While I don't necessary see Surface as an iPad killer (in terms of market saturation), I did in fact dump my iPad about a month after getting the Surface Pro 1.
The really cool thing about the Surface Pro (not RT) is that nobody really has to care about whether or not it kills any other products, or even it it just simply gains in market share. The thing runs the full version of Windows 8.1 Pro, so it's not like we need huge amounts of people to buy these things in order for companies to develop apps for it.
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I have an iPad and a Surface Pro. There is no way I see the Surface as an iPad killer for two big reasons:
Battery life, I get only 3 hours or so of life out of the device, that is not enough by a long shot. I know battery life has improved with 2 and 3 but still not close to an iPad or a Nexus 7
Weight, the Surface is a heavy tablet that is awkward to use, it comes nowhere near the mobility of an iPad.
Otherwise I agree the Surface has some great attributes like the ability to run full programs, USB connectivity, docking ability etc.
I'm impressed with my Surface Pro 1. I'll probably check out the 2/3 when I get a chance.
Back hinge was my biggest complaint. Only one "setting" and I find it's never in the right spot. This has been changed in the new version(s) though? Build quality is awesome, but man I do not like Windows.
I have ditched my work laptop in favor of a Surface Pro 2. I have two different offices I spend time at so carrying the laptop around (it was a pretty big f'r) was a pain, the Surface is so light and functional that I'm considering ditching the briefcase altogether for a sleeve or something - I just need the Surface, a small notebook, a pen, and my ID card. This Pro 2 is more functional than the laptop I was using, and with a dock in each of my offices, I don't carry the power around either - it sits at home for when I work from there.
Having said all that, I don't really see it as an iPad killer either. Different use cases - I still use my iPad at home to surf the web, watch NetFlix if the damn kids are using the TV, play Candy Crush (damn additive piece of crap cheating candy dropping chocolate producing sonnuva...) or whatever. I have zero games installed on the Surface, although I do have the Netflix client on.
By the way, for those that asked, typing on the type cover is good, the touch cover was meh.
I have ditched my work laptop in favor of a Surface Pro 2. I have two different offices I spend time at so carrying the laptop around (it was a pretty big f'r) was a pain, the Surface is so light and functional that I'm considering ditching the briefcase altogether for a sleeve or something - I just need the Surface, a small notebook, a pen, and my ID card. This Pro 2 is more functional than the laptop I was using, and with a dock in each of my offices, I don't carry the power around either - it sits at home for when I work from there.
Having said all that, I don't really see it as an iPad killer either. Different use cases - I still use my iPad at home to surf the web, watch NetFlix if the damn kids are using the TV, play Candy Crush (damn additive piece of crap cheating candy dropping chocolate producing sonnuva...) or whatever. I have zero games installed on the Surface, although I do have the Netflix client on.
By the way, for those that asked, typing on the type cover is good, the touch cover was meh.
Curious as to why you would surf the web on an iPad instead of the fully functioning, flash enabled browser in the Surface? Netflix is the same on both... Is it the weight difference of Surface vs. iPad, or something else?
Curious as to why you would surf the web on an iPad instead of the fully functioning, flash enabled browser in the Surface? Netflix is the same on both... Is it the weight difference of Surface vs. iPad, or something else?
Meh, I suppose it is the convenience of it more than anything. The Surface is in my briefcase by the door. If I do some work and it is out, I will use it for my websurfing/netflix-ing needs. If not, the iPad is right beside the couch in its charger. I'm not just an old-fart, I'm apparently a fat-lazy-fart too. Generally if I do have the Surface out I put it back in my briefcase so it is ready to go in the morning. The iPad is my own personal device that doesn't come with me to the office - perhaps it is a bit psychological as well... the Surface is my work device so I do work on it (he said while typing this response to CalgaryPuck on said "work device Surface") while the iPad is my home personal toy.
I do occasionally also use the iPad to Chromecast, and I haven't gotten that working on the Surface yet (not that I've tried particularly hard).
Honestly, if I didn't already own the iPad (well, between my wife and kids 2 iPads and an iPad mini) I don't think I would buy one - I would just use the Surface.
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Our company is looking to purchase a couple Surface 2 pro tablets for some shop floor work, including running a CAD program.
Any advice? The program runs fine on any Windows 7/8 laptop that has a i3 processor. From that side it seems the Surface 2 pro should have enough horsepower.
Also, are there any cases that would help protect it a lot more than just a sleeve?
Surface 3 will be out shortly which will have Gen 4 Intel processors and a larger screen, which will be great for cad.
I'm sure the surface 2 can handle cad and will be cheaper once the 3 is released.
You should also consider smaller screen size as the 2 is only 10.6 inches. Assuming, of course, that CAD programs prefer larger screens. It probably makes sense to wait a few weeks and compare the 2 and the 3.
Our company is looking to purchase a couple Surface 2 pro tablets for some shop floor work, including running a CAD program.
Any advice? The program runs fine on any Windows 7/8 laptop that has a i3 processor. From that side it seems the Surface 2 pro should have enough horsepower.
Also, are there any cases that would help protect it a lot more than just a sleeve?
I use AutoCAD LT on the Surface Pro 1 and it runs fine. AutoCAD full runs decent. I'm sure the 2 is even better. Which CAD program are you using?
Should be fine, but I've found some applications don't do well on touch devices. Tried revit, for example and there was no pinch-zoom or anything like that. Bit cumbersome. Beats a pen and paper though.
