Support NeoGAF

[x3sphere]

Isn't the skylake iris 540 similar to the old iris pro - I.e it has embedded memory?

It does, but Skylake's 540 Iris has 64 eDRAM vs 128 on the Haswell Iris Pro. There is a breakdown here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intel_HD_and_Iris_Graphics

So not sure how much that will affect performance. Clock speeds also seem to be unknown so it's hard to make any guesses.

 

[mrklaw]

I'm considering returning a SP3 w/ an i3 CPU to get a SP4 w/ m3 CPU. The SP3 cost me $630 and the SP4 is going to cost $900. Anyone think this is a bad idea?

Probably not? 128 go SSD would be welcome, fanless so quieter. Speed might be a wash but who knows. For you though the screen and pen sound better so that may be worth it

Probably a redundant question since Surface Pro 1, but how is the Surface Pro 3(and 4) as a dedicated photo/video editing machine?

Only possible limitation might be dual core so slightly slower at rendering videos, but otherwise fine. You can always hook it up to an external monitor (or two) and keyboard/mouse which si what I usually do with laptops when doing long periods of work. Consider space needed though - the SSDs aren't massive and so your photos might need to live on external storage (USB or NAS). Smart previews will allow you to work on them even if your drive isn't connected.

 

[brotkasten]

I'm being so close to saying "fuck it" and just pre-ordering the i5/128GB one. Reivews can't come soon enough.

 

[EnVy_CaLiBeR]

I'm being so close to saying "fuck it" and just pre-ordering the i5/128GB one. Reivews can't come soon enough.

Same. Was close to ordering the i5/256GB one but trying to hold out for reviews. lol

 

[mrklaw]

Gotta be strong. I don't want to order the i5 only to find out it gets hot and blowy, and the core m matches it in day to day usage but is quieter and cooler. Likewise I don't want to order the core m to find out it is massively outclassed by the (on,y slightly more expensive) i5.

Although MS do have a 30 day return, so could preorder both and return one of them once you've seen reviews. Heck, for us in Europe, we could probably cancel before the order ships as we'd have reviews from US sites probably a week before ours even ship

 

[brotkasten]

Gotta be strong. I don't want to order the i5 only to find out it gets hot and blowy, and the core m matches it in day to day usage but is quieter and cooler. Likewise I don't want to order the core m to find out it is massively outclassed by the (on,y slightly more expensive) i5.

Although MS do have a 30 day return, so could preorder both and return one of them once you've seen reviews. Heck, for us in Europe, we could probably cancel before the order ships as we'd have reviews from US sites probably a week before ours even ship

Yeah, but because we're in Europe, there's no need to pre-order now, because none of the models are going to be sold out. There's enough time to wait for reviews. Like you said, gotta be strong.

Speaking of pre-orders selling out, it's weird to me that they don't offer the Surface Book here at all. Not surprising, but still weird. The Band or Band 2 is still a MIA as well. At least the UK gets the Bands.

 

[mrklaw]

I'd also quote like to see proper reviews of the iPad pro..

 

[dLMN8R]

I'd also quote like to see proper reviews of the iPad pro..

"It's an iPad. But it's bigger. Works perfectly on my lap. 12 out of 10."

 

[brotkasten]

I'd also quote like to see proper reviews of the iPad pro..

I kind of dismissed the iPad Pro already. The stylus seems great and the tilt sensor is a really nice addition that I wish was in the Surface pen, but it's such a gen 1 product. I'd never spend so much money on it.

 

[dLMN8R]

I kind of dismissed the iPad Pro already. The stylus seems great and the tilt sensor is a really nice addition that I wish was in the Surface pen, but it's such a gen 1 product. I'd never spend so much money on it.

I can't get over this:

And how even in the official press shot it still looks like a disaster:

 

[brotkasten]

To be fair, I'm sure Apple found the one perfect angle and there's no need to adjust it.

E: And snark aside, I'd only want it for sketching and similar applications. And I'm sure it's great for that. But I always have to think about the jump the iPad's make with every generation and fell like I'd get burned with buying a gen 1 version. Not to mention how every OS update slowly cripples the hardware.

