Pre Order Surface Pro 64gb and get $100 GC @microsoftstore.com

Quote from teaberry : How is the battery life on the new i5 version compared to the say Dell/HP/Lenovo versions with Atom CPU? I'd be more tempted if it weren't for sales tax w/ MS store...

Someone probably answered you already, but Surface Pro doesn't get you great battery life (3-4 hours). It's in line with any other light weight Ultrabooks.
Atom CPU equipped samsung xe500t gets 10 hours battery life.

Short battery life and heat is what you get for the huge performance boost. Both are good though. Bought my wife a Surface Pro 128GB. I'm settled with the Samsung XE500T since I already have a powerful X230T.

Quote from teaberry : How is the battery life on the new i5 version compared to the say Dell/HP/Lenovo versions with Atom CPU? I'd be more tempted if it weren't for sales tax w/ MS store...

Im getting between 5 and 6 hours with the 128gb.

Quote from PeteyTheStriker : The I5 is a nice touch but a bit over kill for the application purposes of this type of tablet. A nice AMD A10 would be better cause then at least you would get a good integrated graphics card. If your making something considered to be high end, then put in a onboard 4000HD graphics solution that's fail. Also there are plenty of I5 EEE slates from asus on ebay for around $400-600! Also they have them on amazon as well for around $550. So dont look so high and mighty when you dont even know. Just cause its brand new they think they can ram someone up the Ahole. Overall just cause this uses a newer I5 its nowhere near worth the price tag especially with a pitiful 64gig drive that only leaves 29gigs of space. On top of that a crappy integrated HD4000..... So as i said then it drops around $600 ill be interested, until then just like apple with their ipad, Microsoft can go suck it.

The HD4000 is decent integrated graphics. Paired with the i5, you can play Arkham City at 30fps with decent settings. As the Surface Pro is an actual PC with actual PC hardware, you could install Arkham City on it and play with a USB keyboard/mouse combo or a USB gamepad. Again, try doing that with an iPad or even an A10. And no way the EEE slates can get close to that.

While true that I personally wouldn't buy one because of the limitations, and the fact that I already have a decent gaming laptop, it is also true that comparing this to the $1000 iPad is just folly. Comparing it to $600 EEE slates with a last gen i3 and HD3000 graphics is also dumb. The Surface Pro has a newer processor, better graphics, and a higher resolution screen. Of course something newer with updated specs is going to cost more. Wait until Asus comes out with a new EEE slate and see if the prices and specs compare.

Quote from woomer051 : First you'd have to find one, second you'd have to buy w8 pro, third you'd have to hope drivers work. Not saying these kill it for everyone, but hey theres some refurbs on ebay for $800, just need to buy w8 and install it, but you're very close to this price and its not new. I love the idea of the a10 on w8 though, props. Amd apu integrated grx kick the **** out of intels. Don't know if haswell will repsond, my guess is marginally more performance but a dip in power usage which will be huge for this segment.

As I mentioned earlier, you must not be looking to hard, I found plenty around $400-$600 on ebay and on amazon. Also it was never required to find a Windows 8 tablet with a I5 all that was asked if find me a tablet with a I5 which I did. Also with the windows upgrade program when it was active windows 8 would have only cost $15 to upgrade. As for driver that I dont know cause I never tried or looked into it.

http://www.amazon.com/ASUS-Slate-...ows+tablet

Quote from Zephon13 : New generation i5 and HD4000 graphics has a huge performance increase from the last generation... I can play games on the Surface Pro, and at a respectable FPS to boot. All features considered, this is spec'd out similarly to an ultrabook convertible, which usually runs over a grand. Apparently you don't know much about this market...

Playing on low to medium setting at lower resolutions and AA off is not considered playing a game in my book. I know a lot about this market and I know when things are done overkill, and overpriced for suckering people. Things like this are done to get the so called techies, that really have no idea.

Quote from leaverus : why do you recommend it over the 128gb? is there something wrong with the 128 (other than being unavailable)? surely, you're not recommending simply because of small $200 difference?

Small $200 difference

You may be in left feild

If it ends up the storage is msata, you could just as well buy your own storage and sell your 64gb off.

To give you a hint of what the small $200 can buy you, its double what the other model offers.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/c...&A=details

What you stand to gain: Doube the storage, a spare msata 64gb drive (worth $50+) and $10 in pocket, welcome to slickdeals

I would have been all over this except in this case, I think the Surface Pro will really shine when it incorporates Intel's Haswell line of ultra low power, next gen processors (~ 7W TDP) that are due out later this year. That should enable significantly longer battery life on the Surface Pro and allow it to hit at least 6 hours (at which point it becomes an awesome option for me).

It's a pity that MS couldn't release this with Haswell based chips...then again, MS and Intel aren't that great pals after MS released Windows RT for ARM.

