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

 

[Ray8]

It seems that you have come to the conclusion that everyone considers the Surface a failure which, I guess when stated enough, becomes a self-fulfilling prophesy. Maybe it was a failure from the outset, when even the true believers assume that no one likes the Surface.

 

[jimbo45]

Hi there
Review seems fine to me -- I don't have any issues in running photoshop while travelling already on a laptop with an 11 inch screen - wouldn't have any problems on the tablet either -- and the stylus pen type device is just fine for photoshop.

I'd pass on the keyboard since I could always use a USB hub and sling on a conventional keyboard if I need a keyboard in "Laptop" mode and the storage capacity for on board movies etc can always be increased via the use of a decent size micro sd card or even an external USB disk --remember it's WINDOWS we are running so you can attach conventional Windows devices via the USB port -- and a 4 port USB3 hub doesn't cost much anyway.

In a hotel etc - where you can output to a decent size TV or monitor -- it can work very conveniently in laptop mode.

I think these things will actually sell far better than most people predict -- just because they don't sell 5 trillion in the first 10 secs after release doesn't make the product a failure.

A lot of US businesses tend to fail because they think TOO SHORT TERM. This is the first of these sorts of devices --
better / other models will appear for sure.

The ist iteration of a product isn't usually the best one. Look at the penny farthing bicycle -- if development had remained at that stage we wouldn't have the excellent range of bikes we have now (and in some cases the electric ones are brilliant too).

enc screenshot of the first "bicycles".

Cheers
jimbo

 

[BillWindows]

"The ist iteration of a product isn't usually the best one. Look at the penny farthing bicycle -- if development had remained at that stage we wouldn't have the excellent range of bikes we have now (and in some cases the electric ones are brilliant too)."

Unfortunately some people think that the Wright Brothers should have invented the Boeing 747 with a capacity to go around the Equator 3 times without refuelling.

 

[Ray8]

Indeed, smartphones, tablets, computers, etc are such a recent development that we are all utterly amazed at what they can already do. It's utterly incredible what Microsoft has produced out of thin air.

 

[BillWindows]

Indeed, smartphones, tablets, computers, etc are such a recent development that we are all utterly amazed at what they can already do. It's utterly incredible what Microsoft has produced out of thin air.

Absolutely correct it is, considering that Tim Cook said that you could not combine a Fridge and a Toaster, I think Microsoft have pulled it off.

Oh, and Tim Cook should know, he is the inventor of the world, but I somehow think we have our own Tim Cook.

 

[Ray8]

The Surface cools beer and makes toast? I think I might need to get one.

 

[cluberti]

If it could even do one of those things (beer), I think it'd be an instant home run.

 

[SIW2]

It was never going to be easy.

Checking that your product doesn't contain some ghastly deal breaker is one thing.

How testing is done and results are interpreted has it's own difficulties.

Getting an indictaion of whether a market exists and how big it might be is something else.

When companies are desperate they may decide to rush things/take big risks.

Sometimes that kind of enforced courage works out - sometimes not.

 

[SIW2]

Tim Cook said that you could not combine a Fridge and a Toaster

I am afraid the reviews I have seen agree with him.

However, if it does keep my drinks cold and make toast - I might buy one.

That is pretty small and light - for a fridge.

 

[SIW2]

It is too early to call.

I don't know if this kind of hybrid will take off - or end up as a curious niche product.

However, if it does turn out to be a niche - and it is not the future with hundreds of millions using these things totally replacing their other devices - then what for MS.

They are fortunate they can mess it up and not go immediately bankrupt.

What if the whole win 8 split personality thing turns out to be a damp squib.

Of course they will sell a reasonable number. That is because ( according to estimates ) about 300m people will buy a pc over the next 12mths.

Unless they have the entry price for a Mac (which many don't ) , they get windows. There is no viable choice.


Surface Pro reviews are in

The end result is that it's not a good laptop, and not a good tablet. In other words, the idea that Surface is a 'no compromises' device is a bunch of nonsense..

All this has solidified my belief that Windows 8, as it stands now, was the wrong way to go

 

[BillWindows]

Tim Cook said that you could not combine a Fridge and a Toaster

I am afraid the reviews I have seen agree with him.

