the price. It isn't quite Apple level with the hardware design, but it's close and it feels like Windows 8 was designed for it. My worry is that Ubuntu wouldn't really work with the touch screen. Edit: I should mention, she got the i5 1.9 GHz and mostly uses it for work (Excel / Outlook) and video (Skype / Netflix). No fan issues.
- sz4kerto 12y ago
  Well, her use case is exactly where this Surface would work well (and maybe a Pro is a bit of an overkill).
  - 3pt14159 12y ago
    Eh, I figured the money was worth it since she wanted to do HDMI to a pretty decent projector. Plus, her last laptop lasted her 5 years and I figured a Surface Pro would too.
rehemiau 12y ago
https://jaxbot.me/articles/linux-on-surface-pro-2-through-vmware https://jaxbot.me/articles/linux-on-surface-pro-2-through-vm...
Someone1234 12y ago
I'm not saying don't do it. I am just suggesting that you may have a better user experience buying something more traditional like a Macbook Air. I suggest this for one simple reason: Many of the Surface's features are ultimately software/driver driven. For example, the keyboard, the pen (both halfs), even much of the touch interaction, and on screen keyboard. So unless you have really incredible driver support, the Surface is going to just be obnoxious to try and use. You might wind up with a USB keyboard/mouse plugged in most of the time. Can it be done? Maybe. Should it? Depends how much you like pain.

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Someone1234 12y ago

I own a Surface Pro 3, and when I first got it I'd describe the experience as just mediocre. However Microsoft has been aggressively updating the software as has Intel, and as a result of those effects the SP3 has really stepped up and is now quite a good little tablet/ultrabook combo. I only have two remaining concerns with the SP3: My i5 version continues to get extremely hot near the middle of the device (e.g. when gaming or using a lot of CPU, like BitTorrent). Worryingly hot in fact. And the Magsafe like connector fails right near the magnet (the wire un-twirls), see Amazon's reviews of the power supply for examples and photos. I think this new 10.1" could be interesting form-factor for this device and a top end Atom CPU really distinguishes it from the SP3. The naming is getting a little confusing, I checked the posting date to make sure this wasn't an old announcement for the SP3. Surface 3, Surface Pro 3, Surface 2 RT, uhh... PS - Does anyone else keep seeing a completely white screen when visiting Microsoft's web-sites. It goes completely white for like 5 seconds and only then does any content load. I am using Chrome retail latest.

Throwaway1224 12y ago
I'm confused... You say you own "a Surface Pro 3" but MSFT is only just announcing "the Surface Pro 3". Some other people are saying they own a Surface Pro 3. How can this be? It's too early in the morning for this...
SmellyGeekBoy 12y ago
> PS - Does anyone else keep seeing a completely white screen when visiting Microsoft's web-sites. It goes completely white for like 5 seconds and only then does any content load. I am using Chrome retail latest. Yes, this has been happening to me as well for the past week or so. Also on Chrome latest.
danieldk 12y ago
Surface 3, Surface Pro 3, Surface 2 RT, uhh... Well, at least it is better than before, when people bought a Surface tablet expecting it to run regular x86 desktop applications, because Windows. Having nearly the same name (Surface RT vs. Surface Pro) didn't really help.

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untog 12y ago
"I already have an iPhone, and iPad and a Macbook Pro. Why would I want this?" Er, I'm guessing you wouldn't, if your current setup works for you. But it could potentially replace the iPad that you rarely use and the Macbook that you do. If I was in the market for a new laptop I'd strongly consider a Surface 3 Pro with a docking station - perfect for when I'm sat at my desk with a monitor (what I do with my Macbook anyway) and a lot more portable when I'm not. I agree with you about Windows, to an extent - as a developer I just find the environment lacking. But for the vast, vast majority of people running full Windows is a benefit, not a drawback.
- deleted 12y ago
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  - untog 12y ago
    For an iPhone? Of course not. For a Macbook? Sure it is. Sure, so you don't like Windows, but for most people it's fine.
- dublinben 12y ago
  >it could potentially replace the iPad that you rarely use and the Macbook that you do. Isn't the takeaway that this device can't actually replace someone's primary computer, even if could replace their seldom used tablet?
sz4kerto 12y ago
> it runs windows, and I have no interest in that Then it's definitely not your device. It's main point is that it runs full Windows. If I were using Macbook + iPhone, I would not think at all about buying this. It's probably more interesting for people like me who want to work on Windows and/or Linux, but definitely nothing from Apple. :) (I have no problem with the company or the products in general, just they don't fit me at the slightest, while Windows on desktop and Linux on the server is just exactly what I need.) It is also interesting for people who need a full computer but who don't need a lot of computing power. I find pen input indispensable nowadays, so a Galaxy Note + a Surface is just the ideal tool (if you have a compile server, but I do).

