Surface pro 3/4

[FatLazyContractor]

Theres no real life... theres AFK

Ok, here you go then

[MicrosoftBob]

What major differences are there between SP3 and SP4? Both come with i5/i7 options and the headline specs seem similar, the new SP3 come with W10 installed and are cheaper.

Is using one of these as a desktop replacement as simple as buying a USB hub (for keyboard+mouse) and HDMI cable?

Yes, but you might as well get a more conventional desktop replacement if that's what you want

You're paying for PC tablet hybrid, that's powerful enough to run serious desktop applications, it's overpriced for what it is if you just want a desktop replacement

[Jog On]

I have a surface 1 that's still going very strong - I do music production (Ableton Live 9) on it.

Quite like the Dell Venue which is tempting me to upgrade... But surface 1 isn't showing any signs of conking out so going to keep it a bit longer

[d000hg]

Yes, but you might as well get a more conventional desktop replacement if that's what you want

You're paying for PC tablet hybrid, that's powerful enough to run serious desktop applications, it's overpriced for what it is if you just want a desktop replacement

Well obviously. But I guess I would want it rather than having laptop AND desktop - but it needs to work well as a desktop otherwise it is extremely expensive! And it needs to replace the need/use of an iPad really to justify the cost, too.

[Forgotmylogin]

Well obviously. But I guess I would want it rather than having laptop AND desktop - but it needs to work well as a desktop otherwise it is extremely expensive! And it needs to replace the need/use of an iPad really to justify the cost, too.

In my mind you can get a reasonably powerful laptop, that will cost a bomb and can replace a mid-range desktop.
The Surface Pro can replace a mid to high (but not top) range laptop (and tablet if you already have one).

You're paying for the miniaturisation - so trying to replace a desktop is always going to attract a massive premium, and in the case of a very high-end desktop still be almost impossible at tablet level. There simply isn't space in the chassis to allow for top end components, let alone battery life, heat, etc.

[diseasex]

In my mind you can get a reasonably powerful laptop, that will cost a bomb and can replace a mid-range desktop.
The Surface Pro can replace a mid to high (but not top) range laptop (and tablet if you already have one).

You're paying for the miniaturisation - so trying to replace a desktop is always going to attract a massive premium, and in the case of a very high-end desktop still be almost impossible at tablet level. There simply isn't space in the chassis to allow for top end components, let alone battery life, heat, etc.

but i can play desktop games in my bed or on sofa watching tv. I cant do that on ipad - i can only browse with it and play ipad-only games. laptop is clunky.

[Forgotmylogin]

but i can play desktop games in my bed or on sofa watching tv. I cant do that on ipad - i can only browse with it and play ipad-only games. laptop is clunky.

You can play some desktop games on your Surface Pro, with some level of graphics options turned on.

I do not expect to be able to play the latest games on max graphics on a tablet - you'd be lucky to be able to on a laptop nowadays, even the top of the range laptops as so many games are so poorly optimised.

[diseasex]

You can play some desktop games on your Surface Pro, with some level of graphics options turned on.

I do not expect to be able to play the latest games on max graphics on a tablet - you'd be lucky to be able to on a laptop nowadays, even the top of the range laptops as so many games are so poorly optimised.

i was more after civilization or diablo, they should work easily. and having them on a train would be awesome. But then laptop can play them too.

[d000hg]

In my mind you can get a reasonably powerful laptop, that will cost a bomb and can replace a mid-range desktop.
The Surface Pro can replace a mid to high (but not top) range laptop (and tablet if you already have one).

You're paying for the miniaturisation - so trying to replace a desktop is always going to attract a massive premium, and in the case of a very high-end desktop still be almost impossible at tablet level. There simply isn't space in the chassis to allow for top end components, let alone battery life, heat, etc.

Yeah - but who needs a high-end desktop? An i7 of any type is already bloody powerful, it's the GPU which is the biggest compromise and developers rarely care about that outside a few niche areas.

MyCo doesn't pay for PCs for me to play games on...

[MicrosoftBob]

MyCo doesn't pay for PCs for me to play games on...