 

[abstract alien]

Only possible limitation might be dual core so slightly slower at rendering videos, but otherwise fine. You can always hook it up to an external monitor (or two) and keyboard/mouse which si what I usually do with laptops when doing long periods of work. Consider space needed though - the SSDs aren't massive and so your photos might need to live on external storage (USB or NAS). Smart previews will allow you to work on them even if your drive isn't connected.

Sweet, that sounds good. I keep all media tie files externally anyway, so the only concern would be having enough internal space for programs. Thanks, I think I'll jump on board. The Book is what I want, but I don't need it by any means.

 

[Luigi87]

Less than ten more days.
... Except right now I'm waiting (still, even from the 6th...) for refunds for my SP3 to be done on my credit/financing card... So in spite of returning my SP3 (twice. First time was due to cashier error so immediate return, then rebuy, then a few days later I returned), my CC company atm thinks I owe about $3000 CAD... I need to get this cleared up ASAP, lest I be unable to get the SP4 at launch... among other concerns. (fortunately I kept my RETURN receipts).

 

[Marty Chinn]

I can't get over this:

And how even in the official press shot it still looks like a disaster:

Crazy that if you didn't know any better, you'd assume that Microsoft's implementation is Apple's and Apple's implementation is Microsoft's.

 

[BruceCLea]

The surface pro 4 is really great looking. There's a Microsoft retail I visit and the build, keyboard and stylus with the eraser are great.

I couldn't find the other thread but I wasn't impressed with the Surface Book at all. The thing is incredibly top heavy in my opinion. It doesn't feel sturdy when connected. I'm talking wobbly. The bottom separated is great with a solid keyboard and track pad. However the weight isn't evenly balanced. The bottom feels hollow while the top is enormous by comparison.

I'll wait for benchmarks but color me unimpressed. Bummer.

 

[strata8]

It kills me that the SP4 doesn't have USB Type-C/Thunderbolt 3. Not even sure if I'd need it but it'd be nice to have for the future.

 

[……forgetit]

It kills me that the SP4 doesn't have USB Type-C/Thunderbolt 3. Not even sure if I'd need it but it'd be nice to have for the future.

It has a full USB cable, why would you need type-C when you have that?

 

[strata8]

It has a full USB cable, why would you need type-C when you have that?

Second USB port, future peripherals/flash drives that use Type C, potentially being able to charge it using the same cable as other devices... stuff like that. Like I said it's not 100% necessary but it would've been nice.

 

[EnVy_CaLiBeR]

Tried to go to Best Buy to fool around with the Pro 4 but their unit was defective so they didn't have one up. I did mess around with the Surface Pro 3, which was actually my first time messing with one. What an amazing computer. I imagine it's only going to be better with the SP4.

I did mess around with the new keyboard though. Much better than last year's with better travel.

 

[Yaari]

Just making sure but SP4 doesn't include a typecover when bought from MS Store correct? Some site running a promo in my country where a free type cover is included.

I had my eyes on the SB but now that the dGPU turns out to be somewhat underwhelming, I'm still equally excited to get the SP4 instead. I'll see where the SB2/3 takes us.

Looking forward to the reviews. Hopefully soon.

 

[Doominated]

Just making sure but SP4 doesn't include a typecover when bought from MS Store correct? Some site running a promo in my country where a free type cover is included.

I had my eyes on the SB but now that the dGPU turns out to be somewhat underwhelming, I'm still equally excited to get the SP4 instead. I'll see where the SB2/3 takes us.

Looking forward to the reviews. Hopefully soon.

Buying a SP4 gets you the Surface Pro 4 tablet, charger, and the stylus. No keyboard.

 

[mrklaw]

Just making sure but SP4 doesn't include a typecover when bought from MS Store correct? Some site running a promo in my country where a free type cover is included.

I had my eyes on the SB but now that the dGPU turns out to be somewhat underwhelming, I'm still equally excited to get the SP4 instead. I'll see where the SB2/3 takes us.

Looking forward to the reviews. Hopefully soon.

No, doesn't come included. That's a great deal as it is expensive (£110 so around $130/€130?). Surprised they'd be doing offers for launch.

