Surface Pro 3

TBi · 15-10-2014 8:50am

I got the 256 model. I definitely wouldn't settle with the 64GB. 128 is minimum really.

BUT you could get a cheap microSD card to store any extra files on.

madmoe · 15-10-2014 3:09pm

TBi wrote: »

I got the 256 model. I definitely wouldn't settle with the 64GB. 128 is minimum really.

BUT you could get a cheap microSD card to store any extra files on.

I went with 256GB as well and 8GB of RAM as you are definitely future proofing your investment! I went for this because I had money to spend thankfully and wanted to invest it well!

Cheers,
M

TBi · 15-10-2014 3:12pm

madmoe wrote: »

I went with 256GB as well and 8GB of RAM

Actually i forgot about that. The 256GB model has 8GB ram vs 4GB in the 64/128 models. Something else to think about. Another reason i went with the 256GB.

madmoe · 15-10-2014 6:36pm

TBi wrote: »

Actually i forgot about that. The 256GB model has 8GB ram vs 4GB in the 64/128 models. Something else to think about. Another reason i went with the 256GB.

It's definitely worth it in my opinion!!

Jimmy Iovine · 15-10-2014 10:20pm

I think I'll go for the 128GB/i5 option. I can't justify spending any more. I'll have to get the SD card.

Has anyone got the docking station? It looks very tempting. One USB port isn't enough.

TBi · 15-10-2014 10:31pm

I'd spend the money on more memory before I'd spend it on the docking station. You'll use the memory more...

You can always get a cheap USB hub for 20 quid if you really need extra ports and you could lug that around. Surface 3 has Bluetooth though so you can use that for mice/external speakers if you are worried about USB ports.

evolutionqy7 · 07-11-2014 3:10pm

So 6 months later how are people finding it? I've sold my 1st Gen Pro and probably gonna get the i5 version at some point before Xmas. Any issues or annoying issues? how's wifi

TBi · 07-11-2014 3:50pm

I'm using mine all the time. Biggest issue i find is that it isn't as comfortable on the lap as a laptop.

Otherwise loving the versatility of it and it works great as a giant tablet for surfing.

oceanclub · 07-11-2014 6:55pm

"Mine" is actually my wife's but I borrow it quite a bit and don't use my Nexus 7 much now. Speedwise, the Surface blows it out of the water(*) and reading PDFs and comics on it is a joy compared to the laggy Nexus. So far there's been just enough Metro apps to keep me happy and I've most things I want. And of course I can switch to Desktop mode anyway if I want. Even typing on the screen is great; I find I make far less errors than on any device. We haven't bought the add-on keyboard yet as we have a Logitech k480 bluetooth keyboard that works fine with it. Neither do I find it over-large when using it as a tablet.

(*) Sure it's much more expensive than the 7 but not that much more compared to the 9 - I was thinking of buying the latter but don't see the point now.

I think it's a really great device; I just wish MS had better store displays. I think if people got a chance to try it out they would opt for them.

P.

evolutionqy7 · 08-11-2014 10:06am

Gonna pick mine up Sunday now. Found a guy on adverts selling the i5 128GB version with a type keyboard for 780. So going all in

Just gotta get to Waterford to pick it up lol.

evolutionqy7 · 10-11-2014 1:31pm

Got mine. Some move from the original. Love the new aspect ratio and screen size, makes reading websites a treat. Screen colours and contrast is great too for movies.

ablelocks · 10-11-2014 5:11pm

using mine all the time - it has replaced a beast of a laptop. all my client docs on onedrive, slowly getting used to using onenote instead of pen and paper.

i've the i3 64gb with a 64gb card. storage not really an issue anymore now that onedrive is unlimited.

it works very well with chromecast - streamed the all-blacks game to the tv on saturday.

using drawboard to annotate pdf's

onenote to take notes at meetings and training courses has worked v well. the writing recognition is beyond magic - my handwriting is terrible and it still gets 90% of what i write.

really need to find and do some online training to get the most out of it, but so far really happy with it.

no issues with it technically - everything just works. battery life is good too.

evolutionqy7 · 10-11-2014 11:12pm

I had 64gb last time and found it to be lacking with storage after installing a couple of games. Managed to get around but this is the reason why I went with 128 this time.