Your Chat Transcript from Microsoft Store
General Info
Chat start time Feb 12, 2013 1:34:58 PM ESTChat end time Feb 12, 2013 2:10:57 PM ESTDuration (actual chatting time) 00:35:59Answer Tech Clay

Chat Transcript
info: Thank you for choosing Microsoft Store. An Answer Tech will be with you shortly.
info: Privacy Statement [microsoft.com]
You are now chatting with 'Kelly'.
Kelly: Thanks for contacting Microsoft Store Chat! How can I help you today?
You: i ordered a 64 GB Surface Pro, but now i noticed today that there is an additional $100 gift card being offered with the purchase
You: i was wondering if that offer would be extended to those who bought yesterday (like me) as well
Kelly: i'd be happy to help you with the surface pro
Kelly: can you tell me where this is being offered?
You: on the microsoft store website:
You: http://surface.microsoftstore.com
You: the "$100 coupon for your next Microsoft Store online purchase" appears in your cart as you get ready to checkout
Kelly: ok and can you tell me when you purchased your surface?
Kelly: and from where?
You: from the microsoft store (online)
You: the same place as the link i just sent
Kelly: ok can you please give me your order number?
You: my order: Microsoft Store - Order Confirmation (Order #MS*****25)
Kelly: Just a moment while I look into that for you.
Kelly: let me get you to customer service, they may be able to allow you that promotion.
info: Please wait while I transfer the chat to the appropriate group.
info: Privacy Statement [microsoft.com]
You are now chatting with 'Clay'.
Clay: Thank you for visiting Microsoft Store Customer Support, this is Clay. I will be handling your case from here. Please give me 2-3 minutes while I review the previous conversation.
Clay: Thank you for waiting.
You: no problem
Clay: I have checked the website for such offer, but there isn't a $100 coupon for purchasing Surface Pro.
You: *link removed for privacy/security*
Clay: There have been promotions for that earlier, but for selected items only.
You: that is a screenshot of my cart when i go to checkout today
Clay: I am unable to view external links from our end.
You: after you add the surface pro to cart...then you will see a $100 credit for your next purchase.
Clay: I see. Just a second let me verify that . Please give me 2-3 minutes
Clay: Thank you for waiting. Since there are no offers directly displayed on the website for that. You $100 coupon may be granted to you for your next Surface purchase, accumulated by making your first Surface order.
You: i don't understand...for another surface purchase or another (next) Microsoft Store purchase?
You: the offer if i bought my Surface today (as opposed to yesterday) is: $100 coupon for your next Microsoft Store online purchase
Clay: Sorry, another Microsoft purchase, if that's displayed on your screen.
You: i see
Clay: Aside from that, would there be anything else I can assist you with today?
You: so, am i able to obtain the "$100 coupon for your next Microsoft Store online purchase" today?
Clay: Yes, if you see that on your screen as you are logged in www.microsoftstore.com.
You: i already made my purchase yesterday...i was not offered this coupon
You: i don't want to make the same purchase today in order to receive this offer
Clay: Yes, the coupon may have been rewarded to you for making the purchase yesterday.
You: i was hoping to have it added on to my order from yesterday
You: how would i know if it was rewarded to me?
Clay: Usually, if you have a coupon, you should be receiving a notification for that. And a code will be sent to you for the coupon.
Clay: That code (coupon) can be used for your purchases.
You: via email?
Clay: If you were not offered a coupon yesterday for the purchase, please understand that the website offers promotions from time to time.
Clay: Yes. Please check your email for any notifications for a coupon that has been rewarded.
You: the MS store website today indicates that the coupon is a "download" (you get it after you place your order)
Clay: If there is none, then that may be a promotion for placing an order today.
Clay: Yes it is a "download" as it is a code, not a physical coupon like the ones from a physical store.
You: that is what i was thinking...i was wondering if the promotion could be applied retroactively (since i only ordered mine yesterday)
You: should i contact customer service by phone and see if this can be added to my (already fulfilled) order?
Clay: I understand. As I have said, the website offers promotions from time to time. If it was not offered yesterday at the time of your purchase, just to set the right expectations, then you won't be able to ask for a claim with that for your purchase yesterday.
Clay: Yes you may contact customer service but I am unable to guarantee that they will be able to grant the coupon from your order.
You: okay, i will try to contact them by phone...i believe that today's offer should be given to yesterday's buyers--as a matter of fairness so i will see if that view is shared by the phone reps
Clay: I totally understand your point.
Clay: Yes you may contact them, Microsoft Customer Central at 1-800-642-7676 from Monday to Friday, 8 A.M. to 12 A.M. EST and Saturday & Sunday, 12 PM to 6 P.M. EST.
You: otherwise i might as well return my purchase and order again (in order to get the $100 coupon)
Clay: Aside from that, would there be anything else I can assist you with today?
You: no thank you
Clay: Yes you may do that too.
Clay: Alright then.
Clay: Thank you for visiting the Microsoft Store, once again this is Clay. Have a great day!
You: ok thanks
Clay: Thank you

