What you need to know

• Microsoft has released firmware updates for the Surface series of 2-in-1s including the Surface Pro 8, Surface Pro 7+, Surface Pro 6, and Surface Pro 5.
• The Surface Pro 6 will reach the end of its support services on June 30, 2023.
• The release includes driver updates and security patches but does not include any new features or enhancements.

Not all updates fly out with an array of life altering enhancements or improvements to quality of life on a system, and such is the case for the June 2023 array of updates that have just gone out across Microsoft's Surface Pro 2-in-1s. That doesn't make this batch of updates any less important, however, as there are multiple bug fixes and security patches included. Here's a once over of what you can expect in your update if you are a Surface Pro 8, 7 plus, 6, or 5 owner.

Microsoft Surface Pro 8

The June 2023 update for the Surface Pro 8 is small but mighty, including drivers that will fix graphical display issues as well as fixes for pen and touch stability. To receive the latest patch on your Surface Pro 8 you will need to be running Windows 10 20H2, Windows 11 21H2, or a newer version of either OS. Here are all the new drivers included in this patch:

• Intel Corporation - Display - 31.0.1.01.3889
• Intel Corporation - Extn - 31.0.101.3889
• Surface - Ext - 15.25.129.0
• Intel Iris Xe Graphics - Display adapters
• Intel Iris Xe Graphics - Extension
• Surface Touch Pen Processor - Extension

The Microsoft Surface Pro 8 will continue to receive support until October 5, 2025.

Microsoft Surface Pro 7 Plus

Like the Surface Pro 8, the Pro 7 Plus will get an array of bug fixes to improve graphics stability and fix display issues along with a bonus patch to improve Wi-Fi stability.  You'll need to be certain that your PC is running Windows 10 20H2, Windows 11 21H2, or newer versions before you install.  This patch is also available for the Surface Pro 7 plus LTE. The drivers in the patch for the Surface Pro 7 Plus include the following:

• Intel Corporation - Display - 31.0.101.3889
• Intel Corporation - Extn - 31.0.101.3889
• Intel - Bluetooth - 22.190.0.2
• Intel - Net - 22.190.0.4
• Intel Iris Xe Graphics - Display adapters
• Intel Iris XE Graphics - Extension
• Intel Wireless Bluetooth - Bluetooth
• Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 160MHZ - Network adapters

Users of the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 plus can expect support for the device to extend until January 15, 2025.

Microsoft Surface Pro 6 and Generation 5

The Surface Pro 6 and 5th Generation Surface are among the oldest devices to still receive support from the Surface line up. Users of these two PCs can expect to see support start to wind down as it comes to an end for the Surface Pro 6 on June 30, 2023 and a few months later for the 5th Gen Surface on January 14, 2024. Both devices received patches that will resolve external display issues while also addressing potential security concerns.  The drivers included in this update for both devices are:

• Surface - Firmware - 239.645.768.0
• Surface - Extension - 6.13.137.0
• Surface UEFI - Firmware
• Surface Dock 2 - Firmware Update - Extension

You'll want to be sure that your Surface is running Windows 10 20H1 or newer before updating.

How to update

There are no special tricks to installing the updates regardless of which Surface Pro device you own. Simply head over to your Settings tab, find "Windows Update" under there, click "Check for Updates" and let Windows handle the rest. It is important to note that these are firmware updates, and while important they cannot be uninstalled after the fact. While none of the updates included in this list have presented any bugs or issues at this time you should make sure you've created a backup of all of your data prior to installation. 

Additional details, support documents, and requirements can be found on Microsoft's Support page.

• A new report from WinFuture details alleged further information about Surface Pro 9, Surface Laptop 5
• The report claims that there is “no indication” of AMD options for Surface Laptop 5
• Both Surface Pro 9 and Surface Laptop 5 will get Intel 12th Gen U-series processors
• Supposedly, Surface Pro 9 will have two new color options, including Sapphire blue and Forest green

The news and tech site WinFuture has some new information about Microsoft’s upcoming Surface devices expected to launch this fall via its usual “retail trade” sources. Some of the info corroborates what Windows Central has reported, but there are also a lot of new bits that we have not been able to confirm.

Surface Pro 9 and Surface Laptop 5 are anticipated to receive Intel 12th Gen U-series processors, including the Core i5-1235U (4.4GHz) and Core i7-1255U (4.7GHz). Both come with two high-performance (“P”) cores with eight efficiency (“E”) cores for background tasks.

Roughly speaking, the Core i5 should deliver a 22 percent performance improvement over last year’s Core i5-1135G7 from the Surface Pro 8, while the Core i7 gets a 12 percent performance improvement for single-core tasks.

Besides Intel, at least one variant of Surface Pro 9 should ship with a new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 processor, likely renamed Microsoft SQ3 with some modest performance improvements. That model will also be the first 5G Surface Pro device.

New FCC filings back up the claim of a Qualcomm-based computing device from Microsoft coming out very soon, and we know it’s not a Surface Duo 3.

Expectations for the chassis for Surface Pro 9 include further rounding of the edges, a thinner profile, and possibly moving the Type-C ports to the left side, with Surface Connect remaining on the right. That layout mirrors Surface Pro X, except even the ARM-based Surface Pro 9 is expected to have venting near the top like the Intel-based systems (but likely no fan).

No more AMD for Surface Laptop?

Perhaps the most gloomy news is the AMD omission from Surface Laptop 5. WinFuture hedges a bit in its reporting (translated from German):

“… there is so far no indication that the Redmonders want to offer the Surface Laptop 5 again with AMD chips. However, it is probably too early to commit itself in this regard, so it is not certain whether Microsoft will actually do without AMD Ryzen chips in this model generation.”

While an option for AMD Ryzen processors has been a tradition for the last few years, even Windows Central Senior Report Zac Bowden has heard “AMD options might be skipped this fall” when asked about it for this article.

The potential dropping of AMD may have to do with the omission of Thunderbolt 4 from the Ryzen versions, which could cause some marketing confusion. Granted, there is USB4 as an alternative, which offers similar performance. Or it could simply come down to testing, battery life, performance preferences, or chip availability and pricing with Intel meeting Microsoft’s needs.  

We’ll have to take a wait-and-see approach to what Microsoft does here.

The tech internet recently buzzed with Microsoft’s head of Surface Panos Panay meeting with AMD CEO and president Lisa Su. Still, perhaps it was to smooth things over instead of delivering positive news.

Surface Laptop 5 reportedly will also get a new 120Hz display panel with Dynamic Refresh matching that of Surface Laptop Studio and Surface Pro 8. 

New colors for Surface Pro 9?

The other big scoop from WinFuture’s report is that Microsoft will reportedly offer four color options for Surface Pro for the first time. While Matte Black and Platinum (silver) are expected to return, the new Surface Pro 9 may also show up in Forrest (green) and Sapphire (blue).

Forrest is not unheard of, as Microsoft introduced a similar Sage green color with Surface Laptop Go 2, and it would make sense to expand it to other devices. Likewise, Sapphire is likely a slight modification of Surface Laptop 4’s Ice Blue option.

WinFuture could not confirm if those colors apply to Surface Laptop 5. Still, it would seem very odd not to, as that line traditionally has had at least four options, including Platinum, Matte Black, Ice Blue, and Sandstone, which are the current colorways for Surface Laptop 4.

Want more info and scoops? Make sure to check our Surface fall 2022 hardware predictions and expectations.

Surface Pro (2017) and Surface Pro 6 have similar hardware

The Surface Pro 6, revealed at Microsoft's 2018 Surface event, is actually a pretty light refresh, coming now with 8th Gen Intel Core i5 and i7 CPU options and redone thermals inside, and a new black color finish (platinum is still available).

Both the Surface Pro (2017) and Surface Pro 6 have the same ports, including USB-A, Mini DisplayPort, Surface Connect, a 3.5 mm audio jack, and a microSD card reader, and you can get up to 16 GB of RAM and up to a 1 TB solid-state drive (SSD) in either.

The Surface Pro 6 actually has fewer configurations available — at least for now — starting with a Core i5 model, whereas last year's Surface Pro starts at a Core m3 CPU and goes up from there to Core i5 and Core i7 models.

If you already have a Surface Pro (2017) and don't absolutely need the black color finish found on the Surface Pro 6, you're probably fine sticking with the older model. Sure, the 7th Gen CPU doesn't match the 8th Gen options, but that difference in performance likely isn't worth the price of a whole new device. Likewise, the battery should be similar, with both models offering up all-day life.

Surface Pro (2017) has optional LTE availability

While there's no evident reason why the Surface Pro 6 won't one day receive LTE support, there are currently no models available. If you'd like to stay connected wherever you go using mobile data, the Surface Pro (2017) is your best bet. There are models available now with LTE connectivity.

Surface Pro (2017) and Surface Pro 6 have the same display

Whether you buy the 2017 Surface Pro or the latest Surface Pro 6, you're going to get Microsoft's 12.3-inch PixelSense touch display with a 2736x1824 resolution and 3:2 aspect ratio.

These displays have excellent color and respond perfectly to touch, plus they're fully compatible with the Surface Pen and Surface Dial for an outstanding inking experience. Above the display, both laptops include an IR camera for quick and secure logins through Windows Hello.

Surface Pro (2017) can be had for cheaper

Now that the Surface Pro 6 has been announced, Microsoft has dropped the price on most 2017 Surface Pro models. Configurations with a 7th Gen Intel Core m3 CPU, 128 GB SSD, and 4 GB of RAM start at $649, while more powerful options with Core i5 CPU, 256 GB SSD, and 8 GB of RAM are $999 (about $200 less than similar Surface Pro 6 models).

These prices do not include Type Cover or Surface Pen for the 2017 Surface Pro or Surface Pro 6; both still need to be purchased separately no matter which model Pro you choose.

The Surface Pro (2017) is still a great choice

The Surface Pro 6 has only seen a light refresh with a new black color option and 8th Gen Intel Core CPUs, so if you can live with a platinum finish and the performance from a 7th Gen Intel Core CPU, the Surface Pro (2017) will make a great laptop. Considering you should be able to find it a bit cheaper and with LTE connectivity options, it's still a great buy in 2019.

What you need to know

• The Surface Pro 5 and Surface Pro 6 each have a firmware update available.
• The updates include security and stability improvements for the 2-in-1s.
• The changelogs for the updates are the same, apart from their version numbers.

Microsoft's Surface Pro 5 (also known as the Surface Pro 5th gen) and Surface Pro 6 each have a firmware update available. The updates started rolling out on February 2 and include improvements to the stability and security of the devices.

The Surface Pro 6 firmware update only has one change listed on its release notes:

The Surface Pro 5 firmware update's release notes state the same changes as those seen for the Surface Pro 6, but it has a different version number.

As is the case with most firmware updates, these don't include any new features. Instead, they focus on improving the performance of each device.

If you're looking for something a bit more exciting on the Surface Pro 6, make sure to check out our senior editor Zac Bowden's video of the Surface Pro 6 running Windows 10X.

Windows 10X won't ship to the Surface Pro 6, but that didn't stop Bowden from managing to get it onto the device and running it through its paces. The video focuses on using Windows 10X as a tablet operating system, so it's worth checking out to see the OS in action on a touch-centric device.

What you need to know

• New updates are available for the Surface Pro (5th Gen), Surface Pro 6, and Surface Laptop 2.
• The updates bring improvements to battery life, audio performance, and stability during playback of applications.
• Surface Pro (5th Gen), Surface Pro 6, and Surface Laptop 2 users can download the updates now via Windows Update.

Microsoft's Surface Pro (5th Gen), Surface Pro 6, and Surface Laptop 2 all have updates available. The updates are largely the same for each device. They improve the stability of apps during playback, improve audio performance and battery life, and improve integration between system services.

Here's what's new for the Surface Pro (5th Gen):

Here's everything new for the Surface Pro 6:

The Surface Laptop 2 has a similar changelog but has one additional fix:

You can grab these updates now through Windows Update.

What you need to know

• New firmware updates are available for a handful of Surface devices today.
• The latest updates cover Surface Book, Surface Book 2, Surface Pro 5, and Surface Pro 6.
• All of the updates are focused on security and reliability, and they're available now via Windows Update.

Microsoft released another set of firmware updates for a handful of Surface devices today. Included in these updates are the first- and second-generation Surface Books, along with Surface Pro 5 and Surface Pro 6. While there's nothing major included here, there are updates related to reliability and stability across the board.

If you're using a Surface Book or Surface Book 2, you'll see similar updates related to the NVIDIA display adapter. Here's a look:

Meanwhile, the update for the Surface Pro 5 brings improvements for battery smart charging reliability.

Finally, if you're using a Surface Pro 6, you'll see a pair of updates related to the battery and stability during hibernation.

All of these updates are available to download now via Windows Update for devices that are running Windows 10 version 1903 or newer.

What you need to know

• A new set of firmware updates is available for several Surface devices.
• There are updates available for the Surface Book 2, Surface Pro 6, Surface Laptop 2, and several older Surface devices.
• The updates largely focus on battery improvements and fixes for major CPU and GPU issues with Surface Book 2.

Several Surface devices have firmware updates that improve battery life or battery stability. The Surface Book 2, Surface Pro 6, Surface Laptop 2, Surface Pro (5th Gen), Surface Laptop, and Surface Pro 4 all have firmware updates. The updates generally improve battery life or battery stability, but the Surface Book 2 updates in particular correct some major issues related to CPU throttling and the GPU going missing from Device Manager.

The Surface Book 2 has the longest list of changes.

• Surface Base 2 Firmware Update – Firmware
  • 1.75.139.0 improves battery stability.
• Surface System Aggregator – Firmware
  • 182.1004.139.0 resolves an issue where the CPU will throttle down to .4GHz, and improves battery stability.
• Surface UEFI – Firmware
  • 389.2837.768.0 resolves an issue where the display adapter disappears from Device Manager.

The Surface Pro 6, Laptop 2, Laptop, Pro 5, and Pro 4 have all received updates that help improve battery life. Each carries a different version number, but they are nearly all updates to the Surface System Aggregator. The only exception is the Surface Pro 4, which improves battery life with an update to its Surface Embedded Controller firmware.

The firmware updates are available for devices running Windows 10 April 2018 Update, version 1803, or greater. You can find the full list of release notes for each device at the Surface Update History site.

The Microsoft Surface Pro with keyboard cover is down to $549 at Best Buy's eBay store today only. This same configuration has been selling for around $699 recently and today's discount beats a Woot one-day sale earlier this week by a further $50. Your purchase includes the black Microsoft Type Cover. That keyboard really transforms this from just a tablet or a 2-in-1 to a full-blown laptop experience. You can also get the same deal at the main Best Buy site. It comes with a one-year warranty and ships free.

The deal given is no longer valid and we do not have a better one. However, we have found some similar deals

Microsoft Surface Duo 256GB unlocked smartphone

$729.99 $1100.00 Save $370 1623838343

You get 256GB storage. The Duo has a 360-degree hinge with two screens so you can make the most out of all your apps, including video games and Microsoft 365. Battery lasts up to 15.5 hours and has Fast Charging.

Microsoft Surface Duo dual-screen multi-touch tablet

$549.99 $750.00 Save $200 1623155624

With a 360-hinge and two screens, you get a dual-screen mobile device designed to make the most out of Microsoft 365, Android apps, and more. Has a battery with Fast Charging that lasts up to 15.5 hours. Syncs with Windows 10, too.

Microsoft Surface Duo

Starting at $600 1621080917

Woot's one-day sale on the Microsoft Surface Duo phone is bringing 128GB and 256GB models down to their best prices yet starting at just $600, saving you more than 50% off the original cost. You can even sign in with Amazon Prime for free shipping.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 one-day sale

As low as $1,000 1618493211

The least expensive option at $1,000 includes an Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB RAM, a 256GB solid state drive, and a 13.5-inch touchscreen. The specs only get better from there including upgrades to a 15-inch screen, 1TB SSDs, and more.

Microsoft Surface Headphones

$110.99 $249.00 Save $138 1614887328

The Surface headphones feature adjustable noise cancellation, Cortana voice assistant, touch controls, and a battery that lasts up to 15 hours. You can also get an hour of playtime from a five-minute charge.

This is the 5th-generation Surface Pro, which released in early 2017, but it's still a great option if you're interested in the Surface lineup. Plus, compared to the Surface Pro 6, it's a lot less expensive these days. The configuration has a 12.3-inch touchscreen with 2736 x 1824 pixel resolution. It uses an Intel Core M3 7Y30 processor, 4GB RAM, a 128GB SSD, and more. The operating system is Windows 10 Home, and you'll get Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ports for USB 3.0, SD card, Mini DisplayPort, and even a headphone jack. You can also hook it up to the Surface Dock for even more I/O options.

Check out the our initial coverage for an in-depth look at this machine if you need help making your mind up. We also took another look at the machine from a 2019 perspective, comparing it to the latest Surface model, and still found it to be a great buy — especially if you can get one at a reduced cost like today's sale at Best Buy.

What you need to know

• A new firmware update is available for the Surface Pro 5th Gen and Surface Pro 6.
• The update brings improved system stability.
• The firmware number and changelog are identical for both devices.

The Surface Pro 5th Gen and Surface Pro 6 each have a new firmware update. The update's changelog is extremely short, but the update improves system stability.

The update is available for all Surface Pro 5th Gen and Surface Pro 6 devices running Windows 10 version 1803 or greater, also known as the April 2018 Update. Here's a look at what's included:

• 5.2.139.0 improves system stability.

The firmware number and changelogs are identical for the Surface Pro 5th Gen and Surface Pro 6.

Our favorite Surface accessories from Microsoft

Every one of these valuable Surface accessories is Windows Central Approved and guaranteed to please.

Surface Precision Mouse ($77 at Amazon)

The Surface Precision Mouse is not only one of favorite Surface accessories, it's one of our favorite mice for any PC. It's packed with valuable features and customizable buttons. Its scrolling and tracking are seamless and spot-on. And it's rechargeable so you never have to buy new batteries for it.

Surface Pen (From $72 at Amazon)

Every Surface owner needs this Pen. Period. It supports 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity, tilt support for shading density, and enjoys supremely low latency. When paired with a Surface PC, the potential is endless. And it comes in a bunch of cool colors.

Surface Dock ($136 at Amazon)

With two Mini DisplayPorts, four USB-A 3.0 ports, an Ethernet port, and a 3.5mm audio jack, this dock gives you the ports you need to stay connected to all your favorite devices. Plus, it easily turns your Surface into a desktop power hub. We highly recommend it.

On Windows Central, we cover everything and anything Microsoft. That means we do a lot of stories on its Surface PCs, some of the most exciting PCs available today. By extension, that means we do a fair amount of coverage of devices with Alcantara fabric, which Microsoft has used for a while now on certain covers and keyboards. For example, it features prominently on the Surface Go's Signature Type Cover and is used in the latest Surface Pro Signature Type Covers, as well as on the Surface Laptop 2's built-in keyboard.

To give Alcantara its due, we decided to do a bit of digging and try to answer some of the most common questions about the semi-mysterious fabric. Here's everything you could possibly want to know about Alcantara.

What exactly is Alcantara?

Alcantara is an Italian-made fabric that looks and feels much like suede. The name Alcantara is actually a brand name, and it's a registered trademark of Alcantara S.p.A., an Italian company.

What is Alcantara made of?

Polyester (about 68 percent) and polyurethane (about 32 percent), at least according to Wikipedia). The actual "recipe" for the fabric is unknown and is proprietary information that belongs to its maker.

Where does the name Alcantara come from?

Though the brand name is Italian, it's derived from the Arabic word "al qantara," meaning "the bridge." You could say Alcantara fabric is a "bridge" between animal leather and cotton fabric.

What is Alcantara used for?

In addition to being featured prominently in recent Microsoft Surface products, Alcantara is used by various companies in the fashion, interior, automotive, yachting, and aviation industries. One notable automaker that uses Alcantara in its vehicles is Porsche.

According to a Porsche dealer in Calif., the luxury vehicle maker uses three types of Alcantara:

Why do luxury brands (and others) use Alcantara?

For a lot of reasons. According to the manufacturer, it's good looking, first and foremost. It's stain-resistant (to a degree) and very soft. It's relatively durable and doesn't fade easily. Alcantara is also lightweight.

Additionally, it's sustainable and 100-percent carbon neutral, meaning it doesn't release any potentially harmful carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. It's versatile and can be dyed in a ton of different colors. It's easy to clean (here's how). It's nice and "grippy." And it's reportedly fire-retardant... though we've not tested that ourselves.

It's also (generally) cheaper than leather. Which leads to our next question.

How durable is the Alcantara fabric on the Surface Laptop?

Is Alcantara expensive?

Compared to leather, usually not. But like any material, it's available in a variety of different quality levels, which can be expensive. Companies that use Alcantara like to position it as a specialty material (including Microsoft) and therefore they sometimes charge a premium for it. For example, Porsche charges the same amount of money for Alcantara in its cars as it does for leather, even though it pays significantly less for the Alcantara, according to amusing Kiwi YouTuber Nick Murray.

Is it animal-free and vegan-friendly?

You betcha. Alcantara is 100-percent cruelty-free and not of animal origin. It's sometimes referred to as "Alcantara leather," but that's simply not an accurate term.

What's the difference between Alcantara and "Ultrasuede?"

The country of origin. Ultrasuede is another registered brand name, but it's very similar to Alcantara. The main difference between the two is that genuine Alcantara is made in Italy. It's like champagne. There are all kinds of sparkling white wine, but real champagne is made in Champagne, France.

Is there anything bad about Alcantara? Any disadvantages to using Alcantara?

