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Low(er) cost 399 bucks Microsoft Surface tablet to be released July, Friday the 13th
Aah Microsoft, you never had good fortune with the Surface, and now they will release a 'budget' version this Friday, the 13th. Leaked documents show that is will be announced this week. The leak also offers a bit of insight about the specifications of the budget tablet.
You know, people are okay with Surface tablets from Microsoft. It's just that they are a pain in the ass pricing wise, and you cannot repair them. The latest Surface Pro: the entry-level model had a price tag of 880 euros, that was the cheapest model.
The new info reached us through a Redditor. According to his papers, we can expect a new Microsoft Hardware Display and Type Cover Set this Friday, the 13th. Just lovely for those who believe in superstition. According to many, this is undeniable the budget Surface tablet, which has been talked about for weeks in the rumor circuit.
The user on Reddit says that the documents also have some specifications. According to him, the Surface tablet it to get a 10-inch display with a resolution of 1800 by 1200 pixels. It would weigh 562 grams and gets a USB-C connection and microSD card reader. There would be various models and SKUs available. The entry-level model gets 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of internal memory. The other ones have 8 GB memory, but the storage capacity varies from 128 GB to 256 GB. The 8 GB / 128 GB version would be the one model that also has LTE connectivity in addition to WiFi. The Redditor also mentions the usage of a Pentium Gold Processor.
The specs are quite similar to the rumors we have seen the past few weeks. The same applies to the recommended price. The Surface tablet is reportedly to go on the shelf at a starting price of 399 EUR. That is, the entry model at 4 GB RAM / 64GB storage, of course.
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nhlkoho
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#5563571 Posted on: 07/09/2018 07:20 PM
Not true. There are plenty of repairable ultrabooks/tablets out there. Apple just does dumb $hit like soldering the RAM to the motherboard to save a few pennies on connectors.
Are you seriously still calling out a computing device for not being repairable in 2018? That's the norm now, and has been since Apple decided everything should be surface mounted a few years back. It's just a necessary evil if you want a light, portable computer.
Not true. There are plenty of repairable ultrabooks/tablets out there. Apple just does dumb $hit like soldering the RAM to the motherboard to save a few pennies on connectors.
schmidtbag
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Posts: 3172
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#5563572 Posted on: 07/09/2018 07:26 PM
It is unfortunate, but frankly, it's becoming less necessary to need to open up your own devices. Computers are becoming more and more SoC-ish. People practically never upgrade RAM anymore; usually they buy it once and never think about it again. With cloud or network storage being so prevalent, people don't need as much local storage anymore. In order to make devices thinner, everything has to be soldered to the motherboard. Devices have become thin and compact enough that pretty much the only physical damage you cause makes the entire device junk, regardless of whether you actually have the opportunity to repair it. Hardware efficiency has reached a point where many devices can run fanless, and for the most part, don't degrade so easily from heat. Batteries live long enough that by the time it doesn't hold enough of a charge, your device is obsolete.
Are you seriously still calling out a computing device for not being repairable in 2018? That's the norm now, and has been since Apple decided everything should be surface mounted a few years back. It's just a necessary evil if you want a light, portable computer.
It is unfortunate, but frankly, it's becoming less necessary to need to open up your own devices. Computers are becoming more and more SoC-ish. People practically never upgrade RAM anymore; usually they buy it once and never think about it again. With cloud or network storage being so prevalent, people don't need as much local storage anymore. In order to make devices thinner, everything has to be soldered to the motherboard. Devices have become thin and compact enough that pretty much the only physical damage you cause makes the entire device junk, regardless of whether you actually have the opportunity to repair it. Hardware efficiency has reached a point where many devices can run fanless, and for the most part, don't degrade so easily from heat. Batteries live long enough that by the time it doesn't hold enough of a charge, your device is obsolete.
