Solved Documenting my first experience with the Surface Pro 2

Are you planning to buy a Surface (Pro) 2?

  • No, I will order after 6 months from now.

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Der Snoober

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Hello Everybody!

Last monday Microsoft announced the arrival of a new Surface line. The Surface 2 and the Surface Pro 2. The launch of these new tablets will be on monday October 21st.

Next month I'll be working for 10 years straight at the same company and therefore I will recieve a gratification bonus. What better to use this money for then to buy a Surface, I thought to myself. So... yesterday I phoned Microsoft and placed a pre-order for the new Surface Pro 2.

It will be my first tablet pc ever and I would like to share my experiences with you all. Perhaps it will be usefull for those of you who are considering to buy a new Surface tablet pc. And offcourse I'm happy with all the advice you folks can give me.

Through this thread you can follow me ==> counting down the days until October 21st/ 22nd :huh: ==> waiting at the mailbox for the UPS man to arrive :shock: ==> finally opening the package and seeing my brand new Surface Pro 2 for the very first time :party: ==> and offcourse my experiences with the tablet pc :geek:.


I hope you folks will follow this thread and share the fun with me, waiting and opening the package!

Greetz,

Rover

=========================

Some information about the Surface Pro 2:
Introducing the New Microsoft Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2

What did I order?
- The Surface Pro 2, 128gb version
- The Type Cover 2, black (I chose this one because it has 'laptop' keys instead of touch keys)
 

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SO, what makes you think anyone is interested in YOUR new toy? :) well, maybe me for one. Will be interesting to see what you think. I picked up a 10" Iconia and love it. Trust the waiting isn't too bad!
 

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As an award for 10 years of service you are able to get a Surface Pro 2 ($899)? I'm jealous. I had my 10 year anniversary last month and I was given a $200 Visa gift card. I work for one of the largest software companies in the world and they are cheap!
 

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Hi strollin,

I live in The Netherlands. So the Surface Pro 2 is 'only' $1350 here. And another $175 for the Type Cover.

The gratification is a certain percentage of my monthly income. The fact that I'll get it taxfree means that the bonus will double, since income tax in The Netherlands is at 52%.

So I guess that you can't really compare the USA and The Netherlands ;)
 

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    I also own the following Microsoft devices:
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    * Windows Phone HTC 8X

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love that the new Surface machines come with 200 GB of cloud storage. and the skype wifi hotspots as well! hate having to pay for hotspots!
 

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Hi strollin,

I live in The Netherlands. So the Surface Pro 2 is 'only' $1350 here. And another $175 for the Type Cover.

The gratification is a certain percentage of my monthly income. The fact that I'll get it taxfree means that the bonus will double, since income tax in The Netherlands is at 52%.

So I guess that you can't really compare the USA and The Netherlands ;)

Don't feel too bad about that, with ocare on the way, it won't be long before we are seeing the same kind of taxes.
Glad you are getting a break on that. Good luck,, I am watching this thread.
 

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I just read this article and am interested in getting your perspective...

Microsoft's Surface Pro 2: So Right, But So Wrong | Technology | Minyanville's Wall Street




Thanks for the very interessing links, Art. I've read the articles and I must say they provide some very interesting views on the Surface 2 tablets.

In the first article the author, a self proclaimed Apple fan, makes a statement that the Surface Pro 2 is, from the hardware point of view, a great device. But it will never be a succes due to the fact that it's a overkill for the demand of the public (e.a. Simple iPads to lookup Facebook and a few websites). He also claims that tablets in general will kill off the desktop and laptops computers.

The second article describes the potential Delta sees in the Surface RT 2. As well as their plan to rollout these tablets across the entire fleet.


Well, I must say that I don't agree with the author of the first article (and not just because he is an Apple fan ;)). In my opinion the Surface Pro 2 will be a great tablet due to the fact that you can install whatever you like onto it. It is basicly a laptopcomputer that doesn't fold. That is the reason I'm buying a Surface Pro 2. The freedom to install any software I like, combined with the practical use of the tablet shape and touch function.
I don't know enough about the Surface 2 RT to form an opinion about it. I guess it would be great if you are a student that only needs it to make notes, Facebook, Skype etc. In my opinion it's like the MS version of the iPad or Android tablet.