Sure, it's not perfect. If you simply don't like the look and feel of suede, you're probably not going to like Alcantara. Like suede, it can collect "pressure marks" or signs of use. But that's not necessarily a bad thing.

Some people who have experience with Alcantara complain about durability issues, meaning it doesn't exactly stand up to the test of time as much as its manufacturer would want you to think. However, our Executive Editor Daniel Rubino, who has used both the Signature Type Cover and the Surface Ergonomic Keyboard, says his Alcantara still mostly looks and feels like new. Your personal mileage may vary.

All about Alcantara

There you have it. That's just about everything any reasonable person should want to know about this unique fabric. If for some reason, you have a question about the fabric that we didn't answer, drop it in the comments and we'll do our best to find an answer for you.

What you need to know

• Some Surface Pro 5th Gen (2017) and Surface Pro 6 users reported battery degradation and issues on a Microsoft forum.
• One user claims a Surface shows 0 percent while charged.
• Some Surface Pro 3 devices had battery issues.

Several Surface Pro 5th Gen (2017) and Surface Pro 6 users report battery issues for their devices. A Microsoft Answers forum has multiple comments from users stating their device's battery experienced issues (via Neowin).

One user reports that their device showed 0 percent battery while it was plugged in. The user also reported that their device was sluggish while experiencing the issue. A second user states that their Surface's battery has lost 70 percent of its original battery capacity after 309 charging cycles. One user shared a screenshot of a battery report to show the degradation.

The Surface Pro 5th Gen (2017), also known by some as the Surface Pro 5, was released in May of 2017. The Surface Pro 6 was announced last October. While some battery degradation over time is normal, devices shouldn't lose 70 percent capacity in this short of a time.

The Surface Pro 3 also experienced battery issues in the past, so this isn't the first set of battery issues the Surface Pro line has seen.

Microsoft has not released a statement on the issue or responded to the Microsoft Answer forum.

What you need to know

• Some Surface users can't connect to 5GHz networks following a recent update.
• The Surface Laptop, Surface Book, and Surface Pro 5th Gen seem to be affected by the issue.
• The update that seems to have caused the issue was supposed to improve Wi-Fi.

Several Surface users have reported that they can no longer connect to 5GHz networks following a recent update. Users on a Microsoft Answers forum and a Reddit thread say they've run into the issue (via Windows Latest). The Surface Laptop, Surface Book, and Surface Pro 5th Gen are reportedly affected.

According to both posts, a user updated their Wi-Fi driver to "Marvell Semiconductor, Inc. – Net – 15.68.17013.110." Following the update, they couldn't connect to 5GHz networks on their Surface Book. Uninstalling the driver seemed to fix the issue and reinstalling the update seems to cause it again. Other users have chimed in saying they face the same issue on their Surface devices, including the Surface Laptop, Surface Book, and Surface Pro 5th Gen.

The extent of the issue is not yet determined. It seems to only affect a subset of Surface users, even on affected devices. Microsoft has not issued a response to the issue at time of publication.

Our favorite Surface accessories from Microsoft

Every one of these valuable Surface accessories is Windows Central Approved and guaranteed to please.

Surface Precision Mouse ($77 at Amazon)

The Surface Precision Mouse is not only one of favorite Surface accessories, it's one of our favorite mice for any PC. It's packed with valuable features and customizable buttons. Its scrolling and tracking are seamless and spot-on. And it's rechargeable so you never have to buy new batteries for it.

Surface Pen (From $72 at Amazon)

Every Surface owner needs this Pen. Period. It supports 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity, tilt support for shading density, and enjoys supremely low latency. When paired with a Surface PC, the potential is endless. And it comes in a bunch of cool colors.

Surface Dock ($136 at Amazon)

With two Mini DisplayPorts, four USB-A 3.0 ports, an Ethernet port, and a 3.5mm audio jack, this dock gives you the ports you need to stay connected to all your favorite devices. Plus, it easily turns your Surface into a desktop power hub. We highly recommend it.

Blink, and it's easy to confuse the Kensington SD7000 Docking Station with a miniaturized Surface Studio. The dock is arguably the most expensive accessory you can purchase for the Surface Pro, but it's also the most transformative. While the idea of expanding ports for various computers is not new, the Kensington SD7000 is so much more than that. It breathes new life into a mobile-only device letting it shine as a full desktop replacement.

Does the cost justify the Kensington SD7000? That depends. But I can say that it is the best accessory to date for the favorite 2-in-1. If you want to maximize your Surface Pro's usefulness here's why I think this dock is a good purchase.

Ports but more

Kensington SD7000: What is it?

Most people will look at the Kensington SD7000 and see it as a $400 port-expander. That's technically true due to the abundance of new input-output options available, including:

• 1x USB Type-C (data only)
• 4x USB Type-A 3.0
• Gigabit Ethernet
• DisplayPort++ v1.2
• HDMI 2.0
• 3.5mm combo audio port

I'd be also most remiss to point out that there's a prominent Kensington Security Slot to lock the whole contraption down.

What's missing (and a bit disappointing) is the lack of a slot for an SD card reader, which seems like an obvious choice for such a dock.

All those ports are powered by the Surface Connect port on the Surface Pro, which is impressive. That means you still get to use the Surface Pro's native USB Type-A port as well, bumping the total here to five.

Microsoft's aging Surface Dock, by comparison, has four USB Type-A ports, Gigabit Ethernet, and two Mini DisplayPorts. No Type-C for data, no HDMI, and no security lock.

Using the HDMI or DisplayPort for the Kensington SD7000 yields support for dual 4K displays at 30Hz or one 4K at 60Hz (multiple full HD displays run just fine too).

While the portion that holds the Surface Pro is good quality plastic, the hinges and parts of the base are metal. The plastic is necessary because the idea of sliding metal against the metal of the Surface Pro – especially the newer black variant – seems like a bad idea.

Screws are unfortunately visible from the rear. Some form of masking those screws or hiding them would have upped the craftsmanship here, but from the front, the entire setup looks fabulous.

Kensington uses the same Microsoft-branded 90-watt Surface Dock AC adapter, keeping within Microsoft recommended power limits.

Regular docks don't do this

Kensington SD7000 more than ports

Saying the Kensington SD7000 is just a port expander is like saying Surface Studio 2 is just an expensive desktop computer – you're missing the point.

Slotting in the Surface Pro 6 into the Kensington SD7000 you immediately experience how this hinged-mount changes everything. Now at eye-level, the Surface Pro now feels like a mini-Surface Studio.

To the right of the dock is the Surface Connect for data and power. The contraption is built within an ergonomic rounded grip letting users slide the connector in and out to release the Surface Pro. The design feels robust, sturdy and it should hold up for many years of repeated use.

The display of the Surface Pro now seemingly floats in the air and because the hinge is articulating you can angle it however you wish.

By adding a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse the Kensington SD7000 with Surface Pro turns into a beautiful, minimalist full desktop PC experience even without adding larger displays.

The hinges are polished and mirrored, and the overall look is strikingly like the Surface Studio. Even the platinum color here matches precisely that of the Surface Pro and similar accessories like the Surface Keyboard and Surface Mouse. It all feels very complimentary.

Because of the design, you can sit closer to the Surface Pro compared to a regular desktop PC without discomfort.

Slide the Surface Pro down to the draft board mode, and suddenly the Surface Pro is a rock solid, stable inking machine propped at a proper angle.

While the hinge is nowhere near as fluid as the Surface Studio's "zero gravity" effect, it at least has the look nailed. The hinge is stiff and requires some effort to move, but the entire station weighs a gobsmacking 7.31lbs (3.32kg) giving it significant heft that reduces shifting.

Kensington didn't forget about the Surface Pen, which cannot stick to the Surface Pro when mounted. Instead, to the left are a couple of modestly firm magnets. The magnets could be stronger, but overall, it's just great to have, and it worked without issue.

A stunning first attempt

Kensington SD7000 — so good Microsoft should have made it

Perhaps the most puzzling thing about the Kensington SD7000 is that Microsoft didn't make it themselves.

It's evident Kensington worked with Microsoft as the dock has earned the official "For Surface" endorsement on the box – something only a few manufacturers have achieved. The matching color scheme, mirrored hinge design, the overall look, even the Microsoft-branded power supply says that this is all a semi-official release.

That $400 price-tag is steep, but I can't stress this enough: Using the Kensington SD7000 has made me completely rethink the Surface Pro as an everyday all-the-time computer versus a portable one.

If you plopped down $1,700 for the Core i7 Surface Pro 6 (or $2,100 for the 1TB model) this extra $400 lets you stretch the Surface Pro to your full-time and only computer.

If I were a college student (with some money), or someone looking to build a clean, minimalist desktop experience, the Kensington SD7000 should be a strong consideration. The build quality is excellent, and I genuinely enjoyed using the Surface Pro at eye-level.

The dock works with Surface Pro 4, Surface Pro 2017 (5th gen), and the new Surface Pro 6. While older models are OK, I've argued that the new quad-core processor in the Surface Pro 6 gives a significant and important boost in performance. When combined with 16GB of RAM, 512GB (or more) of storage, the Core i7 CPU, and this dock, you get an outstanding desktop performer.

During my review, I had the Surface Pro with the Kensington SD7000 setup in my living room. I often found myself just gravitating towards it versus nearby laptops. It was instant-on and with a mouse and keyboard just so fun to use.

I do think the Kensington SD7000 also highlights some current limits of Surface Pro. Were Microsoft to offer a Thunderbolt 3 port, I can imagine something like the SD7000 but with a built-in GPU in that base — it'd be amazing. But that's not Kensington's fault, and considering the limits they had to work with they did an excellent job.

The port selection is solid but having two forward-looking USB-A ports would have been preferred instead of placing them all in the rear. The Type-C port is nice, but even for data, the speeds were abysmal when using a Type-C Samsung T5 SSD (speeds went back to normal when using the Type-A ports) - while Type-C is more future-proofing, I think an SD card slot may have worked better for the intended audience.

The use of plastic in certain areas is forgivable, but I'd like to see Kensington step up some of the quality of materials used for the area that holds Surface Pro. Alcantara here would could work well as an accent.

The consumer angle for this Kensington dock is clear. Those with money who have a lot invested in the Surface Pro line and wish to make it their only computer – a noble and desirable goal. For them, this is an excellent purchase that I highly recommend.

But there is also the business angle – those who want to use Surface Pro as a high-class, secured, public-facing computer for kiosks or front-desk workers. Even those who work in cubicles could use this instead of having two computers – one desktop, one laptop – not only saving space but money and being more efficient.

As to when you can get your hands on the Kensington SD7000 dock online retailers like Amazon and B&H Photo should be stocking it by January 2019.

For those just looking for a basic dock, or port expander, there is a myriad of lower-cost options. None will turn your Surface Pro into a mini-Surface Studio, but it will cost you a lot less. But if you see the photos here and think that is something you want for your home, office, or dorm then take the plunge as it's worth the investment. Let's hope Microsoft doesn't radically change the Surface Pro's design or Surface Connect port next year.

If you're on a tighter budget and need LTE connectivity on a Windows 10 PC, you'll want to go with the Surface Pro. The tablet will let you get everything done you need to do throughout the day without Wi-Fi and even though it's an outdated model, it's still powerful. However, you won't get any important extras — such as the Type Cover and the stylus, so it may end up costing you extra. HP has a unique LTE-capable notebook in the Spectre Folio 13 that also might be worth it if you can afford the higher price.

Old vs. New

Microsoft launched the most recent Surface Pro with LTE in 2017, so it's part of the Surface Pro 5 family. While on paper it's an outdated model with older internals, the PC is still more than capable at most daily tasks. The included Intel Core i6-7300U processor is great, even when compared against the newer Core i7-8500Y in the Spectre Folio.

It's not black and white exactly which device is better. Both are solid devices, although the Spectre Folio 13 can last longer on a single charge and has an XMM 7560 LTE-Advanced Pro chip for up to 1Gb/s LTE speeds. The better battery life is thanks in part to a Full HD display and the more energy efficient processor.

For performance, you'll want to go with the Surface Pro, but the Spectre Folio 13 isn't a slouch and can last much longer between charges, which is when you'll likely be using LTE the most. Other specifications are roughly identical, including 8GB RAM and 256GB of storage. Unfortunately, Microsoft doesn't let you configure the LTE model with an Intel Core i7.

Two feature-rich experiences

The two displays are also very different. In the HP Spectre Folio 13, for the time being, the only option is a Full HD panel from Intel, which draws just 1W of power. In the Surface Pro LTE, Microsoft opted to include the 2736x1824 resolution display with a 3:2 aspect ratio, making it far better for use as a tablet-come-notebook.

The drawback to using a superior display is the additional hit on battery life, which is seen in the several hours less the Surface Pro LTE offers compared to HP's leather-touting notebook. If you're someone who needs the best display you can afford, the Surface Pro LTE will make all your software look sharper. However, the Spectre Folio is a Windows 10 machine designed with portability in mind, so you'll be able to use it longer without a charge and you'll still get a solid screen.

When it comes to LTE support, Spectre Folio is the clear winner with Cat 16 support, but most networks don't support speeds of 1Gb/s, so you'll be hard-pressed to make the most of that available headroom — you can consider it future proofed, however.

Battle of prices

Microsoft has the Surface Pro LTE priced competitively against the Spectre Folio. In fact, it's cheaper than HP's notebook. This is clear cut in favor for Microsoft on paper, but you have to look a little deeper as the price doesn't include a few optional extras you might want to pick up. For instance, there's no stylus or Type Cover.

HP includes a Type Cover-like keyboard — it's not quite the same since it's physically connected to the main unit and can't be separated — but there's also the inclusion of stylus too, allowing you to get started from unboxing. Adding in the Type Cover and stylus with the Surface Pro LTE would push the price up a few hundreds dollars.

Basically, this choice comes down to whether you value display and power over newer internals, battery life, and value. If you buy into the Microsoft ecosystem, like the more powerful display, and want to save a bit of money, go with the Surface. However, if you want a device with LTE, it's safe to say you want a device with maximum portability, so the better battery life of the HP Spectre might be better for you.

Spectre Folio for better value LTE

HP's Spectre Folio is head-to-head with the Surface Pro LTE in terms of antenna setup for best connectivity, with Microsoft edging out slightly, but the support for Cat 16 and 1Gb/s speeds make the Spectre Folio a solid notebook for those who work on the move and need to get online from anywhere.

Surface Pro LTE for a better display

If you don't really care for leather or are already set on Surface, the Surface Pro LTE is the choice for you. This tablet also boasts the ability to be a notebook with a detachable keyboard and has a stunning display, but is let down by battery life.

The Surface Pro – including the Surface Pro 4, Surface Pro (2017, fifth gen) and new Surface Pro 6 – is not known to have a lot of options for ports. Just one USB Type-A and a mini DisplayPort are available, which, as noted in our review, is getting dated.

The Eletrand Multi-Function Surface Pro 4 USB 3.0 Hub is low-cost, and it feels like it. But it also packs just about every port or adapter you would ever want for the Surface Pro, and it works quite well.

Eletrand USB 3.0 Hub features

The Eletrand Multi-Function Surface Pro USB 3.0 Hub uses both your current Type-A and mini DisplayPort to operate. The tradeoff, however, is worth it. You get:

• Full SD card reader.
• TF/microSD card reader.
• Two USB Type A 3.0.
• Full 10/100/1000 Mbps over RJ45 Ethernet port.
• 4K HDMI adapter (4K/2K@30Hz; 1080P@60Hz).

Ditching mini Display Port in favor of 4K HDMI is an excellent option if HDMI is easier to leverage for you. Many hotels and conference centers rely on HDMI still, and while mini DisplayPort has its advantages (such as bandwidth), HDMI is just sometimes more straightforward to use.

The addition of a full RJ45 Ethernet port is also useful where Wi-Fi is limited or high-bandwidth connectivity is desired.

The rest of the ports are great for productivity – doubling Type-A is useful for plugging into multiple accessories, and dual card slots for microSD and full SD make photo editing a breeze.

Build quality is an issue, though. The Eletrand is plastic and feels a bit hollow, but that's OK. It's a low-cost, knockoff hub with decent build quality. It's all black, save for some silver trim. The hub fits in the palm of your hand but still looks big and gangly when plugged into the Surface Pro 6.

The Eletrand hub is angled where the connectors are so it lines up nicely with the Surface Pro's tapered edge. With both the native USB Type-A and mini DisplayPort being used, it also gives the hub a stable and firm connection to the Surface Pro with no wiggle.

Eletrand Multi-Function Surface Pro USB 3.0 Hub usage

The Eletrand performs as expected. Doing a speed test with the Ethernet port maxed out my home connection matching my router output exactly, so there is no detectable data loss. Likewise, for the SD card reader which matched my SanDisk card from my Nikon camera at 90 MB/s sequential transfers, just as it should.

I much prefer using HDMI over mini DisplayPort, and the conversion worked well there too. Unused bandwidth from the mini DisplayPort is used for the other ports on this hub, including the dual USB Type-A ports, card readers, and Ethernet. That's a clever substitution for those of us who are OK with full HD at 60Hz for an external display. (You can do 2K or 4K, but you'll drop to a less-desirable 30Hz.)

Due to the size of the hub, you'll want to remove it from the Surface Pro during transport as you could risk it snapping off. The hub has a firm grip on the Surface Pro, too, so you need to give a solid yank, but that is better than it being too loose.

So should you buy it?

There are much cheaper hubs available for the Surface Pro 6, but they omit the HDMI converter and RJ45 Ethernet port. Those extra "premium" features bump the price from about $13 without those capabilities to $24 with them.

The Eletrand Multi-Function Surface Pro Hub is still a bargain. Instead of one Type-A port and a less-useful mini DisplayPort, you gain five other functions. Sure, it looks terrible, but that's no big deal, at least not for me.

There is another downside with those dual Type-A ports: they're very close together. That makes using two thumb drives cramped - if not impossible - especially if one of those drives has a large body. To make it work you may need a port-extender cable, which makes the whole gangly setup even worse. While it's nice Eletrand jammed a lot into this hub, it may be too much to be practical.

The LED on the side is also useless since it's not visible when using the Surface Pro. It would have been nice to have an activity LED on the front to show that the hub is active or transferring data.

Putting these gripes aside, though, for $24 the Eletrand hub gives you an HDMI port, Ethernet, and the ability to directly edit photos from two SD cards at the same time. That's cool, and it makes the Surface Pro that much more useful when on the go. So, yes, if you're looking for an affordable way to expand your Pro's ports and aren't too worried about looks, buy this. You won't be disappointed.

The Microsoft Surface Pro 6 and previous iterations try to combine the best of tablets and full Windows 10 PCs. While the idea mostly works, the consensus is that Surface is not as good at being a tablet like an Apple iPad. Some of that is due to hardware, some of it is about the software.

One area that can be improved is touch responsiveness. This function is thought to be achieved through a simple registry change on the Surface Pro (any generation) or any Windows 10 PC with touch support, like the new Samsung Galaxy Book2.

What this touch trick does to your PC

In the Windows 10 registry, there are settings to change latency and sample time, both of which will increase the responsiveness of the touch display when decreased. The potential downside, as mentioned above, is decreased battery life. However, many users who make this change say any shift in battery life is imperceptible to detection, or at least not apparent.

Article dispute: Brandon Paddock from Microsoft notes this trick does not quite do what some think it does:

"This value does NOT change the polling frequency or sample rate of the touchscreen. All it does is lie to the prediction engine about what those values are, breaking its ability to correctly do its job... All it does is lie to the prediction engine about what those values are, breaking its ability to correctly do its job. At best you are giving invalid values that it ignores."

As always, we'll leave it to the user to determine if the experience is worse or better for themselves. Just know that Microsoft evidently does not support or endorse this modification or our article.

If you do notice a massive downgrade in battery or other anomalies, you can quickly revert the registry change and return to normal.

It is important to note that if you're using Windows 10 in S mode, like how the Surface Go or Galaxy Book 2 ship, you cannot access the registry in that configuration and would need to switch out of S mode for this to work.

Finally, the difficulty and risk factor for this "hack" is as "easy" and "low."

How to change touch sensitivity in Windows 10

Since Microsoft does not offer a way to alter touch sensitivity through the Windows 10 OS, the most direct way to do it is through the registry.

Warning: Modifying the system registry can have dire repercussions if not followed precisely, including driver failures, system instability, or not being able to boot into Windows. Users are always encouraged to run a system backup before making any changes to the registry.

To increase or decrease touch responsiveness on your PC, follow these steps:

1. Type in registry editor into the search box.
2. Click yes on the User Account Control window.

3. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\TouchPrediction

4. Double-click on Latency and change value from default 8 to 2 (or less) in the Value Data box.
5. Hit OK when done.

6. Double-click on SampleTime and change value from default 8 to 2 (or less) in the Value Data box. Hit OK when done.

7. Close the Registry Editor.
8. Restart PC to make sure changes take effect.

The exact value to set Latency and SampleTime to is arguable. Most users configure it to "2," but others have set it to "1" or even "0", which presumably makes it even more responsive. Due to the likely hit on battery life setting it to "2" seems like the best choice, as it delivers a substantial improvement without any noticeable side effects.

Does this really improve touch responsiveness?

If you frequently use the touchscreen on your PC, then yes, this does make the PC feel much more natural, fluid, and responsive. As to how much value you get out of it – and whether it substantially affects battery life – is up for debate, but there does not appear to be any dramatic negative consequences hence why we are suggesting it.

The more interesting question is why Microsoft does not set a lower default value. The immediate explanation would appear to be to maximize battery life. One solution for Microsoft could be just to put this under Windows Settings and let users have access to a slider with a small warning that increasing sensitivity could impact battery life.

