>So much for pulling out of the tablet biz
Don't think that was ever really in the cards. Wintel are all in on x86 in the tablet space just like on desktop though.
Microsoft has reportedly gobbled up N-trig, makers of digital pen technology for PCs and tablets, for an undisclosed sum. The sale of the Kfar Saba, Israel–based firm was reported by the Israeli business daily Globes, citing sources who valued the deal at around $200m. N-trig makes the pen tech for Microsoft's Surface Pro 3 …
I own a Surface 2 Pro, and one of the reason I would not buy a Surface 3 is its pen technology. Not only the different pressure level capabilitis (mostly useful for graphic artists, less for the average user), but Wacom use a passive technology that doesn't require a battery in the pen - as long as your tablet works, so does the pen. And no need to pair it or the like as happens with bluetooth devices.
Thickness, in a tabtet 10" or more, is more a marketing problem than a real issue - you don't put it in a pocket, a few mm won't change your life.
MS should have kept on using Wacom technology, even if more expensive or requiring thicker screens - it just delivers a better "user experience".
Reducing the number of layers in the screen isn't just about device thickness. It's about reducing parallax differences between where the pen is and where the detecting layer registers it.
Also the bluetooth pairing is only for the onenote button. Its completely unrelated to the main pen technology.
n-Trig pens give 256 levels of pressure (not 1024) but if you can tell the difference you're a better man than me.
n-Trig pens are metal, nicely weighted by the battery, and feel much better than the light, cheap, plastic Wacom pens.
n-Trig pens only use the battery when they are actually in use, so battery life is long, at least a year.
AAAA batteries are unusual but not difficult to get hold of. Next day delivery from most places.
Surface Pro 3 Pens use Bluetooth only for the purple OneNote button. Pairing is simple, fast and reliable. All other pen functions are provided by the n-Trig digitiser.