D3M1G0D
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Posts: 1119
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#5563576 Posted on: 07/09/2018 07:47 PM
It deserves to be called out. I'm a SP4 owner and I hate the fact that everything's glued and soldered. Microsoft basically copied the worst features from the iPad/MacBook and they seriously need to reconsider this (especially now that the whole tablet craze has died down).
Are you seriously still calling out a computing device for not being repairable in 2018? That's the norm now, and has been since Apple decided everything should be surface mounted a few years back. It's just a necessary evil if you want a light, portable computer.
It deserves to be called out. I'm a SP4 owner and I hate the fact that everything's glued and soldered. Microsoft basically copied the worst features from the iPad/MacBook and they seriously need to reconsider this (especially now that the whole tablet craze has died down).
Kaarme
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#5563610 Posted on: 07/09/2018 10:21 PM
After all the horror stories I'd never consider buying a Surface, even when it was something I initially was greedily eyeing due to the good specs. Although the price was never attractive.
I couldn't care less about Apple's products, and I laugh at anyone who considers them an industry standard setter.
After all the horror stories I'd never consider buying a Surface, even when it was something I initially was greedily eyeing due to the good specs. Although the price was never attractive.
I couldn't care less about Apple's products, and I laugh at anyone who considers them an industry standard setter.
0blivious
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#5563620 Posted on: 07/09/2018 11:03 PM
If it were this price a couple years ago, I'd have bought it when I bought my last laptop. Meanwhile, I have plenty of tablets, old large phones and whatnot. Perhaps I'll watch the used market as these price drops help bottom out the older units too.
If it were this price a couple years ago, I'd have bought it when I bought my last laptop. Meanwhile, I have plenty of tablets, old large phones and whatnot. Perhaps I'll watch the used market as these price drops help bottom out the older units too.
maikai
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Posts: 1266
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#5563641 Posted on: 07/10/2018 02:13 AM
It has always been the high price that has led to the Surface sub par sells and lets not even mention their despicable app store
It has always been the high price that has led to the Surface sub par sells and lets not even mention their despicable app store
yasamoka
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#5563656 Posted on: 07/10/2018 06:49 AM
Subpar sales?
https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-surface-hits-1bn-revenue-mission-accomplished/
https://www.engadget.com/2018/04/26/microsoft-q3-earnings/
It has always been the high price that has led to the Surface sub par sells and lets not even mention their despicable app store
Subpar sales?
https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-surface-hits-1bn-revenue-mission-accomplished/
https://www.engadget.com/2018/04/26/microsoft-q3-earnings/
Fox2232
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Posts: 7370
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#5563663 Posted on: 07/10/2018 07:46 AM
It is not a norm. It happens, but moment you consider it normal, you are ready for next step. Then you call that next step normal, and again.
You should think about things you consider normal. As they become new starting point.
Want lightweight device? What about doing it by having less wasteful PCB and more things integrated in CPU/APU? 2x M.2 instead of single SSD/HDD. OLED/microLED screen which does not need backlight. And so on.
There are so many ways how to make device lighter and slimmer. Nothing forces manufacturer to glue everything together.
Are you seriously still calling out a computing device for not being repairable in 2018? That's the norm now, and has been since Apple decided everything should be surface mounted a few years back. It's just a necessary evil if you want a light, portable computer.
It is not a norm. It happens, but moment you consider it normal, you are ready for next step. Then you call that next step normal, and again.
You should think about things you consider normal. As they become new starting point.
Want lightweight device? What about doing it by having less wasteful PCB and more things integrated in CPU/APU? 2x M.2 instead of single SSD/HDD. OLED/microLED screen which does not need backlight. And so on.
There are so many ways how to make device lighter and slimmer. Nothing forces manufacturer to glue everything together.
ruthan
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Posts: 183
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#5563767 Posted on: 07/10/2018 03:30 PM
Microsoft and its strange resolutions, why not add 120px to proper 1920x1200..