Like all things Microsoft these days, the best way to send Microsoft your requests is the Feedback Hub built into Windows 10.

Related reading

How to disable adaptive contrast on the Surface Pro and Surface Book

Why no LTE?

The primary reason for no LTE is due to the Laptop 2's form factor. In order to fit an LTE modem into the chassis, adequate space has to be allocated within the body of the PC. Throw in complications that arise from baking in antenna arrays, interference from the metal chassis, finding a slot for the SIM tray, and beyond, and the Laptop 2 just doesn't lend itself well to the inclusion of LTE connectivity at this time.

There's reason to believe that Microsoft might reconsider LTE for a future Surface Laptop, however. The company is actively exploring the idea of ARM-powered Windows devices under its "Always Connected" branding, which takes a more mobile approach to computing. So far, the push for Windows 10 on ARM hasn't yielded a large response from consumers, but when Microsoft unveils the more modular WinCore OS in the future, that could change.

At least for now, there's no possibility of an LTE Surface Laptop without a significant hardware revision, and considering how incremental the update to the Laptop 2 was, I'd say it's fair to assume the Laptop 3 will be a larger update. Thankfully there are a few alternatives with LTE worth considering.

The Surface Pro (2017) has an LTE version

The Surface Laptop 2 doesn't have LTE, but if you want a slim Windows PC with LTE connectivity, and you're dedicated to the Surface brand, 2017's Surface Pro is still on the market. You'll still be getting a great laptop with all-day battery life, a beautiful display, and improved Surface Pen integration. Plus, you get all the advantages of the Surface brand, namely the 2-in-1 modular design, in a small package.

HP Envy x2

For the ultimate in Windows portability, consider the HP Envy x2. Running on ARM, the HP Envy x2 is designed for long periods away from a power outlet, and indeed Wi-Fi, owing to its LTE connectivity. You can get around 22 hours worth of battery life out of this thing, complete with a keyboard cover and stylus, making it ideal for inking on the go.

Microsoft's 2-in-1, the Surface Pro, has been refined through five generations into what we now have, a capable tablet with beautiful display, performance hardware, and plenty of available accessories. Those in the market for a versatile 2-in-1 device might have the Surface Pro on the short list, and there are more than a few good reasons why it's a worthwhile purchase. There are, however, also a few other things to consider that might make you look elsewhere.

Let's weigh the reasons for and against the Surface Pro.

See Surface Pro at Microsoft

Reasons to buy Microsoft's Surface Pro

Here are some solid reasons why you should invest in Microsoft's Surface Pro.

1. Surface Pro has plenty of configuration options

Starting at about $800, you can get a Surface Pro with a 7th Gen Intel Core m3-7Y30 processor (CPU), 128GB solid-state drive (SSD), and 4GB of RAM. This is a laptop that can handle light duties, and it will look great doing them.

Into the high-end configurations, you can get a model with a 7th Gen Intel Core i7-7660U CPU, 1TB SSD, and 16GB of RAM. If you choose to checkout with a 7th Gen Intel Core i5-7300U CPU, you can add LTE connectivity to the mix. Yes, configurations get quite expensive, but there's a Surface Pro for everyone.

Which Surface pro should you buy?

2. Surface Pro is available with LTE and eSIM

Those constantly on the go will no doubt want to consider a Surface Pro with LTE connectivity. It uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon X16 modem and has a Nano SIM slot as well as embedded SIM (eSIM) technology that allows you to buy data and use it basically no matter where you are.

The rest of the hardware includes a 256GB SSD, 8GB of RAM, and a 7th Gen Intel Core i5-7300U CPU, a well-rounded collection for everyday tasks. Expect to pay about $1,450 for this model.

Surface Pro with LTE review: Impressive but not for everyone

3. Surface Pro is highly mobile

The Surface Pro, with 12.3-inch display and body that's just 0.33 inches thick, is easily slipped under an arm or into a backpack or laptop bag. The heaviest Core i7 model weighs in at about 1.73 pounds (784 g), which really isn't that heavy at all. Even once you add a Surface Pen and Type Cover, you'll hardly notice the laptop is with you.

Despite its size, you can treat the Surface Pro like you would any other laptop, and the Core i5 and Core i7 models shouldn't have any problems tackling a regular day's work.

Microsoft didn't cut corners to ditch the fan in Surface Pro (2017) with Core i5

4. Surface Pro has a knockout display

The Surface Pro's display has a 3:2 aspect ratio, making it look much boxier than the usual 16:9 aspect ratio many laptops these days ship with. Why use 3:2? It's closer to the middle of the road of all popular aspect ratios, and it allows for more real estate, especially when working with virtual books, magazines, and just about any drawing apps. Once you start using the display with a Surface Pen, you can see it was the right move.

Aside from aspect ratio, you're looking at a 2,736 x 1,824 resolution with 267 pixels per inch (PPI), and you're getting full touch functionality for when you're using the Surface Pro as a standard tablet. If a display is high on your list of laptop priorities, you'll do well here.

Why it's time for PC makers to embrace 3:2 displays

5. Surface Pro is compatible with Surface Pen and Dial

There are a lot of worthwhile Surface Pro accessories, but perhaps the two most important — especially if you're looking to get creatively artistic — are the Surface Pen and Surface Dial.

The Pen, which costs about $100, has 4,096 levels of pressure, supports tilt shading, and is available in four different colors.

See Surface Pen at Microsoft Store

When used in tandem with the Surface Dial, which costs about $100, you open up a drawer of tools that are easily accessible and customizable. Place the Dial directly on the display, or use it next to you on the desk.

See Surface Dial at Microsoft Store

Reasons not to buy Microsoft's Surface Pro

There are likewise a couple of good reasons you might want to pass on the Surface Pro in lieu of a different device.

1. There are cheaper options if you just want a tablet

Surface devices are generally not particularly affordable. Yes, there's a configuration that starts at about $800, but that's still quite pricey and it's mostly designed for light duties only, thanks to the Core m3 CPU and low amount of RAM.

If you're looking for a tablet only, there are far cheaper options available that will serve you well in the long run. Have a look at our roundups of best overall tablets and best cheap tablets for a better idea of what you're in the market for.

• Best Windows 10 tablets
• Best cheap Windows 10 tablets

2. You'll likely have to invest in port adapters

If there's one thing the Surface Pro is lacking, it's port selection. You're getting a single USB-A 3.0, a microSD card reader, Mini DisplayPort, a 3.5mm audio jack, and the proprietary Surface Connect port. Considering the trend toward USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 and the lack of more than one USB-A port, you'll likely be investing in some adapters or a hub.

We've experienced firsthand the lack of Surface Pro ports, and we've put together a few roundups of the best hubs and adapters you can buy.

• Best USB-A 3.0 hubs
• Best hubs for Surface Pro
• Best laptop docking stations

More resources

Can't get enough Surface Pro? Be sure to check out these other links for more information.

• Surface Book 2 vs. Surface Pro: Which one should you buy?
• Best Surface Pro alternatives
• Surface Pro keyboards that cost less than Microsoft's Type Covers

Microsoft has done a solid job at making its Surface line of tablet PCs easy to use on a desk or in hand, but there are times when not having to hold it by the side is just that little bit more comfortable. When using a Surface Pro in the field for work, it can prove rather cumbersome to have it in hand, especially when using a stylus and having to perform other tasks quickly. This is where a strap accessory comes in.

I've rounded up a few that would work well with the Surface Pro.

USA Gear T12

USA Gear is a popular brand for bags and other accessories, and the company has also made a strap accessory for 12-inch tablets, including the Surface Pro. This case is a great option because not only does it allow you to more conveniently hold the tablet with the adjustable strap — which can also suit carrying over the shoulder — it also protects the tablet against slight knocks to the aluminum edges.

And because the strap is adjustable, it opens up further deployment for the tablet, like on the rear of a car seat as an example. There's even a capacity screen protector, which doesn't affect the touchscreen functionality and renders the tablet useless. All this for $17.99 isn't a bad price, especially if you frequently use the tablet outside or in hazardous environments.

See at Amazon

LapWorks Gripzilla Pro

The Gripzilla Pro by LapWorks is much more than your typical strap for a tablet. Not only does it allow the use of tablets between 10 and 15 inches, but also comes rocking different modes. The hand strap is perfect for preventing fatigue, while the swivel hub stand allows for portrait and landscape modes to be configured without hassle. The spring-loaded bracket makes it easy to attach and detach a tablet too.

The only drawback to this accessory, in particular, is the lack of protection offered by the grip that wraps around the chassis. This can be easily resolved by using a case for the tablet and having the Gripzilla Pro wrap secured to the added case instead of the tablet itself. As an added bonus to the package is an included adapter, which supports the Armbot desk and wall mount stand. It's a little pricey too, coming in at $44.95.

See at Amazon

What do you use?

Do you rock a Surface Pro tablet at work? What sort of accessories do you rely on in the field to keep the tablet safe and prevent fatigue through prolonged use?

Concluding my series on what it's like to add Toast wood covers to all my Surface devices is the Surface Pro with LTE and the custom Toast wood cover in bamboo.

So far I have reviewed Toast covers for Surface Laptop in walnut and the ash wood cover for Surface Book 2.

• See at Toast
• See wood panel for Type Cover

Toast cover for Surface Pro: What it is

Toast is a small company based in Portland, Ore. They make all sorts of custom covers for tablets, laptops, and phones out of real wood.

The Toast cover sticks with 3M tape but is easily removed (well, relatively, and you won't damage your device either).

The Microsoft Surface Pro is the most popular of the Surface series. As a result, Toast makes covers for all models including every original Surface up through version three, and every Surface Pro model up through version five (a.k.a. Surface Pro 2017).

For this review, I'm using the cover on the new Surface Pro with LTE. Here is what is included in the kit:

• Back cover (split into two halves).
• Three sides.
• Covers for volume and power buttons.

That kit costs $49. For an extra $5, Toast will cut out the Microsoft logo and for another $5 the company can add some custom text.

Interestingly, there is also an optional wood panel for all of Microsoft's Type Covers. These come in the same four matching wood options but have no engraving. They cost $19 and while I thought it was weird – after all, it must stick to the bottom, fuzzy part of the keyboard – I opted to buy one to see what it was like.

For another $15, you can get a matching front panel to go around the Surface Pro's display. However, as I prefer the blackout look of the current Surface Pro bezel, I chose not to add that to my review.

There are also four types of wood to choose from, including ash, bamboo, walnut, and ebony, and four unique fonts for the optional custom text.

Surface Pro LTE's unique headphone conundrum solved

Installing the Toast cover for Surface Pro was a breeze with a few long strips for the sides and the two panels for the back. Total installation took about 15 minutes, which was a lot less than Surface Book 2.

However, I quickly discovered something new. The Surface Pro with LTE's headphone jack is a few millimeters lower than the non-LTE variant. This shift makes some sense as behind that 3.5mm jack sits the new LTE modem. As a result, the cutout for the jack was slightly off-center.

I quickly contacted Toast with some sample photos and comparisons. That was all they needed, and within five days they had a replacement piece for me. The new version – which is now shipping – has a longer headphone cutout that accommodates either model. That means it looks slightly off-center now, but it cuts down on costs since there is no need to keep two versions (plus, the LTE model likely has fewer sales than the non-LTE version).

Type Cover panel is worth it

I bought the additional Type Cover wood panel assuming I wouldn't like it, but it is great for people who desire a complete wood finish. The panel sticks to the bottom of the Surface Type cover using the same 3M tape. There is also a single strip that goes near the back. In the last two weeks, it hasn't come off or loosened.

The wood panel on the Type Cover makes it a bit heavier (almost twice the weight of the thin keyboard), but it also feels sturdier to type on and has a nice thud when opened.

Texture-wise, it also feels more consistent with smooth wood on the back and bottom covers.

Surface Pro + Toast juxtaposes tech with nature

I did not see any degradation in my LTE signal using the Toast cover, nor would I expect any.

Regarding quality, service, and value, does an excellent job. Not only have they consistently delivered on all three products I bought, but even when something was wrong, they very quickly resolved it to my satisfaction.

The Toast Surface Pro cover is a good one. I like the bamboo color, which doesn't contrast too much with the silver chassis. It also has a nicer texture than the ash wood I used for Surface Book 2.

• See at Toast
• See wood panel for Type Cover

Pros:

• High quality, real wood cover.
• Easy to apply and precisely cut.
• Many options.
• Helps protect from scratches or cover existing ones.

Cons:

• Expensive.
• Adds bulk to the Surface Pro.

The Surface Pro is already light and thin. Adding a Toast cover – even with the optional Type Cover panel – does not drastically alter the feel of the Surface Pro. There is some added weight, which is a concern, but it is not nearly as dramatic as it was with the larger Surface Book 2.

If you are interested in this cover, order it in walnut or bamboo, opt for the $5 Microsoft logo cutout (which looks great), and maybe consider the Type Cover panel as well.

Buying a new, expensive product only to have it replaced by a newer model a few weeks or months later is a big fear for a lot of tech buyers. You're paying good money and you want the latest and greatest for it.

In the case of the Surface Pro, there's nothing right now to suggest a refresh, but it's playing on the minds of one community member.

Related: When is the best time to buy a Surface Pro?

One rule I have: If you wait for the next big new thing, you'll always be waiting. And to some extent, that's absolutely true. You may want a Surface Pro now, but what's to say if you wait, HP, Dell, Lenovo or ASUS won't put out a better product that you want even more?

In the case of the Surface Pro, in particular, Microsoft is only now pushing out an LTE model, so it's not that likely a new one is right around the corner. So it's probably safe to go with the current one if you're nervous a new model is coming soon.

But it also raises another question: Do you think Microsoft will refresh the Surface Pro later this year? Would you wait and see or do what I'd do and jump in right now? Jump into the forums thread below and join the discussion.

From the forums: When will we see a new Surface Pro?

See at Microsoft

The latest Surface Pro from Microsoft is a stellar 2-in-1 device, offering up performance hardware, a beautiful touch display with 3:2 aspect ratio, and Surface Pen compatibility. It also has two 1080p cameras, one front-facing (5.0MP) and one rear-facing (8.0MP).

These cameras capture decent quality images when it comes to stills and video conferencing — as well as allowing you to sign in with Windows Hello facial recognition — but for some they're not enough.

Windows Central forum member Isaiah Heart recently created a thread asking whether or not the camera should be the focus (pun intended?) of the next Surface Pro.

Isaiah Heart mentions that the current Surface Pro has "a good camera" but goes on to mention a wish-list of PureView tech, Zeiss lenses, tri-LED flash, and 4K capabilities.

Do you think Microsoft should focus more on the camera in the next Surface Pro? Would you rather see a better front-facing or a better rear-facing camera? Drop by our forum and join the discussion.

• Join the discussion on the Windows Central forum
• Related: Surface Pro keyboards that cost less than Microsoft's Type Covers

For those who own a Surface Pro (4 or 2017) or Surface Book (1 or 2), you may notice an occasional and subtle flickering of the display, especially at night with a dimmed screen. Some of that may be attributable to "adaptive contrast," which auto-adjusts aspects of the screen based on light or dark scenes.

In this quick guide, we explain the difference between adaptive contrast and adaptive brightness, and more specifically, how to disable it.

What is adaptive contrast?

Adaptive contrast is very different than auto-brightness (or adaptive brightness) found under Settings > System > Display, which ramps up and down the display backlight on ambient lighting conditions.

Adaptive contrast differs because it adjusts based on the current image on your display rather than the ambient light in your room. It's like edge-lit local dimming of specific zones due to what is on the screen. (This is also different than High Dynamic Range (HDR), which is much more sophisticated and precise with more color-depth).

The feature is standard on modern TVs and high-end gaming monitors, but it can also be a source of frustration for some. The effect is most noticeable at night when you tend to have a lower display brightness because you're in a dark room.

To simulate the effect, go into a dark room, and open Microsoft Word (or anything with a white background) then switch to an app that is all black like Settings (if dark mode is enabled). You should see the screen slowly and smoothly dim and shift contrast.

Unfortunately, while you can easily disable adaptive brightness under Settings > System > Display > Change brightness automatically when lighting changes there is no easy way to disable adaptive contrast. While many users conflate the two, disabling auto-brightness won't solve this behavior if it bothers you.

Note: Some users install Intel's graphics drivers manually to enable the Intel graphics panel settings. While that will give you the option to disable adaptive contrast, the associated drivers – which are not approved for Surface – can have detrimental effects including BSODs, system crashes, and other instability.

How to disable adaptive contrast using the registry

Since Microsoft does not offer a way to disable adaptive contrast through the Windows 10 OS, the most direct way to do it is through the registry.

Warning: Modifying the system registry can have dire repercussions if not followed precisely, including driver failures, system instability, or not being able to boot into Windows. Users are always encouraged to run a system backup before making any changes to the registry.

Luckily, the registry change to disable adaptive brightness is just one key with a number change. The trick, however, is finding it. Here's how:

1. From the Start screen search for regedit.

2. Right-click it, and then and click or tap Run as administrator from the app command.

3. Navigate toComputer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Control\Class\{4d36e968-e325-11ce-bfc1-08002be10318}\0001

4. Scroll down to mid-page, and then find FeatureTestControl and double-click to edit the DWORD Value.
5. Change Value data from 9240 (default) to 9250 (leave in base hexadecimal).
6. Hit OK to save the changes.

7. Restart the Surface Pro or Surface Book to enable the change.

This registry change efficiently kills adaptive contrast with, as far as we know, no negative repercussions. To re-enable the feature, just retrace the above steps and change 9250 back to 9240, save, and restart.

Some users have noted that any time there is a significant Windows update this setting is reset to default (9240), so you may need to redo this edit once or twice a year.

More Windows 10 resources

For more help articles, coverage, and answers related to Windows 10, you can visit the following resources:

• Windows 10 on Windows Central – All you need to know
• Windows 10 help, tips, and tricks
• Windows 10 forums on Windows Central

After an initial launch for businesses in late 2017, the Surface Pro with LTE is coming to retail markets in the U.S., Canada, and Australia starting on May 1st (preorders start March 6). Featuring an Intel Core i5 processor and 4G LTE Advanced the Surface Pro may now finally be the perfect laptop and tablet combo for those who travel or need always-connected abilities.

I spent the last week using the Surface Pro with LTE on T-Mobile and AT&T in the U.S. Is the custom-engineered LTE data solution that useful and how well does Windows 10 handle it? All of that and more are answered in my full review.

Surface Pro meets LTE

I've already reviewed the Surface Pro (2017) with a Core i7 including benchmarks, display accuracy, battery life, noise and more. Additionally, I did a deep dive comparison review with the Core i5 Surface Pro – and compared it to the Core i7 variant.

While I'll reuse some of that material this review will focus mainly on the experience with 4G LTE and the Surface Pro including battery, network hand-off, and new cellular features in Windows 10.

See at Microsoft

Related: Surface Pro keyboards that cost less than Microsoft's Type Covers

Surface Pro with LTE specifications and design

Microsoft is keeping the Surface Pro with LTE very much the same to the Surface Pro launched in summer of 2017.

Just one model is available with LTE Advanced, and it uses the Intel Core i5-7300U with 256GB of storage and 8GB of RAM ($1,449). That price does not include the new Surface Pen ($99) and Surface Signature Type Cover ($159) as is typical of all Surface Pros.

Update: Microsoft mistakingly noted there were would be two models with LTE as there were with enterrprise. However, there is no longer a 4GB/128GB variant, just the 8GB/256GB option. This review has been updated to reflect that change.

The reason for no Core i7 model is simple: the area for the CPU fan in the Core i7 Surface Pro is now used for the LTE and modem in the fanless Core i5 one.

4G LTE Advanced Modem

While Microsoft could have made a Core i7 model, it would have had to cut something from the Surface Pro – most likely a reduction in battery size or a thicker device – something the Surface team avoided.

Instead, the Surface Pro with LTE is indistinguishable from the non-LTE variant save for the top of the Surface Pro which is now polycarbonate (for the LTE antennas) merged with the magnesium chassis. Microsoft boasts that this required "the development of an industry first process" to fuse the two materials into a "gapless and stepless fusion." It works too as you can't see the difference, and cannot feel it either.

Regarding weight, the Surface Pro with LTE is a smidge heavier (0.05 lbs, or 22 g) than the Core i7 model, but the difference is so small that it is a technicality.

Microsoft placed the Nano SIM tray next to the micro SD slot underneath the kickstand. A SIM tool (long pin; included) is used to eject it. In a clever move, Microsoft made the tray magnetic, so it sticks to the Surface Pro making it more difficult to lose.

SIM, eSIM, and cellular abilities

Dropping in a SIM to the Surface Pro is simple and does not require a restart of Windows 10. After a few seconds, the network is detected. The SIM does not even have to be on a data-only plan. Take your current SIM from your smartphone and drop it in and it'll work too. (Alas, even then you cannot send text messages though using the Windows app).

Users can then follow the carrier experience to learn more about that data usage, remaining data, and billing. For T-Mobile, this just takes you to a simple web page where you can data consumed and plan details.

AT&T customers, however, get a free recently updated app from Microsoft Store called AT&T Communication Manager (also on Android, but not iOS) that is just outstanding.

The AT&T app lets you visualize data usage, remaining data, how much time left on the billing cycle, program data usage alerts, make the Surface Pro a mobile hotspot, and get notifications from AT&T including billing reminders. The app is linked to the cellular signal area in the taskbar, or you can pin AT&T Communication Manager to your Start menu and use the excellent Live Tile.

Later this year, Microsoft will begin offering customers the ability to purchase data plans directly through the Microsoft Store. With embedded SIM (eSIM) technology customers can buy for instance 700MB of data for a few dollars and have it immediately enabled with no physical SIM.

