Even though theearth is batting for the oposition, he's found us another great bargain that deserves to be shared with everyone.
Purchase the Surface 3 64GB for $698, and have it reduced to $598 by using the following:
Good luck, and happy shopping :)
What has office cashback got to do with surface?
Agreed. While the surface may come with Office 365 (I'm not sure) you're not actually buying a copy of it to entitle yourself to a cashback.
Purchase Microsoft Office 365 Home or Microsoft Office 365 Personal retail product or any retail computer device or smartphone that comes with Microsoft Office 365 Personal or Home (Product) from an eligible Australian retailer with a current Australian Business Number (ABN) or Microsoft Store online (microsoftstore.com.au) between 21st May 2015 and 5th July 2015. Activate your Product and register your redemption details at http://www.microsoft.com.au/Officecashback providing your proof of purchase and proof of activation before 31st July 2015.
corrected, I stand :)
Any idea whether this cashback would apply to smart phones that have office installed? Ie: The nokia 735 deal? Cheers
Read the bit in bold and that may answer your question ;)
NIce :)
Atom processor and 2GB of ram. I suspect that this might be quite painful to use.
Runs surprisingly well in most reviews I have seen. Good for basic computing tasks and can handle moderate video editing and light gaming.
Good build quality and about the same price as an iPad Air 2. The difference is you get a desktop operating system rather than a tablet OS.
Will need the keyboard dock to be productive, ~$120 on the store.
The difference is you get a desktop operating system rather than a tablet OS.
Is this meant to be a selling point? It's a tablet, not a desktop. It's not as powerful… i wouldn't want a desktop OS on a tablet.
"i wouldn't want a desktop OS on a tablet."
I would, it would mean I have a light PC to extract/edit some MS excel docs and directly show people with ease. Heavier applications can also be shared with my desktop setup so I can be assured they are all compatible and do exactly I want without paying for more software.
It means you have a proper computer when you want it, and a tablet when you want that. Best of both worlds, instead of a $600 Facebook and YouTube machine.
To make it a proper computer you need to purchase the optional 'Touch' bluetooth keyboard, for an additional $140! Not much of a bargain. STILL only a paltry 64gb storage when 2.5 in SSD's are pushing past 4 TB
@deal breaker: You can use any USB or Bluetooth keyboard (they have full size USB ports) but yeah generally I'd say the official keyboard is worth it despite the hefty price.
Correct - should be compared to an iPad. I was looking at it to replace my laptop, but I think I'll stick with my entry level dell with 4gb of ram.
Why people still confused with the Netbook Atom long time ago?
Its the same line of processors. As I understand it, they're the slowest processors Intel make.
They are quad core processor of course slow down i5 but they run very well.
My ASUS T100 can play some 3D games, the Surface 3 even have a better ATOM processor than T100.
Microsoft shouldn't use the same name Atom which a lot of people still think it is like a Netbook.
6 years since netbooks appeared + improvements in CPU technology since that time (aka Moore's Law) -> not a bad CPU. Back in the 90's the Apple brand was pretty much dead too.
They are some of the slowest, but in comparison they are better than i3 cpus and they have far better battery.
@superforever: Only in the graphics department. Surface 3 and T100 has roughly the same CPU power but GPU on Surface 3 is 50% better.
$598 is not cheap enough. I really don't think this is a bargain.
Agree!
Would this be able to handle adobe lightroom? i'm guessing id need to be looking at the 4gb model instead
My last gen atom tablet can run it but the main issue I found is that it reads the images too slowly, especially RAW's. Even if you moved it onto the "hard drive" the surface 3 has only eMMC vs the SSD in the pros.
WAIT. this doesn't even have an SSD?
that's horrible
Thanks a lot TA, voted for your effort but still not worth the price
Would this run AutoCad 2015 well?
Depends on the complexity of your work. AutoDesk website only recommends 2GB of RAM as a minimum (but 4GB recommended) and a Pentium 4 with HT.
This Surface tablet runs an Atom which as you should expect, is not much better than a desktop grade P4 but you can expect it to at least run fluidly so long as you're not working on huge drawings.
I would strongly recommend Haswell Surface if you can afford it.