Microsoft and its strange resolutions, why not add 120px to proper 1920x1200..
maikai
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Posts: 1266
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#5563851 Posted on: 07/10/2018 08:16 PM
Subpar sales?
https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-surface-hits-1bn-revenue-mission-accomplished/
https://www.engadget.com/2018/04/26/microsoft-q3-earnings/
Yes subpar sales. Both articles you linked to were simply related to the money made off of selling them which in the first article stated they had only just started profiting off of it. The very first article you linked to states they sold 1million units compared to Apples 215million units... Also they stated it still cost more to market them then they profited off of them. So your articles linking to profits have nada to do with how many they are selling, especially when compared to the competition.
Subpar sales?
https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-surface-hits-1bn-revenue-mission-accomplished/
https://www.engadget.com/2018/04/26/microsoft-q3-earnings/
Yes subpar sales. Both articles you linked to were simply related to the money made off of selling them which in the first article stated they had only just started profiting off of it. The very first article you linked to states they sold 1million units compared to Apples 215million units... Also they stated it still cost more to market them then they profited off of them. So your articles linking to profits have nada to do with how many they are selling, especially when compared to the competition.
yasamoka
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#5563859 Posted on: 07/10/2018 08:38 PM
Subpar sales = under expectations / did not make a profit.
They passed break even with regards to manufacturing, distribution, and sales, and it's a relatively new market for them.
It's normal for companies to spend some time till they break even - in the meantime they would acquire market share and establish an ecosystem. Furthermore, it's not Microsoft claiming they make an overall loss - it's the analyst, and "probably" is the word here.
Nothing subpar about Surface sales. Next.
Yes subpar sales. Both articles you linked to were simply related to the money made off of selling them which in the first article stated they had only just started profiting off of it. The very first article you linked to states they sold 1million units compared to Apples 215million units... Also they stated it still cost more to market them then they profited off of them. So your articles linking to profits have nada to do with how many they are selling, especially when compared to the competition.
Subpar sales = under expectations / did not make a profit.
They passed break even with regards to manufacturing, distribution, and sales, and it's a relatively new market for them.
It's normal for companies to spend some time till they break even - in the meantime they would acquire market share and establish an ecosystem. Furthermore, it's not Microsoft claiming they make an overall loss - it's the analyst, and "probably" is the word here.
Nothing subpar about Surface sales. Next.
rm082e
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Posts: 420
Joined: 2014-12-11
#5563866 Posted on: 07/10/2018 09:20 PM
I moved to a new position in my company a few months ago and traded in my old Dell 6440 laptop for a new Surface Laptop. OMFG this thing is wonderful to use!
The Dell had a fan that went up and down like a roller coaster, but the Surface is completely silent at all times. The Dell was an inch thick and weighed as much as a half brick, but the surface is about even with a spiral notebook. Not to mention the Surface can go a full day without needing a charge, where the dell would die in 4 hours running the same workload. The screen is a quantum leap forward, the keyboard is a joy to type on, the touchpad is almost as good as a macbook...
If the trade-off here is not being able to tinker, the benefits are well worth it!
It is unfortunate, but frankly, it's becoming less necessary to need to open up your own devices. Computers are becoming more and more SoC-ish. People practically never upgrade RAM anymore; usually they buy it once and never think about it again. With cloud or network storage being so prevalent, people don't need as much local storage anymore. In order to make devices thinner, everything has to be soldered to the motherboard. Devices have become thin and compact enough that pretty much the only physical damage you cause makes the entire device junk, regardless of whether you actually have the opportunity to repair it. Hardware efficiency has reached a point where many devices can run fanless, and for the most part, don't degrade so easily from heat. Batteries live long enough that by the time it doesn't hold enough of a charge, your device is obsolete.
I moved to a new position in my company a few months ago and traded in my old Dell 6440 laptop for a new Surface Laptop. OMFG this thing is wonderful to use!
