Microsoft announces Surface Pro pricing for US consumers

Anyone who moans about needing Apple software to watch videos on their iPads needs to get GoodPlayer. You can watch just about anything from a windows share/unpnp etc and it will allow you to download shows to the ipad too.
 
For me the Surface with Windows RT was a huge disappointment. Was really excited about it when they first announced it, but they took so damn long to release the thing it just lost it's appeal.
 
AlmightyBender said:
Nonsense. Its competing with the something like the Macbook Air for R13000 (Linky)
In a business context the Surface is quite a bit more practicle, convenient and versatile. Also don't need any silly Mac versions of the software you already use on your workstation PC. Everything can be easily integrated and makes this a dream for IT departments to integrate into existing structures.
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So are YOU going to buy one? Ry4n won't put his money where his mouth is, but surely you will?



In a business context, there is nothing practical about a 10" screen. It's just not enough room to work on in a multitasking environment, unless you just plan on doing Wacom tablet design stuff I suppose but even there one can do pretty well on iPad with a stylus - check out Color if you want proof that iPad can perform as a graphic design tablet. There's also nothing practical about a clip-on floppy case keyboard for someone who does serious word processing or coding. And nothing whatsoever that's practical about using a touchscreen to perform traditional desktop computing. Form IS function - the Surface's form is just not business-functional.
 
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cerebus said:
I do know that yes. So can any netbook or laptop in the world, and probably faster and more suited to the task. That's why I say superior - e.g. actually built for a tablet environment. Or do you think there's an untapped market of CAD architects who were just waiting for a 10" tablet hybrid to fill that niche?
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roguemat said:
Not CAD, but you would be surprised how many artists and modelers want a lightweight, high-powered tabled with a pen.
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Actually, one of my clients is an architect. He just got the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 for that very reason - so he can do his concept sketches. Sure, it's not CAD, but then nobody in their right mind would expect a tab to run any type of CAD app.

Draciuz said:
Yea, dont bother. He is clearly on a different level of logic.

Anyway, am I reading correctly that the Surfaces does NOT include built in 3G? Surely this should at least be an option.

Yea you could plug a dongle into it, but thats really lame, especially when you are next to your friends whom are holding stupid iPads with built in 3G.

I know nearly every major US city is blanketed in WiFi, but what about the rest of the world?
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McCrazieGoalz said:
I just don't understand why it doesn't have 3G.

I am not really sure who they are aiming for with this device (Pro or RT).

I'd understand Pro without 3G because if you are going to buy a Pro then you have WiFi in most places you go. But, for the more budget conscious RT buyer, even in the developed nations, I don't think that WiFi connections are that ubiquitous.
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Why does it need 3G when you can just connect any USB 3G device to it, or even hook up wirelessly to a portable 3G modem?

EDIT: I am pretty sure OEM's will make better products: Samsung, Asus...
 
cerebus said:
So are you going to buy one? Please let us know how it is. Personally I'm torn between getting a Surface Pro or sticking to my current work laptop that has twice the ram, multiple times more hard disk space, a better keyboard, a much bigger screen, a faster processor, better battery life, and cost R3000 less a year ago when it was purchased. Because at the moment my work laptop means that my iPad is freed up for content consumption and very light work, which it excels at due to the form factor and relatively low price. On the other hand my instance of MS Visio process flow design just screams 'touch interface!!!' Choices, choices, my word what to do.
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I own both a Surface RT and an i7 touchscreen Ultrabook, and I will also be getting a Surface Pro.

I use the RT for everything around the house. So if I'm watching TV and need to make a quote, or look up something, or need a recipe while in the kitchen, I use the RT. It's the perfect form factor for quick and easy access wherever you are. The keyboard and kickstand make a MASSIVE difference, and are awesome. I also love that the keyboard cover has a mouse trackpad.

Then my Ultrabook I use for coding at home. I don't have a desktop in my house, so when I am away from the office I use the ultrabook. Really the only thing that my ultrabook does that my RT doesn't is [in my use-case] run Visual Studio.

