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.

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

• Microsoft's Surface Pro 6 has a new firmware update available.
• The update addresses security updates and improves system stability in several areas.
• The update doesn't have any known issues at this time.

Microsoft's Surface Pro 6 has a new firmware available. It's the latest firmware update to roll out to Microsoft's Surface devices, which includes the recent update to the Surface Studio 2. Like most firmware updates, this one isn't that exciting. It includes several security updates and improves system stability.

Since Surface updates roll out in stages, you may not see this update just yet. The changelog appeared on April 8, so you might have to wait to receive it. In some cases, you may have to search for optional updates.

Here's everything that's new in the latest firmware update:

More exciting Surface news could be just around the corner. Microsoft's spring Surface hardware refresh is most likely within the next two weeks. At that event, we could see a Surface Laptop 4, Surface Headphones 2+, and new accessories from Microsoft.

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.

Microsoft's Surface Pro 7 and Surface Pro 6 are certainly cut from the same cloth, and at first glance, you might mistake one for the other. However, the real changes (other than the USB-C port) come on the inside, with the Pro 7 sporting new 10th Gen Intel Core CPU options and LPDDR4x RAM for improved performance. Here's a breakdown of the exact specs you'll find in each model.

With Black Friday quickly approaching, we're expecting to see some discounts on these 2-in-1 devices. There are plenty of Pro 7 tablets and bundles available, often at a great price without a sale, so be sure you're actually getting a good deal. A tool like CamelCamelCamel can help you determine if you're seeing a deal or standard pricing. The Pro 6 is a bit of a different story, as stock is waning due to its age. Still, you might be able to find a great deal on a bundle or refurbished models as retailers attempt to get rid of old stock.

Microsoft Surface Pro 7 vs. Surface Pro 6 tech specs

Design and features

The Surface Pro 7 is a minor refresh over the last-gen Surface Pro 6, with most of the changes coming from the internal hardware. Still, the Pro 7 has made the jump from Mini DisplayPort for the much more versatile USB-C port. This should make it much easier to connect your newer accessories, and it can still be used for external displays. Alongside USB-C, the Pro 7 holds onto USB-A, 3.5mm audio, Surface Connect, and a microSD card reader.

If you're making the jump from an older Surface Pro model (from the Pro 3 and newer), older Type Covers should work with the Pro 7. This should save you a good chunk of money if you're upgrading. One new feature that we're excited about is Wi-Fi 6 connectivity in the Pro 6, which will offer wireless speeds far beyond what we've become accustomed to with Wi-Fi 5. Both the Pro 6 and Pro 7 are available in Platinum and Black colors.

Display and inking

Nothing has really changed when it comes to the display. With both the Pro 6 and Pro 7 you're looking at a 12.3-inch touch display with boxy 3:2 aspect ratio, 2736x1824 resolution, and 267 PPI. Both Pro models are compatible with the Surface Dial for off-screen interactions, and both offer an exceptional inking experience with the Surface Pen. Expect 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt support.

Performance and price

The Surface Pro 6 is available with 8th Gen Intel Core i5 and i7 "Kaby Lake R" CPUs. These are not the later 8th Gen "Whiskey Lake" CPUs, but they're nevertheless performers.

Geekbench 5 single-core scores for the Core i5-8250U hover around the 800 to 900 mark, while multi-core scores reach up to about 3,400. The Core i7-8550U again measures around the 900 single-core score, reaching up to about a 3,500 multi-core score. These CPUs can handle a relatively heavy workload, and they should be able to shred through any multitasking.

The Pro 7 has been refreshed with 10th Gen Intel Core "Ice Lake" CPUs with a 10nm architecture, and it's available with Core i3, Core i5, and Core i7 versions. Compared with Geekbench 5 tests, the Core i7-1065G7 begins around the 1,200 to 1,300 mark for a single-core score, while multi-core scores reach, in many cases, well above 4,000.

The Pro 7 Core i5 model outperforms the Pro 6 Core i7 model, which is quite impressive. As for battery life, the Pro 7 will last about eight hours from a charge, whereas the Pro 6 hits closer to 10 hours. That's the tradeoff for better performance.

Geekbench 5

Geekbench 5.0 (CPU) (Higher is better)

Geekbench 4

Geekbench 4.0 (CPU) (higher is better)

PCMark

PCMark 10

GPU

Geekbench 5.0 OpenCL (higher is better)

SSD

CrystalDiskMark (Higher is better)

.

As for gaming, 10th Gen Core i5 and Core i7 Intel CPUs feature Iris Plus Graphics, which will provide a better experience than what the 8th Gen CPUs have to offer. Neither device has a dedicated GPU option, so if you want to game on a Pro, spending the extra money is no doubt worth it.

As expected, you're going to pay more for the newer Pro 7. Configurations with a Core i3 CPU, 4GB of RAM, and 128GB SSD start at $750, while a model with Core i5 CPU, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB SSD costs closer to about $1,200. Maxing things out with the Pro 7, including a Core i7 CPU, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB SSD costs about $2,300.

As for the Pro 6, prices are all over the place due to third-party retailers mostly taking over remaining stock. Your best bet is to find a bundle with Type Cover, Surface Pen, and more for around the same price you'd pay for a new standalone tablet. There are also plenty of refurbished options available that will save you quite a bit of money compared to a new Pro 7.

Go with the Surface Pro 7 for better performance, connectivity

The Surface Pro 7 hasn't seen a substantial physical change since the last generation, but inside is where it counts. 10th Gen Intel Core "Ice Lake" CPUs outperform the 8th Gen "Kaby Lake R" CPUs in the Pro 6, and the newer 2-in-1 also sports faster LPDDR4x RAM. You will pay more for the Pro 7, but for better performance and a USB-C port, it's the right choice. And if neither of these laptops is quite what you're looking for, check out our collection of the overall best Windows laptop options on the market today.

The Surface Pro 6 is still a solid buy

The release of a new generation always makes an older device pale, but the Surface Pro 6 is still a reliable option for anyone who wants to save some money and still get an awesome device. The touch display is the same resolution and offers the same brilliant picture, and the overall design is essentially the same. You won't get a USB-C port or 10th Gen Intel CPU performance, but for many people, that's OK.

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.

Why no LTE?

There's no reason why the Pro 6 might not pick up an LTE option down the line, but Microsoft hasn't said anything about future plans. As seen with the Surface Pro 2017 model, an LTE option was announced at the outset and emerged for sale a few months later.

We can understand why a company would be hesitant to add LTE. The downsides are in the way the LTE modem can impact internals. The space required to fit in the LTE components meant that the Pro 2017 LTE was restricted to a fanless Core i5 processor, and similar design challenges may be present in the Pro 6.

Microsoft circumvented these issues with the new Surface Pro X by leveraging a new custom chipset dubbed Microsoft SQ1, based on ARM's architecture. This brings LTE by default, complete with an even slimmer design.

The Surface Pro X has LTE by default

The Surface Pro 6 might not have LTE, but if you desperately want an LTE 2-in-1, Microsoft's newly announced Surface Pro X comes with it as standard. While it doesn't come with the keyboard cover or stylus, it should sport comparable performance to the Pro 6, owing to its custom-designed Microsoft SQ1 chipset.

HP Envy x2 for that always-connected experience

If you still find yourself longing for a cheaper 2-in-1 LTE experience, the HP Envy x2 is another excellent option. Powered by ARM, the HP Envy x2 boasts a ridiculous 22-hour battery life, perfect for long sessions away from Wi-Fi or power outlet connectivity. The Envy x2 also comes with a stylus for inking on the move, and a detachable keyboard cover, both of which Surface Pro products tend to sell separately. It's certainly not as powerful as a full Intel PC, but if portable productivity in your bag, look no further.

For more information, see our comprehensive review.

Surface Go LTE as a budget option

For what it lacks in raw power, the Surface Go makes it up with massive portability. The pint-sized PC is almost small enough to fit in your pocket — coming in at 10 inches and weighing 1.17 lbs. The Surface Go LTE has a slot for a SIM card, letting you take the power of full Windows 10 on the go. It's primed for an update, though, so you may want to wait until the Spring of 2020 when Microsoft is expected to announce a new model if you don't fancy the Pro X.

The Surface Pro 6 and Surface Book 2 are two very different devices, targeting two very different groups of consumers. If you prefer a tablet experience, don't need to do inking, won't use the device with a physical keyboard much and would like to save some cash, Surface Pro 6 is the better option.

Should you want to go all out and enjoy the signature Windows 10 on Surface experience, nothing beats the Surface Book 2 — so long as your pockets are deep for the more expensive configurations.

Similar numbers on Surface

Both devices offer similar specifications, which shouldn't come as much of a surprise. The Surface Pro 6 is Microsoft's featured tablet and the Surface Book 2 is the company's powerful notebook. Both cross paths with regards to form factor and device category, and as such offer similar internals.

Surface performance

Surface Book 2 is the more powerful device, without question. Both devices can be configured with the same Intel Core i7 processor, but the Surface Book 2 has the advantage of a dedicated GPU and better overall computing. It's designed for extended power use, while the Surface Pro is more of a tablet you can use for intensive tasks irregularly.

Because there's no dedicated GPU inside the Surface Pro 6, you'll need to rely on the Intel iGPU, and the Surface Pro 6 doesn't have Intel Iris graphics. This isn't a decision made by Microsoft, but Intel with its 8th-gen line-up of processors. If you need to rely on graphics processing, the only choice here is Surface Book 2.

Portable computing

Surface Pro 6 is more versatile and incredibly powerful tablet — you try running the full desktop Adobe Photoshop suite on an iPad — and while it does offer a battery life of around 13 hours, the Surface Book 2 edges out in front with upwards of 17 hours. It's not a huge difference, but worth considering if you're often found without power outlets.

Something to bear in mind is pricing, which is where the Surface Pro 6 wins big time. The tablet starts from just $900, while you can expect to pay $1,150 for the Surface Book 2. Surface Pro 6 is almost as good as the Surface Book 2 and can even be kitted out with better internals than the base model Surface Book 2, but Microsoft's 2-in-1 notebook is simply better overall.

The ultimate Windows 10 experience

Microsoft did so well with the Surface Book 2, we gave it a full five-star rating and raved about all of its features. Sure, it's the more expensive device in this comparison, but you get so much more in terms of configurations with the addition of discrete GPUs, making it a killer notebook.

Surface Pro 6 for tighter budgets

Microsoft's Surface Pro 6 isn't a slouch, but a powerful tablet with massive potential in the right hands. It's also the cheaper of the two devices, when not including the optional Type Cover and Surface Pen. If you're all about a lighter, tablet-like Windows 10 experience, the Surface Pro 6 is likely the better choice.

Picking a bag for your Surface Pro, Surface Laptop, or even Surface Book is as big a decision as to the computer itself. How you use the device, what you need to fit all matter in that choice.

The new Waterfield Designs Tech Folio Plus may be the perfect leather (or ballistic nylon) bag for your daily ride to work or even an ideal choice for flights. Built for carrying many smaller items in a well-organized layout, the Tech Folio Plus is not great for packing headphones or a water bottle. Still, it can't be beaten for carrying cables, dongles, adapters, pens, and your ID.

Here are the pros and cons of the Tech Folio Plus, which I have been using for the last few weeks.

What you'll love about the Tech Folio Plus

Waterfield Designs has been making quality bags in San Francisco for many years. The company has a large assortment of offerings and is made to order with an outstanding warranty.

The Tech Folio Plus is a new design that is ideal for those who need to pack lots of little things for their laptop. For example, if you need to pack a mouse, Surface Pen, real pen, notepad, charger, Type-C cables, dongles, USB thumb drive, Amazon Kindle, magazine, and your laptop or Surface Pro this is your bag.

I consider this bag perfect for those who commute to the office, trips on the airplane, or moving between locations. The shoulder strap (+$22) is excellent if you plan to carry this bag, but unnecessary if you slip the Tech Folio Plus into a larger backpack. There's a grab handle that lets you carry it like a briefcase and even strap for your suitcase for bigger trips where you can make your luggage do the work.

The Tech Folio Plus is made from 1050 denier ballistic nylon or waxed canvas (used in this review). It's exceptionally sturdy and long-lasting with waxed canvas giving a worn, aged look that's classic. The rounded zipper front pocket is great for quick-access smaller items like your phone, ID/passport, and pens.

