SP3 rocks

[mathsisbest]

I got a MacBook pro retina for Christmas. Best present ever!

Didn't open it. Sold it asap for a Surface Pro 3 (i7) and bought a power cover along with the stylus.

I love it. It's so thin, so light, so amazing! I like the 12 inch display. The power of a laptop in the body of a tablet is an amazing concept. It will probably be my main device.

So far I've been making word documents and playing around. I've been looking at the Windows store for apps.

Anybody out there who swapped a MacBook for a SP3?

 

[tortex73]

I love my Surface Pro 3, but I personally would have kept the MacBook Pro. My MBP is starting to show its age, so I need to upgrade it soon. I actually went yesterday and checked out the new ones, the only reason why I didn't buy one is because they don't offer one with enough storage for my needs for a reasonable price, so I bought an SP3 instead. I'm gonna keep using my MBP for all my media/iTunes stuff but I'll be using the SP3 as my main computer now. So far so good. I had an SP1 but sold it to a buddy yesterday, the SP3 is much, MUCH nicer. Microsoft finally nailed it.

Edit: Where did you buy the power cover? I just Googled it and can only find it for the SP2.

Another edit: I just talked to a "product specialist" and they said there isn't one yet for the SP3. Have you actually used the cover with it yet? Are you sure the one you bought is for the SP3?

 

[maflynn]

I have a 2012 retina Macbook Pro and a brand new SP3. I've been on the fence to keep or sell my MBP. I already have plenty of Macs at home, so its not like I'll miss it, but I will say the 2012 MBP has been the best Mac I've ever owned. Great balance of size/weight and performance. With that said, I do love my new SP3, its much smaller and more portable. I've been able to use it for hours on my lap without my legs getting overly warm. Of course because the display is smaller then the 15" MBP, I have to had adjust to the smaller display when not in its docking station.

 

[mathsisbest]

Edit: Where did you buy the power cover? I just Googled it and can only find it for the SP2.

Another edit: I just talked to a "product specialist" and they said there isn't one yet for the SP3. Have you actually used the cover with it yet? Are you sure the one you bought is for the SP3?

I haven't actually tried out the power cover yet. I don't think it will work. I will return it for the type cover. Sorry for the confusion and thanks for the tip!

 

[tortex73]

I haven't actually tried out the power cover yet. I don't think it will work. I will return it for the type cover. Sorry for the confusion and thanks for the tip!

Haha no prob. Kinda sucks, you got me all excited for a minute there

 

[anon(7901790)]

I haven't actually tried out the power cover yet. I don't think it will work. I will return it for the type cover. Sorry for the confusion and thanks for the tip!

The power cover will work. I believe you just need a firmware update.

You've got Surface Pro 3 questions, I've got answers | ZDNet

 

[tortex73]

The power cover will work. I believe you just need a firmware update.

You've got Surface Pro 3 questions, I've got answers | ZDNet

According to Microsoft's website, it's not compatible. Not to mention it won't be the right size.


Sent from my iPhone 6 using Tapatalk

 

[markusbeutel]

According to Microsoft's website, it's not compatible. Not to mention it won't be the right size.


Sent from my iPhone 6 using Tapatalk

It works with the SP3. Will work right out of the box - and yeah, it's slightly the wrong size and wont fit the screen perfectly, so your best bet is to get some kind of folio case along with the power cover. It's totally worth it though - when I had my SP3 it nearly doubled the battery life. Doesn't have the magnetic attachment the new type covers have, and its thicker and heavier and not backlit, but I found I liked it more than the type cover as it doesn't bounce around, the keys have a nicer feel, and it just feels more like a legit keyboard than the typecover, which always felt gimmicky and cheap to me.

 

[anon(7901790)]

According to Microsoft's website, it's not compatible. Not to mention it won't be the right size.


Sent from my iPhone 6 using Tapatalk

True it won't be the right size. But it DOES work.

http://forums.windowscentral.com/microsoft-surface-pro-3/300516-sp3-power-cover.html

 

[tortex73]

It works with the SP3. Will work right out of the box - and yeah, it's slightly the wrong size and wont fit the screen perfectly, so your best bet is to get some kind of folio case along with the power cover. It's totally worth it though - when I had my SP3 it nearly doubled the battery life. Doesn't have the magnetic attachment the new type covers have, and its thicker and heavier and not backlit, but I found I liked it more than the type cover as it doesn't bounce around, the keys have a nicer feel, and it just feels more like a legit keyboard than the typecover, which always felt gimmicky and cheap to me.

The fact that it's not the right size would drive me nuts. I've never used one before, wasn't even aware of their existence until this thread, but the moment they become available for the SP3 I'm going to order one. I agree that the type cover leaves a bit to be desired, but the one for the SP3 is much nicer than the one for the SP1/SP2. The trackpad especially is a whole lot better, and I love how it attaches to the front of the SP3, the angle makes it much more comfortable to type on.

 

[anon(7901790)]

I doubt Microsoft will make a power cover for the SP3. The weight alone would defeat the purpose of a lighter SP3. I had a SP1 with the Power Cover and it was HEAVY. The SP3's battery life is a whole lot better than the original SP1 and better than the SP2.

 

[tortex73]

I doubt Microsoft will make a power cover for the SP3. The weight alone would defeat the purpose of a lighter SP3. I had a SP1 with the Power Cover and it was HEAVY. The SP3's battery life is a whole lot better than the original SP1 and better than the SP2.

Yeah, battery life on the SP1 was pretty abysmal, the SP3's is MUCH better. This thing is so much nicer that the SP1 in every regard. I really think Microsoft knocked it out of the park.

 

[wookiee2cu]

I wouldn't mind the slight increase in weight for the extra battery life.

 

[tsquare2112]

I am actually trying to sell my 15" Retina MacBook Pro right now and buy a surface pro 3. I've been doing allot of research the last two days. I own my own business and run AutoCAD and Revit drafting and design software. I've read many posts of people successfully running the software on the 512/i7 model and that what I plan to get.

 

[anon(7901790)]

I am actually trying to sell my 15" Retina MacBook Pro right now and buy a surface pro 3. I've been doing allot of research the last two days. I own my own business and run AutoCAD and Revit drafting and design software. I've read many posts of people successfully running the software on the 512/i7 model and that what I plan to get.

I think Microsoft is still running a trade-in program. You take in your MacBook and, depending on the model, Microsoft will take the MacBook and whatever it's valued at, knock that much off of an SP3.