What's the point of running XP or Vista?
Kicking myself for not buying a surface pro 1 for myself when they were $498. They had the third-gen i5, which was great. These new models are nowhere near the same value.
I bought an i5 128gb SP 1 when they were on the ~$500 clearance, I regret not going for the samsung ativ pros instead. User serviceable, would've thrown in a 1tb ssd and an ac wifi card on it by now.
Possibly $604.10 for 'students' using only the $25 cashback?
http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msaus/en_AU/pdp/productI…
just a bit out topic, if have to choose in between HP Stream 11/13 and Asus X205, which one should you get?
MS store sells it for $619.10 - sorry how is this a deal ?
http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msaus/en_AU/pdp/productI…
Erm, that's an academic price "This academic offer for eligible students, faculty, and staff requires verification of eligibility prior to purchase and is subject to limitations.".
I've got the 4GB 128GB model for uni and it runs quite well, yet to try anything heavy duty like CAD but handles basic tasks well.
Such a versatile machine, great having full windows on a tablet! I haven't bought the keyboard for it as I have a full desktop at home and haven't felt as though I need it, so expensive!!
I've got the same model, but can say the type keyboard is most definitely worth it IMO.
I've owned all Surface models and can say that even from the get-go, owning and using a keyboard that functions as a cover when closed is excellent. Typing response is decent, trackpad is much better than the two prior generations and backlighting is welcome in low light environments.
If anyone is considering this device, I'd aim for the larger capacity model for a little future proofing; having to do disk clean-ups and WinSXS purges to give you some breathing room gets tiring. Apps aren't getting smaller!
I agree with what you're saying, just highly dependent on usage…
I mainly use mine with the stylus for note taking and annotations, where a keyboard serves no function.
For those comparing it with an iPad, that is not a fair comparison - this device is far more capable and versatile than an iPad. It's not even remotely a contest.
To give the common-sense response to those concerned about the processor in the new Surface 3: the new gen Atoms are more than sufficient for running Windows 8.1, and will happily and smoothly run the majority of consumer-grade applications (including Office, internet access, video streaming/playing, general productivity tasks, casual gaming, etc.). Agreed that the name "Atom" has an image problem, but this is no reason whatsoever to ignore the capability of this excellent bit of kit. If anything, the 2GB RAM is more of a limiting factor.
This device is not designed for gaming (although MS store-bought games are not an issue), and it's not designed for specialist applications requiring a lot of grunt (e.g. CAD, Photoshop, etc.) - but then again, what device under $1000 is? If you need either of these things, don't expect this to work out for you. You'll need to fork out for a Surface Pro 3, or a dedicated high-end laptop/desktop with appropriate horsepower under the hood.
this device is far more capable and versatile than an iPad. It's not even remotely a contest.
Depends on what you're using it for…
This device is not designed for gaming … but then again, what device under $1000 is?
The iPad has a far better GPU than the Surface, meaning 3D gaming is likely to be a better experience on the iPad.
Also note that the app support is better on iPad than Windows tablet. Yes, there's far more software available for Windows, but the vast majority of it isn't well suited for touch controls, which is where the support is better on iPad.
FWIW, we've just bought a Windows tablet (although we went with the Dell Venue 11 from the Dell outlet as it was far better value), but you do need to acknowledge that the iPad has advantages in some respects.
Fair points, opinions are as always respected. I'm surprised my opinion's worth a down-vote, but I guess my post's worthiness of a down-vote is simply an opinion too. :-)
I normally wouldn't respond, but for any Ozbargainers genuinely looking for advice as to whether or not to stump up for this deal, I think it's important to respond to a couple of (unintentionally) misleading statements:
this device is far more capable and versatile than an iPad. It's not even remotely a contest.
Depends on what you're using it for…
Yes and no. Yes, it's pretty obvious that "what you're using it for…" should always be a consideration when buying any device. For example, if you're buying a Surface 3 as a dedicated 3D gaming device, you're gonna have a bad time. But the sheer versatility of the Surface 3 vs an iPad is a matter of fact, not opinion. Hardware versatility aside (USB, microSD card, etc.), the inclusion of a fully featured OS immediately makes any Windows tablet immediately more versatile than the walled-garden of iOS. It's one of the reasons why Microsoft has retired Windows RT. Expecting the level of versatility you get with Windows on a device like an iPad is a poor expectation to have…
The iPad has a far better GPU than the Surface, meaning 3D gaming is likely to be a better experience on the iPad.
