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How is Microsoft's Surface Pro bucking the downward tablet trend?
PC and Tech Authority ^ | 12/01/2014 | by Jane McCallion

Posted on 12/01/2014 7:42:54 AM PST by SeekAndFind

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1 posted on 12/01/2014 7:42:54 AM PST by SeekAndFind
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To: SeekAndFind

Could be.

However, when my gen 3 iPad becomes Obama-like (e.g., unreliable and stupid), I’ll replace it with another iPad.

Microsoft?

Ptui!


2 posted on 12/01/2014 7:45:07 AM PST by Da Coyote
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To: SeekAndFind

FWIW, the Surface can actually function (more or less) as an actual part of an Active Directory domain. It’s essentially an actual PC, rather than a tablet, and can run the gamut of actual Microsoft software, including the Office suite (right up to Project), Outlook integrated with Exchange, and many many other tools that only run on “real” computers, as opposed to the more restrictive ecosystems of Android and Apple.

So the Surface is probably doing well because real businesses can safely buy it, just like Windows does so well because businesses can safely buy it.


3 posted on 12/01/2014 7:46:48 AM PST by Little Pig
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To: SeekAndFind

My brother in law showed his Surface to me over Tday weekend. I was really impressed with it. Now my wife wants one because the keyboard works well and Windows 8 is a good tablet OS.


4 posted on 12/01/2014 7:47:02 AM PST by Azeem (There are four boxes to be used in the defense of liberty: soap, ballot, jury and ammo.)
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5 posted on 12/01/2014 7:53:29 AM PST by DJ MacWoW (The Fed Gov is not one ring to rule them all)
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To: SeekAndFind

M$ and companies using Google’s Android seem to be doing well; but their business model is predicated on volume production of cheap units. Much of the world cannot afford AAPL iPads, while the others tablets are in their price range.

The problem arises for M$ and companies using Google’s Android when looking at the bottom line - their isn’t much. Which bodes poorly for them in the long run.

I think those charts may reflect units shipped, not necessarily units sold to customers (real people) - I could be wrong.


6 posted on 12/01/2014 7:57:31 AM PST by PIF (They came for me and mine ... now it is your turn ...)
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To: SeekAndFind
That chart is extremely deceiving. Going from .9% to 4.9% on a new product (Surface has been around for less than two years) could simply be a factor of the first one not being ready, as is often the case with .zero iterations, or a big sale, like the dead cat bounce HP had on its lineup in the end.

The Surface is more akin to a laptop with a detachable keyboard. It is Microsoft trying to remake the Windows-Touch of the past under their own name to kickstart the category after failed attempts by Acer and others.

I use iOS, but prefer a REAL user-accessible file system, but refuse to attach to Android because of its Google roots. Too bad RIM/Blackberry isn't much of a player these days, as QNX is a solid, lean platform to build off of.
7 posted on 12/01/2014 7:58:40 AM PST by Dr. Sivana ("If you're litigating against nuns, you've probably done something wrong."-Ted Cruz)
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To: Little Pig

I have some experience with this. There is some truth to what you say, but you have to keep in mind that the Surface Pro is an actual PC, while the Surface RT is not, and the latter is very limited as to software availability/functionality (e.g., it cannot use a Cisco remote access VPN, which is built into the iPad).

Also, the wifi drivers for the Surface Pro are buggy and limited in their customizability.


8 posted on 12/01/2014 8:03:27 AM PST by B Knotts (Just another Tenther)
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To: SeekAndFind

Apple is on the decline. Since this latest iOS update, my iPad air has been giving me nothing but trouble. Safari now gets slower and slower the more it’s used until I am forced to restart it.

And comparing the Surface Pro to an iPad or Android tablet isn’t really a fair comparison. The Surface Pro is not just a tablet. It is a full fledged computer similar in power to the MacBook Air. When my current laptop is up for replacement,i will be replacing it with a surface pro.


9 posted on 12/01/2014 8:03:44 AM PST by Scutter
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To: SeekAndFind

I inherited my wife’s first generation I-pad. While it still works without problems, I am frustrated that many apps I would love to get are no longer available for this oldest operating system. The I-pad can no longer be upgraded to new operating systems so I am stuck with only a few apps in basically an obsolete machine.


