Originally Posted by flynn:
“Had a look at one in John Lewis at the weekend. Putting the OS to one side for a minute (not a fan of the tiles), for my use it falls between two stools. As a laptop replacement it's underpowered for the price, and as a tablet it's too thick and heavy - I was especially surprised by how thick it is.
In this case I'd much rather have two devices (well specced laptop + Nexus 7 for example) that perform their functions well than one that doesn't quite do either job well enough. Not a gadget for me I'm afraid.”
It's not for everyone. There's a whole host of Windows 8 hardware out there and more is coming (especially 7 and 8 inch tablets).
But you are comparing the Surface Pro to established use cases, use cases that were established based on the hardware made so far.
If you are someone who wants a laptop that is even more portable than usual (i.e. small enough to fit properly on a tray table on a train) and a tablet that can do your laptop functions then it is ideal.
I travel a fair bit for work and I'm already carrying a work laptop and kit as well as enough work and leisure clothes to last me a week. I could have a Surface Pro which is a thick tablet and a small laptop OR I have to choose between an iPad and ultrabook to take with me. Each of those is good at what they do, but neither ultrabook nor iPad can fulfil both roles only one of them. The Surface Pro at least can do it all. (E.g. I can download things via NZB in a hotel room - no iOS or Android tablet can do that as far as I am aware; I can remux videos etc).