Has anyone had any luck with a Microsoft Surface or Surface Pro?

[ucrdem]

They look appealing but the proof is in the pudding. Basically there are two models: (1) the Surface RT, which is more like a tablet and can't load software, currently called Surface 3; and (2) the Surface Pro, which is more like a laptop and can load softtware, currently called Surface Pro 4. They're both thin touchscreens with detachable keyboards and stylus sold separately, natch:

(1) A new Surface 3 runs about $500-800.00 with stylus and keyboard; and

(2) A new Surface Pro 4 runs about $1,000-1,500 with stylus and keyboard. https://www.microsoft.com/surface/en-us

Used and refurbished versions start at around $100 and $300. Any thoughts?

[jrandom421]

1. My thoughts

WARNING!! If you want a full Windows experience, DO NOT get a Surface RT tablet! It runs Windows 8.1 RT, a cut down version of Window that can't run regular Windows programs.


1) The Surface 3 has a full installation of Windows, so you can run all your windows programs on it. It's smaller, cheaper, fanless and has a less capable processor than the Surface Pro 4, but it's still a functional Windows system. Know several students who use it extensively and love it along with Office 365.

2) I've got a Surface Pro 4 with an i7 processor, 16GB of RAM and 1 TB solid state drive. It runs SolidWorks 2015 fine, full 3D motion CAD animation. It's my constant companion for work, and with a docking station, it's all I need. It's portable, (about 2 lbs with keyboard), I can take hand written notes with it in OneNote and I can plug in external projectors to do presentations.

3) There have been some issues with battery life, but those have been mostly solved by software and firmware updates. I can get a good 7-9 hours before needing a recharge. YMMV.

4) Yes, the new ones are pricy, but then the Surfaces are so much more capable and versatile than almost anything else on the market. The build quality is stellar. I love the solid magnesium chassis, and the magnetic keyboard connector.

5) My recommendations?
A) if you are not doing anything that requires intensive local processing (web surfing, Office, video viewing, etc), I recommend the Surface 3.
B) If you need the processing power and local storage, the Surfce Pro 4 is the way to go. The sweet spot balancing computing power and price seems to be the i5/8GB RAM/256 SSD model.

Whichever one you choose, have fun and enjoy it.

Check out Costco for bundles that include the keyboard, stylus and a year of Office 365. Also Microsoftstore.com often has special sales on new ones and offers some refurbished devices as well.

[ucrdem]

2. Thank you!!

That's exactly the info I was looking for.

p.s. planning to pull the trigger so to speak in the next week or two and want to get it right . . .

[ucrdem]

3. update: I went with an SP2 with those exact specs.

I like the narrower shape which is kind of like a tall book. Found one with a type keypad, no powercord, "works great!!," no picture, $271+10 shipping in an ebay auction. New powercord: $25. The Surface came yesterday and it's awesome. Looks new, with a new installation of 8.1 Pro, though the keyboard has some shiny keys. Amazing device. Hope the battery holds a few hours of charge because not carting around a powercord would be awesome. And thanks for that first tip as I was originally eyeing a used RT


p.s. soooo much better than an iPad which is kind limited as to what it can do or download. So far it's networking fine and running WordPerfect X8 like a boss

[jrandom421]

4. Cool!

Glad you like it! The Pro 2's are pretty decent machines, and a number of people like them better than the newer ones. Battery life isn't all that bad, or all that great. Blame the CPU used at the time. You should, with reasonable use and power saving settings, get about 5-7 hours of usage.

Anyway, have fun with it and enjoy why so many people like Microsoft's vision and implementation of the tablet 2-in-1.