The ability to use eSIM means if you travel to a foreign country you could buy a data plan through the Microsoft Store and be online instantly. You can also manage and re-up the data plan all without having to go to a carrier store, talk to a sales representative, or get a physical SIM.

With a physical SIM (say from Verizon) you could also add an eSIM account to the Surface Pro and have two data plans at the same time. Users can swap between them using the data connection manager, but this process is no different than switching Wi-Fi networks. That makes Surface Pro with LTE a dual-SIM PC.

Windows 10 and cellular controls

Despite appearances, Microsoft did not just drop an LTE modem into the Surface Pro and call it a day. Instead, the company has done a startling amount of work in Windows 10 to give complete control to the user over how cellular data is used.

There is the expected global toggle for cellular, so the Surface Pro stays only on Wi-Fi, and the LTE modem is off. But there is much more too.

For instance, users can choose to use cellular instead of Wi-Fi when the signal is weak (the other option is 'never'). Users can also restrict background data on cellular automatically when you are near your carrier data allowance, always restrict, or never.

For finer tuned controls users can go into cellular data advanced settings and toggle which specific apps can use mobile data (independently of Wi-Fi) and which do not. That's great if you have Steam on your Surface Pro, but do not want to waste precious LTE data on updating a video game.

Microsoft also breaks down data usage between Wi-Fi and cellular with an exact megabyte count. Going deeper, you can see which apps are using LTE data and how much – ideal for tracking down any rogue programs that may be using too much data behind your back.

Windows 10 is smart too. When I dropped my AT&T SIM into the Surface Pro, it grabbed AT&T Communication Manager by opening the Microsoft Store automatically. I didn't even have to log in – AT&T Communication Manager took about 30 seconds and pulled in all my info from my account. That information is then automatically ported to the OS. Under cellular settings, Windows 10 "knows" my data limit for the month is 6 GB and even when my plan expires and resets. (You can also edit and override these limits and set roaming options).

Overall, Microsoft went beyond my expectations with the deep integration of cellular data and account management. Everything felt native to the OS and not bootstrapped. AT&T also gets credit for offering an outstanding app to manage your account. Considering 4G LTE can be expensive having these Windows management tools gives relief for those worried about a potentially data-hungry OS.

Thankfully, in my tests, Windows 10 did not seem to consume much data at all by being on 4G LTE save for running Microsoft Edge, doing bandwidth tests, and just using the internet as expected.

LTE data performance, battery, and GPS

The Surface Pro with LTE has a theoretical data limit of pulling down 450 Mbps and uploading at 150 Mbps. Both numbers are highly unlikely for real-world usage – for now – but the powerful Snapdragon x16 modem is future proofed supporting technologies not-yet-available on carrier networks. Microsoft notes they can enable these features through firmware updates as carriers will allow them.

Though 450 Mbps may seem crazy, there are significant benefits. At home, I managed three out of five bars on AT&T for a signal using the Surface Pro (matching my phones). Despite that, the Surface Pro pulled an astounding 85 Mbps for downloads. I'm embarrassed to report that the Surface Pro on AT&T LTE is around 20 percent faster than my home cable Wi-Fi network.

Evidently the Surface Pro can haul some significant 4G data!

Pushing closer to a full signal and the Surface Pro yielded upwards of 100 Mbps on AT&T, which is something I am not accustomed too at all for any connected device. (My hunch is when within line of sight of an AT&T cellular tower the Surface Pro could hit past 100 Mbps).

My average download speed over multiple location tests was 68 Mbps – an impressive number for a mobile laptop. Location, distance to cellular towers, quality of the 4G network, and how far indoors you are will cause variations.

Uploads speeds peaked around 45 Mbps but often hung around the 20 Mbps mark on average.

The Surface Pro with LTE also supports GPS. Combined with the built-in Maps feature of Windows 10 and the ability to download maps for offline usage that means you can use the Surface Pro with LTE as a glorified navigation tool in your car (yes, the car navigation function in Maps works), when in the woods, or on a hike. That navigation capability opens many doors for the hobbyist or those just wondering where they are in the big city.

For battery things get complicated. Microsoft cites one hour less – 12.5 hours versus 13.5 hours – with the LTE-enabled Surface Pro using a video loopback test (but no active data pulling). How much battery is consumed by LTE depends on how many data-hungry apps you are currently using and the strength of the LTE signal. Toss in complications like display brightness and how hard you are pushing the CPU and battery life is tricky to estimate.

The Surface Pro with LTE is much more efficient, however than previous PCs with 4G modems: when the Surface Pro is idling or in standby the cellular data connection shifts to a low-power mode. Likewise, when not connected to Wi-Fi, but in standby.

Compared to my non-LTE Surface Pro Core i5, I barely noticed a difference. When wandering my neighborhood and using LTE, the Surface Pro draws battery as if it were pulling data from Wi-Fi. Same when in standby. Nor did I witness any rogue apps pulling cellular data like crazy when on standby. Quite the opposite as my mobile data barely budged after 12 hours in standby.

If you are using the Surface Pro with LTE to hit a few websites, pull in the mail for Outlook, or use Twitter the toll on battery life compared to the non-LTE model feels almost negligible. I can still yield nearly eight hours a day of work and usage.

Of course, a lot of this can be mitigated by the user partially because of how fast it all works together. When at home or working in a building with Wi-Fi and on battery, the user just taps a single software button to turn off the cellular radio saving some juice. The time it takes to turn on cellular before it connects to the LTE network is just two seconds making it nearly impossible to be inconvenient.

Combined with the previously mentioned data-saving tools built into Windows 10 OS the Surface Pro with LTE is not only easy to manage for data and battery but is also very efficient too on its own.

Who should buy the Surface Pro with LTE?

For those who just love the Surface Pro, it is hard to argue against the Surface Pro with LTE save for the usual pricing gripes. If you are a diehard user, the addition of being always-connected and eSIM technology is very tempting. For me, the Surface Pro has taken on a whole new life. I take it everywhere, because why not? It gets excellent battery life, is quiet, is fast, and is super portable.

Those who travel for business around the world will appreciate the global LTE bands, unlocked SIM, and ease of adding networks (two if you use an eSIM).

I'd also not hasten to add reporters and journalists should love this combination of portability, inking, and the ability to work anywhere without relying on shoddy Wi-Fi or public networks.

College students would also love the functionality, but now pricing becomes a significant factor. While $1,450 is still within the range of many U.S. college students' budget (who often put PCs on their loans) – and still comparable to some Apple offerings – it's still a pricey option.

Some would argue that they are always near Wi-Fi ergo cellular abilities are redundant. While I see the point, I believe if all laptops and tablets had LTE, people would use them. The more significant problem is most people (rightly) don't want to commit to a monthly, recurring data plan for something they may use.

Luckily, this is something that should be alleviated through the Microsoft Store and eSIM in the coming months.

Surface Pro with LTE is impressive, but it took too long

My one big complaint about the Surface Pro with LTE is just timing. Microsoft took nearly ten months between its announcement and consumer availability. Even then, the initial launch is in only three countries.

While some wiggle room is allowed for being Microsoft's "first" Pro device with 4G LTE that is entirely too lengthy. That may rub some who bought the Surface Pro in the last few months the wrong way.

Nonetheless, I do not expect a new Surface Pro in 2018, and when combined with the powerful, forward-leaning Snapdragon X16 4G modem this device has some substantial shelf life. That makes reselling and a purchase a viable option.

The other obvious complaint is the limited hardware configurations. Some users will also lament the lack of 16GB of RAM or a zippier option with a Core i7 processor – all valid points. If you are one of those, who want a Surface Pro with LTE, with an i7, with 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage…well, this is not your year.

From my usage, I'm more than OK with the 8/256 option and the Core i5-7300U processor. It's fast, ran my web browser with a dozen tabs, and with no fan, it is quiet to use. In short, this Surface Pro is nothing short of my dream tablet.

While all the original complaints of the Surface Pro 2017 still carry here, such as no USB Type-C, limited availability, higher than average pricing, and no 8th-gen processor, the overall experience of taking a Windows 10 computer of this caliber with me always is game-changing in balancing my job and life. The seamless integration of LTE is just icing on the cake. And Microsoft should get credit for that - the LTE experience here is excellent, seamless, an it feels native. The company did an excellent job in hardware and software.

Finally, with Windows 10 on ARM and Always Connected PCs around the corner, the lower price point and instant-on capabilities may be more appealing (the tradeoff: a less powerful CPU) for those interested in this form factor.

See at Microsoft

Pros:

• Excellent LTE integration, performance, and controls.
• Battery life not really affected.
• Snapdragon X16 and eSIM help "future proof".

Cons:

• Late to market and last gen CPU.
• No USB Type-C.
• Still expensive.

Further reading

• Full Surface Pro (2017) review
• Microsoft didn't cut corners to ditch the fan in Surface Pro (2017) with Core i5
• Best Surface Pro Accessories of 2018
• Best External Monitors for Surface Pro of 2018
• Best Microsoft Surface Pro Sleeves of 2018
• Best Cases for Surface Pro of 2018

Marketing is important to a product's positioning, what products it will compete against and how it's perceived independently and in relation to other products in a category.

Microsoft's Surface Pro was a unique device that was designed to showcase Windows 8, an OS meant to transition seamlessly between the touch-friendly mobility of tablets and the productivity context of laptops. Conceived during a time, per Surface creator Panos Panay when tablets were predicted to replace laptops, Surface was intentionally designed to meet that shift while retaining the productivity forte' of Windows on a laptop form factor.

Putting the full power the PC into a tablet form factor was, therefore, the springboard of the Surface journey.

Surface Pro

In 2012 former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer introduced Surface Pro, the tablet that can replace your laptop (which came to market in early 2013). Ballmer's walking around stage with the keyboardless Surface (touch and type covers were introduced later in the presentation) was an interesting visual that hammered home the tablet positioning of this device.

The focus on leisure activities, Store apps and the kickstand which allowed comfortable media consumption were highlighted before the introduction of the keyboard which allowed the more familiar Windows productivity scenarios.

It's important to remember that in 2012 Windows tablets were woefully absent from a popular slate tablet space dominated by iPads and Android tablets. Microsoft's Surface and Continuum-enabled context-conforming Windows UI was Microsoft's way of bringing a Windows tablet category to market buttressed by the strength of its desktop legacy.

Surface Pro 2

Surface Pro 2 began an interesting trend in Surfaces evolution and the language used to define it. Though Panay presented the Pro 2 as the most powerful professional tablet, the context and the language he used to qualify these claims reveal how Microsoft was really positioning this tablet.

His reference (above video) to how this tablet was faster than 95 percent of the laptops in the market (at the time), and highlighting the revised kickstand for better lap use reveal the product category Microsoft was really targeting with Surface. He referred to the device as a full PC and referenced transforming that word (PC) and putting it into a tablet form factor.

This PC positioning was hammered home when Panay introduced the Surface Docking Station which allowed the Pro 2 to power up to two screens in a desktop scenario and handled raw image/video processing from one of the movie industries most advanced cameras.

Surface Pro 3

Though the first two Surface iterations lost Microsoft $1 billion the company plowed forward. CEO Satya Nadella shared that the company wanted to design a device that takes the best of a tablet and laptop and enables individuals to both consume and create in various scenarios from literature, art and even movies. He qualified the Surface Pro 3 as a major step toward that goal.

Panay expressed that the company was, at this time, at a crossroads because when consumers went to make a purchase, there was a conflict as to whether they should get a tablet or laptop. "What is it that you want to do?", the question sales clerks ask, Panay shared was the context for Microsoft's Surface strategy.

Ultimately people have both a tablet and laptop in their bags and phone in their pocket he acknowledged. He also highlighted that 96 percent of the journalists at the Surface Pro 3 event were using laptops, and not tablets, which were predicted years earlier as laptop replacements. It is upon this reality that the Surface marketing continued to evolve from a tablet to laptop positioning.

Panay stressed the early "click and do more" motto which differed from the primary consumption use of tablets. He also stressed how the 12-inch display of the Surface Pro 3 showed six percent more content than that 13-inch MacBook due to its 3:2 aspect ratio. He also bragged about the PC power in this thin tablet form factor. And to drive his point home, he put an iPad and MacBook on one side of a scale and the Surface Pro 3 on the other to demonstrate how it was lighter than the laptop and tablet it was positioned to replace. From Microsoft's perspective Surface Pro 3 was a turning point that began resolving the conflict PC and tablet consumers have.

How the Surface changed Microsoft forever

Surface Pro 4 and Surface Pro 2017

During the Surface Pro 4's introduction, Panay consistently compared it to a Macbook. In fact, he stated that he wouldn't compare it to any tablet because there was no tablet in its class. So though Microsoft still pushed the "the tablet that can replace your laptop" tagline with the Pro 4, it's clear the company had long been targeting, and was settling on, laptop users as the Surface's audience.

Part of this laptop positioning was doubtless a play to the company's strengths. Though Surface's tablet design is both efficient and premium, the software ecosystem for consumption activity on Windows falls short compared to iOS and Android. Second, over the years, the slate tablet form factor has dropped in popularity as the market favors 2-in-1s. Thus, by the fifth iteration of Surface Pro, the combination of the state of the tablet industry and Microsoft's own strengths positions the company to, without reservation, bring the Surface's laptop focus to the forefront.

Thus, Surface Pro 2017 with its 165-degree hinge and Surface Studio-inspired Studio mode, LTE for improved mobility, more advanced camera and microphones for Skype communication, detachable tablet mode and more, make this Surface, at least from Microsoft's perspective, the most versatile laptop.

See at Microsoft

Is it really laptop?

Our own Senior Editor Zac Bowden contends with this designation. Though I'm not completely sold on its accuracy, Microsoft has progressively positioned Surface Pro more as a laptop than tablet.

And though it is not a "laptop" in the traditional sense, particularly with the keyboard sold separately as Bowden points out, perhaps its category-defining nature and "most versatile" designation makes allowances for this "non-traditional" laptop packaging. Perhaps. What do you think?

Related reading

Surface Pro 2017 Review

Microsoft's Surface Pro is an outstanding 2-in-1 device that has found a place in both the professional and casual tech worlds. Battery life is impressive, at about eight hours of continuous use from a single charge, and its design means it can be comfortably used as a notebook or tablet.

Windows Central forum member rchapman80 recently started a thread about the Surface Pro and AC adapters. rchapman80 received a 65W charger with the purchase of an i5 Surface Pro and is now looking to purchase a second adapter for a travel bag.

rchapman80 goes on to ask if the 102W Surface Book charger (about $100) is worth the extra money over another 65W charger (about $80).

There are already plenty of replies, with many other forum members offering up buying options that they've already purchased. Do you have any words of wisdom for rchapman80? Is there any benefit to going with the more expensive charger from Microsoft, or is there a third-party option that works better? Head over to the forum and let your voice be heard!

Join the discussion on the Windows Central forum

The latest version of the Surface Dock was released more than two years ago. And though it gets the job done for most folks who want to use their Surface PCs to power a desktop workstation, or some extra ports, the Dock is lacking in a few key ways that are becoming more apparent thanks to powerful new Surface hardware, technological advancements, and price drops in 4K display technology.

From our forums: With the Surface Book 2 out, will Microsoft update the Surface dock?

I've been using a Surface Dock daily for the past six months or so, at first with my Surface Pro and now with a Surface Book 2. And while there's a lot to love — it's generally reliable, portable, simple to use and functional — it has a couple of glaring weakness, at least for a subset of advanced Surface users.

Here's a list of reasons why Microsoft needs to release a new Surface Dock, as well as some changes we'd like to see when it does.

See at Microsoft

Surface Dock may not keep Surface Book 2 charged

As noted, I've been using my 15-inch Surface Book 2 with the Surface Dock. And I haven't had any issues during everyday computing. However, the Surface Dock power supply provides only 90 watts (W), and that charge is distributed to the various gadgets you connect to it. The cord that comes with the Surface Book 2 delivers 102W. Even if you use the 102W cord with the Dock, you're not getting as much power as the Surface Book needs in certain situations.

Our Executive Editor Daniel Rubino recently explained why the Surface Dock is not well suited for use with the 15-inch Surface Book 2, despite the fact that Microsoft's Dock page says it supports that laptop and does not mention any potential power limitations.

From Rubino:

Surface Book 2 users who want the best possible experience may want to use it along with a monitor and various other devices. And they may want to enable the device's "Best performance" mode. But the Surface Dock could result in power drainage while the device is plugged in, which is unfortunate, at best, and possibly unacceptable for some users.

Microsoft's Surface Dock is now behind the times, in this regard, and it's not a good look for the company to only offer a Dock that cannot keep up with its highest-end laptop.

Surface Dock's (increasingly) poor port selection

The current Surface Dock has the following ports: two Mini DisplayPorts, one Gigabit Ethernet port, four USB 3.0 ports and one 3.5mm audio-out port. Two years ago, the port array in the Surface Dock was acceptable. Today, not so much.

Why? There is no HDMI. There's no USB-C. And as such, the Dock also doesn't support Thunderbolt 3. All of which are standards these days.

For most Surface users, none of these omissions are deal breakers. But with the release of the Surface Book 2, they start to look like exactly that — omissions — instead of simple design decisions. And as Microsoft updates and releases additional new Surfaces, this will only become more apparent and more unfortunate.

The new Surface Dock needs to have all of these ports, more than one of them in some instances, so that it's "future proof." And Microsoft needs to release it sooner than later, before this becomes an issue for more Surface owners.

What about 4K displays?

Microsoft says the Surface Dock has "two high-definition video ports." But the company is careful to avoid the term 4K. Why?

Though you can connect and use two 4K displays along with your PC via the Surface Dock, the experience is less than ideal. Current Surface devices — not just the Dock, but the PCs themselves — only support 30 frame-per-second (FPS) refresh rates for two displays at true 4K, or at least 3,840 x 2,160 pixels, according to Microsoft.That's not going to provide the experience most people who pay for two 4K displays, and who game or watch 4K content on them, expect, which would require a refresh rate of at least 60 FPS. (The latest Surface PCs can, however, power one 4K display at 60 FPS.)

What's that have to do with the Surface Dock? Right now, not much. But when Microsoft updates some, or all, of its Surface hardware to support true 4K on two or more displays, the Surface Dock needs to be able to keep up.

To sum that all up …

For most Surface users today, the Surface Dock is a suitable, though not perfect, docking solution. To be fair, the current Dock works well for the most part. It's portable and reliable. And it's very easy to set up and use.

But that's not enough. It was released two years ago, and in the tech world, that's a lifetime. It's also quite clunky and doesn't really fit the Surface aesthetic. But those a minor complaints.

The bottom line is that it's time for Microsoft to release an updated version of the Surface Dock, so all the potential problems described in this post become nonissues instead of genuine gripes.

See at Microsoft

Microsoft's Corporate Vice President of Devices Panos Panay today announced at Future Decoded 2017 in London that the Surface Pro with LTE Advanced will be available starting December for business customers.

The Surface Pro with LTE Advanced has a Cat 9 modem, which according to Microsoft, makes it the fastest LTE-enabled laptop in its class. The Surface Pro LTE also delivers global connectivity, with support for 20 cellular bands making it a great choice for people who are always on the go or traveling between countries.

Microsoft hasn't yet confirmed which Surface Pro configurations will be available with LTE, and it appears the device won't be available to consumer customers until 2018. The Surface Pro product page on the Microsoft Store stated earlier that the LTE model would be available at retail in the spring of 2018, however, that reference has now been removed.

Today's Surface Pro LTE announcement comes after its initial unveiling back in May. Microsoft stated then that the LTE model would be made available at the end of this year, and bringing the Surface Pro with LTE Advanced to business customers in December meets that goal.

Microsoft believes that the future of computing is mobile, which is why it's important to have products that support LTE capabilities. The office isn't just a fixed place anymore. People are working from their homes, on the go, in coffee shops, and in cars. Microsoft believes LTE will help people stay productive on the go.

Are you interested in buying the Surface Pro with LTE? Let us know in the comments!

See Surface Pro at Microsoft

Microsoft recently announced a collaboration with Finnish-based Marimekko for the Surface Pro. The accessories range from simple decorative skins to protective sleeves, and even a couple of Type Covers.

Founded in 1951, Marimekko is one well-known to the fashionistas of the world. Marimekko reportedly become popular when Jackie Kennedy starting wearing the dresses in the 1960's and even the show Sex and the City (1998) featured the famous patterns. Indeed, Unikko (poppy) is one of the most well-known designs to this day.

All of this sets the stage for these new Surface accessories made with Marimekko. While some prefer neutral colors, or dull "business black" at least Marimekko can appeal to those who want a chicer Surface appearance.

I managed to get my hands on the different stylings, and I must admit they do draw attention. (I'm using Siirtolapuutarha (walled garden) on my Surface Pro and Kaivo (well) for the Type Cover.)

While the Marimekko accessories are not cheap for those who want to make a fashion statement with some iconic patterns, Microsoft and Marimekko are making that happen.

Read more about the project direct from Microsoft or see the accessories yourself at the Microsoft Store.

See at Microsoft

Microsoft has today launched a brand new "Aqua" colored set of Surface Pro accessories for those who have been waiting for a new colored Type Cover or Surface Pen. Hardware wise, the new Aqua set is identical to all the other Surface Pro accessories, with the only difference being its color.

That means these accessories should work just fine on not only the Surface Pro 2017, but the Surface Pro 4 and Surface Pro 3 as well. Pricing will also be the same, $159.99 for the Type Cover, $99.99 for the Surface Pen and $79.99 for the Surface Arc Touch Mouse.