In my testing with the Tech Folio Plus (not the smaller Tech Folio), the bag can fit a Surface Pro X, Surface Pro, Surface Laptop (13.5-inch), Surface Book (13.5-inch), and other 13-inch Ultrabooks like the Dell XPS 13 or XPS 13 2-in-1. There is a main compartment that is padded to hold and protect your PC from minor bangs or drops.

Altogether there are 16 compartments (including the laptop sleeve), slots, and holders for pens in this bag, which is extraordinary.

What you'll love less about Tech Folio Plus

The Tech Folio Plus is not a great bag if you need quick access to your PC while wearing it. For example, if you're frequently taking your laptop in and out of the pocket all day, you may find it a bit tedious as this design requires some packing versus a "dump it" backpack with a laptop sleeve.

If you need something with fewer compartments but faster access the Waterfield Designs Bolt Crossbody or Staad backpack are better choices.

While this bag has a lot of compartments, they are all made for smaller items like pens, cables, dongles, drives, chargers, etc. Don't plan to pack headphones or anything thick like a physical book, or chunky battery pack (slim battery packs are just fine).

Should you buy the Tech Folio Plus?

The Tech Folio Plus is an excellent bag for those of us who travel and need to pack lots of small items. For example, on many of my work trips, I need a reader for my camera's XQD card, Ethernet adapter, thumb drives, portable charger, slim battery pack, Surface Arc Mouse, Kindle reader, Surface Pen, real pens, and more. I could dump that into a backpack (and I usually do), but the Tech Folio Plus lets you easily organize that chaos. I also like that the bag opens and lays flat, whereas a backpack is going to be more of a top-down balancing act.

The downside to this design is it's not so great if you're always using your laptop. You can't use this bag while wearing it unless you're only accessing the nifty front pocket. For such uses, the Outback Solo or excellent Field Muzetto work better. But those bags prioritize quick access over storage – there are not nearly as many compartments to hold smaller items.

The looks of Tech Folio Plus are also excellent. When thrown over the shoulder using the crossbody strap, it's comfortable to wear and looks classic. The bag is symmetrical, too, which gives it a neutral appearance without drawing too much attention. I'm a big fan of how Waterfield Designs also uses a gold-color liner, which makes finding items much easier versus a black or dark background. One thing that is missing that is usually included is a lanyard for keys, which is a bummer.

Overall, I'm looking forward to using this for my many New York City day trips. I'll be able to carry all that I need without having to spend much time looking for it later.

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.

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.

What you need to know

• The Surface Pro 6 + Type Cover bundle and several Surface devices are on sale through the Microsoft Store.
• Many of the sales end on September 2, 2019, though some continue later into September.
• Essentials bundles for the Surface Laptop 2, Surface Go and Surface Studio 2 are also on sale.

The Surface savings continue to roll through the Microsoft Store. Several Surface devices and bundles went on sale last month. Many of these sales were set to end on August 10, but the Surface deals page lists multiple offers that run into September. The Surface Pro 6 + Type Cover bundle is available for up to $330 off depending on the variant that you choose, and there are also sales on the Surface Laptop 2 and Surface Go. Many of the sales end on September 2, 2019, so you'll need to act quickly to get the best deals.

The Surface Pro 6 + Type Cover bundle is one of the best deals currently listed and it is one of the deals that ends on Labor Day. You can save $330 on the Intel Core i5 version with 256GB of storage. That brings the price down to $999 compared to its standard price of $1,329. You can also save $260 on the cheaper Intel Core i5 variant with 128GB of storage, bringing the price down to $799.

The most affordable Surface on sale is the Surface Go + Platinum Type Cover bundle. It's $80 off, bringing the price down to $519. There are also Essentials bundles available on the Surface Laptop 2 (up to $50 off), Surface Studio 2 (up to $100 off), and Surface Pro 6 (up to $80 off).

You can find all of the Surface deals on Microsoft's website right now.

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.

The Surface Pro 6 and the Surface Go are two very similar, yet very different devices. Featuring the same design, the Surface Go is just a smaller and less powerful Surface Pro 6, but that's not a bad thing if you're the type of person who only uses their PC for light computing on the go. If you need more power and a bigger screen, the Surface Pro 6 is a much better choice, although you'll be paying a premium for it.

Tech specs

Design and features

When it comes to design, the Surface Pro 6 and the Surface Go are two very similar devices. They both feature a magnesium chassis which feels excellent in the hand, and a kickstand that sits flush with the chassis when not in use, but can be pulled out with ease when needed. Around the back, you'll find a shiny Microsoft logo on the kickstand, which looks clean along with the "platinum" color option available on both devices.

One difference in color choice is that the Surface Pro 6 is also available in black, while the Surface Go is only available in platinum. The black Surface Pro 6 has a slightly different texture to it, making it slightly more grippy and easier to hold. It's still magnesium, but it might show scratches a little easier as underneath the black coating is the silver magnesium.

When it comes to ports, the Surface Pro 6 includes your bog-standard USB-A 3.0 port, along with a Mini DisplayPort, which is great for projecting your Surface to a larger monitor. It also has the Surface Connect port which is used for charging and hooking up to Microsoft's official Surface Dock. The Surface Go omits the USB-A port and Mini DisplayPort for a single USB-C port instead, which means you might need a dongle for hooking up your USB drives.

Both devices feature microSD card expansion slots under the kickstand, and a 3.5mm headphone jack for music. Both also have Type Cover accessories, although the Surface Go's accessories are different from the Surface Pro 6's due to the difference in size. You'll find the Surface Go Type Covers are also a little bit cheaper than the Surface Pro 6's.

Display

Around the front, the Surface Go features a smaller 10.1-inch display, compared to the Surface Pro 6's 12.3-inch display. This means the Surface Go is a much more compact machine, making it an excellent choice for those who are constantly on the go and want something small and light to take with them. The Surface Go's resolution is 1800x1200, which is around the 1080p mark. It's a crisp and clear display, but if you want something better, the Surface Pro 6 is a better choice.

On the Surface Pro 6, you'll find a much higher resolution of 2736x1824, which brings with it a far crisper image for things like photo editing. The bigger 12.3-inch display is also great for getting more on screen at once, something to consider if you work with multiple apps all at once. Both displays feature 10-point multitouch capabilities, and even support for the Surface Pen, although the Surface Pro 6's should have better inking performance.

The Surface Pro 6 also supports the Surface Dial accessory on the screen, meaning like the Surface Studio, you can place the Surface Dial directly onto the Surface Pro 6's display when laying down and use the Surface Dial for on-screen functionality. The Surface Go only supports the Surface Dial with off-screen use.

Performance

When it comes to performance, both the Surface Pro 6 and the Surface Go sit in two different categories. The Surface Go is a device for casual users, who often only use their PCs for light workloads such as Office, email, Spotify, and casual web browsing. The Surface Go, with its Intel Pentium processor, is not a powerful machine, but it should be more than fine for daily tasks and light users.

If you want to do any heavy lifting work, or plan on using your device with multiple apps all at once, the Surface Pro 6 is a better choice. Featuring an 8th Gen Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, the Surface Pro 6 is a great choice for editing photos in Photoshop, editing 1080p videos, and multitasking with multiple heavy apps open all at once. If you're a tabaholic in Chrome or Edge, the Surface Pro 6 will have a better time keeping all those tabs in memory.

Go with the Surface Pro 6 for better performance

Microsoft's Surface Pro 6 offers more performance, which means you'll be able to do more with it when required. If, however, you know your workload isn't too heavy, you might be better off saving a couple hundred bucks and opting for the smaller, more portable Surface Go instead. Still offers the same great design, but in a much cheaper and smaller package.

Microsoft's Surface Go is great for light workloads on the go

The bottom line here is that the Surface Go just doesn't measure up to the power and capabilities of the Surface Pro 6. However, if you're looking for a casual machine for travel and know you won't be doing much computing, you can save a few bucks going with the Surface Go. There's also a version with LTE so you can always remain connected.

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.

The Microsoft Surface Pro 6 with an Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, and 256GB storage is our pick for best Surface Pro 6 model thanks to its price and the fact it has good enough specs for most workloads. However, there are other variants that might suit your needs better.

Who should buy this specific model?

Anyone who uses their PC for common work tasks such as writing documents in Microsoft Office, browsing the web with several tabs at once, listening to Spotify, watching movies, or even doing a bit of work in Photoshop should buy this model. It's the best model for the money, as it brings good performance and battery life without costing the world.

It's worth noting that Microsoft is expected to refresh this device with updated internals in October. It will be a minor update, so it might not be worth waiting the extra months.

Why the Intel Core i5 with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage model is the best one

The Surface Pro 6 with an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB RAM, and 256GB storage is what we believe to be the best Surface Pro model on the market right now for a combination of reasons. It's the best value for money, costing $1,199 while still offering great performance for when your workload is a little heavier than usual.

The fanless Intel Core i5 processor should be capable of doing most of anything you want it to do, but it shines primarily when working in programs like Microsoft Office. It's good enough for most tasks, including heavy web browsing, multitasking between lots of open programs, and even a little bit of video editing and Photoshop.

While the Intel Core i5 model isn't the most powerful option, it's definitely not something to dismiss. The Core i5 processor is a capable beast, which should be able to handle most tasks with little problem. It's also available in matte black, new to the Surface Pro 6 line.

Other Surface Pro 6 variants to consider

While the Intel Core i5 with 8GB RAM and 256GB model might be our pick for the best one, you might need something less expensive or with a little more power behind the scenes. If so, check out the other variants below.

The Intel Core i7 processor paired with 16GB RAM and 1TB storage is the ultimate combination for the Surface Pro 6. It's also the most expensive, coming in at a whopping $2,069, but is a huge leap in power enabling heavy workloads in creative suites like Photoshop, Premiere Pro, AutoCAD and more. This is the model to get if you're a creative who needs added rendering power and multitasking capabilities.

The Intel Core i5 processor is an all-round great processor for the Surface Pro 6, but if you're looking to save a bit of money, you might want to consider stepping down the storage that comes with our recommended model. Instead of 256GB storage, you can get the Intel Core i5 with 8GB RAM model with just 128GB storage for $799. You get the same great Intel Core i5 performance, but with a little less storage. However, this model is not available in matte black.

Bottom line

We think that the mid-tier, Intel Core i5 Surface Pro 6 with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage is the best variant you can go for that doesn't break the bank but still offers great performance. This is the model that should get you by just fine for most workloads, but if you need a little extra power, then there's always the Intel Core i7 models to choose from too.

The model we've chosen is best suited for those looking to get work done in applications like Microsoft Office, check email, browse the web, and watch movies. It's capable of light gaming, but any heavy workloads will begin to slow down the device.

What you need to know

• Recent firmware updates appear to have caused an issue that aggressively throttles the CPU on some Surface devices.
• Both the Surface Pro 6 and Surface Book 2 seem to be affected, with CPU speeds throttled down to 400MHz.
• Microsoft has acknowledged the issue and is working on a fix.

Microsoft's Surface Pro 6 and Surface Book 2 devices are suffering from a CPU throttling issue. According to user reports on Reddit, CPU speeds are being randomly throttled down to 400MHz.

"We are aware of some customers reporting a scenario with their Surface Books where CPU speeds are slowed," a Microsoft spokesperson said to TechRepublic in a statement. "We are quickly working to address via a firmware update."

What's causing the issue isn't apparent, but TechRepublic reports that it may have something to do with an Intel CPU flag called BD PROCHOT, which can be used to tell the system to throttle down when components become too hot. This flag is used on non-Surface devices as well, so it's presumed — but not certain — that recent firmware updates have introduced the issue to Surface Pro 6 and Surface Book 2 devices.

This throttling issue comes not long after Surface devices were reported to have an issue with connecting to 5GHz Wi-Fi networks following a driver update. Thankfully, there is a workaround for that issue. However, for CPU throttling problems, we'll have to wait to hear more from Microsoft on any potential fixes.

Microsoft has confirmed compatibility

Besides a new color choice, all other changes to the Surface Pro 6 from its predecessor have taken place inside. On the outside, everything is the same size and location, as Microsoft has confirmed:

Bundle and save if buying new

If you need a Type Cover (and, honestly, to get the most from the Surface Pro 6, you need one) then one way to save a little is by building a bundle when you buy from Microsoft.