arenaninja 12y ago

This comes as a complete surprise to me. I had no idea it was coming out, and I've been generally excited about progress on the Surface. I wonder if Mike Krahulik will be doing another write up, since his review of the Surface Pro 3 was immensely thorough. Can't wait to see it at stores, I think I'll jump in on this one. EDIT: I also hope they have a video showing Windows 10 on this Surface

vinceyuan 12y ago

As a iPhone/iPad/MacBook user, I think Surface 3 looks good. R.I.P. Surface RT.

geerlingguy 12y ago

Actual product page: http://www.microsoft.com/surface/en-us/products/surface-3 http://www.microsoft.com/surface/en-us/products/surface-3 And buy now page with tech specs: http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/en_US/pdp/productID.314885500#buy-product http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/en_US/pdp/productI... Looks like $499 for 64GB storage and 2GB RAM, $599 for 128GB storage and 4GB of RAM (WiFi models; 4G LTE model pricing wasn't showing for me).

venomsnake 12y ago
MS have really low bar for high end laptop. 16G at least of ram or go away ... Edit: It was about 3 pro ... ignore.
Someone1234 12y ago
That 2 GB, 64 GB model just looks painful to use. I've seen a lot of Windows installs use up more than 64 GB, in particular as WinSXS grows as more updates are installed (thus more duplicate DLLs are stored). If anyone asked me, I'd describe 128 GB as the "minimum" storage needed for Windows. And even then you aren't storing much if any user data on it. 4 GB is the minimum I'd run anything newer than Windows XP on. The SSD's speed might be able to "save" the 2 GB from being completely unusable, but it is still going to be damn slow with the amount of paging that's going to occur. Honestly, I get that Microsoft wants to hit that magical $500 figure, but that device is going to give a really poor use experience in my opinion.
- Vexs 12y ago
  I really can't even use a computer that's less than 4 gb these days, especially once chrome gets it's grubby hands all over my RAM. Just running baseline I find that most windows systems take up about two GB of RAM, and after you load up chrome, word, whatever; it hits the 4GB+ range. I mean, we're starting to see phones with 2GB of ram, it's completely unacceptable for a modern tablet.
  - dman 12y ago
    How much RAM does the Ipad have?

noteloop 12y ago

Looks like this is the first 14nm Cherry Trail device with its fanless Quad-core Intel Atom x7-Z8700 processor. Hopefully it will be a great CPU for HTPC use.

slantyyz 12y ago
I'm pretty sure the last generation was good enough for HTPC use, so this one should be better. Probably not good enough for real-world 4k, but up to 1080p, yes.

awalGarg 12y ago

+1 for lowering the price alone. Even though I don't like Windows much, I think Surface is quite a nice device for a lot of people.

lmnm 12y ago

Granted this is anecdotal, but using a colleagues surface pro 2 recently was a frustrating experience. Keyboard had horrible response time and the device itself had a lag of a few seconds. Couldn't see myself using one anytime soon. That being said, I'll give the Surface 3 a test drive as I don't want to write off a new product based on the failings of its older siblings.

huxley 12y ago
I've got a Surface Pro 2 which I use like an appliance (in my case, a mobile drawing tablet), it works well except for the alleged trackpad on the keyboard which is the absolute worst thing about it. Even the key travel I can live with, but the trackpad is awful.
slantyyz 12y ago
I've got a Surface Pro 1 and I don't notice that. I do notice that the Surface Pro's performance can suck if you don't have the right settings in Windows Power Options, but that's not unique to the Surface. I had the same experience with my quad-core i7 laptop out of the box, and it was fixed by increasing the minimum CPU speed in the Power Options control panel.

sixothree 12y ago

I hate to say it but I'm dreading whatever awful television commercials they'll start putting out. They really do make it embarrassing to own a Surface Pro 3.

