I finally bought one. A Surface Pro. I've been eying these babies from when the original Surface was announced. As someone who spends a reasonable amount on-site and away from his desk, having a powerfull tablet that could connect to my NAS on hand always sounded like a great proposition. Thing is, this was an offer I could refuse as long as a) the battery life sucked, b) the price wasn't right.
The first point was taken care of by the release of the Pro2, which boasted an at least reasonable battery life of about 7 hours. The second was resolved today, as I walked into the Fnac, which must be about the most expensive place to buy anything user electronics related, and saw that they were having massive sales on the surface pro 2. So I bagged me a Pro2 with 128gig SSD for €699, which is €180 below the suggested retail price. To add to the deal, a free Type Cover 2 was thrown in. And then Microsoft had this promotion that if the store clerk didn't inform you on their great Office deals (-€20 on Office if bought along a PC), you were entitled to a free year of Office 365 Home Premium. The store clerk I was talking to was pleasantly savvy on the matter of the Surface line, even the upcoming Pro3, but we were more talking about the product then that he was trying to sell me one. He didn't ever mention the Office deal. So basically I saved about €450 
I've just begun installing my software, so not many impressions so far. I tried the pen out for a couple of minutes, and it's a joy to use. The Wacom pen was one of the main features that drew my attention and I can really see this replacing regular pen and paper for a lot of stuff.
As for gaming, this thing is as powerfull as my 4 year old laptop, which I used to play Borderlands 2 on. Even better, if I get an HDMI out, I'll be able to use this with my desktop PC and Steam inhome streaming to finally get my PC gaming started. I just can't get used to gaming behind my desk, and now I'll be able to reach all those cheap Steam games from the comfort of my couch.
Overall I'm as happy as an Aussie who just got his internet cap raised by a factor of 40 and very glad I postphoned purchasing one all those times. I don't think I'll be seeing an as good of a deal on these any time soon. Also, congrats to my wife, for arguing against getting worse deals earlier on.
Would something like the Kindle FireHD be applicable here?
Pro:
Asus T100TA-DK002H 10.1-inch 2-in-1 Convertible Netbook (Intel Atom Z3740 1.33GHz Processor, 32GB SSD, 2GB DDR3...
Asus T100TA-DK002H 10.1-inch 2-in-1 Convertible Netbook (Intel Atom Z3740 1.33GHz Processor, 32GB SSD, 2GB DDR3, Intel HD Graphics, Touchscreen, SDXC Card Reader, USB 3.0, Micro HDMI, Windows 8.1, Microsoft Office Home & Student 2013)
Or the newer model:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Transformer-10-1-inch-Convertible-Detachable-Integrated/dp/B00K7Y1AJE/ref=dp_ob_title_ce
video comparision of the T100 and the Surface 2
Hah!
I didn't watch it all myself, I skipped to the 10 minute mark where they were drawing to conclusions. If you want true laptop capabilities at an unbelievable pricepoint, go with the T100. If you're looking more for something Ipad like (but with killer keyboard), go for the surface 2.
And that's enough free PR for Microsoft today. I'm off to do some actual work so I can once again afford food after having spent so much on my Pro2.
Eh, I prefer the malleability of the T-1000.
That's my tablet of choice.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Transformer-10-1-inch-Convertible-Detachable-Integrated/dp/B00K7Y1AJE/ref=dp_ob_title_ce
Product Description
The T100TA's optimum-comfort keys and 19mm travel distance keyboard provides users with an unforgettable typing experience. Also the T100TA's detachable docking station provides high mobility, perfect for different usage scenarios.
The T100TA's battery provides up to 11 hours battery life - depending on usage - so you can spend more time enjoying your music, movies and games, or working on your projects without having to locate the nearest plug.
Box Contains
Battery
AC Adapter
User Documentation/Media
I've also been looking into folio's, sleeves, cases and whatnot to keep this thing more or less presentable when I actually start taking it places. On this front its versatility is its curse it seems. I have yet to find one that doesn't hinder the use of the kickstand and/or the type cover.
So far the MoKo rotary case seems like my best bet, as it's just as schizofrenic as the device itself. If you put the two parts on it really protects the surface, even letting you sit it upright. If you take the outer sleeve off it leaves the job of protecting the screen to the type cover, but you get a strap for your hand on the back, which I could see being very useful for me. Bah, I'm even considering just getting 2 sleeves at this point. One to look stylish when I go to customers and one sturdy one with a strap for when I go to construction sites.
They sell those down here. How is the browser? (I am already a Kindle reading dude). It's sub $200.
Sup and GG, thanks for your posts, I read it all and followed links, it was very helpful.
The Asus IPS display is great and you can get them scratch proof, I saw a review where someone used keys on it in a review and it was fine. If you're willing to get the TF810 and buy the keyboard dock, it has a combined 19 hr battery life.