It looks like the Surface Pro 3 strategy is working

Traditionally, Microsoft has stuck to software development, and left the hardware side of things–or at least most of it–to OEM partners like HP, Dell, and Lenovo. Lately, though–between acquiring Nokia and producing the Surface line of tablets–it seems Microsoft wants to follow the Apple strategy of owning the experience end-to-end.

The other possibility is just that [inlinetweet prefix=”” tweeter=”” suffix=””]Microsoft felt compelled to develop a device that truly captures the vision Microsoft has in mind[/inlinetweet], and demonstrates what Windows 8 is capable of. If that is the goal of the Surface Pro strategy, it seems like it might be working. Dell’s latest Windows 8 tablets is a mirror-image of the Surface Pro 3 in almost every aspect of specs and pricing.

I wrote about it in a blog post:

The underlying strategy or ultimate goal for the Surface Pro tablets from Microsoft has been a question mark since the device first launched. Some experts believe that Microsoft truly wants to grab market share and compete head-to-head with Apple, Samsung, and others — while others think that Microsoft is simply trying to set the bar and create a model Windows tablet for OEM partners to mimic. If the Dell Venue 11 is any indication, it’s the latter.

This is not Dell’s first foray into the world of Windows Pro tablets — it’s offered the Venue 8 for some time now. The Venue 11 line, however, offers a much more capable device and a far superior PC and tablet experience than its smaller predecessor.

The problem with the Dell Venue 8 is that it’s underpowered. Sure, it’s much cheaper than a Surface Pro, but you get what you pay for. It has a smaller display, weaker processor, less storage capacity, and less RAM than even the base model of the Surface Pro 3. The $250 (USD) price tag is appealing, but — in the end — a device like that results in an inferior experience and frustrated customers. It’s not a good representation of what a Windows Pro tablet is capable of.

When Microsoft launched the original Surface Pro, it created a device that demonstrates what a Windows Pro tablet should be. There was no compromise on quality or power. Microsoft didn’t just create a device that can sort of run Windows, it created a full Windows 8 PC that happens to fit into a tablet form factor, and it paid close to attention to the engineering and details of the construction of the tablet as well. The result was a phenomenal device that was unapologetic about its price.

Click here to read the full article at TechRepublic: Surface Pro 3 and Dell Venue 11: Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

What do you think? Does a device like the Dell Venue 11 prove that Microsoft was right all along with the Surface Pro specs and pricing? Discuss in the comments below…