This is my first post and I was actually going to make this same thread. I have also not had a huge amount of time to really dive into the surface but played with it a good day with it. So I will post again after a few weeks of using it to, but for now I can give my initial thoughts as I have been using windows 8 preview for quite awhile to.
Let me first say I have had an iPad before this and wasn't crazy about it, as I couldn't access files and folders with it and got bored with it a lot faster than I thought I would. I just couldn't get past the constantly going through iTunes to get stuff onto my device. I realize that there is icloud but it still isn't the same. I have an iPhone to so I am well aware of the world of apple. I then got a playbook, which I know a lot might criticize but I really enjoy the device, and I will continue to use it for work as it is more portable and I only need a few things like email and the calendar for it.
I was back and forth with getting surface just because I don't have a lot of extra money so $520 is a lot to handle at once but decided to suck it up and grab it. I can honestly say I don't think I will be regretting this decision one bit!
this device is so refreshing from other devices I have used. Having word and excel (and full versions of it) is so nice and anyone who says they can be replaced by other apps is kidding themselves. And NOTHING can replace having full access to files and folders! I love the sd slot to... yesterday I put my cameras sd card in transferred the pics onto surface and renamed the folder it was in, do that with an iPad! The other thing that I can't believe how much I missed was on the keyboard the short cuts for copy, paste, and tab are so nice. I also have no problem with the app store, it is fairly populated for first couple of days and know they will get tons more apps within the coming months. The build quality of this device is superb! And I have already used the stand way more than I thought I would, even holding the device up to watch in bed. The ratio of the screen does take a little to get used to as it is just so much wider than any of the devices we are used to but I don't mind it. As for windows 8 it seems extremely polished, but having said that I have had it crash once on me :dry and one app stuck for a very long time. I don't mind these bugs because that's the price you pay for being such an early adopter, and I know they will have updates rolling out a lot.
Sorry for the long review, but there is a lot to say about the surface and I am very excited to own this device! If you are having doubts go out and try it for yourself! I realize that people use devices differently so if you are expecting all the apps that you know and love to be there they won't, but if you want a device that is going to be the closest thing to a laptop replacement than go take a look at it!