You can read all about the design process behind the new color choice and more on the Surface Blog.

The new color set will available to order later today and customers can order each item separately as well.

• See Type Cover at Microsoft
• See Surface Arc Mouse at Microsoft
• See Surface Pen at Microsoft

I use a Surface Pro every day, and though I'm a big fan of it in general, it can be … quirky at times. Every week or so, if I don't remember to restart it on my own, for example, my Surface Pro will randomly freeze up, usually after it's been asleep for a while and I wake it and try to get right down to business. (This frequent freeze rate was apparently one reason why tech reviews site Consumer Reports recently blasted the entire Surface line, though those ratings didn't apply to the latest generation of Surfaces.)

Why you should question Consumer Reports' Microsoft Surface reliability claims

If you're using a new Surface Pro, Surface Laptop or Surface Studio, there is a quick-and-easy fix for the Surface-freeze problem. (If you use an older Surface model, you can find more information on how to fix your frozen PC on Microsoft's website

How to force your frozen Surface to shut down

If your Surface Pro, Laptop or Studio is unresponsive, follow this process to shut it down and then restart it:

1. Press and hold the power button until the display turns off. This will take roughly 10 seconds, but on rare occasion it may take longer.
2. Let go off the power button and wait several seconds.
3. Press the power button again to turn the Surface back on. The Windows logo should appear on the screen.

That's it. This process may seem obvious or intuitive, and in fact it is … once you know how to do it. But if you're a new Surface owner dealing with freeze-ups for the first time, it can be absolutely maddening if you don't know how to fix the problem.

In the rare case that this does not force your Surface to shut down, simply hold the power button for as long as it takes for the device to restart on its own. On a few occasions, I had to hold the power button for as long as 30 seconds, but eventually my Surface Pro restarted.

After you've fixed the freeze-up issue, it's also a good idea to check for software updates and install them immediately, because delayed updates could be contributing to the cause of your problem. Just search "check for updates" in your taskbar search, and then click the "Check for updates" box in the Windows Update window that appears.

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about my recent experiences switching from Mac to Windows, moving from a MacBook Pro to new Surface Pro. And though the transition was mostly smooth, I noted that I had some issues getting my Logitech BRIO webcam working with my Surface Pro for Windows Hello face authentication.

Surface Pro impressions from a recovering Mac addict

Earlier this week, Logitech reached out to me to explain why its webcam wasn't working for face authentication and suggest a way to fix the problem. From Logitech:

Lo and behold, the solution worked. Here's how to use Windows Device Manager to disable your Surface's infrared (IR) camera and default to a third-part cam for Windows Hello.

How to disable your PC's camera using Windows Device Manager

Before you disable your Surface's built-in IR camera to use a third-party option for Windows Hello, ensure that the secondary camera supports Windows Hello face recognition and that it's plugged in and set up. Then follow these steps:

1. Search for "Device Manager" in your task bar search field.
2. Click on Windows Device Manager.
3. Scroll down to "System Devices," and click the right-facing arrow to open the menu.

4. Scroll down in that menu until you find "Microsoft IR Camera Front."
5. Right-click on "Microsoft IR Camera Front."
6. Click to select Disable device.

7. Click Yes in the pop-up box to confirm your decision to disable the camera. You should see a small downward-arrow icon to designate that the device is disabled.

Your Surface PC should default to the third-party camera for Windows Hello, but if not, make sure the device is set up and working properly otherwise. It's also a good idea to recalibrate Windows Hello using your new camera. And you might have to restart your PC.

How to improve Windows Hello facial recognition

You can make sure your third-party camera gets a good read on your face for authentication using these steps:

1. In your task bar search field, type "Sign-in options".
2. Click Sign-in options.
3. Under the section titled Windows Hello, click the Improve recognition button.

4. Follow the on-screen prompts and make sure you're looking straight into the camera.

5. You should receive a confirmation that the process is complete. If not, repeat these steps until you do.

Wrapping up

This easy process solved my issue with the Logitech Brio camera and my Surface Pro's Windows Hello authentication. Of course, the downside here is that if I want to use Windows Hello when I'm away from my office and my Logitech Brio, I need to re-enable the default Microsoft IR camera. It's relatively easy to do so (just reverse the process detailed here), but I wish Microsoft built some setting in that let you use a third-party camera for face authentication when docked to a monitor and webcam and then reverted to the built-in IR cam when you're out and about.

Anyway, a big thanks to Logitech for reaching out to help me solve my problem.

CR recently made headlines by chasing down another prominent laptop manufacturer and chiding them very publicly for reliability. Microsoft's Surface line is the target, whereas last year CR notoriously went after Apple's new MacBook Pro lineup for battery life issues, making similar headlines.

The new report dramatically differs from the 2017 J.D. Power Ratings for tablets, which was published in April. In that study, Surface beat out Apple for the No. 1 spot in customer satisfaction.

How can two reputable sources completely contradict each other? The devil, as they say, is in the details.

Reliability vs. user satisfaction

Perhaps the most significant difference between what CR and J.D. Power report comes down to focus. CR asks explicitly about reliability where J.D. Power is user satisfaction.

While there is some overlap between reliability and user satisfaction they are technically independent variables. For example, a user could enjoy the Surface, but have reliability problems in the future.

Indeed, it is not evident that J.D. Power even inquires about dependability. Instead, it asks about Surface ease of operation, features, styling, and design, and cost. That favors CR's claim, but since the methodology is undefined (more on that below) it's just a black box of "a few users" said something negative about Surface.

In fact, CR never defines what it even means by reliability and how it's quantified. It seems to range from the device shutting down to full on hardware failure, but we just do not know since CR do not tell the reader.

Comparing methodology

In science, assertions are written in papers, which are then submitted to journals for publication. The peer review process is grueling. I know, because I was once a Ph.D. student who went through the process numerous times. Picking apart methodology is the go-to target when reviewing any empirical claim.

Unfortunately, neither Consumer Reports nor J.D. Power is peer reviewed. As a result, you must rely on what both firms tell you, and often the methodology is opaque. Still, both companies share some details about how they conduct studies and arrive at conclusions.

Here is how Consumer Reports compares with J.D. Power for its Surface studies:

Consumer Reports relies on subscriber surveys – that is, people who pay Consumer Reports either online or for the magazine. J.D Power, however, chooses respondents randomly and contacts them through the mail, telephone, or email.

J.D. Power shares more detail on its methodology:

A red flag immediately comes up for Consumer Reports, whose demographic shifts towards older individuals versus controlling for age and other demographics (or at least ensuring randomness). Consumer Reports is not exactly something that people under 40 are likely subscribing to these days. Meanwhile, J.D. Power specifically highlights that "Microsoft also has a higher proportion of younger customers than their competitors."

None of that necessarily means Consumer Reports is wrong or that older folks respond differently than younger ones. However, when it comes to fixing problems with the OS — like when Consumer Reports mentions "their machines froze or shut down unexpectedly" — there could be an age-related bias.

Consumer Reports, however, should benefit from a much larger sample size: 90,000 versus only 2,000 for J.D. Power. While 2,000 respondents may not sound like a lot for statistical purposes, it is the baseline number for many political and commercial survey groups.

Both studies, however, fail for sampling size since neither tell us what percentage of its data are actual owners of a Surface. Both surveys are general tablet (J.D. Power) or tablet and laptop (CR) ones and not specifically Surface-only. One study could have 1,000 Surface owners and the other 20; or vice versa. That's a huge problem.

J.D. Power mentions that respondents have had their devices for less than one year, whereas Consumer Reports does not denote such data. That matters for the reliability part. especially since Consumer Reports is making claims beyond two years of ownership. J.D. Power's results by default do not count long-term experiences with the product, which is where CR is calling out Microsoft and Surface.

J.D. Power does provide much more detail from its survey, including breaking it down by percentages and categories:

Consumer Reports remains much vaguer in comparison:

Anyone submitting a scientific paper would be ridiculed for using such nondescript language as "a number of" or "a few" when describing a data set.

Furthermore, you can pick apart J.D. Power's results more than CR; they admit an age bias where "early adopters tend to have higher overall satisfaction." J.D. Power's results show that Surface owners are younger and more likely to be early adopters skewing towards greater user satisfaction.

CR does not detail such information making any analysis of its data pointless.

This is not the first time CR's methodology has been questioned. Its original MacBook Pro review for the 2016 refresh had glaring flaws that were called out by many, including Apple.

To avoid such nitpicking in the future CR should simply be more transparent on its data set, define its terms, detail its methods, and publish actual numbers.

Projections are not facts

The biggest issue I have with the Consumer Reports' study is that its conclusion is reached by estimating future trends based on older ones for devices not actually surveyed:

While projections are not bad – in fact, they are useful – CR extends its conclusion to the new Surface Pro (2017) and Surface Laptop. But CR admits its survey only applies to devices "bought new between 2014 and the beginning of 2017", which pre-dates availability of those PCs.

In other words, while it is fair to lump together the Surface 3, Surface Pro 3, Surface Pro 4, and Surface Book, CR is merely assuming the same trend applies for Surface Pro (2017) and Surface Laptop. The new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop could even be worse for reliability, but we do not know, and CR's survey does not account for them. Nonetheless:

To its credit, CR admits its survey data of older devices contradicts its lab testing of the new Surface Pro:

None of these critiques are slam dunk dismissals of CR's finding but rather considerations when accounting for its results.

Don't forget that Surface had real problems

Microsoft already has a black eye on the Surface line. The Surface Pro 4 and Surface Book had a spectacularly bad launch in late 2015. Intel's new Skylake processor platform, combined with the nascent Windows 10 OS, resulted in severe reliability problems for standby, slow Wi-Fi, Windows Hello, "blue screens," and more.

If you bought a Surface Pro 4 or Surface Book between October 2015 and May 2016, you likely had plenty of complaints. It was so bad that the future of the whole Surface endeavor was reportedly in question at Microsoft.

Going back further, Microsoft had issues with the standardized Micro-USB charging port on the Surface 3 where customers lost its charger but confusingly could not recharge it with their phones' Micro-USB adapters (not enough power), resulting in complaints.

Surface Pro 3, likewise, had some early dead pixel problems and fan reliability issues. Even Surface Pro 2 had overheating components.

Despite those issues, however, Microsoft is learning from its mistakes. Usability and reliability with Windows 10 across all hardware are up, and the Surface Pro and Surface Laptop seem to have stabilized. There has been nary a peep from Surface Studio owners about reliability as we near its one-year debut. Even the assumed "Alcantara-gate" for Surface Laptop (so far) has not panned out with seemingly no mass returns based on feared staining.

In the end, the damage to Microsoft by CR rests more on CR's fading reputation than sound methodology. Many older readers will just decide a future PC purchase based on its reliability estimate.

While it may seem uncouth to accuse CR of trying to garner attention as it becomes increasingly outdated, there are holes in its game. Unfortunately, that may not matter as the damage has been done. It is now up to Microsoft to ensure that current and future generations of Surface do not garner such a reputation, whether it's deserved or not.

The reason Consumer Reports took Microsoft and Surface to task was a significantly higher rate of breakage during the first couple of years of ownership, according to Reuters. Consumer Reports based its assessment on responses from 90,000 tablet and laptop owners and estimated that a full quarter of all Surface owners would experience some sort of problem with their PCs within two years of purchase. The most common issues with the Microsoft devices were reportedly frequent freezes, unexpected shutdowns, and touchscreen problems.

However, Microsoft quickly responded, saying it disagrees with the conclusion. Microsoft also said "its return and support rates differ significantly" than Consumer Reports' findings, Reuters says.

For what it's worth, Windows Central has a very active set of community forums based on the Surface lineup, and though we see posts regarding hardware issues and concerns about Surfaces, we have not seen constant complaints about Surface reliability. And a few months ago, J.D. Power, another trusted product recommendations company, released some very different findings.

Of course, that does not mean a problem doesn't exist.

Either way, the Consumer Reports findings are very bad news for Microsoft, because many people, especially those who aren't particularly tech savvy and who look to the most well-known names for product recommendations, rely heavily on Consumer Reports when making purchase decisions. It's going to be tough for the Surface lineup to come away from this without a major scar on its reputation.

What's worse: Apple's computers ranked highest in reliability in the study, according to Reuters.

If you own a new Surface Pro, we want to hear about your experience so far.

The new Surface Pro is a serious PC for serious Windows users. It's powerful, reliable and good looking. Read our Executive Editor Daniel Rubino's full review for all the details:

Surface Pro 2017 review: A 2-in-1 tablet you'll actually want to use.

But the Surface Pro isn't perfect. And some Windows Central forum users are experiencing issues, including "light bleed" and noise problems. Forum member CrippsCorner already swapped out one Surface Pro due to concern over light bleed. Now the replacement unit seems to be plagued by an abnormally noisy processor.

A number of Windows Central team members use the Surface Pro regularly, including me. None of us have experienced any serious hardware issues. My Pro (i7/16 GB RAM/512 GB storage) gets somewhat noisy when I'm running multiple resource-intensive apps at the same time, such a Photoshop, Skype and a Google Hangout video call, with lots of browser tabs open, sometimes in multiple browsers. But that's to be expected. It's not that noisy, and it doesn't bother me. For more of my thoughts on the Surface Pro, read:

Surface Pro impressions from a recovering Mac addict.

The bottom line here, however, is that if you're not happy with your Surface PC — or any PC, really — you should exchange it for a machine that satisfies you. Surfaces aren't cheap, and you shouldn't compromise. However, you should also be realistic and maintain some perspective when assessing potential issues. Some light bleed is normal, for example, as is some degree of processor sound.

What say you? Do you own a new Surface Pro? Have you experienced any of the issues described here? If so, which ones? Did you exchange your device? And did the exchange solve your problems? Pop on over to our Surface Pro forums and share your story.

From the forums: Noisy Surface Pro processor!

For roughly the past six years, while I worked for a well-known enterprise technology site, I was firmly seated on Apple's bandwagon. Today, I'm the managing editor of the best Windows blog in the whole damn world, and I'm wearing a Windows t-shirt. (Seriously, I love my Windows Central "Colors tee,", and I'm wearing it as I write this post.)

I recently made the switch from a 15-inch MacBook Pro (2016) to Surface Pro (2017), and I haven't looked back. But the transition wasn't always easy. Here's what I learned along the way, in the form of a list of things I like (love?) about the Surface Pro, along with some things I miss about the MacBook Pro.

See Surface Pro at Microsoft

(Note: While in some ways a comparison between the Surface Pro and iPad Pro makes more sense than a MacBook Pro comparison, I could never use the iPad Pro to replace my main work machine; it runs a mobile OS and is too limited. So in my case, the Surface Pro-MacBook comparison is more fitting.)

What Mac users will love about Microsoft's new Surface Pro

1. Surface Pro hardware is glorious

The look and feel of the new Surface Pro might be the best thing about it. From the second I removed it from the box and peeled away the protective film, I was smitten.

The Surface Pro is super slim. I was used to a 15-inch display, so the smaller 12.3-inch Surface display took some getting used. And if I'm honest, I miss that extra screen real estate when working or watching movies, but it's also nice to be able to take up less room on the tray table of a plane or train. (Of course, there is also a 13-inch MacBook Pro.)

Surface Pro is lovingly light, even with my Signature Type Cover attached. After lugging around the MacBook Pro for a few months, which isn't heavy by any means, the Surface Pro feels feather-light, and it's barely even noticeable in my backpack. I really appreciate that while traveling, when my bag is packed to the brim with other stuff and every ounce matters.

The Surface Pro looks great when propped up by its kickstand and attached to my Type Cover. And I love all the sharp angles and mirrored silver Windows logo on its backside. Apple's MacBook is also a looker, and I like the space gray finish. But it looks like every other MacBook. The Surface Pro is unique, and it grabs the eye.

As with a MacBook Pro, you pay a premium for the Surface Pro. But you can tell where that extra cash goes after spending some time with it.

2. Surface Dock easily turns Surface Pro into a powerful workstation

I use my Surface Pro in a desktop configuration, along with two 27-inch monitors, speakers, a 4K webcam, a printer, wired Ethernet, a backup drive and a charging cord for my phone. All of these things connect instantly to my Surface Pro via Microsoft's useful Surface Dock and my 2-in-1's Surface Connect port. That means I simply plug one cord into my Surface when I'm working at home, and I'm up and running.

The Surface Dock is not cheap at $200, but for me it's invaluable, and I simply couldn't use the Surface Pro as my main work machine without it. It has also worked flawlessly since I first set it up. And it is simple and intuitive to use.

Apple's unwillingness to release a similar docking station for MacBook has always frustrated me, and it shows the company's lack of regard for professional users, who need to connect multiple monitors and various other peripherals to do real work. I had to buy multiple Apple USB-C adaptors to use all the above-mentioned peripherals with my MacBook Pro, and I had to plug in at least three different adapters every time I wanted to sit down and use that laptop at my office workstation. They also were flaky and often didn't work when I needed them to. It was a real pain in the ass, and all the different adapters I needed ended up costing as much or more than the Surface Dock.

There are third-party docking stations available for Mac laptops, including Elgato's Thunderbolt docks that do many of the same things, but few if any offer as many ports as Microsoft's option. And the fact that Apple doesn't offer its own solution just rubs me the wrong way.

See Surface Dock at Microsoft

3. Surface Pen and Surface Pro are a dynamic duo

I'm no artist, and to be honest, my handwriting is worse than the average physician's. But I also still love writing by hand, and I collect all kinds of pens. So I had to get the new Surface Pen to go along with my Surface Pro.

I haven't really done anything truly productive with the Pen yet. I tested a few random drawing apps and tried the basic features of the Surface stylus. But that's it. Still, it's clear that the ability to draw and sketch or just jot notes in your own handwriting could be very valuable for certain creative types. And it's an awesome option to have.

Though Apple's iPad Pro works with the Apple Pencil and has some similar features and functionality, that tablet runs a limited mobile OS, meaning it cannot run all the apps available on macOS, so it was never a viable option for me. The MacBook Pro doesn't have a touch display or stylus support. So the Surface Pro has a clear advantage there, and I appreciate that.

From iMore: The difference between Apple Pencil and Surface Pen

I mostly use my Surface Pro in desktop configuration along with multiple monitors, or with its Type Cover like a laptop when I'm working away from home, and I rarely use it as a straight tablet. But I still appreciate the ability to lay down with my Surface on the couch and surf the web or read a book in tablet mode while navigating with the touch screen. That's simply not an option on the MacBook Pro.

See Surface Pen at Microsoft

4. Here's lookin' at you, Windows Hello face authentication

I didn't expect to like Windows Hello facial recognition as much as I do. My MacBook Pro has a fingerprint reader that is reliable and works 99 percent of the time. And I've used various other biometric authentication systems that were simply too flaky to rely on. So I didn't exactly have high expectations. Except for a few cases in extreme environments — such as outside in the bright sunlight or in a dark hotel room — the Windows Hello face authentication has worked flawlessly. And it's even more convenient than having to touch a fingerprint reader, because you don't have to do anything except look at your computer.

Windows Hello facial recognition is not Surface specific and it's available on many other Windows PCs. But there's no native facial recognition on Mac, and I can honestly say I'd miss Windows Hello if I switched back to Mac. Of course, the system isn't perfect, and it took me a while to figure out how to get it to work with my Logitech BRIO webcam. But it turns out that's a settings issue on the Surface.

That, friends, is the good stuff about Surface Pro, from a Mac user's perspective. But it's also just one side of the story.

Switching from Mac to a Windows PC: 10 tips to ease your tech transition

What MacBook Pro users will miss after a switch to Surface Pro

1. Surface Pro 'lapability' is laughable

Before I started editing Windows Central Senior Editor Zac Bowden, I'd never heard the term "lapability." I'd also never really used a 2-in-1 PC. You can't rely on a device like the Surface Pro without at least being aware of its sad lack of lapability.

What, you ask, is lapability? Simple. It's the ability to use a device on your lap without propping it up on something else. And it's damn near impossible to use the Surface Pro as you would a normal laptop on your lap. And that kind of sucks.

For example, I'll often work while sitting in my car, as I wait for my significant other to come out of an appointment or finish shopping. In the past, I'd sit in the front passenger seat with my MacBook Pro on my laptop and get down to business. With the Surface Pro, I have to sit on the driver's side and shift the seat way up so I can prop the Surface Pro with attached Type Cover up so it doesn't tilt too far backward. The kickstand simply doesn't prop the device up firmly enough when it's not seated on a flat surface. It's a huge pain in the ass, and I honesty haven't found a good solution for working with the Surface Pro on my lap when I don't have something to prop it up on.

Say what you will about the MacBook Pro but it's infinitely more lapable than the Surface Pro. Of course, the iPad Pro suffers from similar lapability constraints. And if this was a major concern for me, I could have gone with the Surface Laptop.

2. Google Hangouts slays Surface Pro

Windows Central's parent company Mobile Nations is a remote organization composed of writers, editors and other really smart folks who are located all around the world. When we have meetings, team members call in from the U.S., Canada, the UK and Germany, among other locations. And we always use Google Hangouts for our video calls.

I have no idea what it is about my Surface Pro, but it hates Google Hangouts. In fact, it despises Hangouts and even if I drop the bandwidth settings down to the lowest option, any sort of lengthy call brings my Surface Pro to crawl. I make sure to close all other resource-intensive apps but I still have issues. And I often must reboot after a long Hangout just to get things back to normal. I usually use Chrome as my default browser but I've tried Edge and Firefox too, and I have the same issue. Other Windows Central team members report similar issues as well, so the problem could be a Windows issue and not a Surface Pro problem. But it's still maddening.

