“Microsoft unveiled the Surface Pro 3 tablet at an event in New York on Tuesday, as it attempts to fuel interest in its struggling tablet line amid increasing competition,” Brett Molina reports for USA Today.
“The Intel Core powered tablet measures 0.36 inches thick, boasts a 12-inch screen and weighs just under 2 pounds. The device will include an upgraded kickstand, bending down to display the tablet as far as a 150-degree angle,” Molina reports. “The device will be available for pre-order starting at $799.”
MacDailyNews Take: And have the ability to run the same four tablet apps as the previous Surface flops.
Molina reports, “In opening remarks, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella says the goal of Microsoft’s ‘mobile-first’ hardware ambitions is to ‘build together experiences that bring together all the capabilities of our company.'”
MacDailyNews Take: “Bringing together all the capabilities of Microsoft?” Wow, Microsoft built a “mobile experience” that showers users in malware and overpriced bloat, continually flushes billions down a fruitless R&D rathole, and illegally abuses monopoly power in order to stagnate personal computing for decades?
Quite the achievement.
“The tablet announcement comes as Microsoft struggles to sell its Surface tablet in a market dominated by companies such as Apple,” Molina reports. “Nadella has also managed to put his own stamp on the company’s messaging and tactics, and the reward has been a bump in the stock price. Now comes the hard part: managing Microsoft’s substantial investments in hardware and mobile devices.”
Read more in the full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: Floptastic. It’s like watching American Typewriter Company unveil a new $5,000 model five years after Apple ushered in the desktop publishing revolution with the Mac and the LaserWriter.
Related articles:
PC Magazine reviews Apple’s $899 MacBook Air: The ultimate in portability; a great travel companion – May 19, 2014
Losses mount for beleaguered Microsoft’s moribund Surface tablet – April 28, 2014
BGR reviews Apple’s iPad Air: Every new iPad is the best iPad yet, but the iPad Air is something more – December 3, 2013
Forbes reviews Apple iPad Air: The best experience of any 10″ consumer tablet – November 25, 2013
Computerworld reviews Apple’s 64-bit iPad Air: The very best large screen tablet experience available – November 20, 2013
PC Advisor reviews Apple’s 64-bit iPad Air: Power, versatility, and transformationally light – November 18, 2013
Wired reviews Apple’s 64-bit iPad Air: An immensely powerful tablet – November 7, 2013
The Verge reviews Apple’s 64-bit iPad Air: The best gets better – November 4, 2013
Ars Technica reviews Apple’s 64-bit iPad Air: Very impressive – November 4, 2013
Bloomberg News reviews Apple’s 64-bit iPad Air: Hands-down the best tablet on the market – October 30, 2013
CNET reviews Apple’s 64-bit iPad Air: The best full-size tablet, Editors’ Choice – October 30, 2013
AnandTech reviews Apple’s 64-bit iPad Air: In a completely different league – October 30, 2013
USA Today’s Baig reviews Apple’s 64-bit iPad Air: Best of breed, superior to each and every rival – October 30, 2013
Mossberg reviews Apple’s 64-bit iPad Air: ‘The best tablet I’ve ever reviewed’ – October 29, 2013
Fox News reviews Apple’s 64-bit iPad Air: Best in class – October 29, 2013
The Independent reviews Apple’s 64-bit iPad Air: Super-light and most powerful – October 29, 2013
I’ll be honest: this one worries me a little. It seems like Microsoft is finally figuring out how to make Surface into what the first generation was advertised as being. And that Surface Pen to remotely open/save OneNote is actually a great idea (one that I hope Apple steals if they ever make a smart-pen for their products). This is the first Surface that actually looks like it could be competitive.
But at the same time, if I could get a real, honest-to-goodness computer like the Macbook Air for only $100 more, you sure as hell can bet I’ll get the real, honest-to-goodness computer.
