Any Surface Pro users?

[Bini]

I am currently an Apple user but absolutely loved the versatility and convenience of the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 at the store. I've picked up writing as a hobby and I've been looking for something in between the tablet and laptop. I've only just started researching this device but so far it seems to be well received and highly recommended by many. The only bummer for me is that the newer generations have much larger screens and I'd prefer to stick with the 10 incher display, primarily, because I plan to travel a lot with it and want to be able to store it and haul it around easily. My understanding is that the Pro 1-2 are 10.6" and the Pro 3 is 12" and the anticipated Pro 4 will be 14". The two latter are much too large for what I'm wanting.

 

So my dilemma is: do I get an older generation with preferred screen size? Or, do I get a newer generation (with some improved tweaks) with an oversized screen size? Have any of you had a first or second gen and upgraded to a Pro 3? What are your thoughts?

[rlfrye]

Cant give you any advice as I have never used them, my opinion would be go with the newer models with the improved tweaks. Also since I am a four eyed old fart, I think a little larger screen is ok, but once again, I am not needing one to use like you need to use it, so take this with a grain of salt. 

[The Folk Prophet]

I am currently an Apple user but absolutely loved the versatility and convenience of the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 at the store. I've picked up writing as a hobby and I've been looking for something in between the tablet and laptop. I've only just started researching this device but so far it seems to be well received and highly recommended by many. The only bummer for me is that the newer generations have much larger screens and I'd prefer to stick with the 10 incher display, primarily, because I plan to travel a lot with it and want to be able to store it and haul it around easily. My understanding is that the Pro 1-2 are 10.6" and the Pro 3 is 12" and the anticipated Pro 4 will be 14". The two latter are much too large for what I'm wanting.

 

So my dilemma is: do I get an older generation with preferred screen size? Or, do I get a newer generation (with some improved tweaks) with an oversized screen size? Have any of you had a first or second gen and upgraded to a Pro 3? What are your thoughts?

 

I would say "some improvement tweaks" is an understatement. I would not get the 1 or 2. They are (imo) not worth the materials used to assemble them. The Pro 3, on the other hand, is a fantastic device. The Pro 4 at 14" is a very exciting theory. The downside, of course, is cost. But if you take cost out of the equation, I'd do the Pro 4 theoretically.

 

If you're considering the 1 or 2 then I'd recommend just getting a solid Android Device instead. The Microsoft Office App for Android is much more stable and nice than on Apple. I'm writing my latest book on a Samsung Galaxy Pro 12.2. It's not perfect. I have to do some things on my PC after/before the fact. But for basic writing, it's pretty sweet. Ideally, I'd prefer a Surface...but the Galaxy was provided by my job and it's hard to compete with free.

[Bini]

I think I'm getting overwhelmed by the various models I'm looking at. I can't seem to pinpoint the difference (if any) from a Surface RT to a Surface Pro. What is the difference?

 

Yeh, I definitely want to get a Surface - just loved the design of it - so it's really figuring out what model to go with. I'll be doing more projects on it, apart from writing, but I'll be using it like a desktop on-the-go. My iPad and its keyboard works fine but it's not nearly as versatile.

[The Folk Prophet]

I think I'm getting overwhelmed by the various models I'm looking at. I can't seem to pinpoint the difference (if any) from a Surface RT to a Surface Pro. What is the difference?

 

Yeh, I definitely want to get a Surface - just loved the design of it - so it's really figuring out what model to go with. I'll be doing more projects on it, apart from writing, but I'll be using it like a desktop on-the-go. My iPad and its keyboard works fine but it's not nearly as versatile.

 

The RT operating system is not full windows and has serious limitations. It may not be that big of a deal if all you want to use is office (which comes build into RT). But if you want to install any other windows programs...unless they're RT specific...no go.

 

The Pro 3 is a full on computer, just as powerful as a laptop or desktop (depending on relative specs). The top model is an i7 with 8g Ram. That's the same as my current laptop! Of course the Pro 3 costs twice as much...but still.

 

If you want a desktop on the go, you want the Pro 3 or 4 for sure.

 

Of course you would have no reason to get the i7. The i3 version is probably great if what you primarily do is write.

[Bini]

Okay I'm getting it now! Makes sense. Just watched some YouTubes on the differences between RT and Pro and Pro is definitely the superior model. I am still so bummed that the screens for the 3 and 4 are going to be massive but otherwise, understand the guts are way better.

[The Folk Prophet]

I find that my 12" galaxy is much more useful and no less portable than my older 10" was. I expect, once used to it, you'll feel the same.

[Crypto]

As much as I generally resist endorsing microsoft, It is probably the best laptop/tablet combo i've seen right now.

[Bini]

As much as I generally resist endorsing microsoft, It is probably the best laptop/tablet combo i've seen right now.

 

I got one on Amazon!

 

I went with new/factory-sealed Pro 2 and Type Cover 2 for about $775. I've watched countless video reviews on this model and the feedback is very positive. Runs all the programmes I'd want, like Photoshop for example, and more. The Pro 3 would be a gorgeous setup but the Pro 2 does much of what it does, and for less, obviously. I'll be able to get the work done that I need to on this model. So excited! First time going outside of the Apple box... in a long time at least.