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At $929 with keyboard, the Surface Pro 3 better be a laptop replacement

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Microsoft, PC / Laptop,

Surface Pro 3 type cover

On the point that Microsoft tried to hammer home during today's Surface Pro 3 event, that it could replace your laptop:

At $929 with a keyboard it darn well better. At that price you get 4 GB of RAM, 64 GB of storage and an i3 processor. The $899 11-inch MacBook Air is a 4 GB / 128 GB / i5 configuration. The Surface 3 has a better screen, but Apple’s base offering is faster, has more storage and is $30 cheaper.

As usual, great point made by John Moltz.


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Microsoft Surface Pro 3: 12” display, $799, hopes to replace your laptop

Microsoft Surface Pro 3

Microsoft has officially the new Surface Pro 3 during a press event in New York City this morning, just under 7 months after releasing the Surface Pro 2. While the Surface Pro 3 may look similar at first glance, what with the kickstand and all, Surface chief Panos Panay went out of his way to make the point that this device is all about solving the problem of deciding between a laptop and a tablet. The Surface Pro 3, after all, can replace your laptop, claimed Panay.

So what makes the new model so impressive? Let's take a look at a rundown of features. First, Microsoft has increased the display size to 12-inches at a 3:2 aspect ratio and 2,160 x 1,440 resolution. That is the largest Surface display yet, with the highest density to boot. Despite being larger, it's also lighter than the Surface Pro 2 as well, weighing in at 800 grams. Panay made the point by comparing the weight of the Surface Pro 3 against the 11-inch MacBook Air, which has a smaller display without as high a screen resolution.

Click to continue reading Microsoft Surface Pro 3: 12” display, $799, hopes to replace your laptop


Microsoft Surface 2 with AT&T 4G LTE available tomorrow

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Handhelds, Microsoft, PC / Laptop,

Surface 2 with LTE

Microsoft has announced that it'll finally release the Surface 2 with LTE built in with 64GB storage capacity. Interested buyers will be able to pick up the updated model starting tomorrow from Microsoft Stores, Best Buy, and AT&T Wireless locations.

With the exception of the added LTE support, don't expect other changes in the Surface 2 hardware. You'll find a new SIM card slot located by the volume rocker, but that's it. Users will be able to use the LTE function as a mobile hotspot for their other devices as well. A year of free Skype calls to landline numbers and 200GB of OneDrive cloud storage is also thrown in.

You can order the Surface 2 with LTE here.

Read More | Surface 2 with 4G LTE

My one big 2014 wish for the tech sector: Bring back privacy

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Editorial, Features,

edward snowden privacy

One of my journalist friends, Monica Guzman, sent me an email asking what I'm looking forward to for 2014 as it pertains to technology and gadgets. There's a lot that I'm looking forward to, since I see 2014 as a marquee year--one that we will look back on as having brought us devices and convergence that we've been waiting for, for years. However, when I thought about it more, there was one thing that was more important to me. Here's how I responded:

Click to continue reading My one big 2014 wish for the tech sector: Bring back privacy


Microsoft doubles down on anti-iPad ad campaign amidst major Surface RT failure [Video]

Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Apple, Handhelds, Microsoft,

iPad vs Surface

Microsoft's 900 million write off on the Surface RT hasn't prevented them from continuing its advertising campaign efforts by bashing Apple's iPad and propping thier device as the the better alternative. Microsoft recently slashed the price of the Surface RT by $150 in hopes of getting them off store shelves and into customer's hands. The Surface tablet has been suffering from poor sales as it dove into the highly competitive tablet computer arena. The question is will these continued commitment efforts work? Check out the video ad. Does Microsoft make its case?

