Oops Microsoft Did It Again
Microsoft continues to roll out impressive improvements to the Windows 10 OS, Server Products for businesses, the cloud platform Azure, and collaboration tools as a part of Microsoft 365.
Once again though, Microsoft confusingly fumbles the name(s) of productivity and collaboration software licensing. This goes way back to when customers weren’t sure if they were talking about their Microsoft Office and/or Windows Operating System names, versions, and numbers.
On April 21st, 2020, Microsoft Office 365 becomes Microsoft 365! Well, not entirely.
Previous to this announcement, business customer subscribed to more robust and secure version of Microsoft Office 365 by upgrading to Microsoft 365, which upgraded to include Enterprise Mobility + Security (EMS). WAIT! That all changed April 21st.
Personal Plans
Microsoft Office Home and Student 2019 stays the same: Individuals and Small Businesses can still buy and install software on their PC’s. Microsoft Office Home and Student 2019 is $149.99 as a one-time purchase…then re-buy again if you want a future version. You do not get Outlook (email client), Skype or cloud document or mail storage. Perpetual upgrades included.
Microsoft Office 365 Home is good for a family of up to 6 people (all of each person’s device) for 99.99 per year, every year. You get the full Office suite including email, Skype and cloud storage. Perpetual upgrades included.
Microsoft Office 365 Personal is good for ONE Person (all devices) for 69.99 per year, every year. Same benefits as above, “Home.”
Small & Medium Business Plans
Microsoft Office 365 ProPlus is a perpetual per user business subscription good for all devices; for 12.00 per month. Always up to date Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams; and 1 TB cloud Storage. This is a software license but not a service license. (No business Exchange email provided; customer provisions own mail service.)
Microsoft Office 365 Business becomes Microsoft 365 Business Apps for $8.25 per month. This is free for startups for 6 months. But, while Microsoft gives you the Outlook Client, they do not host (hold, provide, or manage) your mail.
More established businesses typically mix and match plans. For example, your business management employees may all need a robust subscription but your “Firstline” workers may only need company email and calendar.
- Published in Microsoft
Arc Touch Mouse
Arc Touch Mouse is reliable wireless freedom plus Microsoft touch technology, on the go. Use it just about anywhere, even on a rough wood surface or carpet, thanks to BlueTrack Technology. Plus retain wireless control of your computer up to 30 feet away.
Innovative Design
Allows for quick use and storage. Curve it comfortably to get started. Then smoothly glide your finger up or down the touch strip. When you’re done, keep the tiny transceiver plugged into your computer’s USB port, or attach it magnetically onto the underside of the mouse. Then flatten Arc Touch Mouse to turn it off, and slip it into your bag.
Touch strip
Arc Touch Mouse responds precisely to the speed of your finger movement, using Haptic feedback (light vibration that signals scrolling speed) to scan through documents or web pages as quickly-or as cautiously-as needed.
Power On and Off – Curve to turn on. Flatten to turn off. No button to switch. A green light flashes to show the battery is working, and then turns off to save battery life.
Plug-and-go Nano Transceiver – Leave the Nano Transceiver (USB) plugged in when you’re on the go, or stow it magnetically in the mouse.
- Published in Accessories, Microsoft
Surface Pro 4
Powered by Windows 10, Surface Pro 4 turns from a tablet into a full powered laptop while running all of your desktop software. 12.3’’ PixelSense™ display has high contrast and low glare, giving you a picture rivaling real life. Multi-position kickstand and improved Type Cover transforms into a fully functioning laptop running desktop software. Surface Pro 4 is a mobile workstation, with 6th Generation Intel® Core™ m3, i5, and i7 processors that allow the running of multiple programs; quitter and runs cooler than ever before.
Full Office
Surface Pro 4 works perfectly with the full suite of Office products, driving your productivity to new heights.
Markup webpages
Write directly on webpages with Surface Pen in the all-new Microsoft Edge browser and share your notes easily.
Limitless apps
Surface Pro 4 has all the power you need for even the most demanding apps, along with creative and professional software.
Software
Windows 10 Pro, Office 30 day trial
Security
TPM chip for enterprise security
Memory
4GB, 8GB, 16GB RAM
Wireless
802.11ac Wi-Fi wireless networking; IEEE
802.11a/b/g/n compatible
Bluetooth 4.0 wireless technology
Dimensions
11.50″ x 7.93″ x 0.33″
(292.10mm x 201.42mm x 8.45mm)
Ports
Full-size USB 3.0
microSD™ card reader
Headset jack
Mini DisplayPort
Cover port
SurfaceConnect™
Sensors
Ambient light sensor
Accelerometer
Gyroscope
Cameras/video/ audio
5.0 MP front-facing HD camera
8.0 MP rear-facing autofocus camera, with 1080p HD video recording
Stereo microphones
Stereo speakers with Dolby Audio™ Premium
Battery
Up to 9 hours of battery life.
Warranty
1-year limited hardware warranty
Intel® Core™ m3
Runs desktop software just like a laptop.
Stream music and shows with iTunes and Netflix.
Intel® Core™ i5
Creating and editing large databases or documents in Microsoft Office
Desktop gaming.