Plus using the 64gb memory card from the old surface

madmoe · 10-11-2014 11:46pm

ablelocks wrote: »

using mine all the time - it has replaced a beast of a laptop. all my client docs on onedrive, slowly getting used to using onenote instead of pen and paper.

i've the i3 64gb with a 64gb card. storage not really an issue anymore now that onedrive is unlimited.

it works very well with chromecast - streamed the all-blacks game to the tv on saturday.

using drawboard to annotate pdf's

onenote to take notes at meetings and training courses has worked v well. the writing recognition is beyond magic - my handwriting is terrible and it still gets 90% of what i write.

really need to find and do some online training to get the most out of it, but so far really happy with it.

no issues with it technically - everything just works. battery life is good too.

I have a Chromecast and a SP3 but I have no idea how to stream from the SP3 other than using Chrome to stream a tab! Is there a native app in the Windows Store??

Thanks,
M

ablelocks · 11-11-2014 10:59am

madmoe wrote: »

I have a Chromecast and a SP3 but I have no idea how to stream from the SP3 other than using Chrome to stream a tab! Is there a native app in the Windows Store??

Thanks,
M

I don't think so - I'm just streaming from Chrome too. Although I did try popcorntime and that didn't work properly but I didn't try any trouble shooting or anything...

on another note, boom boom, I just discovered that onenote can search and find words in my handwriting. I haven't tried it yet, but apparently it can search audio and video recordings for words too.

madmoe · 11-11-2014 12:34pm

ablelocks wrote: »

I don't think so - I'm just streaming from Chrome too. Although I did try popcorntime and that didn't work properly but I didn't try any trouble shooting or anything...

on another note, boom boom, I just discovered that onenote can search and find words in my handwriting. I haven't tried it yet, but apparently it can search audio and video recordings for words too.

Happy days! I'm thrilled with my SP3 since getting it! I moved to France to teach English in September and it has truly been invaluable in helping me prepare and deliver my classes! When I want to kick back and watch a movie or some French TV it's my go to device as well ;-)

Cheers,
M

Jimmy Iovine · 29-12-2014 2:41pm

When do people think the Surface Pro 4 will come out? All I'm reading are rumours at the moment.

If it comes out in the first quarter of 2015, then I think I'd prefer to wait for it than get the Pro 3.

AlmightyCushion · 29-12-2014 2:46pm

Jimmy Iovine wrote: »

When do people think the Surface Pro 4 will come out? All I'm reading are rumours at the moment.

If it comes out in the first quarter of 2015, then I think I'd prefer to wait for it than get the Pro 3.

Once broadwell U series chips are out, I'd say it won't be long after that.

mark_m360 · 29-12-2014 3:17pm

Jimmy Iovine wrote: »

When do people think the Surface Pro 4 will come out? All I'm reading are rumours at the moment.

If it comes out in the first quarter of 2015, then I think I'd prefer to wait for it than get the Pro 3.

I would imagine it will be released closer to Windows 10 release, maybe summer release.

MJohnston · 30-12-2014 5:02am

The Surface Pro 3 was announced in May 20, 2014, and released June 20, 2014 - I wouldn't expect a Surface Pro 4 announcement until at least May this year, probably timed for release at the same time as Windows 10 (July, August 2015). It's true that the gap between Pro 1, 2 and 3 generations were shorter than 12 months, but MS were in a very rapid iteration cycle then in order to try and properly nail the device. Now that the Pro 3 has struck a chord and been extremely popular, I think they'll let it live for a while longer. Windows 10's release makes a perfect target for a new generation and puts them on a nice (and generally consumer friendly) 12 month refresh cycle.

I suspect also that the Surface RT will not see a 3rd generation, or if it will, it will be in that previously rumoured Mini form factor, as 10+ inch devices on Windows RT seems to have been a failed experiment, but with the merging of Windows Phone and Windows in Windows 10, there's still potential for "metro only" smaller form factor tablets.

evolutionqy7 · 30-12-2014 5:35am

And even if it comes out at the expected dates, do remember ms will probably make it available 2 or 3 months later after release. So is it worth the wait?

Edit. 2 or 3 months later in Ireland

Jimmy Iovine · 30-12-2014 1:23pm

evolutionqy7 wrote: »

And even if it comes out at the expected dates, do remember ms will probably make it available 2 or 3 months later after release. So is it worth the wait?

Probably not. I couldn't wait that long. My laptop definitely won't last that long. I think I'll get the Pro 3 as soon as I can.

