As I was explaining to some curious friends the other day, I have a tablet that doubles as a laptop, not a laptop that doubles as a tablet - and that's precisely what I was looking for. I have an i5 laptop with an 18" screen that weighs more than a splurging elephant, as well as a top-of-the-line smartphone, and was missing the gap in-between; the Surface has filled that gap so far, albeit with a few drawbacks.
However, the more I use my tablet, the less I see myself using my laptop....which brings me to the thought of a laptop replacement. I haven't owned a desktop in years, and never really had the need for a stationary computing center; using my Surface RT on a day-to-day basis has shown me that even this RT model can keep up with my everyday computing needs. But that brings me to a paradox...I adore the RT for it's light weight, battery life, and ease of use - yet also find myself bored with it because all I can do (that is fresh) is browse the internet and keep up with social media...but using it every day makes me think the Pro would be better suited for how I'm using my tablet; then again, sacrificing weight, battery life, and comfort doesn't seem like a fair trade to me, when the perks of the RT are sacrificed just for the computing power.
I will admit I have not done much research on alternative options for the market I am in, but from where I'm sitting, a Surface Pro II would float my boat AND put an outboard on it if the right changes were made. Since I've had my RT, I've found myself contemplating the Pro upgrade, ditching the laptop, and replacing it with a desktop. The current Pro lineup, while technologically stunning, can't fit the bill for long-day use that I need from a tablet - at least without user modification. I will be using my RT for eTextbooks in the upcoming semester, and need my tablet to have a strong battery life throughout the day, while performing the necessary actions.
I am excited to see the SPII, but it HAS HAS HAS[well] to be at the right price point. As a college student, getting my RT with BOTH covers, screen protector, skin, SD card, and case for <$500 was a deal too good to pass up. The improvements to usability in the SPII will have to be significant in order for me to consider the switch. I don't have thousands to blow, and I will not settle for a device that sacrifices longevity for performance, when there are other options on the market (albeit laptops that are tablets, not the other way around) that fulfill those prerequisites at a similar, or lower, price point.
Nonetheless, I love my RT even with it's restrictions, and am excited to see what the next generation brings.