Quote from Rattor : The HD4000 is decent integrated graphics. Paired with the i5, you can play Arkham City at 30fps with decent settings. As the Surface Pro is an actual PC with actual PC hardware, you could install Arkham City on it and play with a USB keyboard/mouse combo or a USB gamepad. Again, try doing that with an iPad or even an A10. And no way the EEE slates can get close to that. While true that I personally wouldn't buy one because of the limitations, and the fact that I already have a decent gaming laptop, it is also true that comparing this to the $1000 iPad is just folly. Comparing it to $600 EEE slates with a last gen i3 and HD3000 graphics is also dumb. The Surface Pro has a newer processor, better graphics, and a higher resolution screen. Of course something newer with updated specs is going to cost more. Wait until Asus comes out with a new EEE slate and see if the prices and specs compare.

On decent settings that's a joke right?

http://blog.laptopmag.com/we-test...nt-have-to

That is just the first link I could find that shows how fail the HD4000 is. There are many more that just show bad integrated intel is. Also as I mentioned before I was tasked with finding a I5 in a tablet and I did. As for most people who get these types of tablets they wont see a difference in performance between the asus and the surface. Cause we all know that web surfing and watching youtube requires the best of specs.

Quote from PeteyTheStriker : As I mentioned earlier, you must not be looking to hard, I found plenty around $400-$600 on ebay and on amazon. Also it was never required to find a Windows 8 tablet with a I5 all that was asked if find me a tablet with a I5 which I did. Also with the windows upgrade program when it was active windows 8 would have only cost $15 to upgrade. As for driver that I dont know cause I never tried or looked into it. http://www.amazon.com/ASUS-Slate-...ows+tablet Playing on low to medium setting at lower resolutions and AA off is not considered playing a game in my book. I know a lot about this market and I know when things are done overkill, and overpriced for suckering people. Things like this are done to get the so called techies, that really have no idea.

Nope, I see 1 on ebay. Amazon you'd have to put up with wear and tear, so $600+os wear and tear vs $800 (if you find use for gc, probably keyboard) brand new with warranty. Plus id hate installing drivers and messing with an eee out of warranty . Your idea doesn't suck, it just doesnt suggest an enormous gap. Lower screen res, also dunno if the eee has msata?

EDIT: I see the $400 ones............do you ebay? You know what buy it now vs bid is right?

I think the thing that kills the surface for me is the lack of a good lap usage. I've actually felt the same with tablets, too, honestly... my neck always starts to hurt after a while. I would love it if the keyboard cover acted like a laptop in that regard, rather than needing the kickstand.

Quote from PeteyTheStriker : As I stated earlier in my previous post. The EE slates can be had for about $400-600 used/refurbed. Compared to the $900 price tag of a surface which is a joke. Only difference is the I5 is newer and the screen rez higher. As stated by someone a post above me, when these things come out and are bleeding edge new, the price tag is a joke, and is never a deal.

only difference is a much better screen and much better i5? that's what you're saying? and I guess that's not worth any extra.

get out of this thread, troll.

Quote from fyu : only difference is a much better screen and much better i5? that's what you're saying? and I guess that's not worth any extra. get out of this thread, troll.

I like how I proved you wrong, and you call me a troll. Please focus on your study's and stop ditching class. Someone let the kids out early it seems today?

Not to mention whats the point of a better I5 and a higher rez screen when you cant take full advantage of it. Can I play games on higher rez settings nope, can I do video editing any better, not really........ So I see the many benefits. Also again I was just asked to find you a I5 in a tablet and I did.