MJohnston · 30-12-2014 6:26pm

Look at the bright side, there isn't a whole lot wrong with the Surface Pro 3, and unless they magically manage to cram a GPU into the Pro 4 (which seems unlikely), you'd be out a few blips of battery life and a little bit more performance.

doubie · 01-01-2015 8:23am

No, you don't but the surface for its tablet uses, there are too many cheaper,lighter options available. You buy the surface as a laptop,that can be used just as effectively as a tablet,therefore they should be bundled.

Jimmy Iovine · 26-01-2015 10:12pm

After months of talk, I finally ordered it. It's on the way. It says 7-9 days. I can't wait that long

Mardy Bum · 26-01-2015 10:55pm

Jimmy Iovine wrote: »

After months of talk, I finally ordered it. It's on the way. It says 7-9 days. I can't wait that long

I had it after 4 from Microsoft. Ordered Sunday night had it Thursday morning.

madmoe · 26-01-2015 11:17pm

Hey all,
Just about to send mine back to be replaced :-( It has developed a clearly visible yellow line on the left hand side, looks like I'm not the only person it has happend to as well!!

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/forum/surfpro3-surfhardware/screen-variation-yellow-hazy-line-down-left-side/c87c9754-77e5-4269-852c-f83f751cf355

I'm annoyed and hope the next one fares better!!

Cheers,
M

Jimmy Iovine · 27-01-2015 6:14pm

Mardy Bum wrote: »

I had it after 4 from Microsoft. Ordered Sunday night had it Thursday morning.

Ordered on Sunday and I'm posting on it now. The advantages of living in England.

It's a beautiful machine.

Jimmy Iovine · 29-01-2015 11:19pm

Has anyone got any recommendations for a mouse? I'm finding the touchpad very small and a little unresponsive at times.

What about the Arc Touch? Is it worth it?

Preferably bluetooth to free up the USB.

madmoe · 29-01-2015 11:26pm

Jimmy Iovine wrote: »

Has anyone got any recommendations for a mouse? I'm finding the touchpad very small and a little unresponsive at times.

What about the Arc Touch? Is it worth it?

Preferably bluetooth to free up the USB.

I have the Arc Touch Surface edition and I could not recommend it enough!! It's absolutely fantastic and folds up perfectly for travelling! It goes everywhere my SP3 goes!

Cheers,
M

Jimmy Iovine · 29-01-2015 11:42pm

madmoe wrote:

I have the Arc Touch Surface edition and I could not recommend it enough!! It's absolutely fantastic and folds up perfectly for travelling! It goes everywhere my SP3 goes!

Sounds good. I can't find it on a site that I trust. It's sold out on the Microsoft suite and on Amazon. I've never heard of any of the other sites.

PaulieC · 30-01-2015 11:56am

All pretty decent:

http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/en-ie/p/arc-touch-bluetooth-mouse
http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/en-ie/p/arc-touch-mouse
http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/en-ie/p/wedge-touch-mouse/3LR-00001
http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/en-ie/p/arc-mouse/ZJA-00006

bit pricey from MS own site though

delos · 30-01-2015 6:31pm

PaulieC wrote: »

All pretty decent:

http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/en-ie/p/arc-touch-bluetooth-mouse
http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/en-ie/p/arc-touch-mouse
http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/en-ie/p/wedge-touch-mouse/3LR-00001
http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/en-ie/p/arc-mouse/ZJA-00006

bit pricey from MS own site though

I went mad about a year ago and splashed out on the arc touch bluetooth for my Surface 2. I'm glad I did.

I find I can use it for a couple of hours before the shape begins to get to my hand but other than that it is near perfect as you don't have to use up the USB slot with a transceiver and it folds really flat for easy storage.

evolutionqy7 · 30-01-2015 8:05pm

Jimmy Iovine wrote: »

Has anyone got any recommendations for a mouse? I'm finding the touchpad very small and a little unresponsive at times.

What about the Arc Touch? Is it worth it?

Preferably bluetooth to free up the USB.

Not Bluetooth but I'm using a hefty Logitech Gaming Mouse G602. You have to use a USB dongle to connect it, and it's not very travel friendly but you can use the thing for hours without any wrist pain.

I have it for about half a year and still haven't changed the original batteries that came with it. Works pretty much on any surface as well including glass tables. I try not to use the surface type cover touch pad as I find it terrible and the touch surface is irritating to my fingers.

The dongle itself is tiny as well. So don't have a massive thing sticking out.