For me the Surface Pro 2 device will fill the gap between my Windows Phone and my desktop computer. The Phone is for calling people and the occasional Facebook post or whatsapp message (or the traffic information offcourse ;)). My desktop computer is a combination of die-hard computer gaming, data storage/ media center (>6TB) and programs that acquire a great amount of processing power (e.a. Photoshop).

What I'm missing is a device that I can use while sitting on the sofa, or lying in bed. And that I can take with me while on the road. A laptop is just not practical for me. The battery drains to fast and the clamshell design is not very practical in bed :eek:. In my opinion the Surface Pro 2 will fill this gap perfectly.

So, concluding..... If you are looking for a replacement for the iPad or Android tablets ==> you should go for the Surface 2 RT. If, however, you are looking for a laptop replacement you should consider the Surface Pro 2!


Greetz,

Rover
 

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    I also own the following Microsoft devices:
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    * Windows Phone HTC 8X
love that the new Surface machines come with 200 GB of cloud storage. and the skype wifi hotspots as well! hate having to pay for hotspots!

Indeed! I didn't know this until after I placed the pre-order for the Surface Pro 2. So, it's not a unique selling point for me ;). But that doesn't mean I don't like this!

Another great move from Microsoft :thumbsup:
 

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    I also own the following Microsoft devices:
    * Surface Pro 2 128 GB
    * Windows Phone HTC 8X
Don't feel too bad about that, with ocare on the way, it won't be long before we are seeing the same kind of taxes.
Glad you are getting a break on that. Good luck,, I am watching this thread.

Great to have you aboard this thread. I hope you'll like it.

Are you considering buying a Surface?
 

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    I also own the following Microsoft devices:
    * Surface Pro 2 128 GB
    * Windows Phone HTC 8X
I own a Surface Pro and love it.
Just installed Win 8.1 and it is even better.

you won't be disappointed.

But I highly recommend spending the extra money on a Pro device and not an RT.
Don't second guess yourself on that.

It must be stated every now and then....

Surface Pro is not just a tablet and can not be compared to iPad's and Androids, or Chromebooks.
It's a fully functional OS Tablet, that can do everything your desktop and laptop can do.
The price is correct for such a device as this.
 

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I own a Surface Pro and love it.
Just installed Win 8.1 and it is even better.

you won't be disappointed.

But I highly recommend spending the extra money on a Pro device and not an RT.
Don't second guess yourself on that.

It must be stated every now and then....

Surface Pro is not just a tablet and can not be compared to iPad's and Androids, or Chromebooks.
It's a fully functional OS Tablet, that can do everything your desktop and laptop can do.
The price is correct for such a device as this.


I can only second that. In my opinion it's a replacement for a laptop rather than a tablet (iPad).

Good to hear you like the Surface Pro. I'm sure I will very much like mine! Do you use your Surface Pro as a desktop replacement or as an additive? And did you make a clone of your desktop or is there certain software you would run on your Surface that you don't run on your desktop and vice versa?
 

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    I also own the following Microsoft devices:
    * Surface Pro 2 128 GB
    * Windows Phone HTC 8X
I have a 2 Laptop and 2 desktops.
It's not a full replacement. It's an extension. It allows me to move around where my laptop doesn't, or much easier.
Like to the kitchen for recipes, or the front porch to play a game or watch a movie.
Take it to work as a pen and paper notepad. There are many things it does easier than a laptop, but.....
Don't look at it as a replacement, you don't want to get rid of your laptop or desktop because you are getting the Surface.

My WP8 is a further extension for public use. However, I do take my Surface on occasions.
 

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Hi strollin,

I live in The Netherlands. So the Surface Pro 2 is 'only' $1350 here. And another $175 for the Type Cover.

The gratification is a certain percentage of my monthly income. The fact that I'll get it taxfree means that the bonus will double, since income tax in The Netherlands is at 52%.

So I guess that you can't really compare the USA and The Netherlands ;)

Hi there
"Only" -- that's almost a small fortune.

For once our politicians did something right and withdrew (albeit only temporarily) our application to join the EU (we're still in the EEA though same as Norway etc) and the Schengen agreement - no Visa's required to visit etc etc.

This means any travellers can get this at DUTY FREE prices -- maybe you should do a quick trip from Schipol to Iceland (WOW airlines - cheap although not sure if they fly from Schipol - have a great fun weekend in Reykjavik and get the surface PRO TAX FREE -- will pay for the trip !!!!