Quote from s207307 : Your Chat Transcript from Microsoft Store General Info Chat start time Feb 12, 2013 1:34:58 PM ESTChat end time Feb 12, 2013 2:10:57 PM ESTDuration (actual chatting time) 00:35:59Answer Tech Clay Chat Transcript info: Thank you for choosing Microsoft Store. An Answer Tech will be with you shortly. info: Privacy Statement [microsoft.com] You are now chatting with 'Kelly'. Kelly: Thanks for contacting Microsoft Store Chat! How can I help you today? You: i ordered a 64 GB Surface Pro, but now i noticed today that there is an additional $100 gift card being offered with the purchase You: i was wondering if that offer would be extended to those who bought yesterday (like me) as well Kelly: i'd be happy to help you with the surface pro Kelly: can you tell me where this is being offered? You: on the microsoft store website: You: http://surface.microsoftstore.com You: the "$100 coupon for your next Microsoft Store online purchase" appears in your cart as you get ready to checkout Kelly: ok and can you tell me when you purchased your surface? Kelly: and from where? You: from the microsoft store (online) You: the same place as the link i just sent Kelly: ok can you please give me your order number? You: my order: Microsoft Store - Order Confirmation (Order #MS*****25) Kelly: Just a moment while I look into that for you. Kelly: let me get you to customer service, they may be able to allow you that promotion. info: Please wait while I transfer the chat to the appropriate group. info: Privacy Statement [microsoft.com] You are now chatting with 'Clay'. Clay: Thank you for visiting Microsoft Store Customer Support, this is Clay. I will be handling your case from here. Please give me 2-3 minutes while I review the previous conversation. Clay: Thank you for waiting. You: no problem Clay: I have checked the website for such offer, but there isn't a $100 coupon for purchasing Surface Pro. You: *link removed for privacy/security* Clay: There have been promotions for that earlier, but for selected items only. You: that is a screenshot of my cart when i go to checkout today Clay: I am unable to view external links from our end. You: after you add the surface pro to cart...then you will see a $100 credit for your next purchase. Clay: I see. Just a second let me verify that . Please give me 2-3 minutes Clay: Thank you for waiting. Since there are no offers directly displayed on the website for that. You $100 coupon may be granted to you for your next Surface purchase, accumulated by making your first Surface order. You: i don't understand...for another surface purchase or another (next) Microsoft Store purchase? You: the offer if i bought my Surface today (as opposed to yesterday) is: $100 coupon for your next Microsoft Store online purchase Clay: Sorry, another Microsoft purchase, if that's displayed on your screen. You: i see Clay: Aside from that, would there be anything else I can assist you with today? You: so, am i able to obtain the "$100 coupon for your next Microsoft Store online purchase" today? Clay: Yes, if you see that on your screen as you are logged in www.microsoftstore.com. You: i already made my purchase yesterday...i was not offered this coupon You: i don't want to make the same purchase today in order to receive this offer Clay: Yes, the coupon may have been rewarded to you for making the purchase yesterday. You: i was hoping to have it added on to my order from yesterday You: how would i know if it was rewarded to me? Clay: Usually, if you have a coupon, you should be receiving a notification for that. And a code will be sent to you for the coupon. Clay: That code (coupon) can be used for your purchases. You: via email? Clay: If you were not offered a coupon yesterday for the purchase, please understand that the website offers promotions from time to time. Clay: Yes. Please check your email for any notifications for a coupon that has been rewarded. You: the MS store website today indicates that the coupon is a "download" (you get it after you place your order) Clay: If there is none, then that may be a promotion for placing an order today. Clay: Yes it is a "download" as it is a code, not a physical coupon like the ones from a physical store. You: that is what i was thinking...i was wondering if the promotion could be applied retroactively (since i only ordered mine yesterday) You: should i contact customer service by phone and see if this can be added to my (already fulfilled) order? Clay: I understand. As I have said, the website offers promotions from time to time. If it was not offered yesterday at the time of your purchase, just to set the right expectations, then you won't be able to ask for a claim with that for your purchase yesterday. Clay: Yes you may contact customer service but I am unable to guarantee that they will be able to grant the coupon from your order. You: okay, i will try to contact them by phone...i believe that today's offer should be given to yesterday's buyers--as a matter of fairness so i will see if that view is shared by the phone reps Clay: I totally understand your point. Clay: Yes you may contact them, Microsoft Customer Central at 1-800-642-7676 from Monday to Friday, 8 A.M. to 12 A.M. EST and Saturday & Sunday, 12 PM to 6 P.M. EST. You: otherwise i might as well return my purchase and order again (in order to get the $100 coupon) Clay: Aside from that, would there be anything else I can assist you with today? You: no thank you Clay: Yes you may do that too. Clay: Alright then. Clay: Thank you for visiting the Microsoft Store, once again this is Clay. Have a great day! You: ok thanks Clay: Thank you

May be a good idea that no1 else try this. May hurt future chances if its some kind of error. I do not see any literature on the site, I just know its in the cart when you check out. Your best COA would have been to just buy this and cancel your first one. I understand if your first one will ship vs this which is a pre order, but if the 1st order was a pre order you really would have gained no ground. Calls may effect others getting the promo, MAY. Just wouldn't recommend others do this. Further, you may have some people say OMG NEVER CALL BIG SD RULE.

Quote from PeteyTheStriker : I like how I proved you wrong, and you call me a troll. Please focus on your study's and stop ditching class. Someone let the kids out early it seems today? Not to mention whats the point of a better I5 and a higher rez screen when you cant take full advantage of it. Can I play games on higher rez settings nope, can I do video editing any better, not really........ So I see the many benefits. Also again I was just asked to find you a I5 in a tablet and I did.

actually if you're going to be a picky ass.

I asked for an android tablet that has an i5. you produced a windows tablet.