What you need to know

• The Surface Pro 7 officially reaches its end of support today.
• After reaching end of support, the Surface Pro 7 will no longer receive driver and firmware updates.
• While the Surface Pro 7 will no longer receive driver and firmware updates, it will continue to receive Windows OS feature and security updates for a while.

Microsoft's Surface Pro 7 has reached the end of its driver and firmware lifecycle period. As of today, the PC will not receive any firmware or driver updates from Microsoft. The 2-in-1 will, however, continue to receive Windows OS feature updates and security updates in line with the Microsoft Lifecycle Policy.

The Surface Pro 7 first shipped in October 2019, and it has received several firmware updates since its launch. Since the device will continue to receiver security and OS feature updates for a while, it's safe to keep using your Surface Pro 7. You'll also be able to take advantage of new features in updates such as the Windows 11 'Moment 5' update set to ship later this year.

When the Surface Pro 7 launched, it was a lovely PC that retained its crown as the best Windows tablet. Our Editor-in-Chief Daniel Rubino called the PC "the king of the 2-in-1s" and praised the PC's performance, battery life, and form factor in our Surface Pro 7 review.

But as is the case with any form of technology, the Surface Pro 7 has been surpassed in terms of design as it's aged. Microsoft revised its Surface Pro lineup with the Surface Pro 8, refreshing its design and making the PC "effectively flawless," according to our Surface Pro 8 review. Microsoft largely stuck with that design with the Surface Pro 9, giving us all a reason to look forward to see what's new in the Surface Pro 10.

When is the Surface Pro 10 coming out?

Microsoft releases new Surface hardware each year, and the Surface Pro lineup is due for a refresh. According to our Senior Editor Zac Bowden, the Surface Pro 10 will be "the company's first true next-gen AI PC" and be available with either Intel or ARM processors. While there have been Surface PCs with NPUs inside before, the Surface Pro 10 should take artificial intelligence to the next level when it comes to AI computing.

Intel is pushing AI computing with its latest processors, and we expect to see that continue with the Intel processor that powers the Surface Pro 10. It's not known at this time, however, which type of processor will be inside the upcoming 2-in-1.

Qualcomm plans to release its Snapdragon X Elite processor this year, which also focuses heavily on AI. Based on Qualcomm's own statements and leaked benchmarks, the Snapdragon X Elite will go toe-to-toe with Apple's latest M-Series processors.

The overall design of the Surface Pro 10 is expected to be similar to that of the Surface Pro 9, making the internal upgrades and the emphasis on AI more important to the device differentiating itself. The Surface Pro 10 should, however, have a better display than its predecessor, thanks to an anti-reflective coating and rounded display corners. Added HDR support and the continuation of the lineup having a 120Hz display should result in an impressive screen.

Microsoft is expected to announce new Surface hardware in March and then ship new Surface PCs in April and June.

What you need to know

• Microsoft's Surface Pro 7 has a new firmware update with a lengthy list of improvements.
• The update improves the camera experience and power consumption while using the camera.
• It also includes system and stability improvements for several components.

Microsoft's Surface Pro 7 recently received a firmware update. While the update doesn't have any new features, which is usually the case, it does have a lengthy changelog. The update improves the experience and power consumption of the front and rear cameras and includes several other improvements. The Surface Pro 7 is already one of the best Windows tablets, and this update makes it just a bit better.

Here's everything that's new in the latest update, as found on its support page:

Surface updates roll out in stages, so you might not see this one just yet. In certain cases, you have to manually search for an update as well. This update began rolling out on April 9, 2021.

What you need to know

• Surface Pro 7+ is for enterprise and education markets.
• Surface Pro 7+ features 4G LTE options, 32GB of RAM, removable SSD, and Intel 11th Gen processors.
• Shipping starts later this week.
• We could see Surface Pro 8 for consumers later this fall.

A lot has changed in the world in the last year, especially with how we work. As a result, Microsoft is shaking things up a bit with its "classic" Surface Pro laptop. Instead of introducing a Surface Pro 8 for consumers, it is refreshing Surface Pro 7 with a new "plus" edition for enterprise and education markets.