Someone1234 12y ago
I don't know about you but all I do all day is constantly click the keyboard on and off, and open/close the kick stand... Just over and over again, like I am a QA robot... But seriously, Microsoft has some of the worst advertising period. I cannot think of a major company which is worse than Microsoft at advertising in general.
- dv35z 12y ago
  Are there any more cringe-worthy than Songsmith? - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oGFogwcx-E https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oGFogwcx-E
  - hansjorg 12y ago
    Maybe I'm getting old, but that wasn't as cringey as I remember it. And the program actually seems pretty cool and hi-tech. Crank up the jazz-slider!
- a8da6b0c91d 12y ago
  I thought those Seinfeld and Bill Gates ads were great.
- bloaf 12y ago
  They can do it right when they want to. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3ZGGIdpfEM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3ZGGIdpfEM
bduerst 12y ago
The "I am the best"[1] SP3 commercials were still better than the cringey Surface 2 commercials [2], IMO. [1] https://youtu.be/1jP4O7rEHQ8 https://youtu.be/1jP4O7rEHQ8 [2] http://www.ispot.tv/ad/75ZE/microsoft-surface-2-teacher http://www.ispot.tv/ad/75ZE/microsoft-surface-2-teacher

mikelat 12y ago

I was honestly hoping they'd give up on the whole touchscreen + mouse/keyboard interface integration, this announcement pretty much confirms they're in it for the long haul. Both inputs are vastly different so their UIs are full of compromises and over-sized controls.

cududa 12y ago
...But Windows 10 pretty completely addresses that.
- zghst 12y ago
  Not fully, It is still full of massive compromises. Tablet mode is still broken and confusing and there's only two more months until it ships!
BinaryIdiot 12y ago
Have you tried Windows 8.1 on a touch screen (especially a tablet)? I find Windows 8.1 awkward to use on a desktop or non-touchscreen computer but for a touchscreen? I absolutely LOVE the interface for launching applications. I'm actually kind of sad it's all going away in favor of something closer to the desktop in Windows 10; I would have liked the Windows 8.1 style to stay when in a touchscreen or tablet mode.
- ehaughee 12y ago
  My understanding is that tablet devices will have some defaults to keep them closer to 8.1 than the desktop-friendly changes made for Win10. I am currently running Win10 and can confirm you are able to set the default behavior of the start menu to the 8.1 screen or Win7 menu behavior. Not sure if that addresses all of your concerns but it does seem like Microsoft understands at least some people enjoyed the start screen.
  - BinaryIdiot 12y ago
    Ah that's good; I installed and tried out Windows 10 a few weeks ago on my tablet / convertible and I didn't see any way to bring a Windows 8.1 like menu back only the Windows 10 start menu. I'll have to look into it, thanks!

jonknee 12y ago

In the video, having the price starting at $799 and then dropping down to $499 was clever. Seems like a great deal.

melling 12y ago

Wish they could have gone with the new USB standard. These form factors would really benefit from it. http://www.anandtech.com/show/8377/usb-typec-connector-specifications-finalized http://www.anandtech.com/show/8377/usb-typec-connector-speci...

