I went this afternoon to the Microsoft Specialty store in Wisconsin. They had two Surface Pro 3’s on display, all sporting the red Type Cover 3, which I think is the most aesthetically pleasing. Neither of them were docked to the display tables, like you typically see at Best Buy, which was nice because I could pick the device up and walk over to a bench and use it on my lap. I have to say that “lapability” was quite nice for me; much improved from the previous generation, (I currently own a Surface 2). I am not sure why others seem to dislike the experience. But I thought it was quite comfortable, I was even able to cross my leg over, and use it that way. Relatively speaking, since no laptop is really ever perfectly ergonomic on the lap, the experience was nice, and even comfortable.
The Microsoft rep was also surprisingly knowledgeable, which was refreshing, (a much better experience than I would get at Best Buy).
Concerning the device itself, I think it really hits the sweet spot between laptop and tablet. It seems to me to be the perfect hybrid in that respect. It was also very fast and responsive; Office apps opened noticeably faster than my Surface 2 (these devices already had Office installed; for Demo purposes only though. You must buy Office separate for the Surface Pro 3). The pen also was quite fantastic. It was really a joy to use, and is a highlight of this device, especially with the One Note integration, along with the portrait orientation with the new 3:2 screen size (the screen is beautiful as well, and seemed much more spacious than I was anticipating, which is a big plus in my book). It felt very nice in the hands (it felt light, considering this is a 12” screen), and cradles nice in the arm, especially in landscape orientation, since it cradles perfectly up against the bicep.
One thing I was anxious to try out was using the pen in canvas mode (tilting the screen all the way back as far as the hinge allows, 150°). Again fantastic. I could see however how the Windows button could be touched accidentally (for right-handers anyway) causing frustration. So I tried turning the device upside-down and using in canvas mode that way. It is not perfect, but it works. If you turn the device around, and just engage the friction point on the new hinge, the device will be in a semi-canvas mode, maybe a 15-20° difference from the true canvas mode (I could not tell for sure, others will have to try it). And since the friction of the hinge was engaged, it did not seem that it would collapse with normal writing and sketching pressure. Therefore it seemed workable, and even pleasant. Again, others will have to try it out.
In the end, I was impressed. It makes my other Surfaces seem quite old. Needless to say; I want one!
Edit: One thing I forgot to mention was that the pen seems to store just fine using the pen-clip attaching it to the keyboard. The valley just between the top most keys, and the new magnet on the Type Cover which attaches to the Screen, is a decent spot for it (when the cover is both opened or closed against the screen). It seems that it would stay there pretty well, and not fall off very easily. The display model also had the $5 pen holder, which seemed okay; it worked just fine, but there is an obvious concern over how long the tape will remain intact. (Thankfully it is not that expensive, I would probably get it). But for those who liked the old storage method of the Surface Pro 2, the pen will surprisingly attach itself magnetically in the same spot as the old one. It doesn’t engage the power port, but if you needed a place to keep it temporarily without using the cover, this is an option, albeit, not ideal.