General Consultant Discussion

Under 4 hours battery life. Stick a fork in Surface Pro.

You never buy a MS product before 2.1 and probably even more likely 3.1.

I guess it will turn into a new toy that all Microsoft employees will be issued

I went to a Microsoft store last night to look at the Surface Pro. According to the store manager, a large company (he named them) is buying 2,000 for their employees so they can work disconnected in the office in work teams. I'm on the fence but I need a machine to use to learn the new OS (with touchscreen functionality) and use to test application software compatibility like Sage 100 2012. I can buy a notebook with a touchscreen for the same or less cost but I don't know how often I will want to carry if around in additional to my notebook PC. If I don't have it with me at home to play with after hours and in meetings to make myself learn to use the stylus in place of paper and pen, I won't put the time needed to get over the learning curve. A tablet, even a less than perfect one, seems to be a reasonable alternative. If you know if another alternative, I'm open to suggestions!

@ShawnSlavin I'm totally turned off by two things -- (a) battery life of under 4 hours and (b) can't use the configuration in your lap easily w/keyboard

I'm not sure Surface Pro is the answer (don't like to prop up the screen), but there are several competitive products. I have a strong preference for HP, so will be trying out the HP Envy X2 after MOTM. http://news.cnet.com/8301-33620_3-57552732-278/my-hunt-for-the-perfect-windows-8-convertible-laptop/

@MarkKotyla your article reference helped. It pointed me to another page with a slide show of 15 alternatives. 3 I liked and was able to find at Best Buy to look at though their versions had smaller drives and Windows Home so can't buy there. Kind of found two things. Need to decide if I want a tablet or ultra book. After looking at units and reading reviews, have concluded that most people want the box to be both while lasting forever and having the power to light a city for a week. I don't think those are fair expectations. Battery life is an issue but I'm not looking for an iPad replacement. If so, I would buy an RT competitor. I don't want a laptop as I don't want the weight. I'm now torn between the Surface Pro and the Asus Taichi. The Asus is 2.3 lbs so heavier than i prefer but the slate mode neither involves exposing the keyboard when in slate-mode nor has hinges that may break. I will let you know what I decide. Thanks everyone for your input.