Likelihood of Surface Pro with haswell?

[smoheath]

I would like to hear people's thoughts on if a surface pro with haswell will come out in the next three months. I personally think it won't happen, at least not any time soon. I'm actually kind of hoping it doesn't happen soon because I already own the surface pro.

 

[xboxonthego3]

I wouldn't be surprised if they released a new surface with haswell around a year after the original surface pro release. Next three months would be a tad early in my opinion.

 

[unstoppablekem]

If they make a 13 inch pro with better than the base Haswell graphics and an i7 processor, and better battery life, I want it.

 

[WanderingTraveler]

Give me a Surface Pro with 50% larger battery and an i7 Haswell, and you have a deal!

It's really likely since one of the complaints of the Surface Pro has been battery life.

 

[KLinCHI]

If they make a 13 inch pro with better than the base Haswell graphics and an i7 processor, I want it.

I concur!

 

[stephen_az]

I would like to hear people's thoughts on if a surface pro with haswell will come out in the next three months. I personally think it won't happen, at least not any time soon. I'm actually kind of hoping it doesn't happen soon because I already own the surface pro.

The likelihood in the next three months is probably slim to none. The likelihood of a model down the line is pretty strong but you are probably looking towards the end of the year or early next. I seriously doubt there will be anything early in the Haswell cycle because Microsoft will want a solid hit to follow the current model. Intel hardly has an exceptional reputation when it comes to bugs in early iterations of the i series (or any new processor for that matter). A later release would also allow them to design to take full advantage of the processor's strengths instead of just shoving it into Ivy Bridge hardware. As to whether Haswell will really bring the sorts of improvements Intel marketing claims, anyone who believes that stuff has paid no attention to the history Intel product claims. In the end it will be an improvement but probably just an incremental step forward (as has always turned out to be the case) instead of some revolutionary leap. Personally I think if it was truly what Intel claims, Apple would have already announced a new MacBook Air with 10 hour battery life, and Samsung, Lenovo, and HP (among others) would have promotional materials for their new lines. Lenovo certainly didn't wait for Haswell when it released its second generation Yogas.

 

[foaf]

if it was truly what Intel claims, Apple would have already announced a new MacBook Air with 10 hour battery life

Everyone loves the benefit of hindsight, but as we know, they have done exactly this. For that reason, I can't see how Microsoft can sit on their arses, they need to get a Haswell Surface out of the door asap as their main competitor (MBA) is clearly ahead* of them. (*sans touch interface IMHO).

I actually can't see why anyone would buy a Surface Pro now, without Haswell your investing in old generation hardware Furthermore, with all the promises of Windows 8.1, will the Surface Pro actually be able to support features like Mirracast etc?

 

[etphoto]

Yes, Surface will evidentially see Haswell. But after Haswell there will be other improvements. Waiting for the next greatest thing will cause you never have a device.

 

[dstrauss]

Why should they continue to use the Ivy Bridge parts at all in current production, unless Haswell requires a whole new motherboard design? They should switch parts as soon as possible to keep up with (or exceed) the Jones'. You can bet the new ATIV that Samsung is scheduled to announce at the end of the month will be using a Haswell part.

 

[Guzzler3]

Apple would have already announced a new MacBook Air with 10 hour battery life, and Samsung, Lenovo, and HP (among others) would have promotional materials for their new lines.

And Apple has announced a new MacBook Air laptops with Haswell is on it's way with 9-12 hrs battery life (depending on which model) yesterday.

So, I have a good feeling that Microsoft will be spitting out newer Surface Pro's with Haswell in them. My gut says they will have them around fall for back to school, or Christmas.

 

[gedzum]

The problem I have is with the staggered release. Here in the UK, we had to wait months after the initial release. I'm hoping MS will build up stock now that they know there is demand for it.

 

[-V-]

The likelihood in the next three months is probably slim to none. The likelihood of a model down the line is pretty strong but you are probably looking towards the end of the year or early next. I seriously doubt there will be anything early in the Haswell cycle because Microsoft will want a solid hit to follow the current model. Intel hardly has an exceptional reputation when it comes to bugs in early iterations of the i series (or any new processor for that matter). A later release would also allow them to design to take full advantage of the processor's strengths instead of just shoving it into Ivy Bridge hardware.

I have to disagree.

If they don't do this, Android will continue to dominate the mobile computing market. The tremendous big knock to Surface Pro is that it only lasts about 2.5 hours. I know the tablet can go up to 5 hours, but you are talking about a major let-down in user experience, if the tablet is configured for maximum power saving. If the Surface Pro is used as an "UltraBook" where the power is constantly on...well, that's fine. However, because of the look and the size of the device, chances are the user will treat it like a tablet....thus the eventual disappointment.

All in all, it's all about marketing, which is something Microsoft is very bad at. It's all about headlines, gaining traction, and perception.Within the next 6 months, you can expect an onslaught of exciting products from Google and their Android partners. We're talking Galaxy Tabs, Xperias, Key Lime Pie, etc.... If Microsoft keeps silent and does nothing, Surface Tablets will probably go the way of the Zune, which IMO was 10 times better than the iPod.

 

[Great deal]

I agree with much of the above. Im itching to go out and buy a Pro (in the UK) and really no point as there absolutely will be a Haswell version 'at some point' I think MS have more pressing issues in the 8.1 release and convincing Windows 7 users (especially business) to make the leap to 8.1......I pray they listen to the masses and give them what they want. I think a Lenovo carbon touch will do between now and Pro 2.

 

[aalex]

My guess for a Haswell Surface Pro is at the one year mark unless Microsoft has short supplies and can easily move into the Haswell without worrying about existing inventory. I have a Surface Pro and would love as a Haswell. I just wish these tablets had built in LTE.

 

[unstoppablekem]

I just want a Surface Pro with a fast i7 processor (have that option, hopefully quad core), Intel HD Graphics 5,000, more storage options, more RAM options, better battery life, a better display, a better keyboard idea (maybe backlit), gorilla glass 3, 802.11ac support, better and thinner fan, and better speakers. Or if another company does this and its a nice looking computer, I'll be all over it. And I really don't care about LTE, hopefully they make a WiFi only model.

BTW, I want the Ativ Book 9 Plus, but it might not have all these options, might be too thin, and won't be supported as much as a product made by Microsoft.

We'll see.

 

[dstrauss]

I just want a Surface Pro with a fast i7 processor (have that option, hopefully quad core), Intel HD Graphics 5,000, more storage options, more RAM options, better battery life, a better display, a better keyboard idea (maybe backlit), gorilla glass 3, 802.11ac support, better and thinner fan, and better speakers. Or if another company does this and its a nice looking computer, I'll be all over it. And I really don't care about LTE, hopefully they make a WiFi only model.

BTW, I want the Ativ Book 9 Plus, but it might not have all these options, might be too thin, and won't be supported as much as a product made by Microsoft.

We'll see.

And I want a unicorn pony...see, we all can be so logical...

 

[unstoppablekem]

And I want a unicorn pony...see, we all can be so logical...

Funny, because the MacBook air has these specs minus the better speakers...

 

[dstrauss]

Funny, because the MacBook air has these specs minus the better speakers...

Touch screen and pen input? Thought this was a tablet forum...Surface Pro to be exact...

 

[unstoppablekem]

Touch screen and pen input? Thought this was a tablet forum...Surface Pro to be exact...

Don't care about the pen input really. But anyways, it would be good though, as the Ativ Q has an S pen.