Posted on 11/26/2023 9:34:21 PM PST by Cronos
I’ve always rooted for the Surface. What started exclusively as a way to push the concept of the Windows 2-in-1 has grown into a full-fledged premium laptop brand, with options at nearly every price point. But after a year like 2023, it’s hard not to feel like we may be reaching a turning point for the brand
This year was a very slow year for the Surface. Microsoft announced four new Surface devices in 2023: the Surface Go 4, Surface Laptop Go 3, Surface Hub 3, and the Surface Laptop Studio 2. That might sound like a lot, but when you break it down, the “Go” devices are both budget-focused, and the Surface Hub 3 is a purely commercial product. The Surface Laptop Studio 2 was really the only exciting new consumer device announced, and it was a fairly minor spec update. The Surface line has never been known for consistent updates or drastic design changes, but that’s still a very quiet set of updates to Microsoft’s flagship line of PCs.
...The Surface brand has had a particularly hard time in 2023 on the financial side. Of course, PC sales have been in decline all year. But in its annual report, Microsoft indicated that Surface revenue decreased by $1.8 billion, falling even harder than its competitors. Surface PC sales are not just a normalization of pandemic trends — they have toppled to pre-2019 levels.
One less premium player in the world of Windows devices is never a good thing for the health of the ecosystem — especially one that was willing to push boundaries and try new things.
Surface might still be around in five years, but it might not have the same brash and ambitious spirit that made it an important player in the Windows ecosystem.
(Excerpt) Read more at digitaltrends.com ...
I really dislike my surface go3.
the surface rt2 was better in most respects.
Do you have a surface? I never liked the look and feel of one, never bought one. Well, I do not like Apple overall, I absolutely love the larger iPad Pro.
I do. Got it as a contractor for Microsoft in 2018. It is a great device for “on the go”. Back home I prefer my desktop or a solid gaming machine (I work in business intelligence)
So my iPad Pro has 12.9 vs Surface 13 inch, so basically the same. I do my serious work on a Windows 11 Pro desktop configured with three 34 inch ultra wide curved displays. Normally, I do not carry an external keyboard for the iPad, but I do have one, I don’t try to do serious data entry on it. I have a 17 inch laptop when I need to use a laptop traveling.
I’d still be tempted to get a surface just to have the windows functionality.
>> (I work in business intelligence)
Is there any?
I hate the Surface “computers.”
“Business Intelligence” is an oxymoron.
The average person has never heard of Microsoft Surface.
That’s why I posted it on freerepublic.com.
No “average people “ here :)
The Surface is most certainly a “computer” featuring multiple generations of Intel’s i-series processors over the years. Having workstations with Threadrippers, i9s, and and Gold Xeons, and additionally hi perf mobile workstations over the decades, I can assure you the Surface is a worthwhile investment providing the required h/w configuration is well thought out in advance. I think my Pro 9 cost about $3,500, and to be capitalized for at least 5 years. I pay the rent using this type of gear.
If you get a Surface then get any extra warranty as they are glued together and even IfixIt could not glue earlier models back together properly.
Here are their how-to’s so maybe Microsoft have since made it easier:
https://www.ifixit.com/Device/Microsoft_Surface_Pro
I’ve never really understood the purpose of a tablet. From web equipped mobile phone to a laptop, I’ve just never seen the need for a transitionary product, atleast that is how I perceive them.
Is microsoft still charging a mortgage they free to use windows? The money they fee I don’t pay with my iPad.
Anything that hurts Gates is fine by me
The Surface, while it can be used with the kickstand and keyboard on a flat surface such as a table, can't be used with they keyboard on your lap or a soft surface such as a bed.
Here is a factoid. A surface is supposed to operate better on Linux than on MS...
“ I’ve never really understood the purpose of a tablet. From web equipped mobile phone to a laptop, I’ve just never seen the need for a transitionary product, atleast that is how I perceive them.”
What’s to understand? Tablets and phones are basically interchangeable functionality wise but the tablet has a LOT more real estate. Laptops are larger and clunkier, but are much more feature laden.
I’ve owned 2 surfaces. Really liked everything about them......until the rechargeable batteries ballooned, and they stopped working. Through MS, there’s no fix for this. Have them now in a local shop. They’ve been working on them for over a month.
Looking for similar computer options.
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