yAak 12y ago
I agree, if only because I want adoption of that new connector type to spread quickly. But given that it only has one USB port, I'm not surprised that Microsoft chose not to ship something that would basically require an adapter. I imagine they are shaving pennies to keep cost down without giving up quality, but I wonder what the added cost would be to have two USB ports? (And how much extra the new USB parts would cost?)
- joshuapants 12y ago
  Perhaps space was more of a concern than cost?
- Someone 12y ago
  I would think having two USB-C connectors poses a problem. If you allow charging over only one of the connectors, customers will find that highly confusing. If you allow charging the device over both, you have to be prepared for the case where people plug in two power sources (yes, some users will do that, if you give them half a chance). I think your best bet would be to go for #2. I think that requires software (or maybe hardware) that reliably handles the 'two power sources' problem. I wouldn't run that on the main OS and CPU, so you need something else, maybe a single chip that drives two USB type C connectors. I guess those may not yet exist. (That's quite loose thinking, so it may be hugely incorrect. Educate me)
  - CamperBob2 12y ago
    It wouldn't be much of a challenge at all to support two power sources, or at least to keep them from doing any harm. Couple of diode-connected MOSFETs, maybe a penny each at the scales we're talking about.

forgotAgain 12y ago

It's just sleazy that all of their advertising is centered on how the keyboard differentiates the device from other tablets and then the keyboard isn't included in the base price.

Someone1234 12y ago
I strongly agree with this. The keyboard is great. Having a choice of keyboards is also great. However Microsoft makes the keyboard a core part of this device (both literally, and in adverts) so to me there should be no scenario where it doesn't ship with one. They should just set the price at $599 and include the keyboard. At least it is an "out the door" price then, not $500 with a hidden $100 tack-on.
- joshuapants 12y ago
  I believe the idea behind not including it is that you can choose the color of your keyboard without them having to anticipate demand for certain colors and package them together. I don't think that's a very good rationalization (just give them an option for keyboard color and ship a second box!), however.
  - seunosewa 12y ago
    Nobody needs colored keyboards. The keyboard color should just match the device it's made for.
    - joshuapants 12y ago
      I'm kind of dumbfounded by this. People like personalized goods, this is no different from picking a colored iPad case or wanting your car in some color other than Ford Black.
    - vacri 12y ago
      Nobody needs colored keyboards. You can make this argument all the way down to basic sustenance, healthcare, and shelter. No-one needs more than those things.

Aissen 12y ago

So Windows RT is dead ? I'd say good riddance, it was just too closed. I remember having a family friend buying one of those devices and trying to install Chrome on it. Well, no luck, WinRT's closed policies won't allow that (and it's not a technical issue.). But their store policies will still allow fake "Chrome" apps packaging an IE webview.

cwyers 12y ago
Windows RT is deader than dead; they're the only thing Microsoft makes that isn't getting Windows 10. Lumias that AT&T sell for $50 off contract? Windows 10. Xbox One? Windows 10. Okay, I guess they still sell the 360 and it's not getting Windows 10. Everything else? Windows 10. But not Windows RT. (Windows 10 Mobile will be allowed onto tablets, but not ones above a certain screen size, so RT isn't able to get that, either.)
- Aissen 12y ago
  Wondering if it's not a rebranding: with Windows 10 running on raspberry pi, what's the catch ? Are they simply abandoning the 9+inch tablet ARM devices?
  - cwyers 12y ago
    Microsoft has cut down to basically three versions of Windows that they admit to: * Windows 10 IoT, which runs x86 and ARM, and is the one that runs on the Raspberry Pi. * Windows 10 Mobile, which replaces Windows Phone 8, and I believe is also x86 and ARM, for devices under a certain screen size. No desktop, runs the Windows Universal versions of Office. * Windows 10, which replaces Windows 8 for desktop, and runs only on x86. Has a desktop and runs both versions of Office, desktop and Universal. RT slotted between Mobile and the full Windows -- it had a desktop, but only for a special ARM version of Office. Now there's a version of Office for Windows Universal, and so you can run Office without the desktop. Thus, the version of Windows with a desktop that can't run any non-Office desktop apps is geting killed. You can either get Windows 10 Mobile without desktop, or full Windows.
12y ago

Sealy 12y ago

Does anyone else see the glaring difference between how Microsoft markets its products VS how Apple markets their products? Microsoft: List 101 features. Tell everyone how amazing each new feature is. Remind everyone that there is a huge array of features. List them out again. Apple: Take a nice photo. Done.

