Microsoft Surface Pro 3 vs Apple iPad 4 vs Samsung Galaxy Note Pro 12.2: specs comparison

[Poke]

SP3 going to be a game changer for sure..

http://www.phonearena.com/news/Micr...Galaxy-Note-Pro-12.2-specs-comparison_id56309

 

[Ilya]

That comparison table is useful, but it is far from being complete.
For example, it doesn't even mention the interface ports - and that's where the Surface Pro really shines:
- Full-size USB 3.0
- microSD card reader
- Mini DisplayPort
- Docking port

The lack of broadband is the most obvious shortcoming. I am really surprised Microsoft has released the Surface Pro 3 without it! (Of course with a full-size USB port present you can always use a dongle.)

 

[rockymtnhigh]

Game changer? Isn't Microsoft implicitly giving up the fight against the iPad and just trying to make this a touch-screen uber-light laptop to take on the Macbook Air?

 

[Ilya]

That was the whole point of the Surface Pro from the start: not to compete with the iPad directly, but to introduce a new category of a high-end tablet, a laptop replacement, essentially to compete in the ultra-portable category. The comparison with the Macbook Air is very appropriate in that regard.
And I think Microsoft has succeeded in filling that niche very nicely. For those who need both an ultra-portable Windows laptop and a tablet, the Surface Pro offers an excellent choice: one device that can serve as both!

 

[rockymtnhigh]

That was the whole point of the Surface Pro from the start: not to compete with the iPad directly, but to introduce a new category of a high-end tablet, a laptop replacement, essentially to compete in the ultra-portable category. The comparison with the Macbook Air is very appropriate in that regard.
And I think Microsoft has succeeded in filling that niche very nicely. For those who need both an ultra-portable Windows laptop and a tablet, the Surface Pro offers an excellent choice: one device that can serve as both!

In watching people use the Surface Pro, whatever the latest version is, it definitely seems to be used like a laptop with a stylus/touch-screen. I see the benefit of the small size, and certainly use my macbook air much more for actual work than my iPad; which serves a different purpose. were I in the Windows world, I can see the benefit of the Surface.

 

[Ronnie-]

They have two options though, in rt to go after strictly tablets, and the full version, which the SP runs.

Honestly though, as ,most, I see rt as DOA. Full windows can run nicely on bare specs as shown by many 8" tablets, so rt is really not necessary.

For what its targeting, this hits a dead on bullseye.

Sent from my Iconia W4-820 using Tapatalk

 

[Ilya]

I think the main reason and purpose of Windows RT was to give Intel a kick in the ass.
Intel was way behind supporting tablets. If it had something like the latest Atom available 2-3 years ago, I suspect Microsoft wouldn't be even doing the RT Surface at all.
Moving forward there is no much need for Windows RT. Atom-based tablets are already powerful enough to run full Windows 8.1, judging by the latest waive of 8-inch Windows tablets. In fact, I will not be surprised if in the next year or two Microsoft comes out with a phone running full Windows 9 or something! RT is dead for sure.


Sent from my M80TA using Tapatalk

 

[mike123abc]

I have an iPad Air and I use it a lot when travelling. I can get by doing most things with it, but for longer trips I have to have a laptop also, it is just too hard doing some things on the iPad. I will now give the SP3 a serious looking over to see if it can be my laptop replacement. I have no doubt it could replace it, but at the price an ultrabook or a macbook may be a better option.

 

[Need]

My wife and son both got iPad Mini Retina and I would not pick a Windows RT tablet over the iPad. I do have a Window 8.1 tablet (Dell Venue 8 Pro) and I love it. The only thing I wish is that it has a bigger screen and faster CPU. I use to carry my 8lb 17" laptop on travel, but now I only take the DV8P. I am trying to decide if I should stick with the DV8P or completely just replace the 17" laptop with a SP3.

 

[Ronnie-]

IF they get the universal app store going then RT might have a new purpose. Right now its too limited.

Sent from my Lumia Icon via Tapatalk

 

[mike123abc]

Best thing about this tablet is that it runs full windows, not RT. I also like the 12 inch screen size. I view this as a great alternative to a laptop, not an iPad replacement.

 

[meStevo]

That's the paradigm they're seeking to break, the need for both.