The Dell had a fan that went up and down like a roller coaster, but the Surface is completely silent at all times. The Dell was an inch thick and weighed as much as a half brick, but the surface is about even with a spiral notebook. Not to mention the Surface can go a full day without needing a charge, where the dell would die in 4 hours running the same workload. The screen is a quantum leap forward, the keyboard is a joy to type on, the touchpad is almost as good as a macbook...
If the trade-off here is not being able to tinker, the benefits are well worth it!
vbetts
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#5563867 Posted on: 07/10/2018 09:29 PM
The ironic part is while most parts in an Apple product are not normally user replaceable, say an iPhone 7 replacing the battery is easy. Your memory goes bad on the logic board in a Macbook, well it's not too hard to replace the whole logic board. Products like the Surface though, parts are usually not modular but the device itself as has been all of the Surface line taking apart the device means basically breaking it just to do it.
Are you seriously still calling out a computing device for not being repairable in 2018? That's the norm now, and has been since Apple decided everything should be surface mounted a few years back. It's just a necessary evil if you want a light, portable computer.
The ironic part is while most parts in an Apple product are not normally user replaceable, say an iPhone 7 replacing the battery is easy. Your memory goes bad on the logic board in a Macbook, well it's not too hard to replace the whole logic board. Products like the Surface though, parts are usually not modular but the device itself as has been all of the Surface line taking apart the device means basically breaking it just to do it.
D3M1G0D
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Posts: 1119
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#5563872 Posted on: 07/10/2018 09:53 PM
Subpar sales = under expectations / did not make a profit.
They passed break even with regards to manufacturing, distribution, and sales, and it's a relatively new market for them.
It's normal for companies to spend some time till they break even - in the meantime they would acquire market share and establish an ecosystem. Furthermore, it's not Microsoft claiming they make an overall loss - it's the analyst, and "probably" is the word here.
Nothing subpar about Surface sales. Next.
I've always thought of the Surface as a symbolic product - as a showcase for Windows 8/10's hybrid capabilities and to inspire other Windows tablet/laptop makers. It succeeded in that sense, as more than a dozen Surface clones have surfaced over the years (pun intended). It may have even influenced the design of the iPad Pro, a non-Windows mobile device, and Android tablets like the Pixel C (of course these are separate product categories, but it's interesting how Apple and Google picked up on it).
I use my SP4 pretty much like a touch laptop. I have the keyboard flipped back most of the time and use the touchscreen to browse casually (I only flip the keyboard out when I need to do some serious typing) As a casual use device, it's about as perfect as it gets, although I wish it was a bit more powerful - I'm hopeful that they will one day incorporate a Ryzen APU (Vega in a Surface? Yes please)
Subpar sales = under expectations / did not make a profit.
They passed break even with regards to manufacturing, distribution, and sales, and it's a relatively new market for them.
It's normal for companies to spend some time till they break even - in the meantime they would acquire market share and establish an ecosystem. Furthermore, it's not Microsoft claiming they make an overall loss - it's the analyst, and "probably" is the word here.
Nothing subpar about Surface sales. Next.
I've always thought of the Surface as a symbolic product - as a showcase for Windows 8/10's hybrid capabilities and to inspire other Windows tablet/laptop makers. It succeeded in that sense, as more than a dozen Surface clones have surfaced over the years (pun intended). It may have even influenced the design of the iPad Pro, a non-Windows mobile device, and Android tablets like the Pixel C (of course these are separate product categories, but it's interesting how Apple and Google picked up on it).
I use my SP4 pretty much like a touch laptop. I have the keyboard flipped back most of the time and use the touchscreen to browse casually (I only flip the keyboard out when I need to do some serious typing) As a casual use device, it's about as perfect as it gets, although I wish it was a bit more powerful - I'm hopeful that they will one day incorporate a Ryzen APU (Vega in a Surface? Yes please)
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Are you seriously still calling out a computing device for not being repairable in 2018? That's the norm now, and has been since Apple decided everything should be surface mounted a few years back. It's just a necessary evil if you want a light, portable computer.