Currently, Microsoft has a bundle running to add a Type Cover to a Surface Pro 6 for $799, which is certainly worth springing for if you need to buy both.

Add fingerprint ID for extra security

If you're looking for a little added security on your Surface Pro 6, don't forget the Type Cover with built-in fingerprint scanner. It's available in black and costs a little more, but it's the most elegant way to use fingerprint-based security on your Surface Pro 6.

What you need to know

• Firmware updates are available for several Surface devices.
• The updates are avaialble for devices running either Windows 10 version 1903 or Windows 10 version 1803.
• The Surface Pro 6, Surface Laptop 2, and several other Surface devices are included.

Microsoft pushed out firmware updates to several Surface devices this week. The Surface Pro 6, Surface Laptop 2, and Surface Book 2 are included in the list of devices receiving updates. Most of the devices have updates for users running Windows 10 version 1903 or Windows 10 version 1803 (via MSPU).

Here's a look at some of what's new.

Surface Book 2

Windows 10 version 1903 or greater

• Marvell AVASTAR Bluetooth Radio Adapter - Bluetooth- 15.68.17013.110 improves Bluetooth connectivity.
• Marvell AVASTAR Wireless-AC Network Controller – Network adapters- 15.68.17013.110 improves Wi-Fi connectivity.

Surface Book

Windows 10 version 1903 or greater

• Marvell AVASTAR Bluetooth Radio Adapter - Bluetooth- 15.68.17013.110 improves Bluetooth connectivity.
• Marvell AVASTAR Wireless-AC Network Controller – Network adapters- 15.68.17013.110 improves Wi-Fi connectivity.

Surface Pro 6

Windows 10 version 1903 or greater

• Marvell AVASTAR Bluetooth Radio Adapter - Bluetooth- 15.68.17013.110 improves Bluetooth connectivity.
• Marvell AVASTAR Wireless-AC Network Controller – Network adapters- 15.68.17013.110 improves Wi-Fi connectivity.

Windows 10 version 1803 or greater

• Surface System Aggregator- 239.3101.139.0 improves battery performance.
• Surface Integration – System devices- 4.18.139.0 improves integration between services.
• Surface Pen Firmware Update – System devices- 3.0.10.1 resolves intermittent pen top button click failure on Surface Pen with no clip.
• Surface Pen Integration Device – Human Interface Devices- 1.0.9.0 enables firmware update to Surface Pen with no clip.

Surface Pro (5th Gen)

Windows 10 version 1903 or greater

• Marvell AVASTAR Bluetooth Radio Adapter - Bluetooth- 15.68.17013.110 improves Bluetooth connectivity.
• Marvell AVASTAR Wireless-AC Network Controller – Network adapters- 15.68.17013.110 improves Wi-Fi connectivity.

Windows 10 version 1803 or greater

• Surface System Aggregator- 239.2660.257.0 improves battery performance stability.
• Surface Integration – System devices- 4.18.139.0 improves integration between services.
• Surface Pen Firmware Update – System devices- 3.0.10.1 resolves intermittent pen top button click failure on Surface Pen with no clip.
• Use the Surface Pen Checker Tool to verify that the Pen's firmware was successfully updated.
• Surface Pen Integration Device – Human Interface Devices- 1.0.9.0 enables firmware update to Surface Pen with no clip.

Surface Laptop 2

Windows 10 version 1903 or greater

• Marvell AVASTAR Bluetooth Radio Adapter - Bluetooth- 15.68.17013.110 improves Bluetooth connectivity.
• Marvell AVASTAR Wireless-AC Network Controller – Network adapters- 15.68.17013.110 improves Wi-Fi connectivity.

Windows 10 version 1803 or greater

• Surface System Aggregator - Firmware- 145.210.139.0 improves battery performance.

Surface Laptop

Windows 10 version 1903 or greater

• Marvell AVASTAR Bluetooth Radio Adapter - Bluetooth- 15.68.17013.110 improves Bluetooth connectivity.
• Marvell AVASTAR Wireless-AC Network Controller – Network adapters- 15.68.17013.110 improves Wi-Fi connectivity.

Windows 10 version 1803 or greater

• Surface System Aggregator - Firmware- 145.210.139.0 improves battery performance.

Surface Studio 2

Windows 10 version 1803 or greater

• Surface UEFI – Firmware- 531.2758.768.0 resolves potential security vulnerabilities, including Microsoft security advisory 190013.

You can check out the full details of each firmware update and stay up to date on any future updates at the Surface Update History page.

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.

What you need to know

• Multiple Surface devices are on sale right now.
• Many of the sales last until August 10.
• There are also several bundles available, including Surface devices plus accessories.

Surface savings are upon us thanks to several sales at the Microsoft Store (via OnMSFT). There are deals on the Surface Pro 6, Surface Book 2, and several bundles that includes Surface devices and accessories. The sales come just in time for back to school shopping. Many of the sales last until August 10, though some sales are part of a separate promotion and end earlier.

You can save $260 on the Surface Pro 6 + Type Cover bundle. The Surface Pro 6 on sale in the bundle is the Intel Core i5 variant with a 128GB SSD and 8GB of RAM. Both black and platinum are listed on sale, but platinum is out of stock. There is another deal on the Surface Pro 6 that allows you to bundle the Intel Core i7 Surface Pro 6, the Type cover, and the Surface Pen for $1,470. That is a savings of $383, though note that the bundle including the Surface Pen expires on August 3.

You can save $100 on Surface Book 2 devices right now. The cheapest Surface Book 2 is down to $1049. That deal is for a 13.5-inch version with a seventh generation Intel Core i5 processor. You can save the $100 on any Surface Book 2 model right now, all the way up to the fully loaded 15-inch version with the eighth generation Intel Core i7 processor.

There are also several Surface Essentials bundles that include a year of Office 365. You can get a Surface Go Essentials Bundle for only $598 and several other deals.

You can find all of the Surface deals on Microsoft's website right now.

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.

What you need to know

• The Surface Pro 6 and Surface Book 2 are both discounted on Microsoft's website.
• You can save up to $400 on the Surface Book 2 and up to $260 on Surface Pro 6 depending on the model you select.
• A version of the 15-inch Surface Book 2 is available for $1,799, the 15-inch version's lowest price ever.

Several Microsoft Surface devices are on sale through the Microsoft Store (via Neowin). The Surface Book 2 is on sale for up to $400 off and the Surface Pro 6 has many versions on sale for $200 off.

The lowest priced Surface Book 2 is the 13.5-inch model with 8GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, and an Intel Core i5 7300U processor. That model is available for $1,049, but you can upgrade to a significantly better model for just $50 more. The 13.5-inch model with 8GB of RAM, 256 of storage, and an Intel Core i5 8350U processor is available for $1,099. That's double the storage and a newer processor for just $50 more.

The 15-inch model of the Surface Book 2 has hit its lowest price ever at $1,799 for the version with 16GB of RAM, 256GB of storage, and an Intel Core i5 8350U processor. Note that that model does not have discrete graphics.

Many models of the Surface Pro 6 are $200 off or more. The cheapest Surface Pro 6 is listed at $799.

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.

What you need to know

• June is LGBTQ+ Pride month, and Microsoft is celebrating with new skins and a special Surface Pro Type Cover and skins.
• Microsoft hasn't officially announced the ne Type Cover and skins, but a leaked video dives a bit into their design process.
• The Surface Pro Pride Type Cover is now up for preorder for $160.

Updated May 31, 2019: The Pride Type Cover is now up for preorder for $160. Microsoft also has a listing up for the Pride skin, but it's currently listed as out of stock. The original story follows.

LGBTQ Pride month begins in June, and Microsoft is preparing some new Surface accessories to celebrate. In a promotional video posted by prominent Microsoft leaker WalkingCat on Twitter, Microsoft shows off a special Pride Type Cover and skins for the Surface Pro that, presumably, will go up for sale next month.

In the video, Ralf Groene, head of Microsoft's device design, goes into the design process behind the skins and Microsoft's Pride campaign. You can check it out below:

June was chosen as Pride month to pay homage of the Stonewall riots, one of the most important events in the struggle for LGBTQ rights in American history. The Stonewall riots took place in June of 1969, so this year marks the fiftieth anniversary of the event.

We expect Microsoft will debut the new Type Cover and skins once Pride month kicks off in a couple of days.

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.

What you need to know

• A newly discovered Microsoft patent could prevent your Surface Type Cover from "flopping" open when in tablet mode.
• The patent describes a few different methods of using magnets to hold the Type Cover in place.
• As with all patents, there's no guarantee this will make it to a shipping product, but it could solve one of the Surface Pro's more irritating issues.

Microsoft may be planning a way to keep your Surface Pro Type Cover from "flopping" open when using the device in tablet mode. As spotted by Windows United, Microsoft has patented a way to use magnets to hold the Type Cover to the back of a device.

The patent appears to work much like magnetic mechanisms on current tablets when covers are closed, but in reverse. It would securely hold the Type Cover to the rear of a Surface Pro, preventing it from folding back open when attempting to use the device as a tablet.

As is the case with all patents, there's no guarantee this mechanism will see the light of day in a shipping product; Microsoft patents things that go unseen all of the time. However, it would be a handy addition that could solve a somewhat irritating issue in the next Surface Pro.

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.

What you need to know

• A new round of firmware updates is available for Microsoft's Surface devices.
• The updates are only available specifically for those running the Windows 10 May 2019 Update.
• Several Surface devices, including Surface Pro 6 and Surface Laptop 2, are included.

Microsoft this week is pushing out a fresh set of firmware updates for a number of its Surface devices. The updates are only available for devices running the Windows 10 May 2019 Update, which hasn't been released as of this writing, but the updates are set and ready to go once you've installed the upcoming feature update (via Windows Blog Italia).

Here's a look at some of what's new.

Surface Book 2

• Marvell AVASTAR Bluetooth Radio Adapter – Bluetooth: 15.68.9127.58 improves system security.
• Intel AVStream Camera 2500 – Camera: 30.15063.6.8611 improves camera performance.
• Intel UHD Graphics 620 – Display adapter: 25.20.100.6472 improves system stability and performance, when resuming from sleep.
• Marvell AVASTAR Wireless-AC Network Controller – Network adapters: 15.68.9127.58 improves system security.
• Intel Control Logic – System devices: 30.15063.6.8611 improves camera performance.
• Microsoft Camera Front– System devices: 30.15063.6.8611 improves camera performance.
• Microsoft Camera Rear– System devices: 30.15063.6.8611 improves camera performance.
• Microsoft IR Camera Front– System devices: 30.15063.6.8611 improves camera performance.
• Intel CIO2 Host Controller – System devices: 30.15063.6.8611 improves camera performance.
• Intel Imaging Signal Processor 2500 – System devices: 30.15063.6.8611 improves camera performance.
• Surface System Telemetry – System devices: 4.0.0.0 resolves an error code in Device Manager under Surface System Telemetry.

Surface Pro 6

• Marvell AVASTAR Bluetooth Radio Adapter – Bluetooth: 15.68.9127.58 improves system security.
• Intel AVStream Camera 2500 – Camera: 30.15063.6.8611 improves camera performance.
• Intel UHD Graphics 640 – Display adapter: 25.20.100.6471 improves system stability and performance, when resuming from sleep.
• Marvell AVASTAR Wireless-AC Network Controller – Network adapters: 15.68.9127.58 improves system security.
• Intel Control Logic – System devices: 30.15063.6.8611 improves camera performance.
• Microsoft Camera Front– System devices: 30.15063.6.8611 improves camera performance.
• Microsoft IR Camera Front– System devices: 30.15063.6.8611 improves camera performance.
• Microsoft Camera Rear– System devices: 30.15063.6.8611 improves camera performance.
• Intel CIO2 Host Controller – System devices: 30.15063.6.8611 improves camera performance.
• Intel Imaging Signal Processor 2500 – System devices: 30.15063.6.8611 improves camera performance.
• Surface System Telemetry - System: 4.0.0.0 resolves an error code in Device Manager under Surface System Telemetry.
• Realtek USB 3.0 Card Reader - Universal Serial Bus controllers: 10.0.17763.31246 improves battery life while using SD card during Connected Standby.