However, if it does keep my drinks cold and make toast - I might buy one.

That is pretty small and light - for a fridge.

So I suppose you think it's going to end up a dud like Windows 7 or XP.

 

[Ray8]

I think we have ourselves a Black Knight: Black Knight - YouTube.

 

[SIW2]

That is not what I said.

We can't call this one. We don't have the information MS has - whatever made them decide to go this way.

I fear they may have got it wrong. We don't know yet.

 

[BillWindows]

. The end result is that it's not a good laptop, and not a good tablet. In other words, the idea that Surface is a 'no compromises' device is a bunch of nonsense..

All this has solidified my belief that Windows 8, as it stands now, was the wrong way to go

Yep just like this genius.

.. Why Windows 7 is Microsoft’s next ZuneMay 9th, 2009





Why Windows 7 is Microsoft’s next Zune
May 9th, 2009


Daniel Eran Dilger




Every once and a while I get the opportunity to appear brilliantly prescient by pointing out something that is blatantly obvious but which has been so obscured by valiant marketing efforts that it makes me look like a grand wizard at detecting emperor nakedness just to say it. In this case, it’s that Windows 7 is becoming the next Zune.

 

[SIW2]

Nice on Ray.

The relvant gag is from about 2m30 onwards ( for those who don't already know the sketch )

I think we have ourselves a Black Knight: Black Knight - YouTube.

 

[BillWindows]

That is not what I said.

We can't call this one. We don't have the information MS has - whatever made them decide to go this way.

I fear they may have got it wrong. We don't know yet.

Lets face facts, if the Media get their way, Microsoft is already dead and buried, it wouldn't matter what they bought out they have to deride it somehow.

Actually I think even more dangerous for Microsoft is experienced Windows users, from all the Windows and Apple forums I've visited over the years, they're the most vocal and vicious.

 

[SIW2]

Yes, that makes complete sense.


A few years ago, somebody reviewed a product and got it wrong.

Therefore it follows that all reviews of any product , by any reviewer - which do not fit your particular bias - must also be wrong.

Of course - quite brilliant.

. The end result is that it's not a good laptop, and not a good tablet. In other words, the idea that Surface is a 'no compromises' device is a bunch of nonsense..

All this has solidified my belief that Windows 8, as it stands now, was the wrong way to go

Yep just like this genius.

.. Why Windows 7 is Microsoft’s next ZuneMay 9th, 2009

Why Windows 7 is Microsoft’s next Zune
May 9th, 2009
Daniel Eran Dilger




Every once and a while I get the opportunity to appear brilliantly prescient by pointing out something that is blatantly obvious but which has been so obscured by valiant marketing efforts that it makes me look like a grand wizard at detecting emperor nakedness just to say it. In this case, it’s that Windows 7 is becoming the next Zune.

 

[BillWindows]

 

[pparks1]

Lets face facts, if the Media get their way, Microsoft is already dead and buried, it wouldn't matter what they bought out they have to deride it somehow.

Nonsense, overall the Xbox360 is well liked and Windows 7 was very well received. And Office is the universal standard.

Actually I think even more dangerous for Microsoft is experienced Windows users, from all the Windows and Apple forums I've visited over the years, they're the most vocal and vicious.

We are the ones who are the most passionate and loyal to Microsoft products. And if we are squawking about issues, then there could be some things to take a look at.

 

[BillWindows]

Lets face facts, if the Media get their way, Microsoft is already dead and buried, it wouldn't matter what they bought out they have to deride it somehow.

Nonsense, overall the Xbox360 is well liked and Windows 7 was very well received. And Office is the universal standard.

Actually I think even more dangerous for Microsoft is experienced Windows users, from all the Windows and Apple forums I've visited over the years, they're the most vocal and vicious.

We are the ones who are the most passionate and loyal to Microsoft products. And if we are squawking about issues, then there could be some things to take a look at.

Oh you mean horrible issues like moving the power button, or getting rid of the Start Menu( which most people never used or got confused over) I could go on, but you get the point.