pro

Microsoft's new Intel-powered tablet isn't being advertised as a gaming platform, but maybe it should.

The Surface Pro handles Diablo III and Portal 2 at near-maximum settings, according to a post by Jason Evangelho at Forbes.com.

Gamers "represent an important -- and arguably sizable -- potential demographic for Microsoft. As the company knows from its wildly successful Xbox platform," he wrote.

At the moment, Microsoft is marketing Surface as a business tool, with no mention of its gaming chops.

The closest it gets is ad copy about Intel's laptop-class Core i5 processor and the … Read more

Hunting around the Windows store for your favorite apps can sometimes be a sad and demoralizing experience, particularly if you just dropped about a grand for that slick new Surface Pro from Microsoft.

Enter the startup BlueStacks on its multicolored digital steed prepared to liberate the Surface with its Android app player, shouting "Freedom!" at the top of its lungs a la Mel Gibson in "Braveheart."

Actually, you can just download a version of the BlueStacks App Player optimized for the Surface Pro that was just released today, but I do recommend at least donning a bit of blue war paint before clicking to make for a more memorable experience.… Read more

Fresh shipments of Microsoft's Surface Pro tablets will hit stores later this week.

New stock will arrive at Best Buy, Staples, and Microsoft stores, Panos Panay, who heads the Surface team at Microsoft, tweeted in response to questions during a scheduled winchat today.

"We are shipping more 64gb now to BBY, Staples, MS Store and online. 128gb at BBY and MS Stores by Saturday," he tweeted.

This comes after prospective buyers complained about the supply shortfall.

The 128GB model sold out immediately online at retail stores. And Best Buy in some cases had stock of only a few units, according to many anecdotal accounts.

"Where was the mistake made on estimating demand for the 128gb at launch? Why were there no MS preorders online?," asked one participant today in the winchat. … Read more

The Surface Pro ad is here, but so are gripes about supply.

The ad (above) has an obvious business bent, focusing on pen input. And, of course, how light it is (two pounds). There's also a nod to the touch interface and USB connectivity.

The ad was directed by Jon M Chu, who directed the earlier Surface RT ad.

Meanwhile over at the official Surface Blog commenters are howling about supply.

"I went to three Best Buys, and two Future Shops. Sold out everywhere...Am I disappointed? Of course, I was really looking forward to 'trading-up' my iPad … Read more

LOS ANGELES -- The launch of the Surface Pro at the Microsoft Store in LA's Century City was a relatively low-key affair compared with the debut of the Surface RT.

When I arrived just after 10 a.m. there was a small line (see photo). That said, both versions -- 64GB and 128GB -- of the Surface Pro had sold out immediately.

Of course, no one would say how many units were set aside for first-day sales, and the lines didn't exactly snake around the Westfield Century City mall. So, it wasn't like a Depression-era run on … Read more

Microsoft's Surface Pro has sold out at the company's online store in the U.S. within hours of becoming available.

Both the 128GB and 64GB versions of the Pro are shown as out of stock on MicrosoftStore.com. As of this writing, Microsoft's online store in Canada still has both versions. The devices are also being sold at various brick-and-mortar retailers.

The $900 and $1,000 price tags (64GB and 128GB, respectively) don't include the keyboard-equipped "Touch Cover" for the device, which figures prominently in marketing for the gadget. That add-on costs another $120. (… Read more

With the Surface Pro set to go on sale Saturday, consumers will have a pretty stark choice between two Microsoft tablets that look remarkably similar.

When I walked into my local Los Angeles Microsoft Store earlier this week -- where the Pro was already on display next to the RT model -- it was hard to tell right off the bat which Surface was which.

Not surprising, since both tablets display the same Metro screen and there's a mere 4.2mm difference in thickness.

So, let's recap what sets the Pro apart from the RT version. … Read more

Headphones like the Nokia Purity Pro Stereo Headset by Monster don't come along every day. At $349.99, this advanced pair of headphones is expensive but nets a long list of advanced mobile audio technologies. The result of a partnership between mobile phone maker Nokia and sound equipment company Monster Cable, the Purity Pro's impressive skill set includes wireless Bluetooth and active noise canceling. The device even relies on NFC hardware for effortless pairing, unique for a stereo headset. More compelling, the Purity Pro also serves up these capabilities for $50 less than the $400 Parrot Zik, another … Read more

Microsoft's planned Surface Pro launch event in New York City tonight has been canceled due to a blizzard that's expected to hit the area today.

But users who aren't put off by the rain, sleet, and snow will still be able to go to the Union Square New York Best Buy store and purchase Surface Pros starting at midnight.

Microsoft had invited a number of "Most Valuable Professionals" and other selected guests to attend a prelaunch event near the Best Buy store. The head of the Surface team, Panos Panay, was going to be in … Read more