Anyway even in NL can't you deduct these sorts of things from your tax bill -- needed for work / educational material. NL (AFAIK) isn't too bad on of setting some of these things against tax -- although I'm a contractor (free lancer) so the rules are different. - On a few gigs I've worked in NL foreigners can even get a 30% tax discount --the 30% tax rule !!! even when these days you have to go through an NL Tax compliant payroll company.

Looking forward to your review -, especially for Office type apps -- glad you've got a PROPER tablet (with a PROPER OS) and not the RT model (RT = Really Terrible - and that's the Polite way of saying it).

Cheers
jimbo
 

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Anyway even in NL can't you deduct these sorts of things from your tax bill -- needed for work / educational material. NL (AFAIK) isn't too bad on of setting some of these things against tax -- although I'm a contractor (free lancer) so the rules are different. - On a few gigs I've worked in NL foreigners can even get a 30% tax discount --the 30% tax rule !!! even when these days you have to go through an NL Tax compliant payroll company.

Looking forward to your review -, especially for Office type apps -- glad you've got a PROPER tablet (with a PROPER OS) and not the RT model (RT = Really Terrible - and that's the Polite way of saying it).

Cheers
jimbo

That's all history now Jimbo. Since a couple of years it's as a normal person no longer possible to deduct anything from taxes, except the mortgage payments. So that just leaves the quicky to Reykjavik you've mentioned :huh:. But then I'd have to be lucky enough at the airport. Otherwise they will let me pay EU import and NL VAT taxes.
No, I'll just stick to the order I've placed :D.

Speaking of..... Only a couple of more days until the arrival of my brand new Surface Pro 2 :party::party::party:. The Surface is still set to beeing delivered on the 21st of october. The Type Cover 2 is currently beeing delayed until the 26th :eek:. Too bad...that will mean that I can't really take the Surface Pro 2 with me the first week because I've got no protection bag. The plan was to use the Type Cover 2 as screen protection. Or do you people advice me to buy a protection bag anyway?

I've already made a list of software programs I'm going to install when it arrives.
  • MS Office Professional 2010 edition ==> I've got a spare HomeUseProgram licence lying around since I've upgraded my Desktop machine to Office 2013. And since I do a lot of programming in VB and VBA I'll need the full Office pack instead of the mobile pack;
  • MSE ==> yup...I'm sticking to the basics when it comes to antivirus. It's been working for me so far;
  • VideoLAN ==> I'm still not sure though. I want to be able to play VOB files. On my Desktop machine I can use Nero2014. But I am obviously not going to install that onto the Surface Pro 2. Perhaps you people have other suggestions for me?;
  • Keepass ==> for the passwordscontainer I use ;);
  • Steam ==> to play Civ5 :thumbsup: (I know...low settings etc. But that doesn't matter for me);
  • Winzip;
  • Notepad++ ==> for programming;
  • And ofcourse a lot of apps. I.e. the app from my bank, some news and traffic information apps and a webradio app.


Well. That's it for now. I hope the order will not be delayed any further.

See you soon!

Rover


ps. I almost forgot ==> ofcourse I'm also going to install some of the wonderfull Wallpaper Packs made by hb860 ==> http://www.eightforums.com/customization/2424-windows-8-wallpapers-39.html
 
Last edited:

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    PSU
    Corsair CX 600
    Case
    Corsair Carbide 300R with Side Window
    Cooling
    Intel RTS2011 LC
    Keyboard
    DasKeyboard (blue switches)
    Mouse
    Wacom Baboo Tablet Pen & Touch
    Internet Speed
    50 Mbit FullDuplex Fiberglass
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    I also own the following Microsoft devices:
    * Surface Pro 2 128 GB
    * Windows Phone HTC 8X
All I want is a purple type cover 2 but it constantly says "coming soon" on Microsoft's store.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel 3770K i7 Ivy Bridge oc 4.5 GHz
    Motherboard
    Asus P8Z77 Premium
    Memory
    32GB Corsair Platinum
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GTX 780
    Hard Drives
    Crucial 512GB SSD
    2x 3TB Seagate
    PSU
    Corsair HX850
    Case
    Corsair White Graphite 600T
    Cooling
    Corsair H80i
    Keyboard
    Roccat Isku
    Mouse
    Roccat Kone XTD
For all you Dutch people around here considering buying a Surface 2 ==> Surface - Microsoft Store Nederland Onlinewinkel

Microsoft Netherlands is offering a €40 off discount if you order the Surface 32 gb version today or tomorrow.



