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Need New Laptop/Tablet/Convertible for IT Pro. Surface Pro 3? Advice Needed

Tags:
  • buying advice
  • IT
  • Surface
  • Laptops
  • future
  • Tablets
  • Business Computing
Last response: in Business Computing
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October 15, 2014 10:32:11 AM

Hello all - I am seeking advice on what to get for my main personal work PC. I'm an IT technician and will require a business grade model that I will have to live with day in and out for up to 5 years! My current PC is a Dell Latitude 6500. It's served me pretty well, but it's 5 years old next month and it's showing age for sure.

My initial thought was to go with a Surface Pro 3. We have some Surface Pro 2 models in our organization but we don't have anyone using it as their main workstation. These are the pros and cons from my point of view:

Pros

    Super portable AND good sized, quality display
    First class Windows experience and support
    Available dock for added I/O (important)
    DisplayPort connectivity and Intel HD 4400 will allow me to daisy chain 2 external displays at 1080p resolution (important)
    USB 3.0
    802.11ac Wi-Fi
    Great stylus support (for off hours creative use)

Cons

    Pretty much not upgradeable at all
    Questionable future of the Surface line (I am aware Microsoft just reaffirmed it's commitment for at least one more revision)
    Storage is SATA not PCIe
    Intel Core i5-4300U processor is already a year old
    Not sure how long the battery will last - assuming not 5 years

So my big question is - could I see myself living with this for 5 years? Does anyone have any advice for or against the SP3, for someone with a business/IT focus? Is there something that would be a better fit? We are typically a Dell/HP shop so I have been asked to compare their offerings as well. Should I consider an ultraportable laptop or convertible instead? I have not had really any hands on experience with tablet offerings from Dell or HP but my outside view is that they haven't been as innovative as the Surface.

I'm willing to consider anything. I realize there won't be a magic bullet device but I want to at least know that any drawbacks are going in, be confident in my decision and not have any regrets or gotchas.

Any advice is at all is appreciated!

Thanks,
Blake

More about : laptop tablet convertible pro surface pro advice needed

a b D Laptop
October 16, 2014 11:41:23 AM

I would go with either dell or lenovo as they have the best laptops for business use. Hp are good if you want to do professional 3d work. As for the surface pro 3 for business, I would only recommend it if you don't use too many demanding programs as its lifespan will reduce very quickly. Also the upgradability will be an issue as you have mentioned if something breaks. I would only get it if you need a stylus as it is good for graphic artists. Also the portability is ok but most 2 in ones are that portable.

As a wrap up. Only get the sp3 if:

You need a stylus
You need the portability

Otherwise get a dell or lenovo.
!