Surface Laptop 2

• Marvell AVASTAR Bluetooth Radio Adapter – Bluetooth: 15.68.9127.58 improves system security.
• Intel AVStream Camera 2500 – Camera: 30.15063.6.8611 improves camera performance.
• Intel UHD Graphics 620 – Display adapter: 25.20.100.6471 improves system stability and performance, when resuming from sleep.
• Marvell AVASTAR Wireless-AC Network Controller – Network adapters: 15.68.9127.58 improves system security.
• Intel Control Logic – System devices: 30.15063.6.8611 improves camera performance.
• Microsoft Camera Front– System devices: 30.15063.6.8611 improves camera performance.
• Microsoft IR Camera Front– System devices: 30.15063.6.8611 improves camera performance.
• Intel CIO2 Host Controller – System devices: 30.15063.6.8611 improves camera performance.
• Intel Imaging Signal Processor 2500 – System devices: 30.15063.6.8611 improves camera performance.
• Surface System Telemetry - System: 4.0.0.0 resolves an error code in Device Manager under Surface System Telemetry.

Surface Studio 2

• Marvell AVASTAR Bluetooth Radio Adapter – Bluetooth: 15.68.9127.58 improves system security.
• Intel Ethernet connection – Network adapters: 12.17.10.7 improves system stability and performance.
• Marvell AVASTAR Wireless-AC Network Controller – Network adapters: 15.68.9127.58 improves system security.

Further updates are available for other Surface devices as well. For more, you can check out Microsoft's full Surface Update History page to get the complete rundown.

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.

What you need to know

• New configurations for the 15-inch Surface Book 2 and Surface Pro 6 have been spotted in retailer listings.
• The new 15-inch Surface Book 2 model represents a new entry point, with a Core i5 CPU, 256GB of storage, and 16GB of ram for around $1,960.
• The Surface Pro 6 model packs an Intel Core i5 processor, 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. This model has so far been limited to business buyers.

Microsoft has gained a reputation for gradually refreshing its Surface PCs with new hardware configurations as they age, and it looks like it's getting ready to do just that with the 15-inch Surface Book 2 and Surface Pro 6. In retailer listings first spotted by German blog WinFuture.de (via Neowin), both Surface devices appear to be getting fresh configurations with Intel's 8th Gen Core i5 processors.

Specifically, the new 15-inch Surface Book 2 variant appears on Best Buy Canada's website, listed with an Intel Core i5-8350U processor, 256GB of storage, and 16GB of RAM. Crucially, this model doesn't include discrete graphics, relying on Intel's integrated graphics instead.

The Surface Book 2 listing has a June 18 release date and is available for preorder at a price of CA$2,600, which translates to around $1,960.

Meanwhile, the new Surface Pro 6 configuration packs the same specs, coming with an Intel Core i5-8350U processor, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. As Neowin notes, this model has previously only been available for business customers. There's no release date attached to the Surface Pro 6 model, but it has a recommended price of $1,400.

Both additions will add a little more variety to Microsoft's current lineup. But if you're interested in other configurations, you can pick up the Surface Book 2 and Surface Pro 6 starting from $1,150 and $900, respectively.

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.

If you're deciding between these two devices, it's going to come down to if you want a true 2-in-1 experience or a convertible laptop. Both the LG gram 14 and the Surface Pro 6 offer a full-day battery life, slim form factors, and touchscreen experience perfect for travelers and movers, but only one of them also functions as a tablet with fantastic inking capabilities.

LG gram 14 2-in-1 vs. Surface Pro 6 tech specs

Convertible against 2-in-1

Despite the name of the LG gram 2-in-1, it's actually a convertible laptop with a dual-hinge setup. It works perfectly well as a notebook, but the lid and display can rotate around for tent, stand, and tablet modes as well. If you like the idea of a laptop that can sit sturdily on your lap or be used as a tablet for inking, it's probably the better choice.

The Surface Pro 6 is a true 2-in-1, meaning it's a tablet with a Type Cover keyboard and touchpad that is completely detachable. It has a kickstand on the back that can be used to prop it up like a notebook, but it's not going to have the same stability or comfort when on your lap as the gram.

Both of these laptops are light and portable, though the gram 14 is a bit more impressive when it comes to relative size. It's a 14-inch laptop that weighs in at just 2.53 pounds, yet it's sturdy and relatively durable thanks to the magnesium alloy body. The Surface Pro 6, without a Type Cover attached, weighs in at 1.71 pounds, though it overall has a smaller footprint than the gram due to the 12.3-inch display. In either case, you won't have a problem slipping the laptop under your arm or into a backpack when on the move.

The Pro 6's Type Cover keyboard delivers a satisfying typing experience, and it is available with an Alcantara fabric finish for a bit of extra comfort. It hardly adds any bulk to the tablet when folded up, and it has a Precision touchpad for a full gamut of Windows 10 gestures. The gram's keyboard is outstanding for anyone who types a lot every day, and the smooth touchpad is also using Precision drivers. Before buying either laptop, it's always recommended you give the keyboard a try, as only you will know which one feels better for your needs, but know that both are among the best out there.

The gram's thicker body allows for more ports, and LG took advantage. Here you get HDMI, USB-C 3.1, two USB-A 3.1, a 3.5 mm audio jack, and a microSD card reader for plenty of connectivity. The only drawback is no Thunderbolt 3, but that's also missing on the Pro 6. Microsoft seems hesitant to upgrade its port selection, and the Pro 6 comes with a single USB-A 3.0, Mini DisplayPort, a 3.5 mm audio jack, a microSD card reader, and a proprietary Surface Connect port.

Both laptops are compatible with Windows Hello for quick and secure logins, but the hardware differs. The Pro 6 uses an IR camera to quickly scan your face when you want to sign in, while the gram 14 2-in-1 uses a fingerprint reader built into the power button. Both work well and will provide that extra bit of security with hardly any work on your part.

Bottom line here is that if you want a laptop that's primarily a notebook but does have the ability to be used as a tablet, the gram 14 2-in-1 is a better choice. However, if you love the idea of a tablet that can be used as a notebook, the Pro 6 is likely better. Port selection is especially important here, as is the overall size of the device you're comfortable with using.

Display resolution or display size?

Buying a laptop without a display with the right resolution or size for your needs is unwise, as it's going to be used every time you open the lid. Here, you basically pick between a larger but lower resolution display in the gram or a smaller but higher resolution display in the Pro 6.

The gram 14 2-in-1 maxes out at 1080p but measures 14 inches, giving you a bit of extra real estate for doubling up windows or other productivity reasons. At this size, 1080p is suitable, and many people won't feel the need for any more pixels. It hits 99% sRGB color reproduction for a vivid picture, and it gets up to somewhere between 260 and 300 nits brightness. It does have a glossy finish that can be hard to work with in a sun-filled room, but you'll have the same issues with the glossy display on the Pro 6.

If 1080p just won't cut it — maybe you prefer the higher resolution for photo editing or just want a crisper picture — the Pro 6 has a 2736x1824 resolution. If that seems like an odd number, it's because the display has a 3:2 aspect ratio that makes it boxier than the 16:9 ratio on the gram. Some people prefer one aspect ratio over the other, and it's really up to personal preference here. As for color accuracy, the Pro 6 hits 97% sRGB, which is slightly lower than the gram but hardly noticeable in everyday usage.

Both laptops are compatible with active pens, though only the gram 14 2-in-1 comes with one included; you'll have to buy a Surface Pen separately for use with the Pro 6. The gram's pen is based on Wacom AES 2.0 tech and delivers 4,096 level of pressure sensitivity and tilt support for a robust inking experience, though I did not find the pen to be as comfortable to use as the Surface Pen.

Using the Pro 6 for inking, you'll get the same 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt support, plus you can add extra accessories — like the Surface Dial — for increased versatility. When not in use, the Surface Pen clips magnetically to the side of the Pro 6 for safekeeping, whereas the gram's pen has no such attachment option. Overall the Pro 6 and Surface Pen are likely a better combination for artists out there, though the fact that it costs an extra $100 on top of the price of the Pro 6 might be a turnoff for some.

Performance and price

Comparing the Core i7 LG gram 14 2-in-1 (the only configuration available) and the Core i7 Pro 6 in a couple of synthetic benchmarks, performance is just about equal. The gram's Core i7-8565U processor (CPU) hit a 4,829 single-core and a 13,889 multi-core score in Geekbench 4.0, while the Pro 6's 8650U climbed to a 5,037 single-core and a 13,864 multi-core score. As for PCMark 8, the gram hit 3,452 while the Pro 6 hit 3,451. Putting those numbers into perspective, you shouldn't have any problems with either laptop tackling day-to-day work, though the lack of discrete GPU makes them not ideal for gaming or heavy media editing.

If you don't need the power of a Core i7 CPU, the Pro 6 does have some Core i5 configurations to choose, and you can specify how much storage (up to 1TB) and how much RAM (up to 16GB) you need. With the gram, you're stuck with the Core i7 CPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. On that note, the gram is using SATA storage, making it far slower than the PCIe SSD in the Pro 6.

Although the Pro 6's battery is smaller than the gram's you're going to get a full workday of use without needing a charge. With the gram, you should also be able to reliably get between 8–9 hours of life.

When it comes to price, the only gram configuration available costs a whopping $1,500. That's a big number compared to the starting price of the Pro 6, but remember that the hardware inside is essentially topped out and it comes with an active pen included.

The Surface Pro 6 starts at just $800, but that's with a Core i5 CPU, 128GB SSD, and 8GB of RAM. That price also doesn't include a Type Cover or Surface Pen, which altogether brings the cost up to more than $1,000. A Pro 6 with a 512GB SSD, 16GB of RAM, and a Core i7 CPU costs about $1,699 without adding a Type Cover or Surface Pen, so keep in mind that as you scale up in performance, the Pro 6 does become significantly more expensive than the gram 14 2-in-1.

Go with the LG gram 14 2-in-1 for a true convertible

If you'd rather have a notebook first and a tablet second, LG's gram 14 2-in-1 is probably your best bet. It initially costs more than the lower-spec Pro 6 models, but once you scale up the hardware, it actually becomes the cheaper option and includes an active pen in the box.

Surface Pro 6 is a better choice for those who want a true 2-in-1

The Surface Pro 6 is likely going to be the winner for anyone who needs an actual 2-in-1 device with detachable keyboard and touchpad. It might cost more than the gram as you scale up to similar hardware, but it's well worth the price thanks to its premium quality build and outstanding touch display.

Microsoft today took the wraps off of some new Surface Laptop 2 and Surface Pro 6 configurations for businesses. In response to feedback from its business partners, commercial customers will now be able to pick up either PC with 16GB of RAM in the Intel Core i5 models. Previously, the 16GB of RAM option was only available with a Core i7 processor.

According to Microsoft, the new options will only be available in the U.S. and Canada starting this month. There's potential for them to arrive in other territories, as Microsoft says it is considering expanding these configurations "more broadly in the future."

In addition to the new Surface Pro 6 and Surface Laptop 2 configurations, Microsoft says it has now authorized its commercial partners to sell both PCs to business customers in 11 more European markets. Those include the following:

• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Czech Republic
• Estonia
• Greece
• Hungary
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Romania
• Slovenia
• Slovakia.

There's no indication that consumer sales of the Surface Laptop 2 or Surface Pro 6 will eventually allow 16GB of RAM options with the Intel Core i5 models, but it's something that would likely be a welcome addition.

Considering that both of these run a different OS, that should be one of the main considerations when choosing a laptop. Apple has finally updated the MacBook Air so it can genuinely compete with the best of the Windows ecosystem, but it's still just a laptop. The Surface Pro 6 is a more versatile device, working as both a tablet and a laptop, with a sprinkling of digital notepad thrown in for good measure.

The platform you need or want to use should be one main consideration, and how you want to use your portable computer should be the other.

Apples to oranges (or Windows)

On a hardware level, both of these machines are very good. Laptop design has improved by leaps and bounds in recent years, so you can absolutely look to the Windows ecosystem to find a product as visually striking as Apple's always have been.

The MacBook Air is, unsurprisingly, stunning. The same can be said of the Surface Pro 6. But while Apple is using a 7W dual-core Intel Core i5 only in the MacBook Air, Microsoft has stuffed quad-core Intel Core i5 and i7 processors into the Surface Pro 6.

In terms of sheer performance, the Surface Pro 6 has the edge with a better processor and more powerful graphics. However, in reality, Mac OS and Apple's own applications are traditionally well optimized, so day to day general performance will feel very similar.