Jimmy Iovine · 01-02-2015 4:16pm

Thanks for the help. I've bought the Arc bluetooth mouse for £42 on Amazon.

I am having a problem with downloading apps from the Store though. I've tried a few apps and they only ever get to the pending stage and then stall. I've updated and restarted, signed out and it hasn't made a difference. Anyone know anything about this?

oceanclub · 12-02-2015 12:46pm

Anyone know how to sync the Calender (outlook.com/Surface app) with iCloud?

P.

TBi · 12-02-2015 2:43pm

Did you try adding icloud as an account? Do you get your iCloud mail on the surface?

oceanclub · 14-02-2015 12:27am

I added my iCloud account to mail, as described here:

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows8_1-ecoms/icloud-email-on-wndows-81/4ed39f19-8201-47b2-9e22-c58f3eedfe3b

However, so far, no events (new or otherwise) from my iPhone have appeared on my Surface, or vice versa.

I don't see a way to add an iCloud account to the Calendar app.

P.

TBi · 14-02-2015 10:10am

http://nokiaviews.com/windows-phone-and-icloud-email-contacts-calendar-and-photostream.html

This is for windows phone but might work on surface.

take everything · 05-03-2015 10:36pm

Anyone know how to fix the slow wifi issue on the SP3. I'm having this problem (loads of reports on the web about it) where the connection gets very slow over wifi. Not over a dongle though.

Also, there doesn't seem to be a spotify app in the store. Do you have to download a lot of such apps directly from the websites instead.

evolutionqy7 · 05-03-2015 11:36pm

take everything wrote: »

Anyone know how to fix the slow wifi issue on the SP3. I'm having this problem (loads of reports on the web about it) where the connection gets very slow over wifi. Not over a dongle though.

Also, there doesn't seem to be a spotify app in the store. Do you have to download a lot of such apps directly from the websites instead.

Not sure about the WiFi problems, it used to be slow to connect when i had a crappy router. Got a new ac router and everything is blazing fast.

For apps, no you can download apps from web or app store. I dont think theres a spotify app om windows store though.

MJohnston · 05-03-2015 11:40pm

You can use the https://play.spotify.com/ web app (and pin it), or you can download and install the Spotify app from their website. There is no Store app yet. I am hoping they'll build one for the Xbox One though (and therefore Windows 10 via a Universal app)

TBi · 05-03-2015 11:42pm

take everything wrote: »

Anyone know how to fix the slow wifi issue on the SP3. I'm having this problem (loads of reports on the web about it) where the connection gets very slow over wifi. Not over a dongle though.

Also, there doesn't seem to be a spotify app in the store. Do you have to download a lot of such apps directly from the websites instead.

A strange issue I see is that metro internet explorer is slow but the desktop version works fine.

KenH · 09-03-2015 2:46am

take everything wrote: »

Anyone know how to fix the slow wifi issue on the SP3. I'm having this problem (loads of reports on the web about it) where the connection gets very slow over wifi. Not over a dongle though.

I assume your SP3 has the latest Windows updates...that seems to solve it for some.

wampyrus77 · 16-04-2015 7:45pm

protection case / cover for free and stylus for free

take everything · 14-07-2015 11:42am

Anyone able to solve the WiFi limited connectivity problem. It's doing my head in. I understand from reading online it's a big issue.

evolutionqy7 · 14-07-2015 11:45am

take everything wrote: »

Anyone able to solve the WiFi limited connectivity problem. It's doing my head in. I understand from reading online it's a big issue.

I turn my weefy on and off.

or switch networks. I have 2.4 and 5 ghz at home.

Doing my head in to be fair as it happens constantly.

MJohnston · 14-07-2015 11:56am

take everything wrote: »

Anyone able to solve the WiFi limited connectivity problem. It's doing my head in. I understand from reading online it's a big issue.

FWIW Windows 10 seems to have completely solved this problem, at least for me.

Jimmy Iovine · 14-07-2015 6:05pm

My touchscreen is unresponsive at times. I need to restart it. I've gotten into the habit of relying on the touchscreen so that's really doinf my head in now.

evolutionqy7 · 14-07-2015 7:22pm

MJohnston wrote: »

FWIW Windows 10 seems to have completely solved this problem, at least for me.

I was on the preview for a while, but ended going back to 8.1. Just felt like it performed better. Not sure I like windows 10 that much vs 8.1

Surface Pro 3

Comments