128GB? If there was a 256GB, I think this would be a no-brainer.
I was really hoping that Surface Pro was going to be my next lightweight laptop, switching from an Lenovo X201. The later Lenovos seem to get stuff screwed up, like horrible resolutions or wonky physical layouts. I want 12", 1080p (or 1920x1200), full keyboard (like ThinkPad), and a middle mouse button (like ThinkPad, although if everything else is perfect I can compromise. A newer i7 and 8GB of RAM should do it, I'll bring my own SSD. Touchscreen is awesome, but I can live without it if need be.
I was even thinking of getting a MacBook (!) but I hate the look and keyboard (plus Windows support isn't always great).
All the slim "ultrabooks" seem to be poor in some critical aspect. Why? Is there no good replacement for the Lenovo X201? I literally want to give some company $2K, and no one can step up and take it.
I've already decided that I will be buying a Surface Pro as soon as I can lay hands on one.
But you're wrong about the MacBook's Windows support. If anything, Apple has better drivers for the Mac than a huge swath of PC manufacturers (I'm looking at you Dell).
The keyboard layout is weird to use with Windows and there are other niggling issues (like that damned ear bursting noise it makes when you use the keyboard to adjust the volume). With all of that it's by far the best Windows laptop I've used. No clue how well OS-X runs on it since my exposure to iTunes and Quicktime has convinced me to avoid Apple software if at all possible.
> No clue how well OS-X runs on it since my exposure to iTunes and Quicktime has convinced me to avoid Apple software if at all possible.
You might want to reconsider. I would imagine Apple spends a lot more time optimizing software for the operating system it sells rather than another it doesn't control.
The problem with the Surface is that it's a cross between a laptop and a tablet that does require you to make compromises. My friend has one for work and it's hard to type on when it's on a flat surface, and impossible to use with the Touch/Type Cover when it's in your lap. It's not a laptop and it's not a tablet. It's just confusing.
I have no problem typing on mine on a flat surface. I can even type on it in my lap, though it is fiddly. Much easier with the firmer Type Cover. I also have an iPad keyboard cover and it's .. frustrating to use, since you can't fold it behind the device, so you are 100% committed to always being at a desk with that. And when you want to use it as a tablet, you have these two pieces to deal with.. and remember to find..
You're so clearly not the customer for this then :). You want a laptop with touchscreen optional.
But your comment is illustrative: who really is the customer? When I want to do serious work I want a 13"+ screen and full keyboard. When I want to just relax an iPad is great.
I was really hoping that Surface Pro was going to be my next lightweight laptop, switching from an Lenovo X201. The later Lenovos seem to get stuff screwed up, like horrible resolutions or wonky physical layouts. I want 12", 1080p (or 1920x1200), full keyboard (like ThinkPad), and a middle mouse button (like ThinkPad, although if everything else is perfect I can compromise. A newer i7 and 8GB of RAM should do it, I'll bring my own SSD. Touchscreen is awesome, but I can live without it if need be.
I was even thinking of getting a MacBook (!) but I hate the look and keyboard (plus Windows support isn't always great).
All the slim "ultrabooks" seem to be poor in some critical aspect. Why? Is there no good replacement for the Lenovo X201? I literally want to give some company $2K, and no one can step up and take it.