 

[Xan Kriegor]

I have a Surface Pro 1, how does it compare to SP2/3 performance wise?

 

[dorn.]

It has a full USB cable, why would you need type-C when you have that?

I think you're confusing connector type (what you call "full" USB is just a type A connector) and the USB features the connector allows for. Type-C isn't just a new, much improved, connector type but featurewise makes standard USB 3.1 look absolutely ancient in comparison. I think it's a huge disappointment SP4 doesn't have USB-C, I banked on getting at least four years of use out of my next laptop and not having a connector that will be ubiquitous in a year or two is going to hamper that. That along with crazy Euro pricing is what's keeping me form blindly pre-ordering.

 

[mrklaw]

I find the hyperbole around USB-C a bit odd. If it will be ubiquitous in a couple of years, it shouldn't be surprising for a computer now to not have it. The android thread is the worst for this particular gnashing of teeth though.

 

[Kysen]

I can't get over this:
And how even in the official press shot it still looks like a disaster:

How did this even happen? looks terrible.

 

[RayStorm]

Second USB port, future peripherals/flash drives that use Type C, potentially being able to charge it using the same cable as other devices... stuff like that. Like I said it's not 100% necessary but it would've been nice.

The second USB port is more of the killing, that it does to me. I actually would like 2 full size USB ports on my SP. One for my trackball, and another for an USB-stick. That would improve usability by quite a big margin for me.

 

[GSG Flash]

How did this even happen? looks terrible.

Because of the way the keyboard is designed. The Surface type cover is the full size of the screen, the iPad's keyboard cover has to double as a stand as well. It's probably the most poorly engineered product I've seen from Apple in a very long time. For a company known for making elegant designs, this is anything but.

 

[EatinOlives]

OK so I'm pretty late on finding out about the fingerprint sensor on the new SP4 keyboard cover not being standard. So apologies in advance for the belated mini-rant:

So instead of adding the fingerprint sensor to "sweeten" the deal that you need to buy the practically mandatory keyboard separately, they added it to get people to spend EVEN MORE money on something they already grudgingly shell out money for.

 

[mulac]

i5 256GB/8GB SP4 pre-ordered along with pretty Teal keyboard - and because its a sh***-ton of $$ here in Australia I decided to throw in a new Logitech MX Master mouse plus the XBOX Elite Controller.

Squee...etc.

 

[Totakeke]

OK so I'm pretty late on finding out about the fingerprint sensor on the new SP4 keyboard cover not being standard. So apologies in advance for the belated mini-rant:

So instead of adding the fingerprint sensor to "sweeten" the deal that you need to buy the practically mandatory keyboard separately, they added it to get people to spend EVEN MORE money on something they already grudgingly shell out money for.

You don't need the fingerprint sensor for SP4 because you'll use the camera for verification and it works better than the fingerprint sensor. The fingerprint sensor is for SP3 users if they want to use Windows Hello.

 

[demon]

Anyone know what the benefits of using the new Surface Pen on a Surface 3 will be? Will you be able to attach the pen magnetically to a S3 like it's designed to with the SP4?

 

[Raistlin]

OK so I'm pretty late on finding out about the fingerprint sensor on the new SP4 keyboard cover not being standard. So apologies in advance for the belated mini-rant:

So instead of adding the fingerprint sensor to "sweeten" the deal that you need to buy the practically mandatory keyboard separately, they added it to get people to spend EVEN MORE money on something they already grudgingly shell out money for.

You don't need it with the SP4, the camera works with Windows Hello.

The additional fingerprint sensor version is a favor to SP3 owners in case they want to utilize Windows Hello as well.

 

[EatinOlives]

You don't need the fingerprint sensor for SP4 because you'll use the camera for verification and it works better than the fingerprint sensor. The fingerprint sensor is for SP3 users if they want to use Windows Hello.

You don't need it with the SP4, the camera works with Windows Hello.

The additional fingerprint sensor version is a favor to SP3 owners in case they want to utilize Windows Hello as well.

FUCK, forgot about the camera login. That makes sense then.

 

[Quixzlizx]

You don't need it with the SP4, the camera works with Windows Hello.

The additional fingerprint sensor version is a favor to SP3 owners in case they want to utilize Windows Hello as well.