This is how Microsoft operates. Build a competitive product that’s a POS and blow billions of wads on it. Next year, built it some more and tweak it to make it work better, blow another billion. Third verse, same as the first… lol No worries, we got the automatic revenue generating the money to waste as many products as much as we want. If it failed in a few years, we dump it. No big loss. We get the billions back in a few quarters from the suckers that keep buying our cash cows.
“Build a competitive product that’s a POS and blow billions of wads on it. ”
Eh…..? 😉
Think Jubei meant POC
Either billions or wads would work. Billions of wads sounds … like a Japanese Film. 😉
ahem.
The use of the Stylus is compelling , not for what the Surface is but for someone to create. On a bloated PC this is not a good combo, but if Apple were to build a 12inch ipad and needed a killer app to jump start it a well thought out notepad would be a nice start. The problem Surface 3 has is as mentioned it bring all the baggage Windows has with patching, bloat etc. Would love to see Apple at least create a OneNote like app as it would be great for students. Time to evolve past capacitive stylus.
Mind you, this is the Surface Pro. It’s essentially a laptop with the keyboard lopped off. It’s running x86, so it can run the full array of Windows applications, both touch-centric and not. Additionally, it is susceptible to all the same malware and will require an anti-virus product, as well as your typical maintenance since it is just as prone to Windows “rot” as any other Windows machine is (i.e. it has a registry, file system that is wide-open and a poor excuse for discretionary access control, i.e. UAC).
This product, previously known as “Tablet PC” has been vetted by Microsoft time and time again since the 90’s. With each iteration, the consumer market has by-and-large rejected it. It will certainly catch on with a portion of the nerd-segment. But most people will learn how painful it is to manipulate desktop apps on a tablet, with a stylus (which is why they’re trying hard not to refer to it as a ‘stylus’ any longer – the stigma is there).
Clearly Nadella has picked up Ballmer’s playbook and will continue to regurgitate the same old nonsense. In many respects, the Surface RT is closer to the mark (it only runs tablet apps). But just as the iPad completely destroyed what was left of the Tablet PC market, this will flounder in the same way as all other Tablet PCs. For pity’s sake, it has a FAN built into it. Way to go guys!
Jack of all trades, master of none. This may appeal to SOME enterprise folks, but no one I know if looking for a tablet that can masquerade as a laptop, nor a laptop that can masquerade as a tablet. My company gives me a laptop and I have an iPad. I rarely use the iPad for work and rarely use the PC laptop for non-work. Would hate to be reminded of work every time I pick up my iPad.
Totally agree with you on the Onenote comment. Apple could/should do something like this with a real stylus instead of relying on everyones finger to take notes. One reason adoption in colleges is lower than K-12 is a lack of killer note taking app for colleges. Students use notebooks not IPADS. Now thats not a bad thing per say for Apple “they sell macbooks” but they haven’t really innovated in the college space either. I would say this if Apple doesn’t at least look at a onenote/stylus type product you can bet Google will if Surface 3 succeeds in anyway.
doc, no need to “worry” about competition. It benefits everyone, chiefly the consumer.
Point well taken.
What’s there to be worried about?
If Microsoft actually made a half-good computer, at a half-good price, than great! All those poor suckers who stick with Windows year-after-year will finally catch a lucky break.
But given Microsoft’s history, I’m not betting on that unlikely scenario. Microsoft has a ton of products that looked awesome in press releases before getting in people’s hands. If Surface Pro #3 is the one that finally lives up to the hype, instead of deteriorating into a horribly Microsoft-ian experience upon real world use, it a would be a welcome, long-over-due, and pleasant surprise.
If that actually happened, Apple will still keep doing what they do best – making and selling Macs, iPads, and iPhones. Apple has proven over decades of making awesome computers, one after the another, that they know what they are doing. I’m not just going to abandon Apple over the possibly that Microsoft finally succeeded at making a computer that at a slightly cheaper price point that doesn’t suck horribly. It would be great if I could actually choose an Apple product, over a reasonable alternative, instead of having the choice made for me through the perpetual mediocrity and crapiness of all their rivals.