kelukelugames 12y ago
This is because Apple's core marketing principle is to "impute". Microsoft's is called "".
symmetricsaurus 12y ago
Main points from http://www.apple.com/macbook/ http://www.apple.com/macbook/: * Dimensions * Keyboard size * Screen resolution * Trackpad features * Wireless capabilities * No fan * Battery design and battery life * Operating system * Apps ... Seems like a bunch of features to me. Can't view Apple's videos since I don't have Quicktime, so I can't compare there. Edit: Apple's page is prettier than Microsoft's.
- Sealy 12y ago
  Fair point. What I wanted to get across is that when Apple releases a new product, I see the picture, and I just want it. When Microsoft releases a product, it seems like their marketing department just wants to hammer a list of features into my head which just results in me not wanting anything. Any marketer want to give their two cents?
- throwawaymsft 12y ago
  Apple avoids specs in ads. The closest is doing things like pulling a laptop from a manila envelope: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLrW5SKusn0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLrW5SKusn0 Which, at the time, was revolutionary. Or "1000 songs in your pocket" (not 4GB in your pocket).
throwawaymsft 12y ago
Yep. Apple built up a reputation (over a decade) for creating high-quality products. You don't need to know the internals. The Microsoft ecosystem didn't do this, to put it mildly. Which spyware/adware/bloatware is coming along with your PC purchase? Which plasticky parts? Which underpowered CPU? Which horrible battery life? People see a Christopher Nolan movie just because he's involved. Interstellar didn't need a typical Michael-Bay style trailer to entice people to go. It's all about the expectations people have going in. When you don't trust the chef, you want to see all the ingredients.

raindrop777 12y ago

Does anyone know if the 256GB SSD is user upgradable to 512GB. The price difference looks too much?

freehunter 12y ago
Assuming it's similar to the rest of the Surface line (which seems a safe bet), the answer would be no but you can expand the storage with an SD card.
dagw 12y ago
Short answer: No. Long answer: The Surface 3 Pro had an SSD that could in theory be upgraded, but it required some serious disassembling to pop the display off, and even the ifixit guys couldn't pull it off without breaking at least one screen. https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Microsoft+Surface+Pro+3+Teardown/26595 https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Microsoft+Surface+Pro+3+Tear...
JBiserkov 12y ago
User replaceable? No. Brave hacker replaceable? Hell YES! http://liliputing.com/2015/03/upgrade-a-surface-pro-3-with-a-power-drill.html http://liliputing.com/2015/03/upgrade-a-surface-pro-3-with-a... http://surfacepro3ssdupgrade.blogspot.mx/2015/02/surface-pro-3-ssd-upgrade-i7-with-1-tb.html http://surfacepro3ssdupgrade.blogspot.mx/2015/02/surface-pro...

Sealy 12y ago

martijn_himself 12y ago

I wonder if the Atom x7 SoC combined with 4GB of memory can do a reasonable enough job at running Visual Studio 2013/2015 on the move. I expect it is a bit too much to ask.

freehunter 12y ago
I've run it on a dual-core Atom 1.6Ghz with 2GB of RAM on an old Thinkpad Tablet 2. It wasn't fast, but it ran. A quad-core Atom with 2GB of RAM can run Skyrim, so I would guess it would handle Visual Studio okay as long as you're not using it to compile a project the size of Windows Vista.
- martijn_himself 12y ago
  I've pretty much decided on getting one (the 4GB RAM version) if it gets positive reviews. The work I do in Visual Studio is fairly limited- not nearly the size you are alluding to- and I'm pretty heavy OneNote user which I am pretty stoked about to try out with the optional pen. If I could play the odd indie game on it that's even better.

arikrak 12y ago

I'm waiting for PennyArcade to write a post about using this tablet for drawing...

wlesieutre 12y ago
Photoshop is not a program I'd want to run on an Atom x7. It's not an in-order architecture anymore, but it's still not fast.

reustle 12y ago

I would buy this exact device running Ubuntu in a heartbeat.

seanmcdirmid 12y ago

With the stylus, this would make a great sketching, note taking device. I think that is the killer app here.

nabaraz 12y ago

Why the heck would they only have 2GB Ram? I know they are trying to achieve that sweet < $500 price range but they could have just externalize the RAM modules than just soldering directly to the motherboard.

