Solved Documenting my first experience with the Surface Pro 2

[mertzi]

How are things going with your new Surface Pro2?

I'm wanting to get this: www.eightforums.com/showthread.php?t=34645

Remember the 2520 is windows RT. Nice hardware but too bad they went with RT. Probably enforced by MS.

 

[Der Snoober]

The results of the Surface Pro 2 accu test

Hi Everyone,

The last few day's I've been running some accu tests to find out how powerfull the battery of the Surface really is. Below here I will share the results and my conclusions with you.


The test outlines
I decided that the best way to test the battery is to play movies continuesly with different screen brightness each time. In my opinion this demonstrates the best the avarage use of the Surface. Some light CPU load with some SSD load and ofcourse some screentime.

The setup
I created three different power schemes. All of them based on the existing 'power saving' scheme. I disabled the auto shutdown of the computer as well as the monitor. Then I adjusted the monitor brightness. Scheme 1 has the lowest brightness, scheme 2 medium (standard) brightness, scheme 3 the highest brightness.

The plan of action
First I would charge the battery full. While still connected to the charger I'd set up the right power scheme. Then I powered down the Surface completely.
After unplugging the charger I gave it a cold boot. Started Windows Explorer and opened a movie in VLC (and added some more to the playlist). I muted the audio in VLC (so I wouldn't go crazy ). Then I put it on fullscreen.
I let the computer run until auto powerdown at 5% battery.

The results
Power scheme 1 (lowest brightness)

• It took precisely 6 hours before the Surface powered down;
• After 5:45 hours I got the 10% left warning;

Power scheme 2 (medium brightness)

• It took 5 and a half hours before the Surface powered down;
• After 5:15 hours I got the 10% left warning;

Power scheme 3 (highest brightness)

• It took 4:45 hours before the Surface powered down;
• After 4:25 hours I got the 10% left warning;

The conclusions
Clearly and not surprisingly the battery lasted the longest with the screen brightness at the lowest settings. The difference between medium and low are less then between medium and high.
Assuming that in 'real life' you would never have 6 continues hours of screentime you can easily use the Surface Pro 2 through an entire day of school or work with the brightness set at medium. I'd advice though to set the auto monitor-down and auto power-down at low intervals (i.e. 2 minutes monitor off and 5 minutes power down). That will save a lot of energy!
Personally I would never use the highest brightness. Not because it eats your battery, but it is way to bright to be comfortable for my eyes.



Well, for so far the accu test of the Surface Pro 2. I hope that you people will find this test usefull. For now I'm done testing. Haven't been able to use the Surface the last three days due to the tests . So the next few days there is no more testing and just enjoying this wonderfull piece of technology !!!

Greetz,

Rover

 

[Der Snoober]

How are things going with your new Surface Pro2?

I'm wanting to get this: www.eightforums.com/showthread.php?t=34645

Hi Hippsie,

thing are going very well with the Surface Pro, thank you. I just finished a battery test I've been running the last few day. Some interesting outcomes there.

So, you are thinking of getting the newest Nokia Windows Phone. Very cool!!! It's really a phablet!

But don't you think the screen is too small to use it as more then a Phone? For me the screen would be way to small. But thats probably due to my bad eyes.

The big issue with a Phone like that, in comparison to the Surface Pro, is that in my opinion the Phone will be outdated faster then the Surface Pro. IMHO the Surface Pro has a functional life expectancy of four years (same as a laptop). A smartphone only of two years. What's your view on this?

 

[HippsieGypsie]

I see things are going well with your Surface Pro 2. The test you did were very well thought out and very well performed. Very scientific I might add. Good job! It's amazing how long the battery does last. Quite impressive.

Thank you for your thoughts on the 1520. Much appreciated. I've greatly considered the size, but I haven't thought of the time frame as you mentioned. Is this in reference to the battery life? I know the Surface Pro 2 is a sealed unit, but not sure yet on the 1520. I would imagine it is.

I have a Droid X2. I've never had a Windows phone. A friend of mine has one. When I see her she allows me to play with it a bit. I like the interface much better than the Android. As you know I'm a big fan of the modern interface.

My eyes are fine. Its my hearing that's not so good after 43 years of construction and a lot of rock n roll concerts! I think the size will suit me fine, for I won't be doing heavy production on it. Just some occasional file viewing and light editing. I have no trouble typing on this Droid, so I think I can handle the 1520. I've also considered a portable keyboard for it. Also, I usually speak rather than type just as I did this post.

Thanks again for your input.

 

[Tepid]

How are things going with your new Surface Pro2?

I'm wanting to get this: www.eightforums.com/showthread.php?t=34645

Remember the 2520 is windows RT. Nice hardware but too bad they went with RT. Probably enforced by MS.

I'm sorry, what are you talking about? The Nokia Lumia 1520 is a Phone, and has zero to do with WinRT Tablet OS.
*******************************

We are about 1 year into our Lumia 928's, I love mine, wife likes hers, especially after using her mom's android which was switched out for an iphone (not our choice unfortunately).

Waiting to see what Verizon is getting next.
hoping it is more on par or better than the 1020,,, You should look at the 1020 also, better camera it appears from first glance.

Oh,, nevermind,,, I might have to look really close at the 1520. Bit I won't move to ATT for it.

Compare phones | Windows Phone (United States)

 

[MangoChutney]

The results
Power scheme 1 (lowest brightness)

• It took precisely 6 hours before the Surface powered down;
• After 5:45 hours I got the 10% left warning;

Power scheme 2 (medium brightness)

• It took 5 and a half hours before the Surface powered down;
• After 5:15 hours I got the 10% left warning;

Power scheme 3 (highest brightness)

• It took 4:45 hours before the Surface powered down;
• After 4:25 hours I got the 10% left warning;

Was this test done with the new firmware update?

AnandTech | Microsoft Surface Pro 2 Firmware Update Improves Battery Life
Surface Pro 2 battery life improves by almost 20 percent after firmware update | The Verge

 

[Der Snoober]

Was this test done with the new firmware update?

AnandTech | Microsoft Surface Pro 2 Firmware Update Improves Battery Life
Surface Pro 2 battery life improves by almost 20 percent after firmware update | The Verge

Hi there!

Yes, I think so. Haven't recieved any updates since I started the test, and checked for them. So this must be with the latest firmware available.

Greetz,

Rover