Even the original (10-inch) iPad from 2010 weighed only 1.5 lbs. The current iPad Air (the larger one) now only weighs about ONE pound. This thing weighs TWO pounds?
Weight is VERY important for a hand-held device. A touch-screen device must be easy to hold and move around, or it will not be very popular. It’s basically a laptop with a touch screen (stationary during use), if you need to set it down on a table (with its “kickstand”) to use it. Then, users needs to move their body to accommodate the device, instead of moving the device to accommodate the user.
And that would be typical of Microsoft. Look how Windows 8 makes long time desktop and laptop computer users (most current Windows users) “touch the screen” to accommodate the fractional percentage of Windows tablet users.
Actually the weight is 1.78 pounds – so a quarter pound heavier than the iPad 1-4. It has a 12 inch screen vs. 9.7 inches so for its size it’s weight is impressive. Reportedly the weight is better-distributed this time and the 3:2 aspect ratio should make it far better to hold than Surface Pro 1 and 2.
The comments on the article of the unveiling were a lot of Microsoft people jazzed about the SP3 while some were a bit miffed at it coming so soon after the SP2 and any comments that seemed even vaguely critical of Microsoft/supportive of Apple. The fact that it has better stats was bandied around a lot and that it was lighter than the MBA. I’m sure people dug the new kickstand’s versatility as well. Still to me it seems like MSFT trying to break into the $1000+ market for computers that Apple has as well as trying to sell their tablet-trying to be laptop-trying to be tablet. Maybe it’s the other way around. Whatever. Maybe the third time’s the charm.
I know everyone here loves Apple, and so do I, but this product looks very interesting. It is trying to solve a real problem. I have an iPad and a laptop and an iPhone. I’d like to make that only two. If I could get an iPad, which is great for reading, and a laptop, which runs a lot of programs robustly that my iPad does not, in one devise… that’s what I’ll buy next.
I am pretty happy with Apple but I would love to be able to use a mouse along with a key board on my iPad.
If I am going to do any real work with text, I DO NOT want to keep poking the screen. It sucks for that part.
Just saying.
Bluetooth ain’t long in the tooth
Third party people make keyboards for iPads. Bluetooth mice too for iPads / apps.
Let’s think about this. In order to operate a mouse and a keyboard, what is the fundamental thing you need? That’s right – a table – and not to mention, a supportive chair to sit in, in an upright way. Then what happens? You’re essentially operating a laptop.
The iPad was designed to be the kind of device you sit in a recliner with, while watching TV. The sort of device you can pick up in a pinch to look something up. A laptop can do that too, but anyone who has used an iPad for a considerable amount of time will tell you how much more convenient an iPad is to just grab and go at a moment’s notice.
Is it ideal for productivity? Nope. Can it be made to be serviceable for that activity? Absolutely. But first and foremost, a successful tablet needs to be an uncompromised tablet. As I said in a previous post, the Tablet PC has been tried and has failed, over the course of decades. Trying to shoehorn desktop metaphors into a tablet is the reason. The two do not live well together.
Personally, I’d rather the iPad sticks with the formula that works. And if I need a laptop for a given task, I’ll use that instead. There’s a reason I bring more than one tool with me when I go to work on a project – because a jack of all trades is a master of none.
You sound like the actors Microsoft hires to play “typical” consumers (or small business owners) for their “Windows 2 in 1” TV commercials. 🙂
There are already products running Windows 8 that are “2 in 1.” They have larger laptop-sized screens, with detachable (or “convertible”) keyboard to make it a tablet. Have they been a threat to Apple’s iPad dominance? No, because customers do not want a “kludge” that is (by design) neither the best laptop nor the best tablet.
The only real difference with this 12-inch Surface is that it is being marketed as a tablet with attachable keyboard, not a laptop with detachable keyboard. And the laptop “take” (on the same idea) comes with a real keyboard and does need a “kickstand” to prop it up on a table or your lap.
