Microsoft Surface Pro review

It's a compelling proposition: all the power and application compatibility of a laptop running a proper desktop operating system, all the portability and convenience of a tablet, all mixed together in one package. That's the core idea behind Microsoft's Surface tablets but, as we saw with the Surface for Windows RT a few months ago, its ARM-based nature resulted in some substantial drawbacks. Namely: app selection.

Running Windows is all well and good, but when you're running the RT flavor, which strips compatibility with the entire, massive and still-swelling catalog of Windows applications, you're left with a desktop-class operating system completely bereft of any desktop apps. Welcome, then, to the Surface for Windows Pro, which promises all the niceties of the Surface RT -- compelling design, build quality, performance -- with full support for x86 Windows applications. (That is: every single Windows app released before the end of last year.) And, adding a 1080p display to the mix doesn't hurt. So, then, is this perfection in a single 10-inch, $899 device? Let's find out.
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Microsoft Surface Pro review
 
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Hi there
in Belgium until comparatively recently you never needed to take a drivers test to get a license just two photos and a fee -- you can see the effects of that system even today where everybody once they step into a car think they are training for Formula I.

They did have a decent policy for a while -- Speed cameras had to be switched off because "photographing you without permission was against your Human Rights". - However that policy was sadly overturned eventually:mad:.

Had the big supermarkets been around then I can imagine them doing a roaring trade in "Buy one -- Get One Free".

Ebay would have also done a roaring trade with these too.

Cheers
jimbo
 

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I have to say that the issue with the Surface Pro is both supply issue and higher than expected demand. Microsoft said the Surface RT did well, not great. But the RT was afflicted with distribution issues, unlike the Pro. It's likely they built enough of the Pros to meet the RT demand and then some, but as we all know, EVERYONE and their technologically enabled grandmother is waiting for the Pro. Too much demand, low stock in stores (only a few in some amazon showrooms) is constraining the Pro. When Windows 8 and tablets are being spoken about, the Surface tablets are what are used as examples, not Samsung Ativs, not HP Envys, none of them.

If I were to buy a tablet PC, is still is going to the Surface Pro. There simply isn't anything really like it from the OEMs so far. Personally though, I'm not buying a Surface Pro this year as the cost of one is more than the cost of my desktop rebuild, and I don't really need a secondary PC at this moment in time. Or, I could buy a 27 inch touchscreen IPS monitor....with a LeapMotion sensor....maybe a really good mic setup as well... Live the future of the Natural User Interface! :cool:
 

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tr3dFSzh1yU&feature=player_embedded

The Surface Pro commercial if anyone's curious.

A bit surprising that they didn't take the, "This is what a Surface Pro can do, it can be used to manage your ipad" type of commercial. But, I do like how everyone in the video has the look on the face of, "I'm not f'ing around." That's the Surface Pro for you, you're not f'ing around when you click on that type cover and pop off the stylus.

I must say, these Surface commercials have got to be the MOST attention grabber adverts for a piece of technology I've seen in a long time. People are break dancing, people are popping off styluses and touch covers, using USB ports, marking things up in Excel and OneNote, and not having a bother to give.

Still waiting to see something of a commercial where it really SHOWS you it is a tablet PC, both a tablet and a PC, and does both rather well. I want to see USB drives being used, smartphones being connected and managed, and ipads being connected and managed.
 

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Ray8 said:
Coke Robot said:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tr3dFSzh1yU&feature=player_embedded
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Microsoft has completely lost the plot. Who on earth is that ad aimed at? Funky Town?
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It's basically an attention grabber. The RT commercial featured young people mostly, which the RT is best suited for as it has Office 2013 Home and Student, and isn't an over the top PC for many things. The Pro advert seems to show off it's business suit as the people in that advert has people in an office type setting, which is what the Pro is best suited for, legacy software and portability.

They need to show that off better though, like I mentioned earlier.

Actually, I just posted a red Surface tablet on the facebook and one of my friend's wants her husband to buy her one. I was surprised.
 

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Yeah, Funky Town business people.
 

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Interesting. Looks like they are aiming at the young office worker.

Nice work for those dancers.

I hope they are getting repeats.
 

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Is Microsoft advertising computers or toys?
 

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Ray8 said:
Is Microsoft advertising computers or toys?
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Does it matter - if all they want to do is SELL the product. !! - But again in order to SELL the product therehas to be available stocl too.

Cheers
jimbo
 

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jimbo45 said:
Ray8 said:
Is Microsoft advertising computers or toys?
Click to expand...

Does it matter - if all they want to do is SELL the product. !! - But again in order to SELL the product therehas to be available stocl too.

Cheers
jimbo
Click to expand...

If people perceive their products as toys, then they may sell, but to children. It's supposed to be a desktop alternative, but not once have I seen anything showing meaningful desktop work being undertaken on a Surface. It's all just click, clack happy snap.
 

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I listened to Windows Weekly today and they talked heavily about the Surface Pro's today. Both Paul Thurrott and Mary Jo Foley have them. Listen to the podcast to see what they have to say.

Windows Weekly | TWiT.TV. Listen to episode 298.
 

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Unfortunately, the video won't play. But how many people would see such a video anyway?
 

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Surface PRO use

I have had the 128g Surface PRO for several days (Feb 9) and I find it very responsive, great display and I like the Bluetooth 4.0 that I use with the MS Wedge for Mouse as well as my simultaneous use of Bluetooth Motorola Headset. USB 3.0 port is super fast and the concerns with useable storage space is easily addressed with my 64 GB micro SDXC card. I believe that standard will eventually include a 2 Tera-byte card? That sure is a tiny card that becomes hidden within the PC. I have not tried the external video/projector connectivity but it should be great.

I find myself detaching the Type Keyboard and using it like an iPAD with all my MS Office Apps available. The virtual keyboard with the optional stylus input of characters is impressive. Files are available via Skydrive and Dropbox. I really like it.

I see the potential demand for this platform in corporate IT environments where techs currently use laptops or iPADS. We shall see.
 

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Thanks for the review from somebody who actually has the Surface Pro.

This is the only post worth reading in this entire thread far as I'm concerned. ;)
 

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