So, what is different about Surface Pro 7+ for Business, and can regular consumers buy one? Here is what is new for Surface Pro 7+ for Business and how it differs from Surface Pro 7 for Consumers.

Surface Pro 7+ What's different

The most exciting changes for Surface Pro 7+ start with the SSD. Following the designs of Surface Pro X and Surface Laptop 3, Microsoft is introducing a removable SSD design for Surface Pro 7+.

Just like Surface Pro X, users can pop off the rear door using a SIM tool and with a single Torx T3 screw swap out the drive for security reasons or upgrades.

We recently did a how-to on swapping the SSD in Surface Pro X, detailing the procedure.

Next is the introduction of Intel 11th Gen processors. Intel's latest CPUs bring up to a 30 percent boost in processor performance and nearly 80 percent in GPU thanks to the new Iris Xe graphics. Microsoft claims that Surface Pro 7+ is now "2.1 times faster" than before.

Options for Core i3, Core i5 (both without fans), and Core i7 will be available.

Besides improved performance, Intel 11th Gen also brings significantly better battery life. Microsoft is now claiming Surface Pro+ can achieve up to 15 hours of battery life, and it can recharge up to 80 percent in just under an hour. The older Surface Pro 7 based on Intel 10th Gen was only rated up to 10.5 hours of battery life for comparison.

Another significant shift is for the first time, you can order Surface Pro with 32GB of RAM. That version won't be cheap as it is only available with a Core i7 and 1TB of internal storage, bringing the price to $2,800.

The other change is the option for 4G LTE. Microsoft's last Surface Pro with LTE was announced in 2017 (but didn't ship until early 2018). That model is only available in platinum with a Core i5, 8 or 16GB of RAM, and up to 256GB of storage.

Battery life is rated at 13.5 hours for the LTE model versus 15 hours for Wi-Fi only.

Additional security has also been added to Surface Pro 7+ to protect against "common and sophisticated malware." Microsoft goes into detail in a separate blog post on the new abilities.

When combined with a removable SSD, Intel 11th Gen Core i5, and the Snapdragon X20 LTE Modem Surface Pro 7+ should be a killer convertible tablet. Other than those changes, nothing else is different with Surface Pro 7+ compared to Surface Pro 7.

Surface Pro 7+ Why only businesses?

The obvious question is why Microsoft is doing a mid-cycle refresh to Surface Pro 7. The answer is evident when you consider how much enterprise and schooling have shifted due to the pandemic.

Instead of waiting for a Surface Pro 8, Microsoft revamped Surface Pro 7 for its business partners and customers who have been asking for these changes. Microsoft tells us, "we have had differentiated consumer and commercial SKUs for several years to allow us to best meet the needs of each customer," and that prioritizing "Surface Pro 7+ for commercial and education customers is an extension of this strategy."

In a blog post on the announcement, Microsoft added more about the need for Surface Pro 7+:

Microsoft is also getting in on being more environmentally conscious by reducing the overall weight of the packaging for Surface Pro 7+, which is now "23% lighter than the previous generation and is made from 99% natural fiber-based material, of which 64% is post-consumer recycled content."

Here are a few more questions you may have:

Will Surface Pro 7 continue to be sold?

For consumers, Surface Pro 7 is the one that will continue to be available. It is not being discontinued. But for enterprise (commercial) and EDU markets Surface Pro 7+ does replace Surface Pro 7.

Can consumers (regular people) buy Surface Pro 7+?

Yes. Surface Pro 7+ "can be purchased by business customers - including freelancers - through a Surface Commercial Authorized Device Reseller or via the Microsoft Store Business Desk."

That means you probably cannot one through Best Buy but will be able to order it through Microsoft and other channels similar to getting the Intel version of Surface Book 3 (15-inch).

Why no 5G?

Microsoft is notoriously shy about introducing new features, and according to the, 5G is not something their business customers have been asking for just yet. Microsoft will do 5G when they think it is ready for more mainstream customers but now is not that time.

What about Thunderbolt 4?

