Oh gosh, I hope keyboards don't disappear! I love my iPad but if I'm going to be typing much, I head to my computer instead as I prefer typing on a keyboard. I've had two wireless keyboards for my iPad but neither last long so I wasn't going to sink money into another one. Typing short responses on my iPad is fine, but I prefer using my iMac for anything more than a few sentences. One thing I've never been able to figure out on my iPad touch screen is how to force a hard return. Like if I'm posting on FB and want to make a new paragraph, I can't do it on my iPad with the touchscreen. Anyone know if there is a trick I'm missing or some sort of keyboard shortcut to make a hard return in FB? I can't remember if it happens on Gardenweb (I'm on my iMac at the moment so can't test), but I know for sure it happens in FB on my iPad.

kswl2, I have the Spectre, too! (It was a total tech replacement year for me.) The only thing I hate about it is that I cannot turn off the touch pad. I'm bad about resting my hand while I'm thinking and I end up with the cursor in weird places or actions occurring that I didn't intend.

Its great, isnt it fun2b? I researched extensively before purchase, as i was initially interested in the surface pro 4. Since i replace these things every few years i decided not to pay more than $800 or $900 and i have set the size now at 12". Many notebooks of that size are poor builds with plastic keyboards and worse. I am very happy with the Spectre and windows 10.

For some reason the touchpad hasnt been a problem for me, but i have to admit it is HUGE. But i love that it has a proper right click :-). They have been incredibly successful, no discounts even on cyber monday and today i was checking on the HP site for a friend who saw mine and they have only ONE left today.

I've been in love with the Surface Pro since its introduction, but the reports of overheating and the lack of a cellular option kept me from buying. When my HP laptop/tablet gave up the ghost this year, I looked at the latest Surface, but the reviews haven't improved much, so I looked at HP's laptop selection and it seemed like the Spectre was the closest in functionality to my old HP with the exception of a stylus, but I didn't use the stylus that much anyway.

I have to keep a Windows machine because there is too much software where iOS fails to provide full functionality because of its closed architecture. On the other hand, I prefer Apple's extensive selection of entertainment apps and the cellular access available on iPad which is why I also have the iPad Pro.

DS purchased a Surface Pro and had to have it replaced/repaired twice within 2 months - after the third time he returned it for a refund - it was still under the original warranty. He went back to his old Dell and ordered the Spectre as an early Christmas gift. Glad to hear the good feedback.

I decided against the surface pro for one reasons, price. i thought it is absurdly overlriced- to begin with and cant believe the keyboard is still an additional $130, that is ridiculous. I have no brand loyalty when it comes to laptops / notebooks. Havent heard widespread reports of problems with the 4 but your DH's experience proves that any brand can harbor a lemon machine.

Back in the 70's it was conventional wisdom that cars going through the assembly line on Wednesdays were far superior to those assembled on any other day. I wonder if there is any functional equivalent caveats for laptops or other electronics?

kswl2, I am incredibly frugal about most everything except computers. I use them until they become non-functional, but when I buy a new version, I'm likely to get the one with all of the bells and whistles. Sometimes, they are overpriced...Apple cough, cough...but well-designed hardware is like a siren song to me.

Maire-cate, I think your son will love his Spectre.

Fun, I'm glad you are happy with your Pro. DS caled me last wek and was saying he might need to look at one for his music. He specifically wants the larger size while his younger brother just got a regular iPad for his music and text books earlier in the semester. One holds it to read music while singing and the other would put it on a stand -- so the larger work better for him. I'm not going to try to buy for him for Christmas, but told him that we could go look while he's home. I've avoided most of the mall madness so far this year -- gus the Apple store will make up for it.

Lascatx, I'll never forget my trip with my father to the Apple store one year two days before Christmas to buy an iPad for my mother. My father who wouldn't wait in line for free money saw the line that was all the way out the door and down the hall and almost freaked out. I think that finally broke him of the habit of waiting until the last minute to buy a gift. I hope you find it less crowded after December 25.