All I want is a purple type cover 2 but it constantly says "coming soon" on Microsoft's store.

Hi Livewire,

In The Netherlands you can only order the black Type Cover 2. The coloured versions are going on sale in 2014. I guess this is also the case in the UK. In my opinion this is due to a simple fact:
  • Microsoft only ordered a few coloured Type Cover's;
  • The launch them first in the USA only to see if people will want to buy a coloured Type Cover 2;
  • After the initial launch they will know how likely it is people will buy one;
  • After that they will start supplying the rest of the world.

Unfortunately for you and me this means we will have to wait months. Or simply buy a classic black one.


Greetz,

Rover
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro x64 Media Center Edition
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Made
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 750
    Memory
    6 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD HD 7750
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Iiyama ProLite B2481HS-B1
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    1x 120 GB SSD Samsung 830;
    1x 1.5 TB HDD Seagate;
    1x 2 TB HDD Western Digital;
    1x 3 TB HDD Seagate
    1x 80 GB SSD Vertex 2
    PSU
    Corsair CX 600
    Case
    Corsair Carbide 300R with Side Window
    Cooling
    Intel RTS2011 LC
    Keyboard
    DasKeyboard (blue switches)
    Mouse
    Wacom Baboo Tablet Pen & Touch
    Internet Speed
    50 Mbit FullDuplex Fiberglass
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    I also own the following Microsoft devices:
    * Surface Pro 2 128 GB
    * Windows Phone HTC 8X
Have fun, I got the Surface Pro 2 weeks before they announced the Surface Pro 2 :(.
Still love it I bought it instead of a laptop for going back to school and it is great. Running Office 365 on the Surface and at home with Skydrive makes the transition from Surface to desktop seamless except I keep poking the desktop screen. I also like the pen that comes with the Surface Pro.
Enjoy the Surface Pro 2, Congratulations on the anniversary at work!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8 Pro Media Center
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion Elite
    CPU
    i7
As the former owner of a Surface RT, Surface Pro and current owner of a ThinkPad Tablet 2 I have to admit to having Zero interest in the Surface Pro 2. Its essentially an overpriced Laptop with a tiny screen and a MEH form factor. The Asus ZenBook Prime would be where I put my money. The surface IS a tablet but you have to pay extra to get things to make it a laptop again. This makes no sense to me. The ZenBook, to me, is a better buy.. Just my 2cents.

Everyone thinks they want a tablet, but they really want both a tablet and a laptop... I just don't see the SP2 doing any better than the SP, but I could be wrong. The dock and the battery keyboard, two things that should have been around from the beginning are not available until 'sometime' in 2014. The dock seems to be a bit of an after thought as it clamps into the unit from the sides rather the unit having a data spine that allows it to be docked ala' ThinkPad Tablet 2 or other devices that were designed to dock.

With Windows 8 and all the Microsoft recent releases, it feels like they didn't think things out. Windows 8 enough said. The Surface RT, ok when you finish laughing, seriously though WOW. The SP had 4 hours of battery life, no dock and some goofy firmware issues. If the SP was a tablet designed for working, why was the dock completely left out? If RT was intended to be a more easily managed device for the enterprise (8.1) as well as a consumer device why did it ship with Home and Student version of Office and have NO Ability to join a domain? I have said this before I will say it again:

There is a Microsoft shaped hole in the wall left when executives utterly panicked over Apples meteoric success and went rushing off trying to copy the Apple business model. So now you have tablets no one wants to buy, 900 Million dollar write-down RT's to say nothing of lackluster SP1 sales, and Microsoft's core customers in the Enterprise left scratching their heads and continuing to figure out how to manage iPad's and Phones they would prefer didn't exist in their support arena. Nice going Microsoft. AWESOME.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Tablet
    System Manufacturer/Model
    MS Surface Pro 2
    CPU
    I5 4200U
    Motherboard
    Tablet
    Memory
    4GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    128GB SSD
    Case
    VaporMg
    Cooling
    Interal Fans / Haswell
    Keyboard
    Microsooft Touch / back lighted.
    Mouse
    USB MS Ergo4000
    Internet Speed
    Cable 15Mbps
    Browser
    IE 11
    Antivirus
    Bit Defender
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