IanDrake 12y ago
Because paging with an ssd is pretty fast and these machines aren't meant for memory intensive apps anyway.

pervycreeper 12y ago

With the Chromebook pixel having the same screen ratio, is 3:2 the new 4:3 ? Any context for this new trend?

emsy 12y ago

Slightly off-topic, but my wife needs a new PC with pen input (as she needs to draw a lot). Does anyone with an Atom tablet happen to know if this will work with Photoshop (it's the heaviest program she'll be using)? If not what are the alternatives? I heard the Lenovo Yoga 2 is better than the Surface Pro 3 but I'm terribly out of the topic since a while now.

scienceoflife 12y ago
I would suggest a touch screen that supports a professional drawing stylus. There are styluses that can do more features. http://www.sensubrush.com/ http://www.sensubrush.com/
- seanmcdirmid 12y ago
  Well, if you want to go pro, you would have to go with a Wacom Cintiq.
  - emsy 12y ago
    That's where we're coming from. She was using my Wacom Cintiq, but she's mainly comfortable working on the couch and she needs it for elaborate line drawings, rather than paintings (she works in education). The iPad just didn't work out because she's uses a special windows software for the whiteboards. So a Win 8 tablet with a digitizer seems like the perfect match, I'm just uncertain which tablet to buy.
    - seanmcdirmid 12y ago
      Check out http://penny-arcade.com/news/post/2014/05/23/surface-pro-3 http://penny-arcade.com/news/post/2014/05/23/surface-pro-3, they've fixed many of the problems gabe pointed out (helps that Lynwood is near Redmond). I suggest trying one at a store somewhere. The 10" with an Ntrig might be a better bet because if it is more portable. Otherwise, not many win tablets still have styluses (especially the Wacom resistive kinds).

BinaryIdiot 12y ago

Overall this looks great but I wish they wouldn't have eschewed the kickstand from the Surface Pro 3; the kickstand on this thing only have 3 levels versus the amazing kickstand on the Surface Pro 3. Honestly that's a complete deal breaker for me (not that I was going to buy one anyway but if I was in the market I would not bother).

ChicagoDave 12y ago

I had an ASUS tablet a year ago (sold it to my brother who loves it). I do a lot of coffeehouse meetups with fellow entrepreneurs and one thing I loved about the ASUS was the pen and being able to draw pictures easily in OneNote. Having played with the Surface Pro 3 tablet at BestBuy a few times, it's a dream to use. I've wanted a Surface Pro 3, but the price is prohibitive and I already have a Yoga Pro 2 and a MacBook Pro. I don't really need a development laptop, but I want that OneNote pen-drawing capability to communicate. So the Surface 3 looks about right. I'd need the 4GB model with 128GB and with the SD slot you should be able to add more. And that pen. That pen is simply a dream to write with...and I want one. I just wish they'd make a better (metal) keyboard and include it in the price.

higherpurpose 12y ago
> Having played with the Surface Pro 3 tablet at BestBuy a few times, it's a dream to use > So the Surface 3 looks about right. You realize this has much lower performance, and most likely won't give you the same experience, right?
- alsocasey 12y ago
  It should manage drawing in OneNote ok, though.

doczoidberg 12y ago

It is to expensive! Here you get the smallest SP3 Pro with i3 core for the same price tag. It has a bigger screen, more performance, double RAM and a better kickstand.

deleted 12y ago

[deleted]

robertwalsh0 12y ago

The type cover seems like a good thing in theory, but in practice feels very "tacked on." Especially in that you have to find a level surface (no pun intended) to rest the device on.