Click to continue reading Microsoft doubles down on anti-iPad ad campaign amidst major Surface RT failure [Video]


Microsoft slashes price of Surface RT by $150, starting this Sunday

surface rt price cut

If you are looking to pick up the Surface RT this weekend, you'll want to make sure you wait until Sunday, when the price is slashed by $150. That's right, Microsoft's Surface RT is set to get its first widespread price cut, bringing the price of the entry-level 32GB Surface RT to $349 (down from $499,) and the 64GB model to $449 (down from $599.) Add $100 to the new prices if you want a Touch Cover thrown in.

If you haven't bought a Surface RT yet, is the new pricing enough to get you to take the plunge? Check out our Surface RT review for our take on the device.


Microsoft details Windows 8.1 features [Video]

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Microsoft, PC / Laptop, Software, Videos,

Windows 8.1 preview

Microsoft has prepared a video first-look at Windows 8.1, the upcoming update to its major desktop operating system, due out later this year. Using a Surface Pro to demo the software, Jensen Harris of the Windows User Experience team walks us through some of the improvements, including the new cloud-powered lockscreen, new Start screen tile sizes, app sorting, Start screen arranging, new personalization options, motion accents for wallpapers, and more. Two pretty big items not touched upon are the return of the Start button, and that Outlook 2013 is coming to Windows RT 8.1. Check out the full video after the break to see what awaits you in Windows 8.1, the preview of which will be available on June 26.

Click to continue reading Microsoft details Windows 8.1 features [Video]


Bill Gates thinks iPad owners are frustrated without keyboard, Office

Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Apple, Handhelds, PC / Laptop, Videos,

Bill Gates Disses iPad

Former Microsoft CEO, current mosquito-wrangler and public donator of his vast wealth, Bill Gates, was talking on CNBC about how he feels iPad users are frustrated about not having a physical keyboard and the lack of Microsoft Office. Curious among many where he is getting his data. Bill didn't waste any time proposing the Microsoft Surface tablet, which has Microsoft Office, as a better alternative, despite sales indicating the contrary. Perhaps, it might behoove Microsoft to go to its roots and start selling software instead of trying to sell an ecosystem. After all, we're in the 'Post PC-era' as coined by the late Steve Jobs. On the other hand, Bill is saying tablets are growing in popularity, and that, eventually, they'll be hard to distinguish between them and PCs. Catch the video after the break.

"With Windows 8, Microsoft is trying to gain share in what has been dominated by the iPad type device. A lot of those users are frustrated. They can't type. They can't create documents. They don't have Office there. So we're providing them something with the benefits they've seen that have made that a big category but without giving up what they expect in a PC." - Bill Gates

Click to continue reading Bill Gates thinks iPad owners are frustrated without keyboard, Office


More Microsoft Surface Pro 128 GB units in stores this Saturday

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Handhelds, Microsoft, PC / Laptop,

Microsoft Surface Pro

Those hoping to score a 128 GB Microsoft Surface Pro have been frustrated by lack of supply, but that should be changing this Saturday. While Microsoft has been tight-lipped regarding Surface Pro 128 GB stock since launch, the company has promised that more of the tablets will be available in stores on Saturday. This includes Microsoft stores and Best Buy, with Staples being questionable--so if you want one, we recommend going with one of the first two.

Many would-be Surface Pro purchasers were disheartened to find stock so limited upon launch, since Microsoft didn't allow for pre-orders of the devices, leading many to believe that there would be plenty for everyone, which was far from reality. You can also try your luck at grabbing a Surface Pro from the Microsoft online store.


Limited edition Surface Touch Covers with exclusive designs arrive February 9

Surface Touch Covers limited edition

Aside from the announcement of the Surface Pro launch date, Microsoft also announced today that it will be releasing three limited edition designs for its innovative Touch Cover. Expect a red model with elegant snake design for Chinese New Year, pink color with flowers, and a blue version emblazoned with skulls. These are truly limited edition, with Microsoft saying they'll be in store for just a short time. The limited Touch Covers will also come at a premium, costing $129.99 each, $10 more than the regular models.

Read More | Microsoft

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