The latest in Surface Pro 3 vs Macbook Air slugfest: Microsoft throws the glove to Apple yet again, in a video spot.
Sunday saw a new round in the Surface Pro 3 vs Macbook Air rivalry, as Microsoft releases its second (actually fourth) challenge to the Macbook Air. A three-spot series aired last August showcasing the Surface Pro 3 tablet's key features, touchscreen, and hardware.
The square-off is odd, pitting Apple's laptop with the Microsoft tablet. While the Surface Pro 3 does come with keyboard as accessory, the attachment mechanism is magnetic, unhinged. The ad is a parody of sorts to "Winter Wonderland," leaving the catch phrase: "The tablet that can replace your laptop."
CNET comments on Microsoft's pitch for the ad, which is pegged to the tablet's versatility, portability.
"The crux of the ad is that Microsoft sees its Surface Pro 3 as a more versatile device than a MacBook Air as it can double as both a tablet and a laptop. Many people seem to already be buying into that message. For its first quarter, which ended September 30, Microsoft said that the new tablet helped boost overall Surface sales to $908 million, up 127 percent from the same quarter last year."
Pricing considered, there's not much difference between the Surface Pro 3 vs Macbook Air (starts at $799 and $899, respectively). The appeal is to users who consider the laptop features on a tablet an advantage.
There's a slight turn-off with the OS, though, with the Surface Pro 3 installed with Windows 8. The version may put off Apple users considering the device as a serviceable sidearm.
Apple's Mac sales for the fourth fiscal quarter reflected major sales, compared to the iPad which ranks third. The iPhone raked in the most revenue, boosted by the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus launch.
