The Surface Pro is more akin to a multi-function 10” laptop than a tablet. One thing’s certain: it is not an iPad and never will be in terms of functionality, connectivity, weight, ergonometric, apps and screen resolution. Many are comparing the Surface Pro with the iPad third or fourth generation tablet, or (probably a more accurate equivalent) to the 11” MacBook Air. An in-depth article by Jason Evangelho describes its features and talks about some of its drawbacks from a different perspective from mine. How their vision coincides with market reality and demand remains to be seen, especially if you are not a fan of Windows 8. Microsoft has clearly created a unique piece of sophisticated and solidly built hardware with top-of-the-line components and elegant and simplistic tablet design that creates its own space, but is that enough?
It is a hybrid between a tablet and ultrabook, but the reality is that it is not the best solution for either and by necessity has certain built-in compromises. My take: The Surface Pro is really an enhanced netbook with a fast processor (Intel third-generation Core i-5 1.7 Ghz with 4 GB of ram) and touch screen in a 10.6” package with a clever magnetically-linked keyboard and kick-stand. I have been using a Surface Pro for a few weeks on the road to figure out its potential as a business tool for us travelgeeks, especially the ones who go internationally.