I never had this problem with my MacBook Pro, even though I was connected to the same network, and even when the bandwidth was cranked all the way up.

3. Integration between iOS and macOS is grand

I use an iPhone 7 Plus as my main phone. And it was really nice to be able quickly send screen shots from my phone to my MacBook, or vice versa, using the built-in wireless AirDrop feature in both iOS and macOS. There are similar Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Direct file transfer options for Windows but none I've found are as seamless as AirDrop.

Most of the people I communicate regularly with via text messages also use iPhones, and Apple's Messages kind of became my default messaging app over time. The Messages app taps Apple's iMessage service so that you can send texts and other messages from whichever Apple device you're using at a given time. So, for example, I could use my MacBook Pro to respond to texts I received during the day without picking up my phone. It was convenient, and I haven't found any sort of replacement service for sending and receiving iMessages via Surface Pro.

I know, I know, of course iPhones work better with Macs than with Windows PCs. That makes sense. But I miss the phone-computer integration I used to enjoy between my Mac and iPhone. And I'm simply not willing to switch to a Windows phone at this point. Microsoft is working on further integrations between iPhones, Android devices and PCs, so that's something to look forward to.

4. Where the @$%# is the Surface trackpad?

I prefer a trackpad to a mouse. So one of the first things I noticed when I went all-in on the Surface Pro is that Microsoft doesn't offer a Surface trackpad, even though Windows supports tons of valuable gesture controls, and many laptops have useful trackpads that utilize them. Even the Surface Pro Type Cover has a decent trackpad. So why doesn't Microsoft release a desktop version for use with the Surface Studio, Surface Pro and other PCs?

I really like Apple's Magic Trackpad, and it wasn't until I switched to the Surface Pro that I realized how often I use gesture controls these days. Not being able to use them has slowed down my workflow, and I haven't found a suitable touch replacement on Windows.

I'm using the new Surface Arc Mouse, which supports vertical and horizontal scrolling, but there's a lot I don't like about it, and it's definitely not as versatile as a good trackpad, even the one built directly into the MacBook Pro, which is full-featured and works well.

5. No USB-C for you, Surface Pro!

I almost left this one of my list, because the MacBook Pro's lack of port selection is truly unfortunate. But it has USB-C, the latest USB standard, and the Surface does not. That's also unfortunate.

That said, the MacBook Pro only has four USB-C ports and one 3.5mm audio jack. That's it, which means most users need to buy a bunch of adapters that are pricey and don't work well anyway. That sucks. So while I wish the Surface Pro (or even the Surface Dock) had at least one USB-C port, I'd still pick the Surface Pro's port selection over the MacBook Pro's. And the Surface Connect port is also pretty awesome — it does everything — even though it's proprietary.

A former Mac addict's final take on Surface Pro

I switched from my MacBook Pro to Surface Pro about a month ago, and I literally haven't turned my MacBook Pro on once since. That says a lot. I'm completely sold on Surface Pro, and I'm no Windows fanboy.

There are some things I miss about my MacBook Pro, as detailed above. But that's to be expected. And a month really isn't a long time when it comes to learning and mastering a new OS, so my transition on the software side is still very much a work in progress; I still find myself trying to use macOS shortcuts, for example. But again, that's to be expected.

Bottom line: I'm now a card-carrying member of Team Surface, and the Surface Pro is the reason why. I also think I can sell my MacBook Pro now and spend that money on a bunch of new Surface accessories … and maybe another Windows Central t-shirt.

See Surface Pro at Microsoft

Related reading

• Surface Pro 2017 review: A 2-in-1 tablet you'll actually want to use
• Surface Pro vs. Surface Laptop — Which is better (and why)?
• Why Surface Laptop and Surface Pro are no good for gaming
• Switching from Mac to a Windows PC: 10 tips to ease your tech transition

Updated August 16, 2017: This story has been modified to include details on an issue with the Surface Pro's Windows Hello system and Logitech's BRIO webcam.

The world of Windows PCs is a bewildering one, with almost too many choices for consumers. Everyone wants thin and light but also the ability to play Star Wars Battlefront or some other high-end game. The sheer number of configurations and user requirements makes recommending a PC a challenging task, especially once price is considered.

What about the new Surface Pro or Surface Laptop for gaming? The question is asked a lot, and while spec geeks may know better, here is what you need to know.

• See Surface Pro at Microsoft
• See Surface Laptop at Microsoft

Is Surface Laptop or Surface Pro good for gaming?

PC gaming spans from casual card games to AAA first-person shooters like Gears of War 4 or DOOM.

For casual gaming including Broken Age, Minecraft for Windows 10, or Happy Wars, either Surface Laptop or Surface Pro is OK. In fact, you could play ReCore on the Core i7 models and still have an enjoyable experience even when you must downscale to 1200 x 800 and keep texture quality on low to medium.

Full review of the new Surface Pro for 2017

Playing Halo Wars 2 at 1466 x 977 with texture quality set to low and v-sync off results in a decent looking game with enjoyable frame rates. You could tweak the settings even more by going lower, too.

Even the favorite Rise of the Tomb Raider can drastically downscale and be playable on the Core i7 models. At the lowest graphics settings and 1024 x768 resolution, an average of 30 frames per second (FPS) is achievable. Sure, things will be a bit blocky, but it's not all bad.

Games like Heroes of the Storm or World of Warcraft can be played but you need to customize the graphics by dropping them to lower level settings. Some people are fine with that, but most people consider it a severe compromise.

Where things get terrible is with Forza Horizons 3 or Star Wars Battlefront, which either won't play at all or will be so bad as not to be worth it.

Older games on Steam, game emulators, or arcade style titles like Pinball FX2 for Windows 10 are very playable as well.

Why aren't Surface Pro and Surface Laptop good for gaming?

The answer is simple: hardware.

There are two main elements for a good gaming machine. One is preferably a modern quad-core Intel Core i5 or i7 processor. The other is a discrete graphics processing unit (GPU) or graphics card. A third consideration is the thermal management, including fans and cooling pipes to dissipate the heat.

Surface Pro and Surface Laptop have neither a gaming level CPU or GPU. Both use dual-core processors, what are called 15W Ultra-Low Voltage (ULV) chips for thin and light laptops versus more powerful 45W quad-core CPUs found in gaming rigs. For graphics, they rely on Intel native HD graphics, which do not have the memory or core clock speeds to compete with NVIDIA or AMD-level discrete graphics cards.

Quad-core ULV processors from Intel are expected later this year but, for now, no mobile Surface PC has one.

Full review of the Microsoft Surface Laptop

To make matters worse neither Surface Pro nor Surface Laptop are meant for extended intense CPU and graphics work, such as playing high-end video games. To keep both devices cool – especially on a sizzling summer day – they will both slow down after 30 minutes to prevent the chassis from getting too hot.

Microsoft intended for Surface Pro and Surface Laptop to be general productivity PCs. They're meant to browse the web, edit photos, render full HD video, use Microsoft Office, and play light to medium-level games. While you could install DOOM (2016) on your Core i5 Surface Pro you probably shouldn't if you want a fun experience.

Is Surface Pro or Surface Laptop better for gaming?

Arguably the Surface Laptop is a better gaming PC just due to its configuration of a classic clamshell PC, but that's personal preference.

Both Core i7 models of Surface Laptop and Surface Pro have Intel Iris Plus graphics, but compared to standard Intel HD 620 graphics there is maybe a 10 to 15 percent boost in graphics power. Intel Iris Plus is nice but not extraordinary and doesn't turn either into a gaming PC.

The Core i5 models get trickier compared to the Core i7 ones. The Core i5 Surface Pro has no fan making cooling more difficult for long term usage due to concerns in thermal chassis throttling. Nonetheless, the Core i5-7300U Surface Pro does have a faster CPU (2.6GHz base with 3.5GHz turbo) compared to the Core i5-7200U Surface Laptop (2.5GHz base with a 3.1GHz turbo). That difference matters.

Geekbench 4.0 benchmarks (higher is better)

The Geekbench scores listed above show raw CPU rankings of recent Microsoft Surface hardware.

Just going by benchmarks, it breaks down this way for CPU and GPU performance:

• Surface Laptop Core i7 is slightly faster than Surface Pro at Core i7.
• Surface Pro Core i5 is significantly faster than Surface Laptop at Core i5.

Neither has enough performance gains to necessarily justify one over the other, but if you are concerned about getting the most bang for your buck with either, there you go.

Is any Surface good for gaming?

Microsoft only positions one Surface device for medium gaming, and that is the Surface Book with Performance Base.

Although using a dual-core sixth generation Intel Core i7 (compared to newer seventh generation models) the Surface Book with Performance Base has one major trick: a real GPU. While the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 965M is not new, it still does let you start to hit real gaming PC levels with its 2GB of dedicated video memory and a higher clock rate.

The Surface Book with Performance Base can play Gears of War 4 at 47 FPS even at 3000 x 2000 resolution when set to medium graphics. Forza Horizons 3 is also not only playable but enjoyable.

For comparison, the Surface Book with Performance Base's graphic benchmarks (Geekbench: 64,108) more than doubles the Surface Laptop with Iris Plus graphics (Geekbench: 31,010).

Geekbench 4.0 OpenCL (higher is better)

Starting at $2,399 for 8GB RAM and 256GB of storage and going up to $3,299 for 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage you will be paying a lot for the privilege. While you do get the Surface build quality, touch screen, pen and detachable display to be used as a tablet, you could get a more powerful quad-core traditional gaming laptop for significantly less money.

See Surface Book at Microsoft

Bottom line: These are not gaming PCs

The big issue with PCs is that you can do a lot with them even if they were not meant for that task. The gray area comes down to your expectations.

For instance, plenty of people do game on their Surface Pro or Surface Laptop, accepting the low-resolution graphics. They have no problem playing Rise of the Tomb Raider at 30 FPS with low texture quality because, after all, it is the story that often makes the game.

Nonetheless, it is very difficult to recommend any Surface if your primary usage is for gaming.

Even Surface Book with Performance Base, while approaching gaming PC specifications, still falls short of any quad-core laptop with a NVIDIA GTX 1060 graphics card, which can be purchased for well below $2,000. (The GIGABYTE Aero 15 or Lenovo Legion Y520 come to mind.)

If, however, you want to play casual games in the Windows Store and occasionally push it with something like ReCore you can do that too with the Surface Pro and Surface Laptop. Gaming and hardware have never been better than today, and even Ultrabooks like the Surface series can do much more than a gaming laptop from a few years ago. I regularly use my Surface Laptop for light gaming using an Xbox Bluetooth wireless controller and it's a blast.

Finally, if you are considering a new Surface Pro or Surface Laptop, think through your priorities. If you are doing 80 percent productivity with 20 percent light gaming, it's a fine purchase. Any more than that and you may want to consider a laptop with a quad-core CPU and discrete NVIDIA graphics.

• See Surface Pro at Microsoft
• See Surface Laptop at Microsoft

More on Surface Pro and Surface Laptop

Want to see deeper dives into the performance of the new Surface Laptop and Surface Pro? Check out these articles for more benchmarks and analysis.

• Surface Laptop Core i5 vs. Core i7: Comparing performance, battery life and more
• Benchmarking the fanless Surface Pro with Core i5
• Surface Book vs. Razer Blade 14: Why I don't regret switching to Team Razer

Intel has a number of processors aimed at budget PCs, one of which is the Core m3. While it doesn't put out as much power as the U-series CPUs commonly found in modern Ultrabooks, it's still a decent performer.

Forum member htc fan89 started a thread in our forum asking whether or not a Surface Pro with a Core i5 or a Core m3 processor is more suited to their specific needs, which include taking notes, Java coding, and Matlab Simulink.

htc fan89 explains that they already have a gaming PC for heavier tasks and they also have a MacBook Pro as a daily driver.

Do you have any helpful suggestions for htc fan89? What should they really be looking at in a Surface Pro for the outlined tasks? Drop in to the thread and drop some knowledge!

Join the discussion on the Window Central forum!

Depending on your source of information, you might believe this is a catastrophe of cataclysmic proportions that affects each and every Surface Pro Microsoft shipped. Or you may think it's just, well, par for the course.

What is light bleed? Our Executive Editor Daniel Rubino tackled the Surface Pro light bleed reports yesterday and summed it up thusly:

In general, light bleed results in a less-than-ideal amount of light "leaking" through random parts of the display, so that the light looks uneven. And it's fairly common.

But how big of an issue is it really? And how many Surface Pro users are experiencing problems? Windows Central forums member Stevie04 created a thread on this very subject asks:

I've been using my new Surface Pro for about a month, and I never once thought about light bleed. But I also wasn't looking for it. And I still haven't gone hunting for an issue that I don't have, just for the sake of finding one. But that's just me.

Do you have a new Surface Pro that's experiencing significant light bleed? Do you plan to return it in hopes of getting a device with less of an issue? Even if you don't own a Surface Pro but have experience with light bleed on other devices, is it really a big deal? We want to hear from you, so jump on over to our forums and sound off.

• From the forums: Do you guys have any backlight bleeding
• Does the Surface Pro have light-bleed issues?

It seems with every release of the Surface Pro there is some new controversy plaguing Microsoft. Some of it is authentic like the Intel "Skylake"-related processor problems that affected Surface Pro 4 and Surface Book in late 2015. Those problems were related to standby not working, overheating in bags when being transported, and general stability issues with Windows Hello facial recognition.

Now, a "new" problem is causing a stir in some of the Surface community, but I'm not entirely sure that it's as widespread – or as severe – as some people think.

Too much Surface Pro display light bleed?

A common side effect of modern LCDs is light bleed. The issue is caused by the backlight behind the screen not being completely blocked by the other components on top of it. The problem is compounded by touch displays that have an additional digitizer layer that can cause more spacing and issues with bonding.

The light bleed effects range, and there is no method to qualify or quantify it. Likewise, there is no real answer on what constitutes too much. Some users want zero light bleed while others don't mind it. The type of bleed is also variable with "hot spots" in corners that are dramatic and more subtle edge bleeding that is very hard to discern.

Many tech advice columns agree that some light bleed is always there if you look hard enough. Most of the time, average light bleed is only observable when there is a solid dark background. For instance, users may see it when their PC is booting up or resuming from hibernate, but once the PC is up and running, it cannot be seen. Severe light bleeds, though, can be observable even when the PC is in Windows 10, and you are using it.

Cheaper display panels exhibit more light bleed than more expensive ones, and it is one reason that display prices vary for manufacturers.

The bottom line is due to the technology behind IPS LCDs with touch screens there is usually always some light bleed. The question is when is it too much for the consumer? That answer is entirely dependent on you and what you feel the experience should be like compared to what you paid.

Does Surface Pro have a light-bleed problem?

The answer depends. Due to manufacturing variability, one Surface can have the effect while another one might not.

Comparing the Surface Book (2015) to a new retail purchased Surface Pro (2017) I have significantly less light bleed or hot spots with the Surface Pro's display panel.

In comparing my two Surface Pros – one with a Core i5 processor (retail purchase) and the other with a Core i7 (review unit) they do not have light bleed. If I turn out the lights, put display brightness to 100 percent and leave a black background on I can discern some subtle non-uniformness in the backlight, but it's not enough to affect the Surface when using it regularly. Even when in the above extreme situation, I would struggle to call that a problem.

Interestingly, my Surface Laptops exhibit some edge bleed along the bottom, which is noticeable when resuming from hibernation. But again, when booted into Windows 10 and I'm using the device regularly, I cannot notice it.

Nonetheless, some people may have it worse than what we have experienced here at Windows Central. While we have two review units from Microsoft, we also have five purchased from retail, none of which we had to return due to display flaws. None of my colleagues on other sites have complained about it either, and the issue did not come up in many professional reviews.

Is it widespread?

I do not believe this is as big of an issue as some articles and sites are making it out to be.

There is a thread over in the Microsoft support forums where some users are sharing their images and results with varying degrees of severity. That thread has just 88 responses (not distinct reports), many of which are the same users only discussing the topic.

In our Windows Central Surface Pro (2017) forum there is a dedicated thread on the topic as well, but it spans just two pages with just 37 messages (again, not 37 individual reports).

Turning to our email tips and discussions I have with people on Twitter, I also have not had anyone grumble about it. That's a dramatic departure from 2015 when many users did have stability and sleep problems with the Surface Pro 4 and Surface Book.

For more information on it – and the lesser seen "dark band" – there is a great Reddit thread with more detail.

If you look for it light bleed is everywhere

Of course, seeing the above images may cause some of you to gnash your teeth and raise your fist at Microsoft, but the truth is when you tune your camera right, every laptop display has light bleed.

For instance, our comparison photos were shot at 2500 ISO in a pitch-black room with 100 percent screen brightness at 1/20 shutter speed. That means the full-frame DSLR camera sensor – which is way more sensitive than your eye – is picking up a lot of extraneous light.

Above is the brand new Huawei MateBook X with a 2K non-touch IPS display. Next to is the Dell XPS 15 (9560) with a Full HD IGZO non-touch screen. Just awful, right?

HP is not immune to it either. The EliteBook x360 G2 with a full HD display and the Spectre x360 15" with a 4K non-PenTile screen both show various discoloration, hot spots, or "mura." (a.k.a. clouding).

The point here is that your eye does not actually see this in real life. Light bleed can be severe enough that you see it without the assistance of low-light photography, but do not confuse one with the other. Just because you see photos on the internet does not mean that the actual user experience is hindered.

What to do?

If you bought a Surface Pro or Surface Laptop take it home, use it and decide if you like it. If anything is bothering you or you are not satisfied, return and exchange it (or just return it).

No one should ever tell you that what bothers you does not matter. If you think your Surface is exhibiting a defect, or you are not satisfied, it is your right to get your money back.

Having said that, expecting the Surface Pro or Surface Laptop at 100 percent brightness in a dark room with a blacked-out background to be completely uniform in intensity distribution may be extreme. The real question is when you are watching movies, editing photos, browsing the web, even in a dim room, does the display look right to you? If it does not, well, that is a problem.

Some users may have an actual manufacturing defect (well within the norms of any PC release), but I have not seen enough evidence – or online complaints – to suggest that this is widespread or a general quality control issue with Microsoft. In speaking with some local retail distributors here in Massachusetts about Surface Pro and returns, the managers and retail associates did not tell me that they see significant or frequent returns due to display light bleed.

Like all things on the internet, there tends to be a skewing towards complaints and outrage versus those who are just satisfied. I think that is what we are witnessing here with a few legitimately disgruntled users trying to turn this into a controversy. Of course, any discussion on the topic is welcome, and I'm sure Microsoft is taking notes too. After all, if they see significant returns, it affects the company's bottom line.

In the end, you are the final judge. While display light bleed is common, it can be severe enough on any PC (or Mac, smartphones, and even TVs) to warrant a return. But try to keep some perspective.

The new Microsoft Surface Pro and Surface Laptop are elegant PCs, but like all materials made from metal, they are susceptible to scratches and dings. I found out the hard way recently with my Burgundy Surface Laptop that if you scratch that metal the silver color is revealed.

Mozo is no stranger to making beautiful cases and sleeves for Microsoft products. In fact, the company is officially licensed with the "Designed for Microsoft Surface" program making it one of the few official accessory partners. The new Saffiano Sleeve fits the Surface Pro (including Surface Pro 4 and Pro 3), and there are larger editions for the Surface Laptop as well.

What is Saffiano?

Like me, you may be ignorant of the latest trends in fashion including material science. Saffiano is a high-end textured leather that is used by many companies, including Prada, for its handbags. The leather is then "texture pressed," which creates the cross-hatch finish.

Additionally, there is a wax treatment on top that makes the leather scratch resistant, simple to clean and resistant to long term wear.

All you need to know about Alcantara

Like Alcantara, Saffiano hails from Italy and appears to be a proprietary design, hence its capitalization when used for marketing.

Compared to traditional leather Saffiano feels like a high-quality nylon versus your typical raw brown hide found in rugged bags. There is no leather smell either, and due to the way it's made, it can be dyed in many colors, which is what Mozo has done for its Saffiano Sleeve.

Saffiano Sleeve is an attractive fit

Mozo's choice for Saffiano nicely matches Microsoft's use of Alcantara. The focus here is on high-end fashion, and the color choices let users either match or contrast with their Surface.

For the Surface Pro Saffiano Sleeve, there are four similar colors including dark blue, burgundy, champagne, and steel gray. For the Surface Laptop, there are just three colors with dark blue, burgundy, and steel gray. That color selection is interesting if only because the Surface Laptop actually comes in a champagne color, whereas Surface Pro does not.

Being a sleeve, there is not much to the accessory, but there are some highlights. A leather flap with a magnetic metal button keeps the Surface Pro or Surface Laptop from slipping out when traveling. That flap also contrasts nicely with the sleeve's base color.

The two-halves of the Saffiano Sleeve are stitched together using matching thread. The stitching looks excellent and is very linear with no frays or deformities.

Mozo also cleverly put a stretchy pen holder loop under the leather flap for the Surface Pro sleeve. Not only is this convenient, it works well too. Assuming you place the Surface Pro with the keyboard edge facing up, the Surface Pen rests nicely against the Surface Type Cover's hinge area ensuring nothing is scratched.

For the new Surface Pro, the Saffiano Sleeve is a tight fit with the Pen requiring a little effort to pull that flap close. I presume it will slightly stretch and break in over time making that a non-issue. The Surface Laptop sleeve is slightly larger with a tinge more wiggle room (though never loose.)

Inside the sleeve is very smooth suede-like lining. That lining is gray too, which matches nicely with the Surface Pro's magnesium coloring. I never had a fear of the material scratching or even lightly scuffing the Surface, which could be a concern due to the snug fit.