Happy to take your word on that, I don't doubt it's true. But do people buy any tablet form-factor device as a 3D gaming rig?
Also note that the app support is better on iPad than Windows tablet.
Doubtful. The quality and availability of application vendor support will vary significantly by the application (and vendor) in question, it's not generally directly related to the OS or the hardware vendor. I'm willing to guess that there are a ton of apps for iOS where the support from the vendor will be pretty poor, and I'm equally willing to guess that there are a lot of Windows applications where the vendor support will be poor too.
Agreed that iOS is specifically designed for touch - it's one of its strengths, and one of its weaknesses. There's the 'versatility' of Windows 8.1 again - you're not locked to touch, and can use whatever input suits your preference and the situation you're in. If you're happy with a simpler touch-focussed device, and like all of the ups/downs of being locked into the Apple ecosystem, then this is a good point to add to your "what you're using it for…" consideration.
As per my original position: the new Atom processor is acceptable for an entry-level device such as this, and will run Windows very nicely for a good range of non-gaming consumer requirements should this be your requirement. If you predict that your usage requires more horsepower, then you'll need to pay extra for a device with the extra grunt required to do so.
PS, I liked your suggestion re the Dell Venue 11 as an alternative to consider to the Surface 3, it's a nice bit of kit. An upvote is on the way.
I'm surprised my opinion's worth a down-vote, but I guess my post's worthiness of a down-vote is simply an opinion too. :-)
FWIW, I didn't down-vote you.
But the sheer versatility of the Surface 3 vs an iPad is a matter of fact, not opinion. Hardware versatility aside (USB, microSD card, etc.), the inclusion of a fully featured OS immediately makes any Windows tablet immediately more versatile than the walled-garden of iOS. It's one of the reasons why Microsoft has retired Windows RT. Expecting the level of versatility you get with Windows on a device like an iPad is a poor expectation to have…
Agreed, but then, not everyone needs versatility. If all you're after is a device for email, Facebook, Pintrest, videos, and gaming (which is pretty much all that my wife uses a tablet for), then an iPad has all the versatility you need.
But do people buy any tablet form-factor device as a 3D gaming rig?
Yep, I know plenty of people who bought iPads (and iPods) just for couch gaming devices while watching TV.
Agreed that iOS is specifically designed for touch - it's one of its strengths, and one of its weaknesses. There's the 'versatility' of Windows 8.1 again - you're not locked to touch
Agreed, but again, if you don't want any part of what the versatility offers you, then it's not going to be a benefit. Again it comes down to the 'depends on what you're going to use it for' part.
I think it's important to respond to a couple of (unintentionally) misleading statements
Not really sure what out of any of my statements were misleading? Seems that's more your statements given you claimed that the Surface is 'far more capable' yet acknowledge that it's not as capable for 3D processing, and the touch control support in apps isn't as widespread.
@CarbonTwelve: I think it's pretty much this: Would you like a tablet for productivity or would you like one for content conumption? iPads are far better in terms of app selection. They have been around for a long time and apps are built with touchscreen in mind. iPads are great for content consumption like playing games etc etc.
That being said, Surface would excel in the areas that iPads cannot; It's a netbook in a tablet form. Get a typing cover and a mouse and you get a netbook. This is something that ARM tablets in general, as far as I see, cannot do. You could do everything that you can do on a laptop with that tablet. Touch interface definitely needs working, but being able to use those desktop applications, no matter how clunky it is, is still better than not having those functions. Also, stylus does help where touch interface is lacking at least.
I personally prefer Surface series, it's like a laptop and I do need one that's like a laptop. That being said, I think in terms of content consumption, like watching movies, playing games, etc, ARM tablets have been around long enough for them to have substantial amount of advantage in these areas. So I think it really depends on person.
Would you like a tablet for productivity or would you like one for content conumption? iPads are far better in terms of app selection.