I think $30 extra is a little much for a fingerprint sensor.

 

[Tablo]

I think $30 extra is a little much for a fingerprint sensor.

Uh, seems pretty reasonable to me...

 

[AlexMogil]

I really wish Kindle was better on these devices.

 

[Quixzlizx]

Uh, seems pretty reasonable to me...

I guess you're used to getting reamed on accessories?

Edit: First link I found.

 

[Zeyphersan]

I find the hyperbole around USB-C a bit odd. If it will be ubiquitous in a couple of years, it shouldn't be surprising for a computer now to not have it. The android thread is the worst for this particular gnashing of teeth though.

The only way to make it ubiquitous is for people to use it

 

[Tablo]

I guess you're used to getting reamed on accessories?

Edit: First link I found.

That doesn't really mean much, marking up things is a thing...
So sure Lenovo charges what like 10$ to add one? And theirs seems less slick than the one on the Type cover, and consider the higher cost of integrating it into the type cover, and the fact that it is low volume to cater to SP3 owners, also only sold in USA/NA for now...
Seems pretty reasonable, if anything makes me feel like I'm getting reamed it's RAM/storage upgrade costs.

 

[Futureman]

Dang. My SP3 i5, 256 GB, 8 GB (2 months old) sold for $700 on eBay. This still retails for $1,200. Guess these devices drop in value pretty fast.

oh well, I bought the SP4 m3 so I just need to add about $200. Performance should be similar and I get a bigger screen and better pen input and NO fan noise.

 

[x3sphere]

Dang. My SP3 i5, 256 GB, 8 GB (2 months old) sold for $700 on eBay. This still retails for $1,200. Guess these devices drop in value pretty fast.

oh well, I bought the SP4 m3 so I just need to add about $200. Performance should be similar and I get a bigger screen and better pen input and NO fan noise.

Well, the SP3 has been out for like 16 months now.

They don't really drop in value fast if you buy in the beginning of a cycle.

 

[Lucius86]

Dang. My SP3 i5, 256 GB, 8 GB (2 months old) sold for $700 on eBay. This still retails for $1,200. Guess these devices drop in value pretty fast.

oh well, I bought the SP4 m3 so I just need to add about $200. Performance should be similar and I get a bigger screen and better pen input and NO fan noise.

Not too surprising considering you sold it when the SP4 has been announced. Even though it's not out yet, people will consider it a generation behind.

 

[WillyFive]

Dang. My SP3 i5, 256 GB, 8 GB (2 months old) sold for $700 on eBay. This still retails for $1,200. Guess these devices drop in value pretty fast.

oh well, I bought the SP4 m3 so I just need to add about $200. Performance should be similar and I get a bigger screen and better pen input and NO fan noise.

The Surface Pro 2 is worth more than the 3 simply due to Wacom. Just ask Amazon.

 

[googleplex]

I wonder how good an i5 4 gig model will be as an art tablet?

Can any digital artist comment on the quality of the pen?

 

[Future]

Man can't wait for benchmarks. I want to play basic games on this one if I can. Want to play a few PC games I skipped like Gone Home and get back into LOL, but dont want to waste building a gaming PC for this

 

[Futureman]

I wonder how good an i5 4 gig model will be as an art tablet?

Can any digital artist comment on the quality of the pen?

I guess it depends on how complex your art is and what software you are using.

I mainly do line drawing in Photoshop and the m3 should be fine for my needs. SP4 is on display at most Best Buys and Microsoft Stores if you want to go test the pen. It's generally considered very good with some issues when you draw very slow (though this has been fixed somewhat with the new Pen).

 

[Laws00]

I think I want to get a refurb surface pro 3 for like what 550-600 to something.

But I think I should hold off till Black Friday for a deal if any

 

[Futureman]

so I'm shipping my SP3 out today!

Come on MS get me my SP4 now!

any other Core m3 peeps up in here?

 

[Marty Chinn]

so I'm shipping my SP3 out today!

Come on MS get me my SP4 now!

any other Core m3 peeps up in here?

I'm wiping my SP3 today to return tomorrow. Already have the replacement SP4 m3 version on order.