As we all know, Microsoft likes to re-create something that already exists and call it “innovation.”
Your not going to get apps and the apps I think your implying aren’t going to scale right on this. Windows apps need to be rescaled as they are an abomination right now on the current surface screens. Apple’s success is because of all the tablet optimized apps they have. The new surface doesn’t solve this. What they have created is a niche product with a potential killer app if done right. Apple should take notice of this because I promise you Google is.
I typically leave my MacbookPro at home for quick trips around town or meetings. I use JUMP to access it if I need to do something that I cannot with the iPad or access files to retrieve, send or quick edits. This set up works great for me.
This product is no different than a laptop in disguise.
Configure it with equivalent specs, keyboard cover included and it doesn’t seem as affordable, thin and light as it might seem.
It can, however, run malware brilliantly, a privilege we don’t have on our Macs and iPads. How unfortunate.
A heavy tablet and unwieldily laptop, the wrong direction to head for each type of device.
Plus, it’s $929 with the keyboard cover, which makes it $30 more expensive than the MacBook Air? WTF?
Any mention of battery life?
Am I reading that right? It says the $799 model only has 4GB of storage. WTF? That is really small. The $899 MBA has 128GB Flash storage. iPad Air’s start at 16GB. Really Microsoft? Only 4GB??
Supposed to be 64GB of storage.
how much of that is taken by the bloated ol’ OS???
Half
You’re sure it’s not 4GB of RAM? People still mix those up.
What about those eight people who foolishly bought the Surface 1and 2? What’s M¢ Going to do for them?
I thought it was twelve? That’s why MS called it a successful launch!
They get a free Kinect. 🙂
It’s so adorable when they try.
A price range of $800–$1,950? Wow! That sends even my Mac price sensibilities into sticker shock.
What must it be like for PC users who are notoriously cheap and expect super low prices?
Shhhh, Microsoft is stragedy sleeping.
good one,
wouldn’t want to wake the sleeping giant, however weak it is……
Surface ‘Pro’ 3. I don’t know whether to gag or to laugh. Is there a name for that?
spend Microsoft! spend Spend SPEND!
Did they stop saying “No Compromise” yet? Because the ‘no compromise’ idea is antithetical to design. Either you’ve made decisions or you haven’t.
From what I can see this is a laptop with a touchscreen. Since it turns two OSes, the compromise is storage space, and of course, bouncing from a desktop to a mobile OS is janky and disorienting.
Microsoft’s demonstration of confidence is that they’re taking ‘pre-orders’—in other words, even they aren’t going to gamble on the tablet; they’re going to make their customers gamble…
“Yes, WE’RE totally behind this product, but we need to see YOUR money before we put any of ours into it.” On that alone it deserves to fail.
For the lovers of this new MS attempt at an iPad I did not see any mention of their real problems.
A cover that does not flop around when picked up. One that can stay closed.
A option for a cell connection so you can have GPS and Internet when out of Wy-Fi range.
A understanding that tablets are to do work that laptops can’t. If you spend most of your time at a desk than you don’t need a tablet to do your job. A tablet is for people who do real work on the road, in the sunshine, and on their feet.
One that your not afraid to drop on something other than carpet.
One that only has ports you need everyday so it is easier to hold all day.
Feel free to add to the list.
It’s just a big zune.
does it come in brown?
Just for fun go to the Microsoft website to see Microsoft’s comparison with the Macbook pro. http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msca/en_CA/pdp/productID.300194700/ It’s always fun! the surface 3 weighs .79 kg and the Macbook comes in at 3.49 pds? The macbook can’t run a full suite of software (parallel? boot camp?) and doesn’t support multiuser account. When was that removed by Apple? This morning?
Hello – Am I the only one who thought it totally disgusting that anyone should announce on the air that one of their several children is the favorite?
