I think I'm taking the plunge and buying an SP3

[maflynn]

I just put my rMBP up for sale and I'm going to take the plunge and buy the Surface Pro. While I wait for it go sell, I'm debating the i5 vs. the i7 though I'll probably opt for the faster cpu/gpu. (I started another thread asking for the differences)

For me, the SP3 offers a nice mixture of laptop/tablet functionality. I'll not give up my rMini iPad as it offers a great usage in a tiny form factor but this will be more useful I think. I'm in Windows probably 80% of the time and the only major app I'll miss on OSX is Aperture. I've used Lightroom before so the transition over to that won't be terribly painful.

 

[oditius]

Is it worth it? You got me, I buy the best I can afford, if all I can afford is the i5, then that is what I will go for. I have the i5 in my Dell Venue Pro II... A BIG improvement over the ATOM I had in the Latitude 10...

 

[maflynn]

Good point about the release Sartre of the i5 vs the i7. Maybe. I'll just get the i5 flavor since I need to wait until the end if June vs August

 

[WillysJeepMan]

I just put my rMBP up for sale and I'm going to take the plunge and buy the Surface Pro. While I wait for it go sell, I'm debating the i5 vs. the i7 though I'll probably opt for the faster cpu/gpu. (I started another thread asking for the differences)

For me, the SP3 offers a nice mixture of laptop/tablet functionality. I'll not give up my rMini iPad as it offers a great usage in a tiny form factor but this will be more useful I think. I'm in Windows probably 80% of the time and the only major app I'll miss on OSX is Aperture. I've used Lightroom before so the transition over to that won't be terribly painful.

Interesting. It's probably an easier decision for you since you have an rMini iPad. But unfortunately for me, the SP3 can't replace my iPad4 as a tablet.

My tiny form factor device is a rooted Nook HD running CM11. For an SP3 to replace my home system, iMac, I'd have to spend a lot more to get the docking station, additional monitor, and usb hub.

As for i5 vs i7, I'd suggest considering how long you plan on owning the device. If you think you'll keep it only for a year or two, opt for the i5... I have found it easier to sell lower spec'ed hardware for a lower price than higher spec'd for a higher price. (it's a psychological thing when people are buying used hardware). For the long haul, go for the i7. The added cost will be spread out over a longer period of time, and the performance should be sufficient for that longer period.

 

[maflynn]

Well, its a done deal, I ordered the 256GB SP3. I put up my rMBP for sale and got an offer a couple of hours later - I wasn't expecting to sell it so quickly but now the die is cast. I have other Macs I can work on while I wait for the SP3 to ship.

 

[coolbreeze78]

I'm doing the same. Have my 15" rMBP up for sale. Also have my Lenovo T440s for sale also. I'm thinking I'll keep whichever doesn't sell first as a home/primary lap machine and use the SP3 when mobile. I am still not sold on how well the SP3, even with the continuous kickstand and magnetic keyboard angle, will work on a lap. I think it will be very annoying and fiddly, but we shall see.

 

[maflynn]

Also have my Lenovo T440s for sale also. .

Its called hedging your bet :grin:

As I posted, I'm doing the same, Im excited over the prospect but also a little nervous about embracing something that is trying to do two things (a tablet and a laptop).

Worst case scenario is that I find out pretty quickly it was a huge mistake and I return it within the return window.
More realistic scenario: Its not what I was expecting and I sell it a 6 mos to a year later.
Most likely will occur imo: Its doing exactly as I hoped it would, but after a couple of years its time to upgrade to what ever is out there then.

In other words I'm not looking to keep this product 5 years but given what MS is offering I'm pretty confident its going to suit my needs for a while.

 

[Joe920]

I think it's going to be pretty great. We've been drooling over it on TPCR since the announcement. Worth a read:
Surface Pro 3 Discussion Thread