Microsoft Surface Pro 3 Hits Stores: 3 Cautions - InformationWeek

InformationWeek is part of the Informa Tech Division of Informa PLC

This site is operated by a business or businesses owned by Informa PLC and all copyright resides with them.Informa PLC's registered office is 5 Howick Place, London SW1P 1WG. Registered in England and Wales. Number 8860726.

CIO Insights & Innovation
Security & Risk Strategy
Team Building & Staffing
IT Strategy
Digital Business
Project Management
Programming Languages
Dr. Dobb's
Enterprise Applications
Operating Systems
Productivity/Collaboration Apps
Network Security
Careers & People
Threat Intelligence
IoT
Attacks & Breaches
Application Security
Cloud Security
Endpoint Security
Mobile Security
Perimeter Security
Risk Management
Operations Security
Analytics
Vulnerabilities & Threats
Security & Risk Strategy
Infrastructure as a Service
Platform as a Service
Software as a Service
Cloud Storage
Data Centers
Mobile Applications
Mobile Devices
Mobile Business
Enterprise Mobility Management
AI/Machine Learning
Big Data Analytics
Hardware/Architectures
Software Platforms
IoT
Networking
Wireless Infrastructure
Data Centers
Cloud Infrastructure
Careers and Certifications
Network Security
Government
Healthcare
Wall Street & Technology
Bank Systems & Technology
Insurance & Technology
Industries
Government
Healthcare
Wall Street & Technology
Bank Systems & Technology
Insurance & Technology
IT Life
Careers
Mobile
Mobile Applications
Mobile Devices
Mobile Business
Enterprise Mobility Management
Software
Enterprise Applications
Operating Systems
Productivity/Collaboration Apps
Comments
Microsoft Surface Pro 3 Hits Stores: 3 Cautions
Newest First  |  Oldest First  |  Threaded View
Michael Endler
50%
50%
Michael Endler,
 User Rank: Author
6/20/2014 | 2:41:25 PM
Re: I find myself amused for some reason
@Brandon,

If you have a chance to leave a comment later, after you've taken the device for a spin, I'd be curious to know how you like it.
Michael Endler
50%
50%
Michael Endler,
 User Rank: Author
6/20/2014 | 2:39:58 PM
Re: I find myself amused for some reason
It's hard to know how big a deal pre-orders are. If you really want the device, pre-orders a big deal, since they're the only surefire way to secure a unit as soon as possible. But otherwise, tough to say.

Microsoft claimed certain Surface Pro 2 configurations sold out almost instantly-- but that was mostly PR spin. Now that the company's financials from that period are public record, it's clear Microsoft simply didn't make that many Surface Pro 2s to begin with. On the one hand, this strategy makes sense-- Microsoft produced more first-generation devices than it could sell, to paraphrase Steve Ballmer. On the other hand, a sold-out debut doesn't mean much if Microsoft artificially limits stock.

That brings us to the Pro 3. Shipping dates slipped for late pre-orders, which suggests decent initial demand. But again, we don't know much about Microsoft's manufacturing strategy, so it remains to be seen how much demand there actually is.

All that said, I wouldn't be surprised if this is the best-selling Surface by a big margin. It's certianly the best of Microsoft's tablets, and one of the best Windows hybrids.
Michael Endler
50%
50%
Michael Endler,
 User Rank: Author
6/20/2014 | 2:32:34 PM
Re: CPU note
@Brandon,

 

Good point on the CPU speed. For what it's worth, I've found the Surface Pro 3 to be very speedy for general use, and quite capable for more advanced tasks, like editing photos. I'm curious, though, to see how far the i7 version can be pushed. I'm also curious how much more power future devices of this form factor might have (as opposed to just enery savings) with the upcoming Broadwell chips.
Laurianne
50%
50%
Laurianne,
 User Rank: Author
6/20/2014 | 11:35:59 AM
First impressions?
We'd love to hear from any of you who hit stores to play with the device this weekend.


The State of Cloud Computing - Fall 2020
The State of Cloud Computing - Fall 2020
Download this report to compare how cloud usage and spending patterns have changed in 2020, and how respondents think they'll evolve over the next two years.
Download Now!
InformationWeek Is Getting an Upgrade!

Find out more about our plans to improve the look, functionality, and performance of the InformationWeek site in the coming months.

Editors' Choice
Commentary
New Storage Trends Promise to Help Enterprises Handle a Data Avalanche
John Edwards, Technology Journalist & Author,  4/1/2021
Slideshows
11 Things IT Professionals Wish They Knew Earlier in Their Careers
Lisa Morgan, Freelance Writer,  4/6/2021
Commentary
How to Submit a Column to InformationWeek
InformationWeek Staff 4/9/2021
Register for InformationWeek Newsletters
Video
Current Issue
Successful Strategies for Digital Transformation
Download this report to learn about the latest technologies and best practices or ensuring a successful transition from outdated business transformation tactics.
Download This Issue!
White Papers
Slideshows
Twitter Feed
Sponsored Live Streaming Video
Everything You've Been Told About Mobility Is Wrong
Attend this video symposium with Sean Wisdom, Global Director of Mobility Solutions, and learn about how you can harness powerful new products to mobilize your business potential.
Sponsored Video
Flash Poll