Finally, I will be getting a Surface pro to half replace the Ultrabook (to code occasionally), but also to use as a note taking device. OneNote is really a stunning piece of software, which I use to record pretty much everything. Personally, I would pay a bit more for a Surface RT with a pen, but I guess I will just get the Pro.


Basically: Surface RT does MUCH more than just consume media, Ultrabook is nice and fast for work, Surface Pro is a nice inbetween.


To address the lack of 3g: I actually would never buy a 3G model because why must I have 2 seperate sim cards? The simcard I have in my phone has data on it (obviously for my phone) and calls, so why must I keep another simcard topped up in the surface? In my case, my Windows Phone has tethering so just turn that on and connect the Surface.

@DrJohnZoidberg, Essentially you were excited for the sake of being excited. The hardware didn't change, the software has only got better.
 
roguemat said:
I own both a Surface RT and an i7 touchscreen Ultrabook, and I will also be getting a Surface Pro.

I use the RT for everything around the house. So if I'm watching TV and need to make a quote, or look up something, or need a recipe while in the kitchen, I use the RT. It's the perfect form factor for quick and easy access wherever you are. The keyboard and kickstand make a MASSIVE difference, and are awesome. I also love that the keyboard cover has a mouse trackpad.

Then my Ultrabook I use for coding at home. I don't have a desktop in my house, so when I am away from the office I use the ultrabook. Really the only thing that my ultrabook does that my RT doesn't is [in my use-case] run Visual Studio.

Finally, I will be getting a Surface pro to half replace the Ultrabook (to code occasionally), but also to use as a note taking device. OneNote is really a stunning piece of software, which I use to record pretty much everything. Personally, I would pay a bit more for a Surface RT with a pen, but I guess I will just get the Pro.


Basically: Surface RT does MUCH more than just consume media, Ultrabook is nice and fast for work, Surface Pro is a nice inbetween.


To address the lack of 3g: I actually would never buy a 3G model because why must I have 2 seperate sim cards? The simcard I have in my phone has data on it (obviously for my phone) and calls, so why must I keep another simcard topped up in the surface? In my case, my Windows Phone has tethering so just turn that on and connect the Surface.

@DrJohnZoidberg, Essentially you were excited for the sake of being excited. The hardware didn't change, the software has only got better.
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Ok cool, well give us a report when it comes out. I'm interested to see how it performs. Actually if it wasn't for the price it would be a pretty attractive option. $1000 is just a tough one to sell to noteworthy skinflints like myself.
 
Also, forgot to mention that Photoshop is really important to me in my day-to-day work
Photoshop with a pen is awesome. (I've been using this with my Samsung Series 7 Slate since I got it.)
 
roguemat said:
Also, forgot to mention that Photoshop is really important to me in my day-to-day work
Photoshop with a pen is awesome. (I've been using this with my Samsung Series 7 Slate since I got it.)
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I hope they release a proper tablet version, you can't automatically assume the desktop version will be as pleasant to work with (lack of right click etc)
 
still, even at $1000 or R10K local price (even R12-R14K).... still better than current Windows7 tablets... which we all know isnt really a great tablet OS.
Will be good to see actual local pricing and some reviews.... I'd probly need to buy some more Windows tablets in March again... (can only get Windows tablets for the office) and would much rather get 'real' Windows8 tablet.
Even Dell or Fujitsu tablet with full release version of Win8, is not as nice as dedicated, purpose built Win8 tablet
 
Fudzy said:
Anyone who moans about needing Apple software to watch videos on their iPads needs to get GoodPlayer. You can watch just about anything from a windows share/unpnp etc and it will allow you to download shows to the ipad too.
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Not really - first 3 mkv's play fine but without any audio.
 
Ry4n said:
Not really - first 3 mkv's play fine but without any audio.
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VLC Streamer + AVPlayerHD works a treat for me. Although I could use VLC to d/l shows and watch offline so cut out avplayer...hm.
 
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