TheTaO 12y ago
That was the case for the old keyboard covers. The new ones are much better though.
seanmcdirmid 12y ago
You can actually prop it up on your lap; at least with the SP3. Still not good enough to satisfy my typing needs but not as bad as I feared.

serve_yay 12y ago

I think the way they are arranged is awkward. All the weight is where the screen is, instead of where the keyboard is. It's disorienting.

hcal 12y ago

"educational institutions like University of Phoenix"

thoughtsimple 12y ago

The Atom CPU in the Surface 3 doesn't seem competitive with the A8X in the iPad Air 2. Geekbench results: Uploaded Model Processor Frequency Cores Platform Single-Core Score Multi-Core Score Feb 21, 2015 Intel CHERRYVIEW Intel Atom x7-Z8700 1601 4 Windows 32-bit 984 3210 Feb 13, 2015 Intel CHERRYVIEW Intel Atom x7-Z8700 1601 4 Windows 64-bit 990 3451 Uploaded Model Processor Frequency Cores Platform Single-Core Score Multi-Core Score Jan 27, 2015 iPad Air 2 Apple A8X 1500 3 iOS 64-bit 1814 4665

fit2rule 12y ago

I'll buy one when Linux is a first-class OS on it, and not a moment before. I'd love to have sexy hardware from Microsoft, running Linux. I don't know why thats so hard for the marketing-peeps to comprehend .. make it first-class, and you've got something that might have a chance against the rMBP-using 'elite' ..

m0skit0 12y ago

Most important question is: can I install Linux on it? (Haters gonna downvote)

Dylan16807 12y ago
It's x86 so probably? Enjoy your downvotes for being antagonistic, though.
- m0skit0 12y ago
  Yeah, I really had hard time sleeping because thinking of the downvotes... Linux supports any architecture, that doesn't matter. I'm asking if anyone has tried or knows about this: Is there a bootlock? What's the shipped BIOS? Question is legit, this is M$ we're talking about, not precisely known for its openness. And just for asking, I'm being downvoted and called "antagonistic". You fanbois are just hilarious. It's called "freedom of choice". Yes, that actually exist outside your little world where companies decide what you have to use. I prefer to make my own choices. I might like the hardware design (which is actually nice, and M$ usually makes nice and functional hardware) but I don't like Windows. Period. In fact, I'm not even surprised of your answer and the downvotes, didn't expect otherwise from M$ fanbois ;)
  - Dylan16807 12y ago
    Microsoft has a policy of no boot lock on x86, boot lock on arm. They are only anti-choice in certain situations. I'm astounded that you can take an issue where microsoft has done something you agree with and turn it into a persecution complex.

djloche 12y ago

I am looking forward to the Surface pro 4 announcement. edit: to clarify - I'd like to buy a surface pro, but it is a tough call knowing they have a yearly product release cycle.

chetangole 12y ago

No USB-C?

hobarrera 12y ago

In the spirit of slashdot: But does it run linux?

bitL 12y ago

Atom, 2GB RAM, Full HD for $499? No, thanks!

pckspcks 12y ago

Well, I'm not getting one for three reasons: 1. The laptop sometimes sits on my lap. The surface keyboard doesn't work as a laptop. 2. The resolution is a joke. 3. There is no sane pen storage. For a pen device, that's dumb. Thinkpads add a few mm, and have a hole you put it in which stores it securely. There's a move to move everything out of the device to make it small, but carrying around 50 gizmos is worse than one slightly bigger gizmo.

Ezhik 12y ago
1366x768 is a joke. 1920x1280 is actually a pretty nice resolution, even if not a very common one.

jason46 12y ago

Its stated this runs "full windows", wtf does that mean? Can it be joined to a domain?

JBiserkov 12y ago
"full Windows" means it's not the bastard child that was Windows RT Business users will get a Windows 8.1 Pro.

dejv_cz1 12y ago

I would like to see comparison of Surface 3 and new Macbook... at least Surface has more ports.

gcb0 12y ago

is there any non-marketing comparison to the pro version? i'm scrolling up and down that page and i can't even answer if it is the same as pro3 with the crippled OS.

gcb0 12y ago
smaller screen. crappy cpu. two smallish storage options. no pen included. still could not find about SD card and usb ports.

argimenes 12y ago

April Fools?