A couple of the biggest differences are just what you can do with each. The Surface Pro 6 not only has a touch display, but support for inking. Windows Ink is built into the OS and there are a bunch of great apps that make use of it. This is all something you have to get an iPad for from Apple to make use of.

The MacBook Air, by contrast, not only has USB-C, but Thunderbolt 3. Something the Surface Pro 6 notably lacks. That means not only can you use standard accessories, such as docks, displays, and Thunderbolt 3 external SSDs, but you can connect an eGPU with a full desktop graphics card in it. Mac gaming isn't necessarily why you'd want this, but for anyone working with video editing or demanding programs such as CAD, that GPU will be really helpful.

The Surface Pro 6 can expand its connectivity, but you'll need the Surface Dock to do it, and you won't be able to hook up an eGPU at all. It's also worth pointing out that to use the Surface Pro 6 as a laptop, you'll need to spend the extra $130 for a Type Cover.

Choosing between Mac OS and Windows 10

The biggest difference between these two, of course, is the software. Mac OS and Windows 10 have plenty in common and share a lot of the same third party apps — as well as Microsoft Office — but they're still different.

If you haven't entered Apple's ecosystem yet, and you don't have any reliance on its first-party software, such as Final Cut Pro X, then you might be better off considering the Surface Pro 6. The entry-level model is still a little above the MacBook Air on pure hardware, and it's $400 cheaper (without the Type Cover).

Mac OS is very pleasant to use, incredibly well optimized, and always performs well. It also has great software support from Microsoft, such as with the Office Suite, OneDrive, and Skype, as well as notable third-party support from the likes of Adobe and Google. Many of the same apps can be used on a Mac as on Windows 10, but you're going to pay more for the privilege.

There is, however, one more thing. Thanks to Boot Camp, you can easily install Windows 10 on the MacBook Air. The same cannot be said of doing the reverse. So, with the MacBook Air, you can have both platforms.

The choice is yours

When comparing two top devices such as this that run on different platforms, there's no easy way to say which is best. Some will just prefer Windows 10, just as some will automatically lean towards Mac OS.

The platform should be one of the top factors you consider. The other should be what you intend to do with it. The Surface Pro 6 combines the best of a tablet with the best of a powerful Windows 10 laptop. You can get it at a great price, it has a stunning design and build quality, a gorgeous display, and is one of the most flexible machines on the market.

The MacBook Air, by contrast, has plenty in its favor. It always has a keyboard and trackpad attached, it supports the new USB-C standard, and with Thunderbolt 3 connectivity can transform into a powerful desktop rig with dedicated graphics down a single cable. You can't touch the display or write on it with a pen — for that you'll need an iPad — but you can install Windows 10 if you can't decide and want the best of both worlds.

Both of these will be a great fit for your mobile computing needs, but only you can decide which makes the best fit based on their respective differences. That being said, the Surface Pro 6 is just an overall better value thanks ot its lower price, its 2-in-1 nature, and the touchscreen and inking capabilities.

One of the defining features of the Surface Pro and Surface Laptop is the Alcantara fabric used on their keyboards. But while that fabric covering may only serve to add some good looks, for now, it could become a whole lot more functional in future iterations – if a new patent from Microsoft is any indication.

Titled "Forming Touch Sensor on Fabric," the patent (via Windows Latest) explores methods for embedding touch sensors into fabric surfaces, along with possible uses. Due to the complexity of building a capacitive surface into the uneven surface of a fabric, Microsoft describes different materials and processes that could be used to form touch-sensitive areas. Generally, however, the process would involve using conductive ink and a thin, smooth dielectric structure bonded to the fabric.

The result, as Microsoft describes, would be touch-sensitive areas of fabric that could be applied to everything from tablets and wearables to furniture. No matter the application, the touch-sensitive fabric could be configured to respond to gestures and interact with apps or connected devices.

Imagine, for example, being able to swipe a defined portion of your Surface or HoloLens to adjust your volume or quickly switch between apps. On a piece of furniture, the touch-sensitive surface could be paired to a TV to change channels or a thermostat to adjust the temperature.

As with all patents, it's worth remembering that this technology may never make it to a shipping product. Microsoft patents a lot of things, many of which either never see the light of day or end up implemented in entirely different ways. Still, the idea of putting that Alcantara to use with touch gestures is alluring.

Surface Pro 6, Surface Laptop 2, and Surface Studio 2 all made their debut in October, but they've been limited to going on sale in a handful of countries since. However, this week, Microsoft is rectifying that by launching its latest Surface devices in a slew of new markets.

In total, all three Surfaces are launching in 20 new markets starting February 7. Further, for anyone looking to get their hands on the Cortana-equipped Surface Headphones, they'll be headed to eight new markets in March, Microsoft says.

Unfortunately, Microsoft isn't exactly forthcoming with exactly where these 20 new markets are. You'll have to check your local Microsoft Store pages for the Surface Pro 6, Surface Laptop 2, and Surface Studio 2 to see if they're available in your region starting today.

As for the Surface Headphones, Microsoft did reveal where we can expect the headphones to launch in March. The list of new markets includes:

• Australia
• Austria
• Canada
• France
• Germany
• Ireland
• New Zealand
• Switzerland

If you're a part of today's rollout, you can grab the latest Surface lineup via the Microsoft Store now.

• See Surface Pro 6
• See Surface Laptop 2
• See Surface Studio 2
• See Surface Headphones

The slow and steady rollout for the Windows 10 October 2018 Update appears to be keeping pace, according to the latest report from AdDuplex. The firm's December report pegs Microsoft's latest feature update at just 6.6 percent of Windows 10 PCs, more than doubling its share over November's numbers, but still remaining in the single digits.

The clear leader remains the Windows 10 April 2018 Update, which comes in at 83.6 percent, while the Fall Creators Update takes the third spot with a 5.7 percent share. Rounding things out are the Creators Update at 1.8 percent, the Anniversary Update at 1.4 percent, and Windows 10 version 1511 at 0.5 percent.

It's not entirely surprising that the October 2018 Update has continued to head out to Windows 10 users at a relatively glacial pace compared to other feature updates. The update experienced its share of issues, initially having to be pulled after a serious file deletion bug was found following its first rollout. Microsoft began pushing the update out once again in November before making it open to everyone who manually checks Windows Update earlier this month. That said, a few upgrade blocks remain in place, slowing the rollout further.

While the October 2018 Update is experiencing a slow roll, AdDuplex had some interesting things to report for Microsoft's latest Surface devices. While the Surface Pro 4 and Surface Pro (2017) still make up the majority share of Surface devices in the wild, the Surface Go and Surface Pro 6 have taken fourth and fifth place at 12.3 percent and 7.8 percent, respectively. The Surface Laptop 2 is still trailing by a significant margin at 1.2 percent.

As always, it's worth remembering that AdDuplex's numbers are based on a collection of about 5,000 Microsoft Store apps that use its SDK. Real-world numbers likely differ, but the firm's monthly reports are a useful guage for marking trends.

Although the Pixel Slate starts at $200 less than the Surface Pro 6, you shouldn't bother with the cheaper, entry-level Celeron models at all. It's only when you get to the $799 you'd pay for a Surface Pro 6 is the Pixel Slate worth thinking about, and when you get there the choice is fairly straightforward. If you want something to use like a laptop, get the Surface. If you're leaning more towards wanting a tablet, the Pixel Slate might be the better choice.

Two pieces of incredible hardware

Chromebooks have built a reputation as being extremely good for people shopping on a tight budget. Indeed, the low-end laptop space is well populated by Chromebooks, often offering better hardware than you'd find in a comparably priced Windows laptop.

The Pixel Slate isn't one of these types of Chromebook. It's a tablet, for one, and it's a high-end piece of kit. In fact, on the hardware alone, it's a match for the Surface Pro 6.

Microsoft apps and services on Chrome OS

If you're a fan of Microsoft apps and services you might automatically assume you have to go for the Surface Pro 6. While you're going to get a better experience on Windows, Microsoft is still there on Chrome OS that powers the Pixel Slate.

For starters, the Google Play Store provides access to most of Microsoft's Android apps, so if you'd rather use OneDrive or Skype, you can. The Office Mobile Android apps are also really nice to use on Chrome OS, but do consider that as the Pixel Slate is over 10-inches in size, you'll need Office 365 to use them.

Windows is still a more complete OS in a sense that it behaves as you expect a traditional computer OS to. Chrome OS has come a long way though, and while you lack 'proper' apps as you can find on Windows, there are plenty of web apps and Android apps that will suffice for many needs.

The Surface Pro 6 is the better laptop

Microsoft has been in the game for a number of years now, so it stands to reason the Surface formula is pretty polished. Hre's the thing: The Surface Pro 6 is a full Windows 10 PC. It runs Windows 10 Home with no limitations, packs a quad-core processor, a bunch of SSD storage, plenty of RAM, and a decent battery life.

As a tablet, it's less brilliant, though inking is still an absolute dream. Slap on the type cover, however, and you have one incredible laptop.

The Pixel Slate, by contrast, is a great tablet that just doesn't work well as a laptop, as described by Android Central's Jerry Hildenbrand:

Using the Pixel Slate on anything but a flat surface as a laptop is almost impossible. There's plenty of adjustment thanks to the magnetic arrangement on the keyboard cover, but without the stand being built into the tablet you get something top heavy and somewhat floppy if you try to use it on your lap.

There's also the fact that you're going to pay $1,000 to get a Pixel Slate and a keyboard in a decent spec, and even then you're limited to the Core m3 model. The top-end Pixel Slate is $1,600, plus $200 for the keyboard and another $100 if you want the pen. Would you be prepared to pay as much as $1,900 for a Chrome OS tablet that doesn't work all that well as a laptop?

If you want a laptop, get the Surface

It's pretty clear cut that if you're looking for a 2-in-1 laptop, the Surface Pro 6 is the best choice. It remains an industry standard, and you're not going to be parting with more money just to have it over the Chrome OS device for once.

The Pixel Slate is great if you want a tablet

If you're hunting for a tablet there's a strong case to be made for the Pixel Slate. It combines the best of Google's platform efforts, with the benefits of the full Chrome browser and a proper file system, baked in with the Google Play Store and its wealth of Android apps.

The iPad and Surface are always compared, but the truth is they're two very different devices. Do you want a Windows PC or a tablet to consume media, browse the web, and play casual games on? Sure, you can do work on the iPad, even edit photos and videos, but the workflow is very, very different.

Comparing apples and oranges

It's easy to compare the Surface Pro 6 to the iPad Pro. It's a tablet by design and the iPad is, still, about the best all-around tablet money can buy. It runs Apple's iOS, which is efficient, easy to use, and has an insane app library. The iPad has come a long way since the early days, and it's now not only possible but fairly easy to write, edit photos and videos, play games, and plenty more on an iPad.

Despite all of the pros, it's still limited in a number of ways compared to the Surface Pro 6. iOS, for as good as it is, is still a mobile OS. Windows 10 is what you find on desktop and laptop PCs, complete with full mouse support, something Apple won't give to the iPad.

While there are plenty of similarities on a hardware level, when it comes to the experience of using them, it couldn't be more different. The Surface Pro 6 is more of a competitor for Apple's MacBook Air and Pro lineup than it is for the iPad, frankly. So which you should buy depends entirely on what it is you're looking for in your portable computer.

Surface Pro 6 makes a great laptop

The Surface Pro 6 is sold as a tablet, in that there's no keyboard included, but it's actually a full, 2-in-1 laptop. That means Windows 10, access to both Store and legacy win32 apps, a proper file system, mouse support, keyboard, digital inking, the ability to use external drives and accessories, and so much more.

Some of the iPad Pro's media consumption prowess can be applied to the Surface Pro, with apps for services like Netflix, Spotify, Plex, and many others, and Netflix through Microsoft Edge is one of the best ways to enjoy content from the service. However, there are gaps. There's no Prime Video, for example, and the battery life when consuming media will likely fall a good way short of the iPad Pro.

However, that's not really why you'd want a Surface Pro. It offers the very best PC experience in something you can toss in any bag. Write and draw with a pen, or use the Type Cover to get some work done. Anything you would ever want to do on a PC you can do on the Surface Pro 6.

