Today, 02:06 AM #16
kgneo
Although this is officially the Surface Pro 2 - most tech sites agree it is more like Pro 1.2. And that is really what most of us have been waiting for anyway - and are ready to jump on as soon as pre-ordering is announced. Right or wrong, Microsoft is held to higher standards and is held to task for shortcomings considered "part of the growing process" for others - Microsoft is expected to significantly upgrade each version to be considered successful. Perhaps unfair but fortunately the Surface Team seems to be up to the task. While some were dreaming of a MUCH slimmer and lighter model, with LTE, etc., etc., - and the list goes on - and on. I think they were trying to convince Microsoft to build them an Android or Apple tablet instead of letting the Surface be a Surface. Of course successors will eventually have many if not all of these additions, but remember, this is really 1.2. And it's amazing.
And we will see the battery life continue to climb once the battery cover is released - as if 7-8 hours on a FULLY functional, power house in that small of a footprint (great looking too) isn't already amazing? And LTE? Why not a super integrated setting for the WP8 / Surface so they share internet seamlessly – utilize a settings option and wave the phone over the Surface to activate? I for one do not want another Data contract. Microsoft - get creative. Find a way...
Over the last year we have read the lists of "What the Surface Pro 2 Must have to survive" - guess what? They nailed it or at least got enough of it right to be very proud (again) of this device. This is exactly what many of us have been waiting to buy. Given the life cycle most of us give our devices - or more likely it is the carriers contract - I would expect 2 years to be the average time some would want to have the keep their device. I would expect I am not alone in my yearly upgrades! But imagine what the Surface will be in 2016! Don't forget they have so much expertise suddenly within their grasp with the acquisition of Nokia.
With all of that said - a Surface Pro 2 triumph is not a given -or does it even have an obvious path. Until everyone's uncle, brother and co-worker has one there will still be many who are unsure - who have heard too much anti-MS propaganda to make the jump. Unless it's EASILY AFFORDABLE. Keep the high price tags so people know they are getting a premium device and perhaps put out a Surface with premium upgrades to maintain the upscale image. But blitz the market with sales and bundled deals and (great idea (MS) - turn in your iPad and get $300 (not $200) off - and expand on this - perhaps also Nexus and Galaxy Tabs? What about bundling the Flagship WP with a Surface Pro 2 with a very competitive price (subsidized by the carrier of course with a Surface/WP only reduced priced tethering plan) How about daily giveaway contests? Keep Surface in the news and more importantly in the minds of your target audience. No, you won't make a ton of profits on this version - but from what I can read through the tea leaves (MS public statements) MS is in this for the long haul. Sell them that way. All Pro's MUST have a keyboard included. Perhaps get the keyboards sponsored by everything Greenpeace to BestBuy, and Equal Rights to BMW - perhaps a Coach branded Surface messenger bag. Then only if you choose to buy a MS Surfacem keyboard cover would there be a price. Anyone selecting from an ever growing selection of co-branded covers that would share space with the MS Surface / WIN8.1 logo would pay nothing for either option. Want to have the app developers eager to create apps - make sure there a lots of users to buy those apps. As WIN8(8.1/9) and WP8(9) continue to move towards the goal of one ecosystem on all our devices it’s success is hinging on getting a critical piece of that hardware in as many hands as possible, NOW. Nokia seem to know how to sell and market products (the last few years certainly not their best example - but nonetheless a huge player in sales and marketing) PLEASE MAKE THIS RELEASE COUNT! Sell the SH*^ out of the Surface... Count your profits in a few years. The current numbers are not loses, they are investments in the long term success of not just Surface, but WP8, and the continued adoption of Win8 / Win8.1 but in no small way the success of MS as a Software, Services and Devices Market Leader. And remember, you will always have your devoted fans BUT YOU WILL NOT HAVE ANOTHER CHANCE LIKE THIS - Surface re-energized, the goodwill towards Lumia /Nokia, overall increase in global market of WP, and a steady rise in adoption of WIN 8 and soon with 8.1 as well.
No more excuses and no more missed opportunities.