10 posted on 12/01/2014 8:05:50 AM PST by The Great RJ
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To: SeekAndFind

Love my new Surface Pro 3! Can use as a table to read and annotate pdfs, bring it to the classroom, and use it as a powerful little PC.


11 posted on 12/01/2014 8:08:11 AM PST by Catphish
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To: Catphish

RE: Love my new Surface Pro 3! Can use as a table to read and annotate pdfs, bring it to the classroom, and use it as a powerful little PC.

What’s the price for all that?


12 posted on 12/01/2014 8:12:51 AM PST by SeekAndFind (If at first you don't succeed, put it out for beta test.)
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To: Little Pig

Bingo

Had one user bring in his (early version, non-pro) Surface in the hopes of joining our corporate domain - he returned it and bought an iPad.

There are many occasions I could use a native Windows desktop when I am not at my desk.


13 posted on 12/01/2014 8:20:44 AM PST by NY.SS-Bar9 (Those that vote for a living outnumber those that work for one.)
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To: Scutter

I had the same problem with my ipad air. It was totally freezing and I was having to reboot so I took it in. They did a software update on it. Instead of freezing it started what I call getting ‘stuck’. I’d have to shut down safari and reopen it to unstick it. Took it in Saturday and they exchanged it. Said it was ‘bad’.


14 posted on 12/01/2014 8:50:21 AM PST by sheana
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To: Little Pig
"So the Surface is probably doing well because real businesses can safely buy it, just like Windows does so well because businesses can safely buy it."

That was my take too. The functionality of the Surface has convinced the business/office market to start using tablets. The thing is, to get one that is fully decked out is just as or more expansive than a laptop.

15 posted on 12/01/2014 8:50:26 AM PST by circlecity
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To: Catphish

at 1400 dollars it is not at the sweet spot yet.

It is also hard to tell if the third party surface tablets are pro 3 or pro 2


16 posted on 12/01/2014 8:59:50 AM PST by longtermmemmory (VOTE! http://www.senate.gov and http://www.house.gov)
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To: SeekAndFind

They’ve done a really good job positioning it as “almost a laptop”, helps it avoid the softening of the tablet market.


17 posted on 12/01/2014 9:02:14 AM PST by discostu (The albatross begins with its vengeance A terrible curse a thirst has begun)
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To: discostu

I have been patiently waiting (still waiting) for the tablet laptop.

Much rather have a windows based tablet/laptop than a “met too” windows imitation.


18 posted on 12/01/2014 9:06:59 AM PST by longtermmemmory (VOTE! http://www.senate.gov and http://www.house.gov)
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To: Little Pig

Yes, you are on mark with your commentary but it is also an ‘awesome’ device meaning people are attracted to its table in electronic stores for longer periods of time than iOS or Android devices, and that attraction ends up forming a line or a moving backdrop of people who keep coming back to see if they can squeeze in.

Nokia smartphones which Microsoft now owns are also ‘awesome’ and their camera capabilities are show-stoppers. Nothing even comes close to their dazzling features and capabilities.

And all the devices and computers sync up quickly and effortlessly.

My 8-year old could not get enough of the Surface Pro 3 stylus. I have never thought in my life to think of using a stylus until I saw the Surface Pro 3 stylus. It is amazing in the sense that it can do things on the Surface Pro 3 touchscreen that are actually of great utility to users as well as graphics artists. The Surface Pro 3 is a winner, no doubt about it.

And I have bothered to peek ahead and see what’s coming. Windows 10 is going to be a sure winner as well. The new CEO of Microsoft has his head screwed on right and the whole company is now functioning to give the user a pleasant and great experience without new shocks to their existing habits. They really have turned a corner.


19 posted on 12/01/2014 9:23:43 AM PST by Hostage (ARTICLE V)
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To: Little Pig

I’ve seen them, and they are not cheap, but seem to be pretty well made and have good specs.


20 posted on 12/01/2014 9:29:34 AM PST by The Antiyuppie ("When small men cast long shadows, then it is very late in the day.")
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