The iPad Pro is a superb tablet

Is the iPad Pro still the best tablet you can buy? Pretty much, but it's not a great tablet for the same reasons the Surface Pro 6 is. Apple's hardware and design is stunning, and the iPad Pro boasts a beautiful display, an almost unnaturally slim form factor, skinny bezels, USB-C connectivity that can even charge your phone, and an optional keyboard and pen.

The biggest difference is the OS. MacOS is a more direct comparison and competitor to Windows 10, whereas the iPad Pro runs iOS, Apple's mobile platform. This means no proper file system, no mouse support, awkward multitasking, and a bunch of other issues you might come across if you're trying to use it like a laptop.

Simple things like dealing with email attachments and renaming files is an extremely convoluted process on the iPad Pro. But that's also by design. Apple doesn't want the iPad to be a touchscreen Mac tablet. But with the scale of the iOS app catalog behind it, the iPad Pro is an incredible tablet. Sure, you can use it to work — many people do — but you'll potentially have to change your workflow, and at some point, if a laptop is what you want, the iPad is going to fill you with frustration.

Do you want a laptop or a tablet?

If it's the former, then the Surface Pro 6 is the one to go for. The iPad Pro is a similar cost but if it's laptop-like features you want, then Apple's tablet will disappoint.

The best tablet

If you're looking for a tablet, maybe for very light work, but mostly for leisure purposes, then the iPad Pro is still the top dog.

A vast Windows-powered PC gaming library

The Surface Pro 6 might not be the most powerful gaming PC out there, particularly since it lacks dedicated graphics, but thanks to the vast catalogue of games available on Steam and other digital game retailers, you can rest assured that there will always be hundreds of titles in all shapes and sizes on offer.

You won't be playing photorealistic contemporary titles on this thing, at least not without severely compromising on resolution and frame rates. The Intel UHD 620 graphics that powers the Pro 6 simply isn't up to the task. However, it will run less-intensive modern titles like Minecraft, Fortnite, and Overwatch at a reasonable level.

Where you'll get the most performance and quality is from titles designed for less intensive platforms. Games like Civilization, Pillars of Eternity, Hearthstone, and Football Manager fare very well on the tablet-optimized hardware in the Pro 6, and older games like XCOM: Enemy Within, World of Warcraft, Skyrim, and Fallout 3 will run practically flawlessly.

But which configuration?

Naturally, like most Surface devices, the Book 6 comes in multiple configurations. There are core i5 and core i7 versions, with 8 GB RAM and 16 GB RAM options. Obviously, running games on the 16 GB model will improve performance, but you shouldn't notice a massive bump moving from a core i5 to a core i7 unless you're playing on a particularly CPU-intensive game.

All configurations use the Intel UHD 620 graphics, and sadly there are no options for a Thunderbolt 3-powered external GPU dock, which would partially improve the Pro 6's graphics processing problems.

Go for the 16 GB model if you can, but, you can still find hundreds of classic games that will run well even on the 8 GB model. Just ensure that you lower the display resolution to maximize overall performance.

An additional downside is that the Pro 6 doesn't come with a keyboard or mouse, so you'll have to grab those separately. The type cover is $100, and the keys are quite compact for standard WASD-style gaming, but you can always attach a larger, better keyboard if you plan to stick the Pro 6 on a desk.

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.

If you want a premium Windows 10 experience the way Microsoft intends it, go with the Surface Pro 6. It'll also save you some money. However, if you want a unique notebook that will look the part, HP has you covered with the Spectre Folio 13.

By the numbers

Better performance on the Surface

Microsoft has developed the Surface Pro through six generations and the most recent Surface Pro 6 comes rocking the latest processors from Intel. HP also packed in 8th Gen Intel Core processors into the Spectre Folio 13, but opted for more energy efficient models for better battery life. There's also the case of RAM where the Surface Pro 6 can have 16GB.

The Surface Pro 6 not only houses more capable Intel CPUs, but can also be kitted out with up to 1TB of internal flash storage, which is more than enough for most consumers. Regardless of which option you go for here, you'll be able to do most daily tasks without going in too deep with video editing and other intensive software.

Price-wise, the Surface Pro 6 is also a better value, though you can really bump the price with more advanced configurations.

The battle of gorgeous design

Microsoft did a stunning job with the design of Surface hardware, showing its Windows vendor partners just how to design solid PCs to take on Apple. The current Surface Pro 6 is a beautiful slab of aluminum with a gorgeous display on the front and kickstand on the rear. It's a great tablet that can be used as a laptop with the optional Type Cover.

HP decided to go down a different path, opting for 100 percent genuine leather instead. While the entire notebook isn't made of leather, it's used effectively with traditional aluminum to create something that looks truly unique on the PC landscape. Both devices look amazing so it really depends on whether or not you like leather.

Displays that work well with digital pens

Surface Pro 6 has a 12.3-inch touch display with 3:2 aspect ratio for a boxier look that translates well to the tablet experience. There's enough bezel on both to get a good grip without accidentally hitting the touch portion of the screen, and it works very well with active pens.

Spectre Folio 13 includes an HP pen with the price, and its N-Trig technology also works with other pens, like the Bamboo Ink or latest Surface Pen. The HP Tilt pen and optional Surface Pen (sold separately) both sport 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity that make either a great choice for anyone interested in creation and design.

Both displays offer excellent color reproduction, are well lit, and offer great contrast, but the Pro 6's higher resolution is just going to look better when compared side-by-side to the Spectre Folio 13 at just 1080p. For general use, either display will be up to the job, though for specialized tasks, the Pro 6 makes more sense with the additional performance.

Surface Pro 6 for superior performance

Microsoft's Surface Pro 6 offers better versatility than the HP Spectre Folio 13 thanks to faster hardware, more configuration options, and a superior inking experience. If you want a PC that can turn into a tablet, this is it. It does cost more, however, for a complete package, and anyone who's looking for an always-connected tablet they can carry around all day for light tasks will no doubt want to check out the Spectre Folio 13 instead.

HP Spectre Folio is a premium leather notebook

If only the best will do, HP offers the Spectre Folio and it's a unique notebook made from leather and aluminum. Using this notebook out in the wild will turn heads and make you feel better than the rest. The option of LTE and an Intel Core i7 makes it a capable Windows 10 machine.

What's the difference between 2-in-1 and convertible?

Although the two terms often overlap depending on the device manufacturer or person you ask, in general, a 2-in-1 device is a device that has two separate parts that can be joined to create a full laptop experience. A prime example of a 2-in-1 device is the Surface Pro line, now in its sixth generation.

With the Surface Pro 6, you get a touchscreen tablet that can connect magnetically to a keyboard and touchpad — here known as a Type Cover — for a notebook feel. It's equally useful with the keyboard attached or detached, making it a versatile machine, especially for those who don't want a tablet and a completely separate notebook on hand.

A convertible, like the Yoga C930, does not come apart into two separate pieces. Instead, a 360-degree hinge allows the laptop to convert into tent, stand, or tablet modes just by rotating the lid around. When used as a tablet, the device is thicker due to the keyboard remaining attached, but the C930 is thin enough that it's hardly noticeable.

What's so special about the Yoga C930's hinge?

Lenovo's Yoga 900-series used to have a unique watchband hinge. The Yoga Book C930 continues that tradition, but the standard Yoga C930 now has a soundbar hinge that offers impressive audio. In our review, we noted that the speaker "gets loud, it doesn't distort, and the addition of Dolby Atmos makes it seem like audio is not just coming from directly in front of you."

Whether or not you make good use of the soundbar depends on what you'll use the laptop for, but in any case, it's a sturdy piece of hardware that allows the laptop to convert smoothly. If you plan on watching a lot of media, it's going to make itself useful every time you use the laptop.

What does the Surface Pro 6 offer?

Like Lenovo's Yoga C930, the Surface Pro 6 has 8th Gen Intel Core processor (CPU) options, a touch display with active pen support, up to 16 GB of RAM, and options for sign-ins through Windows Hello. The Yoga C930 is available with a 4K display whereas the Pro 6 maxes out at 2736x1824, and you won't get the same modern ports on the Pro 6.

The Pro 6 is, however, much more portable thanks to a smaller overall size, and its versatile build gives you the option for a strict tablet or notebook experience. With either laptop, you're getting a device that will power through a standard day's work with a battery to back it up, but only the Pro 6 is a true 2-in-1.

Stick with the Lenovo Yoga C930 for a convertible device

Lenovo's Yoga C930 is one of the nicest convertible notebooks we've seen this year, with a premium aluminum build, modern ports, and a gorgeous display. If you want a device that can convert while staying in one piece, this is it.

Opt for the Surface Pro 6 for a 2-in-1 device

Looking for a true 2-in-1? Want to be able to leave the keyboard and touchpad behind for a true tablet experience? The Surface Pro 6 is available with modern hardware, a beautiful display, and it's built to premium Surface standards. The fact that it also starts at a far cheaper price will make it quite attractive to a lot of people.

Surface Pro Signature Type Cover burgundy

The burgundy Signature Type Cover ($110) gives just enough flash of color to the Surface Pro 6 that it won't draw too much attention but still looks sharp and is only moderately fashion-forward. Burgundy can be best described as handsome with the all-black Surface Pro 6, and it easily looks the best with a matching burgundy Surface Pen ($73). In an informal poll of Windows Central staff, burgundy won as the overall best color choice.

Surface Pro Type Cover black

The jet-black Surface Pro Type Cover completes the black Surface Pro 6, giving you a dark-as-the-night look that says muted, confident, and serious. It's also the cheapest option at $99 on Amazon or $139 from Microsoft. The only downside is its nylon and not fancy Alcantara For some people, that may be a selling point. (Bonus option: Grab the Surface Pro Type Cover with Fingerprint ID ($159) for another choice to login to the Surface Pro 6, which is especially useful if you use it outdoors where the sun can interfere with the Windows Hello camera.)

Surface Pro Signature Type Cover cobalt

Cobalt, a.k.a., dark blue, is not bad looking but it's also the least exciting color of the bunch. The cobalt Signature Type Cover ($115) is the safe bet you go to when you want something more than black but aren't confident enough to go burgundy. In a dark room, it's hard to even notice the difference between it and the black cover, but you do get the soft Alcantara.

Surface Pro Signature Type Cover aqua (limited edition)

The aqua Signature Type Cover ($118) is arguably the most exciting color option. Mix a bit of seafoam green with some hints of blue and you get this unique creation. It also looks outstanding, contrasting nicely with matte black on the Surface Pro. The bad news is Microsoft only had a limited run of these during the spring of 2018, making them difficult to find. Amazon resellers and eBay is your best bet if you still want one. Just remember to find the matching aqua Surface Arc Mouse ($59) to complete the look! This is our choice for those who want to stand out from the crowd.

Surface Pro Signature Type Cover platinum

The "Surface platinum" Signature Type Cover ($115) is the default standby when black is too exciting for you. A modern black Surface Pro with a platinum keyboard is more of a classic look that screams "safe," but sometimes you just want the basics. If so, platinum is your best bet. Just be warned that lighter Alcantara colors tend to show more wear and dirt over time.

Marimekko Special Edition Type Cover for Surface Pro

The wild cards: Siirtolapuutarh or Kaivo. Those are the patterns found on the specially licensed Marimekko Type Covers for Surface Pro ($159). There's no fancy Alcantara here so the extra cash goes towards that legendary design found on the bottom of the cover. The black and gray Kaivo is a unique but not outlandish look. Its only for the very fashion conscious. Want more? Grab the matching Marimekko Skins to complete the look.

Burgundy is where it's at ...

All the colors looking quite good with the new black Surface Pro 6, but if we had to pick just one, it wouldn't be difficult to select the burgundy Signature Type Cover with Alcantara.

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 is there no USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 on the Surface Pro 6?

Microsoft has been criticized extensively for not including high-bandwidth USB-C connectivity in either the Surface Pro or Surface Laptop lines for some time, thus far only including it in the Surface Book 2 and the Surface Studio 2. The reasons why it's not in the Pro 6 are similar to that of the Laptop 2; Microsoft tends to value its own proprietary Surface Connect port for additional USB, external monitors, and docking stations, such as Microsoft's own Surface Dock.

In the case of the Pro 6, the omission of Thunderbolt 3 is frustrating because the Pro 6 would benefit more than most devices from a dedicated external GPU, like the Razer Core.

USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 are more costly than regular USB to implement, particularly since it would require a shuffle of components for the Pro 6 and Laptop 2, which are incremental hardware updates for the most part. Eventually, Microsoft won't be able to ignore the proliferation of the tech, particularly now that Intel has scrapped the licensing fee for Thunderbolt 3 to help drive adoption.

The Surface Pro 6 is a stunning 2-in-1 device regardless, but if you desperately need USB-C and Thunderbolt 3, there are plenty of great alternatives to consider.

Best alternatives

Microsoft won't be able to ignore USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 forever, and while we wait for them to get on board with the big-bandwidth revolution, here are some 2-in-1 versatile Windows PCs with touch you should definitely consider.

The Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 is a pretty and powerful device, and the inclusion of Thunderbolt 3 increases its versatility immeasurably. However, if you want a device that can do all of that as well as inking, take a look at the HP Spectre x360.

Ultimately the battle between the Pro and the Laptop boils down to their form factors. Do you need 2-in-1 with great inking support, pr would you prefer something a little more traditional?

Inking vs. Lapability

On paper, the Surface Pro 6 and Surface Laptop 2 share many of the same internal characteristics, revolving around the latest quad-core processors from Intel, with improved thermals to reduce throttling as seen with the previous generation. We have full, comprehensive reviews of both the Surface Laptop 2 and Surface Pro 6 available for more information. They're both solid devices, but which one you go for depends on what you're looking for.

The Surface Laptop 2, like its predecessor, is slim and light, perfect for plugging away at a desk or in your lap. Unlike the Surface Pro line, the Surface Laptop 2 doesn't have a kickstand, and should feel a lot more natural to use when you don't have a desk handy. Sadly, it doesn't include a 360-degree hinge, which prevents it from providing a solid inking or tablet experience, despite sporting a digitizer and a 10-point touch screen. At best, you'll be signing documents, annotating, and doing the occasional tap here and there. Of course, if you're not interested in doing much digital inking, all of these facts might be a plus, rather than a negative.

On the flip side, the Surface Pro 6 is a bit awkward to use as "lapable" device, but the trade off is a better inking experience. If you're a digital artist or student who prefers taking hand-written notes (which are, studies say, better for learning), then you'll want a Surface Pro 6 (of course, be aware that that the Surface Pen costs extra). There are other differences between the two worth being aware of, though.

The Surface Laptop 2 gets slightly better performance overall than the Pro 6 owing to its form factor — there's simply more spare room to distribute heat. The Pro 6 by comparison is packed a lot more densely. The trade off is that the Pro 6 is designed to be a true "mobile" experience, with a reverse-facing camera which is surprisingly capable, as well as an accelerometer and a gyroscope. It also comes with microSD expandable storage, whereas the Laptop 2 does not.

Additionally, the Laptop 2's alcantara fabric keyboard finish is often the subject of controversy. Some say it stains easily over time, and isn't particularly easy to clean. Plus, if it gets damaged, you'll have to send away the whole laptop to get it repaired, whereas with the Pro 6, you need only send the detachable keyboard in for repairs. However, some think it adds some luxury to the product, so it depends on your preference.

The Laptop 2 has a slightly worse display than the Pro 6, with a lower PPI density across a larger panel. Digital artists will enjoy the Pro 6's richer display, but will envy the Laptop 2's battery life, which is at least two hours better than that of the Pro 6.

So, which should you buy?

Most of the differences between the two devices are relatively minor. The Laptop 2 gets slightly better battery life and performance while the Pro 6 gets a better display and more feature versatility. The biggest question is: how much do you value inking?

The Pro 6's form factor lends itself to inking far better than the Laptop 2, with an experience completed with magnetic Pen storage. If you're a digital artist or student looking for a perfect note-taking companion, look no further than the Pro 6. If you want something more traditional you can use in your lap, and don't care so much about inking or tablet-style usage, get the Laptop 2.

What is Alcantara fabric?

Alcantara is a hybrid material made up of polyester and polyurethane, with the actual mix and method kept secret by the manufacturer. It's soft, looks like suede, and offers decent durability, which is a must on a surface like a keyboard that's going to get a lot of attention from your hands.

Alcantara is Italian-made and is actually a brand name, registered as a trademark of the Alcantara S.p.A. company. You might also find it used in the automotive, fashion, and aviation industries, lending itself to a luxurious finish.

Why is Alcantara fabric special?

Compared to natural alternatives, Alcantara is relatively inexpensive, though you'll still pay a premium for it over a lot of other manufactured materials. You might hear the term "Alcantara leather" thrown around, but know that it's 100 percent animal cruelty-free and vegan-friendly.

Ultrasuede is a similar material you might hear compared to Alcantara, but the differences here come down to region of origin. Alcantara is manufactured in Italy, while Ultrasuede (which is also a brand name) is made elsewhere. Think of the Champagne sparkling wine example, where only the legit stuff comes from Champagne, France.

Can you clean Alcantara fabric?

The palm rests on the Type Cover get a lot of attention from your hands, but thanks to its composition and durability, Alcantara can be cleaned up fairly easily and with household products.

A lint-free cloth, some mild liquid soap, and warm water are all that's required to get off most day-to-day stains and dirt, though you can buy specially-made Alcantara fabric cleaner for tougher stains. Lemon juice can even be used for certain stains like soda, alcoholic beverages, coffee, tea, and tomato sauce.

Keep in mind that Alcantara will age over time, and the color might change or become permanently rubbed down if you type a lot. These are the tradeoffs for the extra luxury it provides. If that doesn't sound appealing to you, there are other options.

How does the black Type Cover otherwise differ from the Alcantara option?

The black, non-Alcantara Type Cover, though finished with a standard fake-suede plastic material, still delivers a full typing experience for your Surface Pro. You still get an LED backlight, big glass touchpad with Precision drivers, and suitable key spacing.

The non-Alcantara Type Cover is a bit smoother and should stand up better to wear and abuse, plus the dark color will hide stains. If you're concerned with your Type Cover getting dirty because you have a hands-on job, you might want to consider this option over Alcantara. Considering it's $30 less, it might just make the most sense from a financial standpoint.

Stick with the black Type Cover for a cheaper option

The standard Type Cover with a black finish delivers the same typing experience — a backlit keyboard, sizeable Precision touchpad, comfortable keyboard — all for about $30 less than the Alcantara option. If you're worried about stains and wear, this is probably a better option in the long run.

Go with the Signature Type Cover for an Alcantara finish

If you don't mind spending about $30 more, the Signature Type Cover will provide a more luxurious typing experience. You can choose from three colors, and you'll get the same typing and pointing experience as found on the standard black Type Cover.

Microsoft this week rolled out its first round of firmware updates for its latest devices, the Surface Pro 6 and Surface Laptop 2. But if you've already gotten your hands on one of the recently launched Surfaces, the updates you get will depend on what version of Windows 10 you're running.

If you installed the Windows 10 October 2018 Update before it was pulled from its public release, you'll see two updates related to the Surface Pen on both devices. Here's a look:

• Surface Pen Firmware Update – System devices: 3.0.10.1 resolves intermittent pen top button click failure on Surface Pen with no clip-on Windows 10 October 2018 Update, version 1809.
• Surface Pen Integration Device – Human Interface Devices: 1.0.9.0 enables firmware update to Surface Pen with no clip.

If you're running the Windows 10 April 2018 Update or later, however, you'll see the following list of changes on the Surface Pro 6:

• Surface System Aggregator – Firmware: 239.5.139.0 improves system stability.
• Surface UEFI – Firmware: 234.2344.769.0 resolves an issue where processor speed may be capped at an unexpected low frequency.
• Intel Smart Sound Technology (Intel(R) SST) OED: 9.21.00.3755 ensures music streaming services will not be interrupted after resume from sleep.
• Intel Display Audio: 10.25.00.10 resolves battery consumption issue associated with Windows 10 October 2018 Update.

And for Surface Laptop 2 devices on the April 2018 Update or later, you'll net the following:

• Surface System Aggregator – Firmware: 239.5.139.0 improves system stability.
• Intel Smart Sound Technology (Intel(R) SST) OED: 9.21.00.3755 ensures music streaming services will not be interrupted after resume from sleep.
• Intel Display Audio: 10.25.00.10 resolves battery consumption issue associated with Windows 10 October 2018 Update.

Both batches of updates are dated October 23, though they only appeared today on the Surface Update History tracker.

If you're still eyeing a Surface Pro 6 or Surface Laptop 2, both PCs are now available starting at $900 and $1,000, respectively.

• See Surface Pro 6 at Microsoft
• See Surface Laptop 2 at Microsoft

The Qualcomm-based ENVY x2 (there's also an Intel version that's not nearly as impressive) is a fine device for anyone who needs LTE connectivity and a lightweight computing experience. The Pro 6, which was the inspiration for the ENVY x2's design, has some perks — including better performance, higher-res display — which also makes it attractive. Let's compare the two to help you figure out which is best for you.

Surface Pro 6 vs. HP ENVY x2 (Qualcomm) tech specs

Design and features

The Surface Pro 6 and Qualcomm-based HP ENVY x2 are both fine devices when it comes to build quality and design. They're both able to easily fit under your arm or in a laptop bag, but know that the ENVY x2 is slightly lighter and thinner than the Pro 6. In his review, Windows Central Executive Editor Daniel Rubino called the ENVY x2 "perfect hardware," noting precision machining on the metal, unibody design. Though heavier and thicker, the Pro 6 is still a premium device with a design that's been refined over the years (and from which the ENVY x2 no doubt took some design cues).

The ENVY x2 doesn't have a kickstand built into the tablet like the Pro 6, but instead relies on a cover folio for a kickstand. It still extends out from the middle of the back of the device, allowing for plenty of angles (unlike the Intel-based ENVY x2), but for a complete package, the Pro 6 is where it's at. The built-in kickstand can be used without a keyboard or cover attached giving you more versatility.

The included keyboard and folio cover for the ENVY x2 offers an excellent typing experience with a large touchpad using Precision drivers. Key travel is great, and there's a backlight for working in the later hours. The Pro 6's Type Cover, which is sold separately, will also get the job done, plus there's the option to have an Alcantara finish for a bit of extra comfort. You get Precision drivers for the Type Cover touchpad, and typing all day shouldn't be an issue here either.

Above the display on both tablets is an IR camera for quick logins through Windows Hello, and both have a rear-facing camera as well. Here the ENVY x2's 13 MP camera beats out the Surface with its 8MP camera. As for ports, you can get USB-C, a microSD card reader, and a SIM slot with the ENVY x2, while the Pro 6 is still stuck with USB-A, Mini DisplayPort, Surface Connect, and a microSD card reader. LTE support might come to the Pro 6 eventually, but for now, you'll have to go with the ENVY x2 if you want to stay connected wherever there's cellular data available.

Display

The Pro 6 and ENVY x2 both have 12.3-inch touch displays with 3:2 aspect ratio for a boxier look that translates well to the tablet experience. There's enough bezel on both to get a good grip without accidentally hitting the touch portion of the screen, and both devices work with active pens. The ENVY x2 includes an HP pen with the price, and its N-Trig technology also works with other pens, like the Bamboo Ink or latest Surface Pen. The HP pen seems to hit about 2,048 levels of pressure sensitivity for a great experience, but the Surface Pen (sold separately), with its 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity will make a better choice for anyone interested in creation and design.

Both displays offer excellent color reproduction, plenty of brightness, and great contrast, but the Pro 6's higher resolution is just going to look better when compared side-by-side to the ENVY x2. For general use, either display will be up to the job, though for specialized tasks the Pro 6 makes more sense (especially when you factor in the extra performance hardware available).

Performance

The ENVY x2 is a mobile, always-connected PC that keeps things light inside and out. It's using a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 CPU — the same type often found in smartphones — and has 4 GB of RAM and 128 GB of UFS storage. These aren't particularly exciting specs, but they do allow for about 16 hours of battery life, no fan, and a super-slim build. The Snapdragon CPU performs close to an Intel Core i3 or m3, so don't expect any heavy lifting, but it can handle a light day of productivity tasks. This tablet is meant to be used on the go, so sitting down for some heavy video editing or gaming doesn't make much sense for most people anyway.

