32 Gb Microsoft Surface Tab (USA) $199

KrakityJones

Not sure if this is of any use to anyone as it's US based offer but seems a good deal if anyone had a relative over there.

It's the 32Gb surface dropped today to $199 from $349


http://holiday.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/en_US/html/pbPage.PDPS/productID.286870700


I have heard of these guys who operate like parcel motel for the us (http://www.usabox.com/) but never used them myself so no idea if they are any good. If anyone has any experiences let me know I'd be tempted to go for the surface at that price myself if I had a way to get it here.

Eoin

If anyone has any experiences let me know I'd be tempted to go for the surface at that price myself if I had a way to get it here.

I have one at work I use occasionally. Compared to other tablets, it's by far the most useful one I've used for work by a long shot.

You can have your email open in one third of the screen, and MS Word/OneNote/whatever in the other two thirds. It's the only tablet I've used where I could leave my laptop behind while travelling a few times. I had no problems using Skype and playing DivX files from a memory key - but outside of work type stuff, that's about all I've used it for.

HOWEVER, the app store is pretty weak, and this is a big minus. I'm not sure if MS plan to do much with Windows RT, so it might not improve all that much either.

I'd make sure you think you can make do with what software is available right now, and not be relying on a load of other apps being available for it any time soon. It's not like iOS or Android where the base OS is just a starting point and you can go nuts on the app store.

The OS uses a good bit of that 32GB space from what I remember, but as it has USB support, that may not be too much of an issue.

199 does not include a keyboard though. I'd get the "type" keyboard not the "touch" one if I had a choice. I don't like the lack of feedback from the touch keyboard. I'm sure you can get one for less than the $200 dollars they're adding on to the cost.

emo72

i have some budz over in florida today. i have diverted them to the local mall to try pick one up. fingers crossed, and thanks op. this has shades of the hp touchpad thread:D

AlanS181824

Was going to pick this up but then I realised it was the 1st generation Surface so no free SkyDrive or Skype promotion

Eoin

SkyDrive is free for up to 7GB I think?

AlanS181824

Eoin wrote: »

SkyDrive is free for up to 7GB I think?

It is but when you buy either a Surface 2 or Surface Pro 2 you get 200GB free SkyDrive for 2 years and free Skype calls.

The_Conductor

Billing address in Ireland- order won't go through.......
Still available today btw- if anyone can make it work.........

_Kaiser_

Eoin wrote: »

I have one at work I use occasionally. Compared to other tablets, it's by far the most useful one I've used for work by a long shot.

You can have your email open in one third of the screen, and MS Word/OneNote/whatever in the other two thirds. It's the only tablet I've used where I could leave my laptop behind while travelling a few times. I had no problems using Skype and playing DivX files from a memory key - but outside of work type stuff, that's about all I've used it for.

HOWEVER, the app store is pretty weak, and this is a big minus. I'm not sure if MS plan to do much with Windows RT, so it might not improve all that much either.

I'd make sure you think you can make do with what software is available right now, and not be relying on a load of other apps being available for it any time soon. It's not like iOS or Android where the base OS is just a starting point and you can go nuts on the app store.

The OS uses a good bit of that 32GB space from what I remember, but as it has USB support, that may not be too much of an issue.

199 does not include a keyboard though. I'd get the "type" keyboard not the "touch" one if I had a choice. I don't like the lack of feedback from the touch keyboard. I'm sure you can get one for less than the $200 dollars they're adding on to the cost.

I've one of these in the office too that I occasionally play with and like Eoin says, it's far more useful than it's Android or iPad counterparts IMO, but RT really hampers it and given that most manufacturers have given up on it I agree that it may not have much of a future - especially as DELL, Lenovo and Toshiba are now bringing out 8" tablets running the full Windows 8.1 for $299. I've also seen posts on Windows Phone Central that suggest MS may be focusing on their Surface 2 range now. There is talk though of them integrating the Windows Phone and RT stores as well which might help matters.

I found the Surface to be rather bulky and heavy but maybe that's just me.

Of course the problem with Windows 8/8.1 is that while the Start screen and Apps work well on a tablet, once you're back to the traditional Desktop (which 99% of existing applications run on), things are a little bit messier as it's not designed for touch at all.. small icons, menus etc are meant for use with a mouse, not a stubby finger like mine!

That said, having recently moved from Android to Windows phones/tablets I do think they are the best for getting stuff done and I'm strongly considering a DELL Venue 8 Pro myself ($299/€299). You can get a stylus/pen with it that will address the Desktop issue (I think) and a wireless keyboard is an option too, so it'll make a nice companion for my laptop - but I don't think it'll replace it.

My 2c anyway