For labeling, Mozo keeps it minimal. On the leather flap, the Mozo name is lightly embossed with minimal contrast. There is also a small metal Mozo badge on the lower left that looks classy.

Final verdict – An excellent, stylish Surface companion

Sleeves for laptops and 2-in-1s are a particular category that some people prefer over dedicated bags. With a sleeve, you can snuggly fit your Surface Pro or Surface Laptop into it and then toss the sleeve into your existing bag or backpack. Likewise, sleeves are excellent for those who work in an office and jump from meetings and want some protection.

The Mozo Saffiano Sleeve is a perfect match for the Surface Pro and Surface Laptop. The selling point is mostly the similar new color options. Microsoft chose these so that you can mix or match the Surface Type Cover, Surface Pen, and new Surface Arc Mouse. These Saffiano Sleeves fit right into that design choice.

Being my first time with Saffiano, I was impressed. The material does not feel like a traditional leather – no weird odors or rugged appearance – and the crosshatch pattern is excellent to hold.

For those concerned with gender roles, I never got the impression that these sleeves – in all colors – were more feminine than masculine. Quite the opposite especially with the burgundy, dark blue, or even steel gray, which are very neutral tones.

Regarding pricing, these sleeves fit in with Mozo's previous offerings like the cool Sneaker Sleeve and Surface Folio. The Surface Pro Saffiano Sleeve comes in at €44.90 (about US$51), while the slightly larger Surface Laptop Saffiano Sleeve is €48.90 (about US$56). While more expensive than knock-off sleeves, Mozo is based out of Finland (ex-Nokia folks), and I find its design choices and quality to be worth the investment.

Overall, I think these are an excellent choice to help protect your Surface Pro (including previous models) or Surface Laptop. The look, feel, and uniqueness makes these sleeves a perfect match for Surface, so much so that you might think Microsoft made them.

See at Mozo

Pros:

• Great colors that match your Surface.
• Simple and elegant design.
• Pen holder for Surface Pro.
• Saffiano material is unique.

Cons:

• Not cheap.
• Surface Pro sleeve is a bit tight to close with Pen.
• No secondary pocket.

Of course, many comparisons will include the MacBook Pro, a popular tool among photographers, amateurs, and professionals.

Microsoft has never been "cooler" than it is today, and that means lots of Mac users, even longtime, diehard Applers, are considering a switch. But for professionals, the switch isn't just about the cool factor. They still need to be able to handle business, and that often requires specific sets of tools, and certain features and functionality. Such is the case for modern pro photographers.

Windows Central forum member sssamjoan is considering a switch from Mac to Surface Pro, but the device's ability to keep up with the demands of photography is a concern.

The higher end Surface Pros are powerful machines, so they should be able to handle most photo editing demands. And though Windows doesn't have all the same photography tools available to Mac users, it has many powerful utilities, including Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom.

Are you a photographer with a Surface Pro? Can you provide any insight for sssamjoan or others curious about the Surface Pro's photo prowess? Hit the forum link below and join in the discussion.

• From the forums: Any photographers using Surface Pro?
• Windows Central's in-depth Surface Pro review

One of the most common complaints, and really one of the very few gripes, about the Surface Pro (2017) is the 2-in-1's lack of USB-C ports, which is the newest port standard for laptops. The Surface Pro is modern in just about every way, so the lack of USB-C is notable.

Why Microsoft's new Surface Pro doesn't have a USB Type-C port

But what does it really mean? And does the average person need USB-C? That's the question that's being tossed around in our Surface Pro forum right now.

The Surface Pro has one Mini DisplayPort port for connecting an external display, which is probably good enough for most users. And if you need another display connector, you can purchase the $200 Surface Dock. It also has one USB Type-A port. However, there's no USB-C port and no Thunderbolt 3 port. I use my new Surface Pro along with the dock and two big ol' HD monitors, and I have no complaints.

Of course, USB-C is more versatile because it can be used for many other purposes than connecting displays, such as providing power and data transfer. And it's more "future proof," meaning it will be compatible with future generations of accessories and peripherals.

I wish the new Pro had USB-C but it's definitely not a deal breaker — as I stated already, I bought one after all. What do you think? Does a modern laptop or PC really need USB-C today? Why or why not? Jump on over to the forums via the link below and let us know how you feel.

• From the forums: What are you doing without usb-C?
• Everything Surface Pro (2017) on Windows Central

During the last month, I've been extensively using Microsoft's new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop, even jumping between different models to compare and contrast the experiences. I'm often asked which one I prefer. It's an excellent question as there is significant overlap between the two PCs but also quite a few differences.

I'll explain here which Surface I grab the most often and why. I'll also talk about the pros and cons of each.

Surface Pro vs. Surface Laptop

I'm no artist

I've noted many times that although I enjoy the Surface Pen – especially the brand new one – I do not draw and only occasionally dabble in inking. But I use the pen more than I did a year ago. More importantly, I want to use the pen more, and that validates Microsoft's efforts.

I say all of this because the decision between Surface Pro and Laptop is straightforward if you draw, take notes, or just want to ink a lot. The Surface Pro is the obvious choice because the Surface Laptop is not a drawing machine, though it supports inking.

This article is for the many consumers who do not ink regularly. Assuming you do not prioritize the Surface Pen as an essential component to your purchase, the choice between Surface Laptop and Surface Pro becomes much more complicated.

Tech spec comparison

Microsoft uses many of the same components in the Surface Pro and Surface Laptop, but there are differences too. Here is how the two compare on paper. (Note the bold text, which spotlights advantages.)

Surface Pro gets the better front-facing camera, and a rear camera, plus it has an option for LTE (coming this fall) and microSD expansion. While it's not revealed on paper, the Pro's solid-state drive (SSD) for storage has significantly faster read and write times compared to the Surface Laptop.

CrystalDiskMark (higher is better)

Likewise, the Core i5 Surface Pro has a faster processor with a peak turbo of 3.5GHz compared to the Surface Laptop's Core i5 at 3.1 GHz.

What I like about Surface Pro

In my Surface Pro (2017) review, I noted that the Surface Pro (2017) is close to perfect. Microsoft achieved what it always wanted with the Surface Pro in this fifth generation. There are quite a few standout features that I adore about Surface Pro compared to Surface Laptop, including:

• Display — I can't say enough about how good the new Surface Pro's display is in enhanced mode. The colors just pop, and it is noticeably better than Surface Laptop. With more pixels and more pixels-per-inch (due to the smaller screen size) combined with new color profiles (sRGB and enhanced) the Surface Pro's display is just gorgeous.
• Nimble — At just 2.4 pounds (1.1 kg) the Surface Pro with the keyboard is very light and thin. I can't accuse the Surface Laptop of being heavy, but it is heavier than Surface Pro.
• Closeness — I don't usually prefer 12.3-inch displays, but due to the Surface Pro's design, it tends to sit closer to my face than a traditional 13-inch laptop's screen negating the viewing difference. The Surface Pro is more immersive in that regard. I also use the touch screen more because it is physically closer to me.
• Surface Pen — I don't draw a lot, but I still like the option. The new Surface Pro and Surface Pen are just too good to resist at times.
• Versatility — I don't often switch to tablet mode with the Surface Pro, but again, I like the possibility of having it. It's evident Surface Pro is just a more adaptable PC than Surface Laptop. Again, I'd rather have the option than not.
• Performance — Both the Surface Pro and Surface Laptop run Windows 10 with ease, but Surface Pro feels a smidge zippier. It may have to do with that substantially quicker SSD found in the Pro that shines in the 512GB model.

I could also add the corny but somewhat accurate "cool factor" of the Surface Pro. Microsoft's 2-in-1 design is now iconic.

See Surface Pro at Microsoft

What I like about Surface Laptop

The Surface Laptop is really nice. It's the equivalent of getting into a $90K car for the first time and realizing why your Honda is a third of the cost. And once you try that luxury, it's hard to go back to anything else as you start to notice design flaws everywhere.

Surface Laptop Core i5 vs. Core i7: Comparing performance and battery life

Compared to the Surface Pro these are the things that are better with the Surface Laptop:

• It's a laptop — Going with obvious, the Surface Laptop is truly "lapable," meaning it works well on your lap. Whether you are sitting, laying in bed, or riding the bus, the Surface Laptop has a very natural and sturdy form factor. Surface Pro's kickstand is great, but it's still an extra thing to open and not everyone likes that digs into their thighs.
• One-handed open — You can open Surface Laptop with one hand versus the two hands – and some flipping – of the Surface Pro. It's just easier to jump into your work with no fiddling.
• Larger display — I like the 13.5-inch screen size of the Surface Laptop. While Surface Pro sits closer, negating some of the difference, at the end of the day, and side by side, the Surface Laptop's screen size is just bigger.
• Better audio — Surface Pro has some great front-firing speakers, but the Omnisonic speakers in the Surface Laptop are better.
• Longer lasting battery — Surface Laptop gets about one hour to ninety minutes more life than the Surface Pro on a single charge. While I consider both models "all day" devices that last at least eight hours, the Surface Laptop has slightly longer legs.
• Colors — While you can get the Surface Type Covers is burgundy or cobalt blue, the Surface Pro is still magnesium. That two-tone looks great, but a burgundy Surface Laptop? It's a whole other look that is stunning.
• Larger trackpad — If you're a trackpad zealot who insists on the biggest and best, Surface Laptop is your winner. Surface Pro uses all the same materials and drivers, but the Surface Laptop has the edge for sheer size.

As I wrote in my review, Surface Laptop is about having the best-balanced Windows 10 experience, and I think it delivers. It's not the fastest laptop, it lacks ports, and it's not a value compared to what HP and Dell are making, but you are getting top notch quality, and precision engineering like PC users have never seen.

See Surface Laptop at Microsoft

What they have in common

There are many overlapping features that place both Surfaces at the top of their classes, including:

• Displays — Both have excellent screens. While the Pro's is better, the Surface Laptop's is also one of the best I have seen.
• Ports — With just one USB Type-A, a mini DisplayPort, Surface Connect, and headphone jack, you can't give a lead to either Surface Pro or Surface Laptop. Or can you? I'd argue that Surface Laptop should have enough room for one more port compared to a tablet and yet it doesn't. Also, in favor of Surface Pro is that micro SD slot that Surface Laptop lacks.
• Typing — Both Surfaces use the same Type Cover format as the Surface Pro 4. Surface Pro and Surface Laptop feel very similar. Surface Laptop has deeper key travel at 1.5mm compared to Surface Pro's 1.3mm, but in my opinion the Laptop is not automatically better.
• Alcantara — If you like luxurious fabrics, you can get that with the Surface Pro and Surface Laptop and Alcantara. You get more Alcantara with Surface Laptop, but should the material break down or wear out over the years, Surface Pro is easier to replace since you can just buy a new Type Cover.
• That look — Surface Pro has the more iconic, tradition-breaking design, but these are both handsome devices. It's hard to love one more than the other when side by side.
• Premium engineering — The Surface team out did itself with Surface Pro and Surface Laptop. These two PCs are the highest quality and engineering, and they feel it.

Conclusion: Surface Pro wins ... but not by much

Spending the last month with the Surface Pro and Surface Laptop, I learned that one is not leaps and bounds better than the other. There is no critical component or feature with either that makes me grab one when running out the door. In fact, I barely have an answer to this question of which Surface I prefer – I'm OK jumping between either at any moment. That consistency in delivering a satisfying experience is a testament to the Surface team's work.

Nonetheless, the Microsoft Surface Pro wins for me. The display is pure eye candy. The form factor is much more versatile, letting me do more, and I just like its size.

Microsoft didn't cut corners to ditch the fan in Surface Pro (2017) with Core i5

Once Microsoft figured out the battery life and fan situation with the Surface Pro it suddenly became the device it was supposed to be all along. Surface Pro is just a more impressive PC. I'd also argue it's the future of PCs, whereas Surface Laptop is an excellent execution of an old idea.

The new Surface Pro is just too good for me to pass up.

• See Surface Pro at Microsoft
• See Surface Laptop at Microsoft

Microsoft's Surface Pro for 2017 brings a plethora of slight changes that add up to an outstanding experience. One of those shifts is the new fanless Core i5 model, which is priced to be the better selling of all the models available.

Almost all the professional reviews, including our own, however, featured the high-end and expensive Core i7 version with Iris Plus graphics. How does the Core i5 model compare to the i7 experience for heat, battery life, and performance? I'll put it through a set of tests to discover the answer.

See Surface Pro at Microsoft

Surface Pro Core i5 performance comparison

The Surface Pro comes in two models with the Core i5-7300U. One model has just 128GB of storage and 4GB of RAM ($999) while the second one has 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage ($1,299) – that second version is what is being reviewed here.

I've already written a deep dive into why this Core i5 is a "true" Core i5 and not a rebranded, low powered Core M or Y-Series chip as many users doubted Microsoft could make such a device fanless without compromise. Of course, the next question is whether Microsoft is intentionally reducing the i5's thermal design power (TDP) from 15W to 7.5W – again to kind of "cheat" by putting in a real Core i5 but making sure it never reaches its full speed and power potential.

Surface Pro's new Core i5 versus Surface Pro 4

Like all laptops and mobile PCs, there is some degree of power throttling (which is different from CPU thermal throttling) to keep the magnesium chassis of the Surface from getting too hot. Nonetheless, for a passively cooled system, Microsoft's Surface Pro with Core i5 does quite well.

Surface Laptop Core i5 vs. Core i7: Comparing performance and battery life

Before we dive into the thermals, here are raw benchmarks to see how the Core i5 Surface Pro compares to other Surfaces.

CPU

Taking a closer look at Geekbench 4.0, which is a short-duration (~3 minute) CPU-intensive test, we can see how well the new Core i5-7300U holds up compared to its siblings.

Geekbench 4.0 benchmarks (higher is better)

The new Core i5-7300U (4,302) trounces the Core i5-6300U that it replaces in the Surface Pro 4 (3,319) showing substantial gains in performance. The Surface Pro Core i5 even beats the Surface Laptop at Core i5 due to different processor models – the Pro's 7300U has a turbo to 3.5 GHz versus the Laptop's 7200U, which only turbos to 3.10 GHz.

Yes, the fanless Core i5 in the Surface Pro is a better performing processor than the Surface Laptop's Core i5 with a fan.

GPU

Geekbench OpenCL focuses on the Surface Pro's HD620 GPU. Compared to the Iris Plus found in the Core i7 Pro and Laptop, it should not perform as well, but it should beat the Surface Pro 4.

Geekbench 4.0 OpenCL (higher is better)

The HD620 in the Surface Pro Core i5 slightly edges out the same graphics chip on the Core i5 Surface Laptop. There is, however, a bigger gain between the Surface Pro 4's HD520 (17,395) and the Surface Pro's HD620 (20,688), as anticipated.

CPU and GPU

PCMark (Home Conventional 3.0)

The popular PCMark Home Conventional benchmark shows the Surface Pro Core i5 again beating the Surface Laptop with the same configuration.

SSD

Microsoft is using slower solid-state drives (SSD) in the Surface Laptop due to design (it's embedded on the motherboard instead of a module), but the company is not skimping on the Pro line.

CrystalDiskMark (higher is better)

Microsoft is using the same Samsung PM971 (KUS030202M) SSD as the Core i7 variant in the Core i5 model too. That's good news because the PM971, while not the fastest SSD on the market, ranks rather highly in performance and is certainly much quicker than the Surface Laptop.

The speeds here are slower than the Core i7 model due to it being a 256GB drive versus 512GB. SSDs scale in speed as storage size increases due to the parallel nature of multiple NAND chips and we see that here. In short, the more storage you get, the faster the drive's benchmarks.

Overall, performance with the Surface Pro Core i5 is outstanding and significantly better than the same Surface Pro 4 configuration even without a fan. Those concerned that the fanless Surface Pro is underperforming to stay below thermal limits can be assured that not only is that not the case, but in fact the Pro is faster than the Surface Laptop with a Core i5 configuration.

Surface Pro Core i5 stress test and throttling

The flipside to benchmarks like Geekbench, which has only a short duration, is prolonged duress to the processor to see how heat affects performance. The question of whether Microsoft is purposefully limiting the Core i5 on the fanless Surface Pro is a valid one.

During a stress test using Intel's Extreme Tuning Utility (XTU) app, the Surface Pro with Core i5 processor ran for 30 minutes at 100 percent utilization. The Surface Pro was AC powered and set to "best performance" to ensure maximum processor output. The room temperature was 76 degrees F (24 degrees C) during the test (this matters for reasons explained below).

The good news is, like in our Surface Laptop tests, there is no evidence of thermal CPU throttling, which is a big concern for many enthusiasts. CPU thermal throttling occurs when the processor hits temperatures that are so high it could damage it. This situation can happen when a manufacturer has improper or inefficient cooling – like perhaps a fanless Core i5 running at 3.5 GHz. CPU thermal throttling can see extreme downshifts in processor speed to cool the processor resulting in a rapidly oscillating performance curve.

There is some throttling occurring, however. Like all laptops and PC tablets, the Surface Pro Core i5 (and i7) will use power limit throttling to keep temperatures in check. Power limit throttling (or PL1) is more about keeping the entire device – specifically the chassis – cool enough to touch and handle, which is necessary for a magnesium tablet. There is a secondary sensor that has a threshold set by Microsoft to ensure the body of the Surface Pro does not burn users (or become uncomfortable to handle).

I noted earlier that the room temperature was 76 degrees F (24 degrees C). Ambient room temperature directly affects power limit throttling since a cold room can help dissipate more heat from the Surface Pro chassis reducing the need for PL1 to take effect. Some enthusiasts even use a USB-powered fan to cool the back of the Surface Pro as this allows the device to run at faster speeds for longer durations. While the overarching results in this article are accurate, there will be variation depending on your exact testing environment.

Surface Pro CPU – Observed traits

The results for the fanless Surface Pro with Core i5 are impressive. For one, Microsoft did not reduce or halve the thermal design power (TDP) from 15W to 7.5W, which is something the company could have done to keep the Surface Pro cool. In fact, during peak turbo bursts the Core i5 regularly hit and stayed at the max 3.5 GHz, and it would peak at 18W TDP.

Over a 30-minute stress test of 100 percent CPU usage, however, the Surface Pro's chassis did get warm. As a result, the TDP is reduced to between two and eight watts towards the 30-minute marker. The average processor speed at the end of this stress test was 2.6 GHz, which is the 7300U's base frequency.

Still, even at the 10-minute mark, the CPU was hovering at around 3.1 GHz with a TDP of 11W and 13W. In other words, power limit throttling is an iterative process – the Surface Pro will reduce power to the processor gradually to keep the chassis temperature in check. But even after running for 30 minutes at 100 percent processor usage, the overall speed never fell below the base frequency for the 7300U at 2.6 GHz.

Surface Pro i5 temperature comparison

The Surface Pro (2017) with a Core i5 is a fanless system relying instead on passive cooling – heat just rises out of the radial vent.

During the 30-minute stress test, both the Surface Pro with Core i5 and Core i7 were observed for temperatures. As noted earlier, power limit throttling keeps the Surface Pro from getting too hot to touch, and that is seen in the results.

Surface Pro peak temperatures

While the Core i7 Surface Pro certainly ran warmer than the Core i5 version, it was within only a few degrees, resulting in an overall similar feel.

Of course, the Core i7 Surface Pro has an active fan to keep it cool, and the fan was certainly audible during the stress test but still significantly quieter than the Surface Pro 3 or Pro 4.

Surface Pro Core i5 battery outlasts i7

Contrary to my Surface Laptop results, there is an observed difference in battery life between the Surface Pro with a Core i5 compared to the Core i7 model favoring the former.

Real-world tests are difficult with modern Intel processors due to the rapid stepping technology that lets the CPU jump from base to turbo and back to base frequency again in milliseconds. Battery life is completely task-dependent with games and rendering programs zapping much more power than running a web browser or using a Windows Store app. Therefore Microsoft (and other companies) use fixed video loop tests to estimate battery life – those tests are consistent and repeatable.

The PCMark Home Battery Accelerated test uses the CPU and GPU together in a looping cadre of tasks like photo editing, video calls, and web browsing until the computer hits around 20 percent remaining battery.

PCMark 8 Home Battery Accelerated

While that number falls short of Microsoft's claimed 13.5 hours for the Core i5 model remember that a run-down battery test is extreme with non-stop CPU-intensive tasks looping endlessly. Additionally, there is still 20 percent battery left in both devices tackling on a few more hours. Indeed, in my everyday usage between the Core i5 and Core i7 Surface Pros I cannot say that the battery life is that different – they both hit the "roughly eight-hour" mark depending on usage.

Conclusion: Surface Pro with Core i5 is legit

There are a few inferences that can be reached about the fanless Surface Pro with Core i5:

• Microsoft did not reduce the i5's TDP to achieve a fanless design.
• The Core i5 model sustains peak turbo 3.5 GHz for short to medium durations (~5 to 15 minutes).
• Even after 30 minutes of constant CPU usage the processor never dips below 2.6 GHz (base frequency).
• There is no CPU thermal throttling, but there is power limit throttling, which is expected.
• Chassis temperature is slightly cooler but similar to the Core i7 model.
• Battery life appears to be better than the Core i7 model.
• Surface Pro (2017) Core i5 is significantly faster and gets better battery life than Surface Pro 4 with Core i5.
• Surface Pro (2017) Core i5 is faster than Surface Laptop with Core i5.

There is some power limit throttling, but as nearly every laptop (and every Surface) uses PL1 to keep the PC from getting too hot.