With 8th Gen Intel Core U-series CPUs, up to 16 GB of RAM, and up to a 1 TB SSD on offer, the Pro 6 is much better suited to a variety of tasks. You won't get as good of battery life, but you'll be able to get into specialized work and even a bit of gaming with much better performance across the board. If it's more of a PC that can turn into a tablet you're looking for, the Pro 6 is likely the better choice for you.

Go with the Surface Pro 6 for superior performance

Microsoft's Surface Pro 6 offers better versatility than the ENVY x2 thanks to faster hardware, more configuration options, and a superior inking experience. If you want a PC that can turn into a tablet, this is it. It does cost more, however, for a complete package, and anyone who's looking for an always-connected tablet they can carry around all day for light tasks will no doubt want to check out the ENVY x2 instead.

HP's ENVY x2 is perfect for anyone on the go

The bottom line here is that the ENVY x2 offers up an outstanding tablet experience, especially for those who need internet access at all times, but it has a narrow audience. If you don't need LTE connectivity, you can get a much more versatile PC out of the Pro 6 thanks to speedier hardware and a 2-in-1 design that's nevertheless quite mobile despite not yet having LTE capabilities.

Significant improvement on the previous model

During the course of our Surface Pro 6 review battery life was one of the key metrics we benchmarked. Using the PC Mark 8 Home Battery test, the Surface Pro 6 came away with a score of 5 hours and 25 minutes.

The Core i5 2017 model Surface Pro, by comparison, scored only 4 hours and 30 minutes. Not only is the Surface Pro 6 better, it's significantly better, with more than 20 percent longer life.

Don't be alarmed by the benchmark

It's easy to look at the figures above and be a little alarmed. But you shouldn't be. The PC Mark test is designed to leverage both the CPU and GPU, and so it will always come out lower than you'd expect to see in day to day life.

Indeed, more regular computing, such as web browsing, media consumption and work inside apps like Microsoft Office will yield a much stronger battery life. What can be taken away, though, is that you can expect at least one hour more from the Surface Pro 6 over the older model.

The Surface Pro 6 also runs cooler

It's not just longer battery life you get from the Surface Pro 6, either. Like its predecessor, the Core i5 Surface Pro 6 is fanless, but it's also packing two more cores with four more threads.

Despite being a quad-core processor, the Surface Pro 6 runs a little cooler than the older, dual-core Surface Pro. In our testing, the Surface Pro 6 was consistently 4 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than the previous model. It doesn't sound like much, but cooler is cooler. Especially when you're also getting more power.

Outside of upgraded processors and a fresh matte black finish, the new Surface Pro 6 and Surface Laptop 2 are virtually identical to their predecessors, and it looks like that extends to the difficulty of self-repairs as well. The folks at iFixit have dug into both devices, revealing that they're just as difficult to crack into as last year's Surface Pro and the original Surface Laptop, making repairs a pain.

For the Surface Pro 6, iFixit gave the device a "repairability" score (a one-to-ten scale on how easy something is to repair) of one out of 10. That's the exact same score given out to the 2017 Surface Pro, and it largely comes down to the newer tablet's complex construction. You're required to perform the delicate task of removing the display to get access to the Surface Pro 6's internals, at which point you're pretty limited in what you can replace. That's due to a combination of components that are either glued into place or unremovable.

Scoring even lower, however, is the Surface Laptop 2, which achieved the same zero out of 10 score as its predecessor. The low score comes down to the fact that you essentially have to destroy the Alcantara keyboard cover to get at the internals. Complicating things even further are the CPU, RAM, and storage, which are all soldered in place.

If you're big into repairing your own devices, the low scores here are no doubt a blow. But, for most people, the delicate task of repairing a laptop or tablet on their own doesn't even factor into the equation. If something goes wrong, it's likely most would opt to seek a return or take advantage of their warranty. Still, this presents a problem for devices that are outside of their warranty period, at which point buyers might prefer to avoid potentially costly replacements.

If you're unfazed by things like repair scores, the Surface Pro 6 and Surface Laptop 2 are available now starting at $899 and $999, respectively.

• See Surface Pro 6 at Microsoft
• See Surface Laptop 2 at Microsoft
• See at Best Buy

Microsoft has confirmed compatibility

Besides a new color choice, all other changes to the Surface Pro 6 from its predecessor have taken place inside. On the outside, everything is the same size and location, as Microsoft has confirmed:

Reusing will keep your costs down

One of the biggest things you have to deal with when buying a new Surface Pro 6 is that it's a fairly pricey item. Prices start at $899 and for that, you get only the tablet. No keyboard, pen, case — nothing.

You want to at least keep your new device safe, and while a case isn't the priciest accessory you'll be buying, every saving helps. So if you have a case for an earlier Surface Pro, you might as well re-use it.

Plenty of choice to get yourself a case

Beyond reusing existing cases, there's also a bonus point if you don't have a case at all. Since all cases for last year's Surface Pro will fit the new Surface Pro 6, there is already a wide range of great cases available to buy.

Whether you want something rugged or stylish, premium or budget, there's plenty of choice out there.

The Intel version of the HP ENVY x2 has some unfortunate design choices that really put it at a disadvantage to the Pro 6. However, it's still a contender in the 2-in-1 space; let's see how it compares in all aspects to the new Surface Pro 6.

Surface Pro 6 vs. HP ENVY x2 (Intel) tech specs

Design and features

The Pro 6 and ENVY x2 are both 2-in-1 devices that can be used as a tablet or as a standard notebook when a keyboard and touchpad are attached. The tablet portions are about the same size and thickness, and they both weigh about the same. If you need a mobile device, either one is going to easily fit under your arm or in a laptop bag, but know that only the ENVY x2 currently has LTE capabilities that keep it connected even when out of range of Wi-Fi.

Unfortunately, the design of the ENVY x2 is its biggest weakness. Instead of a kickstand that extends out from the middle of the back of the tablet (like the 165-degree kickstand on the Pro 6), HP's device has a pull-out-and-reset style stand that's far less useful. You get less stability and a penchant for falling over backward, and only two angles at which you can prop up the tablet. Without the keyboard attached, there's no built-in way to stand up the tablet.

The keyboard is shortened due to the stand design, and there's also a small touchpad that doesn't use Precision drivers. The Surface Pro 6, on the other hand, sticks with an attachable Type Cover that works in tandem with the built-in kickstand. You get a sizeable touchpad with Precision drivers, well-spaced keyboard, and it's available with an Alcantara finish for comfy feeling.

Both tablets have an IR camera for quick logins with Windows Hello, but the port selection differs. The Pro 6 unfortunately still doesn't have a USB-C port, sticking with USB-A, Mini DisplayPort, Surface Connect, a microSD card reader, and a 3.5 mm audio jack. The ENVY x2 likewise has a microSD reader and a 3.5 mm audio jack, but it also has two USB-C ports and a slot for a SIM card. You really have to make a decision whether you want to hold onto USB-A or go forward with USB-C, but in either case, you'll likely eventually have to use a dongle or adapter.

If you're looking for anything other than a straight tablet experience, you'll want to go with the Surface Pro 6. They keyboard and touchpad folio attachment for the ENVY x2 doesn't promote versatility and often gets in the way of productivity. The upside here is that the x2 comes with the keyboard and active pen included, but the one accessory really isn't useful.

Display

There's no difference in size between these two touch displays, though the Pro 6 has a much higher resolution at 2736x1824 compared to 1920x1280. They both have 3:2 aspect ratios for a boxy display, and they're both stunning to look at. Bezel is comparable on both, with enough room to easily hold onto the tablet when using it without a keyboard attached.

Both displays support active pens. The Surface Pen has 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt support, while the HP Pen seems to hit about 2,048 levels (HP is unclear but we tested) without tilt support. If you're looking to just jot down some notes or do some simple sketching, the ENVY x2 should fill the role nicely. If, however, you need the best inking experience possible, you'll want to stick with the Pro 6 and the Surface Pen that is sold separately.

Performance

The Intel version of the ENVY x2 (there's also a Qualcomm version that's far better) comes in a single configuration with a 7th Gen Intel Core i5-7Y54 processor (CPU), 4 GB of RAM, and a 128 GB solid-state drive (SSD). This is enough performance to handle a day's productivity tasks, but for better performance, you'll want to look at the Pro 6.

The Surface has either an 8th Gen Intel Core i5-8250U or Core i7-8650U CPU, 8 GB or 16 GB of RAM, and up to a 1 TB SSD. You'll be able to multitask with better performance, and there's plenty of extra storage without having to rely on the cloud. HP claims about 19 hours of battery life while Microsoft claims about 13 hours, but realistically you should get a full day of use out of either without much extra to burn.

The ENVY x2 costs about $900, which includes the active pen and (albeit terrible) keyboard. The Surface Pro 6, without Type Cover and Surface Pen (together costing about an extra $200), starts at $899, but it has twice as much RAM (8 GB) and a faster Core i5 CPU. The Surface Pro 6 is ultimately going to cost more for a complete package, but the higher-resolution display, thoughtful kickstand design, quality Type Cover and Surface Pen, and better performance make up for the price. If you're set on an HP 2-in-1 and need LTE connectivity, check out the Qualcomm ENVY x2 for a much better experience that's closer to the Pro 6's design.

Stick with the Surface Pro 6 over the Intel-based ENVY x2

With better performance, better keyboard and touchpad, and a higher-res touch display, the Pro 6 is a smarter choice than the ENVY x2 as long as you don't need LTE connectivity. The Type Cover and Surface Pen are sold separately, so you will ultimately pay more for the full Pro 6 package, but it will be worth it.

Surface Dock Updater, a tool for IT administrators to check the firmware status of Surface Docks and perform manual updates, has been updated to support Microsoft's latest devices, the Surface Pro 6 and Surface Laptop 2. The update is included as part of Microsoft's Surface Tools for IT, and ticks the version number up to 2.23.139.0 (via Reddit).

Other than support for the two new Surface devices, the update doesn't bring anything else to the table, at least according to the release notes:

This version of Surface Dock Updater adds support for the following:

• Add support for Surface Pro 6
• Add support for Surface Laptop 2

Surface Dock Updater isn't updated very often, with the last new version coming in July to add support for Surface Go. Prior to that, it saw an update in January that brought updates for the Surface Dock's main chipset and DisplayPort firmware.

In any case, curious IT admins can grab the latest version of Surface Dock Updater by downloading Surface Tools for IT at Microsoft. And if you've had your eye on either the Surface Laptop 2 or Surface Pro 6, both are available to purchase starting today.

• See Surface Laptop 2 at Microsoft
• See Surface Pro 6 at Microsoft

The Core i5 model is still a powerful PC

For a starting price of $899 you'd certainly hope so, but the fact is that even the lowest priced Surface Pro 6 is a powerful PC. The 8th generation Intel Core i5 found inside is a quad-core processor with eight threads. The i5 model is also super quiet thanks to its fanless thermal solution.

Microsoft itself claims the Surface Pro 6 is over 67 percent faster than the previous model Surface Pro, which is no small feat. For the majority of users, the Core i5 version will be all the portable PC they need.

Core i7 use is more targeted to the professional crowd, for example, developers compiling code, or even folks looking to do creative work like video and photo editing on the move. If you want to do more gaming on the go, it's also a better option than the i5 (although still not the best option for portable gaming). It's also the noisier option, since the Core i7 has to have a fan. It's good the option is there for the crowd that needs it, but most really don't.

You'll save significant amounts of money

The Core i5 models start at $899, while the Core i7 models start at $1,499. Besides the processor, the only difference there is 256GB of storage in the Core i7 to 128GB in the entry Core i5.

But even matching the storage as well as the RAM, you'll be saving a full $300 over the Core i7 model. And that's a big saving, which the majority of people will be better off making than chasing a spec they probably don't need. Plus, with the Surface you need to spend extra on accessories, so now you'll have more room in that budget for something like a Surface Pen.

Ample power, no noise, better battery life

This year's Core i5 Surface Pro 6 is impressive in a number of ways, but the fact you're getting a fanless system with a quad-core Intel Core i5 CPU inside it is nothing short of remarkable.

For starters, there's now double the cores and threads available over previous dual-core models of Surface Pro. You're able to handle more demanding applications better, the system has more at its disposal and even if you're running things like Photoshop, you'll be just fine.

It's no gaming machine, for example, but it's plenty powerful enough, silent and will enjoy better battery life than the Core i7 model.