That being said, Surface would excel in the areas that iPads cannot; It's a netbook in a tablet form.
Yep, 100% agree.
I personally prefer Surface series, it's like a laptop and I do need one that's like a laptop.
Yeah, same for us (including, funnily enough, syncing an iPhone).
I think in terms of content consumption, like watching movies, playing games, etc, ARM tablets have been around long enough for them to have substantial amount of advantage in these areas.
This I don't agree so much about, except with regards to movie watching. iPads don't do it well (ie, watching videos from a network) but this is due to Apple restricting app development, rather than maturity of apps.
However for gaming, I'd definitely say there are more high quality games suitable for tablets on the iPad than Windows.
@CarbonTwelve: I've deliberately changed the subject to ARM tablet (just because I think it applies more to ARM tablets in general) on those sentence, so Android tablets are also considered as well on that sentence (I don't think 4:3 is really optimal for movies, for ebooks and surfing the net, they are good though). I've done that because I think the way that "versatility" is considered, it's pretty much comparing the differences of x86 vs ARM tablet.
Liking surface but not win 8.1.
Win10 preview is available, give a try.
Might as well wait until then. Whoever negged me must love 8.1
I didn't neg you, but 8.1 does have a better interface for touch controls than Windows 7. Hopefully Windows 10 will be a good balance for both (although apparently some of the 8.1 features for touch controls have been removed in the preview, but hopefully they'll be back for release).
Windows 8.1 works great on the Surface 3. I actually use the 'metro' touch interface regularly now when I use it as a tablet, which I never used to go near. Today I even docked a thin metro IE window to side for sports scores while working in desktop mode - surprised I hadn't thought of that before.
I've actually been avoiding Windows 10 - not as good for touch devices in the current iteration. Windows 8.1 is better for Surfaces / touch devices.
For anyone looking to buy a Surface 3 or Surface 3 Pro, consider a Venue 11 from the Dell outlet: http://www1.ap.dell.com/content/topics/segtopic.aspx/product…
As an example, for $552+ they have a Core M-5Y10c (much faster than Atom), 4GB RAM, 128GB SSD, or for $783+ you can get the Core M-5Y71, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD.
Comparison of CPUs: http://www.notebookcheck.net/Mobile-Processors-Benchmark-Lis…
How about battery and Screen resolution which are also key
Venue 11 is 1920x1080 IPS (10.8") with 9 hours battery life, so basically, no trouble there.
One thing to remember Surface 3 is 16:10 Venue is 16:9 which I think 16:10 is better to use.
@superforever: Agreed, I think it's a decent compromise between 4:3 and 16:9. 16:9 is too long if you use it on portrait mode (I hate portrait mode on SP 1).
Exactly it is too long like my ASUS T100 16:9.
I like my iPad 3 3:2 but it is so slow with IOS8.
@superforever: iPads are 4:3. I think Android tablets are moving to 4:3 as well… Though I frankly like 16:10 for movies, so I don't like how it's going… I've heard that 3:2 is better than 4:3 at least, because 3:2 is closer to 16:10 or 16:9 than 4:3, so I've heard.
In terms of iOS, I've heard that iOS9 will be lighter (rumours, at least).
And LTE by the looks of it. Which is great for work.
I rather wait for the window 10 Surface 4 version with usb 3.1
I wouldnt count on real USB 3.1.
No intel chipset has it built in yet, even the new Macbook isnt actually 10gbps USB 3.1.
An additional chip would effect battery, so they wont do it unless they wait another 12 months for the Surface pro 4.
Who knows, with MS trying to use USB 3.1 on Windows Mobile 10, it may be implemented on SP4. Though that being said, how many devices actually has usb 3.1 at the moment? I guess USB 3.0 will fade out sooner or later but at the moment, don't we need to get a converter for them for most of the devices?
I think you are thinking more about the USB type C connector, not one and the same as USB 3.1
@Danthemanz: yeah I think you are right. I must've messed up when processing windows 10 and windows mobile 10 and its flagship that's soon to be released.
Does anyone successfully get the price match in HN as the same as MS offer for the student?
Better to buy in store and split payment over 2 AMEX cards or get them to match the student price $629.10 before paying with 2 AMEX cards