Tsang Fai
New member
You shouldn't.
The Surface line isn't meant to be a mass consumer product. Microsoft created it as a reference for other OEMs to see where they wanted the hardware to go along with Windows.
They are reference devices and hence overpriced. You only buy a Surface if you really want Microsoft hardware. There's absolutely no other reason to buy one.
The fact that you can buy a better ASUS laptop for the same price is a result of that strategy of having reference devices. OEMs looked at the Surface and got challenged to make something alike but either cheaper or better when not cheaper AND better.
I don't agree Surface is a "reference" device and that it is over-priced.
Both Surface Pro and Surface already have 3 generations. The Surface 3 LTE will be released soon, too. Surface and Surface Pro are the most popular 2-in-1 Windows tablets that you can see people using in the public. Surface is also a popular topic discussed among users (at least Windows users).
Maybe it was designed as a reference device at the very beginning (first generation). But the situation has changed. Surface Pro 3 is more successful than expected. And the Surface 3 has allowed many people to purchase a much more "affordable Surface Pro". I believe Microsoft will even put more resources on developing Surface devices in the future.
For users who care build quality, pen support and flexibility of usage (aka kickstand), Surface 3 is not an expensive choice. Other cheaper Windows tablets may not have all the good features of Surface 3, not to mention the unbeatable build quality.