Advanced photo editing with programs like Adobe® Photoshop® CC3.
Intel® Core™ i7
Professional HD video editing with programs like Adobe® Premier® Pro CC3.
Using professional grade applications like Visual Studio.
Design and 3D modeling with programs like AutoCAD.
Accessories
Surface Dock
Surface Dock instantly transforms your ultraportable Surface into a desktop PC. Simply plug in the SurfaceConnectTM cable to charge your device and access external monitors, a keyboard, mouse, and more.
Surface Pro 4 Type Cover with Fingerprint ID
Experience the convenience of instantly unlocking your device with one simple touch, and the freedom of never having to worry about remembering a password again.
Surface Pen Tip
Choose a pen tip with the right feel for you. Stay with the medium tip with the familiarity of a #2 pencil, or swap it with a low friction tip similar to a fine point pen.
Surface Pro 4 Type Cover
Our next generation of Type Cover offers the most advanced Surface typing experience yet. It feels and performs like a traditional laptop keyboard, with optimal key spacing for fast and fluid typing and an enlarged glass trackpad for precision control.
Surface Pen
Experience the ultimate modern writing experience with Surface Pen. Write, draw or mark-up documents digitally. Take notes to quickly capture your thoughts and instantly convert them to text.
Power Supply
Charge your Surface Book with the versatile 65W Power Supply. The 65W Power Supply quickly recharges the battery and the USB port allows you to charge another device at the same time.
Surface Mini DisplayPort to HDMI AV Adapter
Connect any Surface Pro model to an HDMI-compatible display to share pictures or video on your big-screen HDTV.
Surface Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter
Plug Surface into VGA-compatible displays, monitors, or projectors, and share you pictures, videos, and big ideas. Compatible with all Surface Pro models.
- Published in Microsoft
Surface Pro 3
A responsive, bright touchscreen, stereo speakers with Dolby® audio, and two 1080p cameras. Make video conferencing or watching movies better than ever. The integrated Kickstand features multiple positions so you can work comfortably whether you’re on a plane, at your desk, or in front of the television.
Surface Pro 3 comes with Windows 10, so you can use all your favorite touch apps and desktop software, like Office, and even ask Cortana† to remind you about important events.
Light and thin
1.76 pounds, .36 inches thin.
Battery life
Up to 9 hours of battery life
HD cameras
Take crisp and clear videos and photos with 5MP HD cameras on the front and back of the Surface Pro 3.
Multitask
Use up to three touch apps while running programs on the desktop and switch between seamlessly.
Great for families
Multiple user accounts let each family member personalize their space on the same device. Family Safety features help protect children while online.
Surface Pen
Surface Pen introduces an entirely new, yet surprisingly natural, way to markup documents and take notes in your own handwriting. With the click of the Pen, a blank sheet is available for quick notes or sketches, even if Surface is asleep. Surface Pen comes with every Surface Pro 3. It feels just like a real pen. With Palm Block technology rest your hand as you write without leaving a trace. Write and draw directly on your screen, convert handwriting to text, and highlight and write directly in PDFs and documents.
-One click of Surface Pen opens a blank OneNote page – even if your Surface is locked or asleep. Notes are saved automatically. Perfect for those flashes of inspiration.
-Digital ink flows directly from the tip of Surface Pen. It’s just as smooth, fluid, and precise as your favorite ballpoint pen on paper.
-With 256 levels of pressure sensitivity, Surface Pen responds just like a real pen to create thicker, darker lines when you push harder.
-Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity, Right-click and erase buttons, 1 AAAA, two 319 coin cell batteries, available in silver, red, blue, black.
-Weight: .081 ounces, Diameter: 9.5 mm, Length 137 mm
Comparing the Surface Pro 3 to the 13 inch MacBook Air
Portability:
Surface Pro 3 – weighs 2.4lbs and is .55’’ thick with keyboard attached
13’’ MacBook Air—weighs 2.96lbs and is .68’’ thick
Processor
Surface Pro 3 – Intel® Core™ i3, i5, or i7 processors
13’’ MacBook Air— Intel® Core™ i5 and i7 processor options
Storage
Surface Pro 3 – RAM options up to 8GB to suit your specific needs with up to 128GB storage
13’’ MacBook Air— 128GB flash storage option and 8GB of RAM
Functionality
Surface Pro 3 – Use as a tablet or a laptop with the detachable keyboard. Touch screen. Surface Pen. Front and rear-facing cameras with 1080p HD video capabilities
13’’ MacBook Air— Laptop only. 730p HD front-facing camera
Accessories
Surface Pro 3 Essentials Bundle
Maximize your productivity with the Surface Pro 3 Essentials Bundle. Includes Surface Pro 3, choice of Type Cover and Surface sleeve, 2-year warranty, and 1 year of Office 365.
Surface Pro Type Cover
One of the thinnest keyboards around, Type Cover turns your Surface Pro 3 into a premium laptop.
Surface Pro 3 Docking Station
Instantly connect all of your favorite accessories to your Surface Pro 3.
Microsoft Complete
Get the most from your Surface with an extended service and support plan which provides coverage for hardware damage and two years of technical support.
- Published in Microsoft