That is what Nadela did.
I mean – does this guy have no clue as to how that can affect his other children? “Anastasia is my favorite, she knows it, the others know it….”
It is one thing to suspect it, but another to have it broadcast worldwide. I was so shocked that I could no longer listen to him talk, and shut down the video feed.
what,
a heartless man at micro$oft?
say it ain’t so
That wasn’t Nadela, that was Panos Panay. Yeah, his comments regarding his kid were kind of creepy, and he just came off as creepy. He admitted his girl falls asleep watching Netflix and that makes him a bad parent. I’m surprised he didn’t admit to beating his wife.
Panay is old-school Microsoft. Nadella seemed reasonably good at presenting, but if he had good judgement, he would of kept Panay off stage. Panay gets of-message with stupid remarks and stories.
Thanks for the correction!
Falling asleep watching Netflix is nothing. Admitting on internationally broadcast video that one child is a favorite over others is obscene! (IMHO)
Knock knock knock Panay.
Knock knock knock Panay.
Knock knock knock Panay.
MDN sour grapes as usual. Apple is once again late to the bigger display game. First the Galaxy Note 12.2 and now the incredible Surface! Stop comparing Apple iPads to Surface as the 2 are simply in different leagues. IPad rules the roost in a lot of areas and adored by users who like simplicity and Surface has just sent the Ultrabook business into an oblivion. Well done MSFT. I will certainly replace my Surface Pro with this new and improved version and of course still carry my iPad Air with me as not being married to one particular platform is just a lot of fun. Windows 8.1 is solid and iOS is just so simple to use.
There sure are a lot of vents on that thing – don’t get it near any water or use it in the kitchen. The iPad is almost waterproof except for a few tiny holes which works well for all but submurging in water…
Interesting. I wonder if M$ have inside info on what Apple will announce at WWDC and wanted to get their shot in first.
Unlike Apple they don’t build 5 million units before announcing their latest offering – they are taking orders not shipping.
There was some talk of a 12.8″ iPad Air/ Macbook Air – possibly a cross-over product.
The size is good – but I bet Jony would deliver half the weight and double the battery life.
Why do you think MS has a Mac Business Unit? Free R&D disguised as “Mac Developers”.
A chance to flop bigger!
Lets see, goes from 2 to 3, half again as big a flop?
just do’in da math…..
Love the disclaimers on the microsoft site especially #2
1 Office sold separately.
2 System software uses significant storage space. Available storage is subject to change based on system software updates and apps usage. 1 GB = 1 billion bytes. See Surface.com/Storage for more details.
3 Apps from Windows Store. App availability varies by market.
4 Testing consisted of full battery discharge while Internet browsing over WiFi. Internet browsing was tested browsing 25 popular web pages. All settings were default except: Wi Fi was associated with a network, Auto-Brightness disabled, and Bluetooth Radio was turned off. Battery life varies with settings, usage, and other factors.
This is a fairly impressive and compelling device. Microsoft has been very interesting as of late.
/s
There, fixed
I have to say for the first time this one worries me (just a little bit). There is something to be said about this particular device replacing tablet and laptop. The only missing ingredient is apps, which barely exist in the MS ecosystem. Their apps are crap – even the ones that are available on iOS and Android (like Facebook) are so much better than the Windows 8 “modern interface” counterparts.
And therein lies the problem with MS – if they could bridge that gap, there would be a real competitor out there. But too little, too late. And a crap OS.
oh………………………….
and yeah………
the os
perfect!
My son had his choice of laptops for college. I let him do the research, and he chose the Surface Pro. We talked, I let him use my Macbook Air, but he still went with the Surface. After one year of college, he tells me, the best laptop for college is an Apple Macbook Air or Pro. I replied…”You did learn something in college after all!”
if only we could be wise beyond our ears
You can get a MacBook Air for $899, so no thanks.
Why does the rubber keyboard have a touch pad on it of the Surface is a touch screen TabTop?