The important conclusion is that while the Surface Pro cannot maintain running at peak turbo speeds for more than 10-15 minutes, it very gradually tapers down to its base frequency after thirty. You can see this in the Intel XTU graph below – the orange is the CPU speed and while it slightly oscillates it never rapidly drops. That behavior is the same for almost all Ultrabooks that try to balance fan noise with keeping the device cool – even the Surface Laptop does this to a lesser degree. The Surface Pro – both Core i5 and i7 – use power limit throttling more often simply due to the super thin chassis, but there is no significant difference between the Core i5 and i7 Surface Pros.

Surface Pro 2017 full review

For those considering the fanless Surface Pro with Core i5, you don't have anything to fear. Microsoft did not pull any tricks, and the processor does what it is meant to do. Granted, had Microsoft put a fan into the Core i5 it could run at higher processor speeds for more than 15 minutes of 100 percent CPU usage, but for regular consumers running Windows Store apps, photo and video editing, browsing, the Pro with Core i5 behaves like any other PC.

Obviously, for long gaming sessions in a warm room, or video rendering all Surface Pros will exhibit a winding down of processor speeds to its base frequency, but that is the tradeoff for this form factor versus a 4.5-pound, quad-core laptop.

Overall, I'm quite pleased with the Surface Pro with Core i5 and have no problem recommending it to most people. If you can afford the Core i7 model the performance is better, but the lack of fan with the Core i5 is tempting.

See Surface Pro at Microsoft

Microsoft's recent release of the new Surface Pro (2017) and Surface Laptop have mostly gone without controversy, but there is one issue that a select few Surface Pro users are experiencing (and I've seen myself).

When actively using the Surface Pro the device abruptly turns off, or rather, it goes to "sleep" or "hibernate" mode. For most users, merely hitting the power button resumes the Surface Pro leaving where you left off, but for some others, they may lose some work.

The incident seems only to be affecting a few users as the Microsoft support forum thread is just two pages deep. Likewise, on Reddit and the Windows Central Surface Pro support forum there are only a handful of users reporting the problem.

I have seen the bug happen twice over the last two weeks and it is jarring since there is no warning.

There is no guidance for now from Microsoft. Reinstalling devices drivers does not seem to alleviate the problem, although one user did report that doing a factory reset (Settings > Update & security > Recovery > Reset this PC > Remove everything) did do the trick. However, that is a very extreme solution as it will wipe all your apps, settings, photos, and documents.

Microsoft Support Thread: Surface Pro 2017 turning off randomly

For now, Microsoft is investigating. Anyone with the problem should jump into the official Microsoft support forum and to assist Microsoft to help better understand what is happening. Surface Pro users can expect an initial bug fix patch in the coming weeks as Microsoft collects information from consumers now that the device is in the wild. The good news is this is the only problem I have heard about regarding Surface Pro, and even then, it seems very limited.

Luckily, so far, no serious issues with Surface Laptop are widely reported.

Microsoft's new $99 Surface Pen is a steep upgrade from the previous iteration that costs $59 (and which is still available. There are quite a few enhancements that may justify the cost for new Surface Pro owners. But for older Surface devices, the value is not too clear.

Here is what owners of previous Surface devices should expect with the all-new Surface Pen.

What's new?

The new Surface Pen brings significant changes. Here are the key features being advertised or that we noticed.

1. Pressure levels

The new Pen has 4,096 pressure levels, up from 1,024 levels of the previous Pen. The new Surface Pen is simply more sensitive than the last one. While there can be a debate about how significant this advance is, artists and professional inkers prefer more sensitive pens. Higher levels of pressure allow for greater shading or increased detail when drawing. In fact, Wacom's new Intuos Pro Paper Edition tablet features 8,192 levels of pressure – but that device is not a PC, and there is such thing as diminishing returns. For note takers, higher pressure levels make the stylus feel more natural.

2. Decreased latency

Latency is the time between when the pen tip hits the display, and digital ink begins to flow. If you draw or write quickly, you will see a visible gap between the pen tip and the digital ink, almost like the ink is trying to catch up to the pen. Real pens have zero latency, which is why they feel natural. The entire digital inking market has been trying to reduce latency to simulate real pens accurately. The new Surface Pen drops latency down to just 21 milliseconds from the previous 40 milliseconds. That is a significant decrease when you consider the display refresh, OS, and apps by default cause 16 milliseconds of latency.

3. Tilt support

If you took a real pencil and turned the tip on its side you could use it to "shade." That fanning of the graphite creates a different experience than just writing with the tip. Digital pens should do this. too, but simulating it on a PC is not easy – after all, it's just plastic on glass and the computer does not "know" the difference. The new Surface Pen supports this feature, as well, thanks to advanced hardware.

4. Lower initial activation force

Initial activation force (IAF) refers to the amount of pressure needed for a pen to trigger an inking event on the PC – the lower, the better. A similar real-world analogy is how a Sharpie marker can lightly brush against an object and leave a mark versus a pencil. With the new Surface Pen, the IAF is down to around nine grams, making it more sensitive than the last version.

Besides the big technical changes with the new Surface Pen, there are subtle physical changes as well. There is no longer a shirt clip, for example, which some people won't like. The single button is also now visually and physically distinct from the magnetic strip. The LED pairing light is also now green instead of white, so there's that (detalil is detail!).

Otherwise, the new and old Surface Pens look similar, weigh the same, and take the same single AAAA battery, that should last the same amount of time.

What can the new Surface Pen do on older Surface PCs?

Unfortunately, not all legacy Surfaces get all of these improvements. Here is what Microsoft told me when I asked about the new Pen and older Surfaces:

• Devices that (eventually will) support new Surface Pen enhancements: Surface 3, Surface Pro 3, Surface Pro 4, Surface Book, Surface Laptop, and Surface Studio.
• Pressure levels: All the devices mentioned above will see improvements "up to" 4,096 levels.
• IAF: All devices mentioned above will see "fine-tuning" of IAF.
• Improved latency: All devices mentioned above will see improved latency.

While these advances are coming, they are not here today – at least not completely. In my usage of the new Surface Pen on the Surface Studio and Surface Pro 4, I noticed an overall increased sensitivity and reduced IAF – there is just less effort needed to use the Surface Pen. That experience is like the new Wacom Bamboo Ink pen, which is a cheaper alternative to the Surface Pen.

However, I did not see any appreciable improvement in latency on the Surface Studio. That is very likely because the Surface Studio – like other Surface devices – still needs a firmware update to optimize the drivers.

Seeing as Surface Studio and the new Surface Pro share the same upgraded Pixelsense accelerator chip, I expect parity between those two devices at some point for all of these features.

Tilt support and shading is a different story. We may only see a few of the newer Surfaces get tilt support with the Surface Pen "later this year" through a software update. Tilt support is already enabled on the new Surface Pro, but it is not yet clear which older Surface devices will also join the tilt club.

Why all the confusion?

Microsoft has at times been vague about the details of the new Surface Pen, and the feature set is apparently spread out across devices. My educated hunch is that Microsoft is going to push a driver update for the new Surface Pen in the next few months, but because it is still being worked on the company does not want to commit to specifics. They know this new Pen can do more, but just how much more on older hardware is currently fuzzy.

"Improved latency" is great, but the new Surface Pro and Surface Studio have a new Pixelsense accelerator that lets them achieve 21-millisecond latency. Improved latency on older hardware likely means between 40 milliseconds for Surface Pro 4 and Surface Book and 21 milliseconds.

The same rationale applies for IAF, which will be "fine-tuned," and the levels of pressure, which may increase "up to" 4,096. These are improvements, but it remains to be seen just how much so. So you shouldn't think the new Surface Pen is as good on older Surfaces as the new Surface Pro 2017.

Bottom line: Wait ... for now

If you are on an older Surface, getting the new Surface Pen is a mixed bag for now, and it's best to wait. (The Surface Pro 1 and Pro 2 used completely different pen tech, so they won't see any such improvements.)

The best days of the new Surface Pen are still ahead. When Microsoft releases its new Pen driver and firmware, you will see even more improvements enabled on older Surface hardware. That does not mean the $99 is still worth it, but that is a personal decision you will need to make.

See at Microsoft Store

Microsoft's Surface product line has grown over the years to meet the various demands of consumers. For those who own a Surface Pro 3, Pro 4, or new Surface Pro however, you may be interested in innovative ways to expand its form factor. Or maybe you just really want a Surface Book, but can't afford it now.

The Brydge 12.3 Bluetooth keyboard is one possible solution that turns your Surface Pro into more or a laptop. I was skeptical of such a device, but after spending a few weeks with it, I'm (mostly) impressed. Here is what I like, and what I don't.

See at Amazon

How it works

The Brydge 12.3 is a standalone Bluetooth 4.0 keyboard that has its own battery and costs $150. Micro USB charges it, and it should last around three months on a single charge. Obviously, that can vary, but the Brydge 12.3 should last at the very least weeks even with extreme usage.

You just pair the Brydge 12.3 to the Surface Pro 3 or 4 using Windows 10 and the Bluetooth configuration.

Next, you slip the Surface Pro into the shims at the edge. They are quite firm, and it requires pressure to slide in the Surface Pro. The good news is that means the Surface Pro will not slip out. The unwelcome news is this is not something you want to have to do repeatedly, so the setup presumes you'll leave the Surface Pro in the Brydge for extended durations. If you must separate them, you just tug.

Once paired the Brydge 12.3 acts just as a keyboard, and it makes the Surface Pro feel like a laptop.

Brydge 12.3 features and quality

Made from an all-aluminum chassis, the build quality is excellent on the Brydge 12.3.

Out of the box, the Brydge 12.3 is configured for the Surface Pro 4/Surface Pro, but there are extra shims in the box that fit the Surface Pro 3.

The Brydge 12.3 works with the all-new Surface Pro (2017), as well.

Everyone I showed it too was impressed with how durable and stable it feels. Part of that is the weight, which is 1.4 pounds (652 grams). That means you are effectively doubling the weight of your Surface Pro.

The reason for the weight is just physics. To prop the 1.7lb Surface Pro up into a laptop mode without the kickstand, you need similar weight to offset it. The Brydge 12.3 opens to a maximum of 160 degrees much like a "real" laptop.

The Brydge 12.3 is also the same diameter as the Surface Pro. It feels like squishing two Surface Pros together.

To be fair, it all feels very dense, robust, and even rugged. But your light Surface Pro becomes a heavy laptop weighing 3.41 pounds (1.55 kg). That's a significant tradeoff.

The Brydge 12.3 keys are chicklet-style with plenty of travel. I enjoy the way they depress and feel. They also support three-stage backlighting, which is a very nice touch. Part of the extra weight of the Brydge 12.3 goes to an internal battery for the Bluetooth and to also power the backlighting.

The Brydge trackpad is smaller than that of the Surface Type Cover. It's glass and while not Precision (so it doesn't support all Windows 10 gestures) it is better than average.

However, when you close the Surface Pro on to the Brydge, you need to hit the power button the Surface Pro to turn it off. There is no way for the Brydge to know your Surface is off because unlike the Type Cover, it is not physically connected.

If you open the Surface Pro and hit the power button, the Brydge automatically pairs again. The process is fluid and fast requiring no wait times so you can dive into work.

Unfortunately, you cannot use the Brydge 12.3 to charge the Surface Pro as an extended battery.

Overall, I was way more impressed with the Brydge 12.3 than I was expecting to be. The build quality is fantastic, the Bluetooth worked, the keyboard feels right, the backlighting is great, and the trackpad is OK.

Some issues with typing

My biggest complaint with the Brydge 12.3 is with typing. While it felt great, I often missed keystrokes. That may be related to how fast I type – average around 60 words per minute – because typing more slowly seemed fine.

The issue is likely to do with the Bluetooth, and the keyboard may be bad at keystroke-timing crossover so that the key needs to fully "clear" the movement before it registers. On average, it happened about every ten or twenty words, which while not awful, was enough to make me frustrated on occasion.

Brydge 12.3 Pro 128 adds optional SSD to your Surface Pro

In another oversion - Brydge 12.3 Pro 128 – you can get 128GB high-speed (600mbps) SSD storage built into the keyboard. That option will double the cost of the Brydge 12.3 to $299.

It connects via the micro USB port to the Surface Pro's USB Type-A one through an included mini-cable. While perhaps a bit clumsy, I must admit the idea is intriguing.

Conclusion: Almost worth it

I expected to dislike the Brydge 12.3 for Surface Pro but came away awestruck. The overall quality is fantastic, and Brydge gets a lot right with the device.

The added weight and size is something to note, but it at least feels good to carry and use.

The typing experience is great even though I missed a keystroke on occasion, which is the real bummer here. I think slower typists will be OK, but those who type like pros will get frustrated quickly. I also don't love the smaller trackpad.

The $150 price is a bit high, too. Considering, however, that a new Surface Type Cover (non-Alcantara) costs $129, I think Brydge is in the ballpark. At the very least, the packaging and build quality all make it feel premium and worth the money. Nothing feels cheap about the Brydge 12.3.

Brydge 12.3 is worth checking out if you want this setup, but you may want to wait until the next version. With a few refinements, this could be a killer accessory.

See at Amazon

Pros:

• Excellent build quality and design.
• Really nice keyboard response and feel.
• Backlit keys look great.
• Makes the Surface Pro more laptop-like.

Cons:

• Doubles the weight and size of Surface Pro.
• Occasional missed keystrokes when typing fast.
• Trackpad is a bit too small.

That's precisely the discussion that's currently going down in the Windows Central forums, regarding the brand spanking new Microsoft Surface Pro.

In theory, the differences shouldn't be that big looking at the same tasks on the two different models. The Core i7 version has a little more horsepower so it can take on more intensive workloads, and in turn, will then use more battery.

Both offer good battery life, but as the reviews have only just dropped, there aren't many real-world comparisons to draw on when it comes to the new Surface Pro. If you've got some words of wisdom to offer, hit the link below, jump into the forum thread and join the discussion!

In the forums: New Surface Pro Battery Life: i5 vs i7

I cobbled together a few pros of the all-new Surface Pro that stand out as reasons to be excited about it. To be fair, I had to toss in a few negatives as well, but that list is substantially shorter.

Surface Pro 2017 review: A 2-in-1 tablet you'll actually want to use

Things to love about the new Surface Pro

There's a lot to like about the new Surface Pro, and it's not just about the new processor. Here are the things that I think you should take away from the device and that you should consider when buying.

1. Longer battery life

Let's face it, the Surface Pro line was never known for its outstanding battery life. At the most, you could say it was acceptable or approaching great, but it was always an hour or two short.

Microsoft is making bold claims with the new Surface Pro with a rating of 13.5 hours. Those numbers are based on closed-loop video playback, but my experience tells me such an estimate translates into a real-world eight to nine hours of use.

That's reasonable, too, with Intel's seventh generation "Kaby Lake" processor. Don't forget, Microsoft made a lot of battery improvements with the Creators Update especially for standby functionality. The company is also hard at work on its new Power Throttling feature for the Fall Creators Update due later this year, which does even more for battery usage.

Will the new Surface Pro 2017 be the first Surface Pro for which you can leave the AC charger home for the day? It looks like it.

2. Amazing pen-and-ink experience

The Surface Pen became respectable with the Surface Pro 3, but it was the Surface Pro 4's 1,024 pressure levels and design that won me over.

In 2017, Windows 10 is even more Pen-friendly, with even greater features coming in the Fall Creators Update, including universal support throughout the OS.

With the new Surface Pro, Microsoft has a brand-new co-processor that dramatically cuts down inking latency (the "lag" when you scribble fast between the pen tip and visible digital ink), and it raised the levels of pressure from 1,024 to 4,096. The company did all that while still making the Surface Pen's battery last one year.

I tried the new Surface Pen on the Surface Pro, and it blurs the line between digital and analog inking. This pen feels amazing to use, and it even has tilt-and-rotation support now, addressing some of the very last complaints artists had in the past.

This Surface Pen may go down as an industry legend. It may even make non-pen users make the jump, it's that good.

3. Fanless Intel Core i5

With the Surface Pro 4, Microsoft gave consumers a fanless option with the Intel Core m3 variant. While a great device, that is the lower-tier Surface Pro and it lacks the punch of a real Core-i processor.

Somehow, Microsoft figured out how to make a speedier – and hotter – seventh generation Intel Core i5 fanless now, too.

For those who like a quiet Surface Pro experience, but still want the performance of a Core i5, you now have your wish.

4. Iris Plus graphics

Putting in dedicated graphics into such a slim machine as the Surface Pro is still not possible, but at least the Core i7 version of the new Surface Pro gets a more powerful Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640 GPU.

What should users expect? The Iris Plus Graphics 640 was announced in January and is still very new, but first benchmarks put it between a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce 920M and GeForce 940M. There is also support for H.265/HEVC Main 10, and it can power up to three external monitors. The Iris Pro 640 doubles the pipelines to 48, from 24, when compared to the Intel HD 620, which is found is most "Kaby Lake" Ultrabooks.

All you need to know is Iris Plus will give the Core i7 version of the Surface Pro extra punch and should easily best the Core i7 Surface Pro 4 in benchmarks.

5. 4G LTE (optional)

Although not coming until "later this year," Microsoft is finally putting 4G LTE into some models of the new Surface Pro. Previously only available in the 10-inch Surface 3 with a weak Intel Atom processor, consumers can now unleash the Surface Pro wherever, whenever.

Microsoft showed us that there are no physical differences in appearance between the non-LTE and LTE versions. The company hid all the antenna lines, kept the display bezel sizes the same, and it says the 4G won't dramatically impact battery life compared to Wi-Fi.

Besides support for a nano SIM, Microsoft is also adding electronic SIM (eSIM) support too so that you can buy a data plan in the Windows Store and instantly activate it.

6. Instant-on

Microsoft is touting its new instant-on abilities for the Surface Pro for a good reason.

For years, consumers loved Apple iPads because they were always just powered on in a standby mode. Tapping the power button turned on the screen instantly, making laptops look slow in comparison. As a result, many people grabbed their iPads instead of their laptops.

No more! The Surface Pro now behaves like a tablet. The power button instantly turns the display on with no visible booting or loading. It's an impressive experience.

7. Improved display

The Surface Pro 4 came out almost two years ago. A lot has changed with displays and manufacturing, and that carries over to the new Surface Pro. Sharing the same "world's thinnest" bonded glass claim as the Surface Laptop, the new Surface Pro's display is now more consistent with less (maybe even no) light bleed.

Colors look sharper on the new screen, and there are now color profiles like sRGB, DCI-P3, and Vivid settings, which graphics professionals love.

8. Available in 26 markets at the same time

Let's all take a moment to appreciate that Microsoft – for the first time – is releasing the new Surface Pro "globally" on the same day. Here's where it should be available later this month:

• Australia.
• Austria.
• Belgium.
• Canada.
• China.
• Denmark.
• Finland.
• France.
• Germany.
• Hong Kong.
• Ireland.
• Italy.
• Japan.
• Korea.
• Luxembourg.
• Netherlands.
• New Zealand.
• Norway.
• Poland.
• Portugal.
• Spain.
• Sweden.
• Switzerland.
• Taiwan.
• U.K.
• US.

Consumers in these countries can all get their mitts on the Surface Pro at the same time. No more laborious rollouts with users in the UK and elsewhere getting dibs months later than the U.S.

While there are more than 26 countries on the planet, and ones like India are conspicuously missing, this is Microsoft's best start yet.

Surface Pro disappointments

This next list is shorter. Sure, you can gripe about how it's not a laptop, but then you can just get the Surface Laptop or Surface Book. Price is low-hanging fruit as everyone knows Surfaces are priced unusually high – nothing new there.

1. No USB Type-C

No USB Type-C or Thunderbolt 3 support is hands-down the biggest disappointment. Microsoft's Vice President of Devices Panos Panay gave me some good reasons for the omission. I'm told there was an extensive debate on the issue internally, too, so it's not like Microsoft simply forgot.

Nonetheless, if you wanted a Surface Pro to work with your NVIDIA 1080Ti GPU via external GPU setup, you're going to be disappointed.

Microsoft showed me a Surface Connect to USB Type-C dongle that is coming soon – it does power and data too – but it is unlikely a substitute for all of you.

While I would have loved USB Type-C and Thunderbolt 3, the forthcoming Surface Connect converter will solve my needs. But I know some of you still won't be happy.

2. Type Cover still flops open

Heading into nitpicking country, the Surface Pro Signatrue Type Cover, made of sumptuous Alcantara, still flops open.

I have no idea why Microsoft cannot put a small magnet there to keep it closed. Dell did it with its Latitude 5285.

While this is not a deal breaker, it just seems like a simple problem to solve.

3. Display may be too small

The Surface Pro gets a lot right, but that 12.3-inch display is still a bit on the small side when compared to most Ultrabooks. The 3:2 aspect ratio certainly helps. Maybe it's just my aging eyes, but I tend to find 13.5 inches easier for extended durations.

I can always go for the Surface Book or Surface Laptop – both of which are 13.5 inches – but wouldn't it be nice if Surface Pro matched that? Then again, 13.5-inch tablets are probably not that fun.

Wrapping it up

We just posted our in-depth review of the Surface Pro. Hit the link below to see why Microsoft's latest iteration may go down as a milestone.

Surface Pro 2017 review: A 2-in-1 tablet you'll actually want to use

Better battery life, dramatically improved pen, quieter fans and optional 4G LTE make it all very enticing. Combined with the improvements in Windows 10, the new Surface Pro is living up to expectations.

Did I miss anything? Leave a comment below and let me know.

Preorder the Surface Pro at the Microsoft Store

Updated June 15, 2017: This story has been modified to add recently revealed details.

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• Everything you need to know about the new Surface Pro
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• Why Microsoft's new Surface Pro doesn't have a USB Type-C port
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