I love my Surface tablet. I actually got rid of my iPad and haven't even missed it.
For those still on the fence, it really is worth it. Doesn't even matter if you get the Surface 1 or Surface 2, since the Surface 1 is already really fast. The only recommendation I'll make is that, whichever size/model you get, make sure it's a Surface PRO. Do not get the RT one, as using a device that looks like it's running Windows will drive you bonkers as soon as you figure out that you can't install regular Windows apps on it (or even drivers!).
I loaned my mom my Surface Pro while she was in the hospital, and briefly had a Samsung GalaxyTab Pro 10 in the interim.
I couldn't be happier to have the Surface back. Aside from being much clunkier physically, the Surface is superior in every way. The multi-tasking is much smoother, the browser is much more responsive and gives access to the complete internet, file management is night and day, actual work productivity isn't even close, home networking is a snap, etc., etc.
I had a chance to play around with my brother-in-law's Surface2 Pro for a bit last night and I was highly impressed. It was fast, responsive, and nice to work with. I was a bit surprised by the weight, with it being heavier than I expected, but that was the only downside.
Was really thinking of picking up the surface pro since the price is sub $500 currently.
I have an ipad air and enjoy it but would like something I could play some old school games on while on the road for work but still be able to edit excel sheets properly since none of the apple apps tend to work correctly
I recently bought the Pro 1- yes, it has lesser battery life than the Pro 2. My rationale was that I'd try it out and see just how much the lesser battery life would impact me. If it didn't - bammo - just saved myself the extra $500 it would have taken to get a Pro 2.
If it did - I'd just drop $200 for the new Power Cover which would give me 70% more battery life.
A win either way is what I figured. So far so great - way better than an iPad from an office perspective - I can actually get stuff done.
I use my surface 2 pro for work and have loved it. Surface is small enough that I can bring it home or to meetings with me. When I get to work, I plug in to a juicy 24" monitor and wireless keyboard setup. Best computer for work.
I recently bought the Pro 1- yes, it has lesser battery life than the Pro 2. My rationale was that I'd try it out and see just how much the lesser battery life would impact me. If it didn't - bammo - just saved myself the extra $500 it would have taken to get a Pro 2.
If it did - I'd just drop $200 for the new Power Cover which would give me 70% more battery life.
A win either way is what I figured. So far so great - way better than an iPad from an office perspective - I can actually get stuff done.
Paul Thurrott got his hands on a Power Cover finally. At the cost of weight and bulkiness the original Surface Pro goes from 4.5 hours to 6.5 hours...just as promised.
Gotta say I'm a huge fan of Windows tablets. At the right price point of course. About 4 months ago I picked up a Vivo Tab Smart with the smart cover and keyboard from Memex for 350$ in clearance.
It essentially has 2 modes. "Mouse and Keyboard mode" where you use it like you would any other computer in the standard desktop mode. Or "touch mode" using the Metro interface. In my humble opinion I find the metro touch interface just as intuitive, if not more intuitive than anything Android or IOS has to offer. I admit its till kind of clunky with a few things, and there is a lack of apps. But who needs apps when you a have a fully intuitive and functional touch browser on an X86 system?
My only gripe with the Vivo Tab is that the handicapped processor with a slow internet connection is a bad combination. As long as you have a reliable connection it is a great value device.
I just picked up a dell venue 8 pro. A 7" tab running full windows in a slightly underpowered processor. They are real cheap right now. 270 plus you get $50 back in future shop gift cards.
Pretty good little tablet. The tablet side runs as smoothly as and iPad or android tab. resolution is lower but adequate at 720p. The big thing for me was having one note that I could sync with my work computer so I can take it to meetings and run all my planning and note taking out of one central location.
^ How would the venue 8 work as an ereader? size or app wise
Size wise it is good. It is palmable in one hand, it is narrower then the Ipad mini so I find in more comfortable to hold. Weight is fine, I haven't looked around at the apps for reading too much yet. If I was reading all day on it I would probably notice the difference between it and the Ipad Mini retina screen but I don't find it straining at all to read on.
It has a Kindle app and a Next Issue app if you subscribe to that, Netflix is there as well.
Battery life seems good, haven't really pushed it yet but I charge it at night and am able to use it throughout the day at work without worrying but that is only about 2-3hrs of use tops.
Last edited by GGG; 04-23-2014 at 09:52 AM.
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Didn't even realize the Surface 3 was being announced until I saw the summary on twitter.
Anybody feel like this is starting to become more of an attractive alternative to traditional ultrabooks?
Bigger, thinner, lighter, more powerful, and longer battery life than any other Surface.
I'd run out and get one today. . . . if my Surface Pro 1 didn't handle everything I need so flawlessly.
Given how solid and uncompromisingly complete a product it is, it bothers me that it's not getting traction with the press and consumers the way a new Apple product would.
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