Unfortunately, there is no Thunderbolt 4 with Surface Pro 7+. Maybe we'll see it with Surface Pro 8.

Does the LTE version support eSIM?

Yes. Both eSIM and a removable nano SIM are supported. As usual, Surface Pro 7+ is SIM unlocked and supports the following global LTE Bands: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66.

Surface Pro 7+ pricing, models, and availability

With the inclusion of LTE, up to 32GB of RAM, and both black and platinum colorways, there are quite a few configuration options for Surface Pro 7+. Here are all of them broken by category.

Surface Pro 7+ Wi-Fi Commercial

Surface Pro 7+ LTE Commercial

Surface Pro 7+ Wi-Fi Education

Pricing starts at $899 for the Core i3 with 8GB and 128GB of storage (platinum) and peaks at $2,800 for Core i7, 32GB, and 1TB of storage (platinum). Education models are $100 cheaper, only come in platinum, and do not have an LTE option.

You won't have to wait long to order one either. Business and education customers in select markets across Asia, Europe, and North America can order Surface Pro 7+ through their local resellers today, with shipping beginning at the end of this week.

Surface Pro 7+: Quick analysis

The good news is Microsoft is not calling this Surface Pro 8. That leaves room for that device to come out perhaps, later this year and with it more significant changes.

Interestingly, Microsoft didn't see the need to bring Surface Pro 7+ to the consumer market, even though that seems like it would have been an logical strategy. But in doing so, some customers who buy Surface Pro 7+ may feel burned if Surface Pro 8 comes out late in the fall and with it an expected updated design. The positioning of Surface Pro 7+ for Business gets around that issue.

The enterprise (and EDU) markets care less about thinner bezels or the latest in consumer delights. That makes Surface Pro 7+ with its removable SSD, LTE option, and latest Intel processors an easy sell. And we can't fault Microsoft in wanting to meet the demands of this market considering the big role PCs now play at work.

Finally, it's worth mentioning that Surface Hub 2S 85-inch, as expected, is starting to ship this month too. Customers interested in Surface Hub 2S 85-inch can connect with an authorized Surface Hub reseller for more info.

Need more on Surface? See our "Expectations, predictions, and what we want to see for Surface in 2021" list on what we know.

What you need to know

• New firmware and driver updates are rolling out for Surface Pro 7 and Surface Book 3.
• The Surface Book 3 updates are mostly focused on camera improvements, while Surface Pro 7 gets camera and pen improvements.
• These updates are rolling out now via Windows Update.

Microsoft this week shipped a new set of driver and firmware updates for two of its latest Surface devices. Both the Surface Pro 7 and Surface Book 3 received updates as part of this round, and they're mainly focused on a couple of areas. Most notably, both devices have picked up some general camera improvements, while the Surface Pro 7 has some additional improvements for the Surface Slim Pen and inking experience.

Here's a look at what's included in the updates for the Surface Pro 7:

Here's everything new for the Surface Book 3:

If you have a Surface Pro 7 or Surface Book 3, these updates should be available for you to download now via Windows Update.

The Surface Pro 7 is down to $799 at Best Buy. That's $80 off what it's going for at Microsoft and $100 off other retailers like B&H. It's a great low price on one of the most affordable configurations of the Surface Pro 7. You can find a similar deal going on at Newegg as well.

We gave the Surface Pro 7 5 out of 5 stars and said, "The Surface Pro 7, though, is almost everything I want in a portable PC. Performance is excellent, typing and audio are still the best of the bunch, and battery life gets me through the day." Daniel Rubino added, "That Type-C port brings so many new options to the table, drastically increasing the Pro's abilities."

The Surface Pro 7 12.3-inch display has a 2736 x 1824 pixel resolution with PixelSense touchscreen technology. The machine has facial recognition built in, too, which makes logging in super simple and secure. Other specifications include 8GB RAM, a 128GB solid state drive, and a 10th-generation Intel Core i5 processor.

There are cameras on the front and back. The rear camera 8 megapixels and the front camera has 5 megapixels and both record in 1080p resolutions. The battery can last for up to 10.5 hours. It has Bluetooth 5.0 technology and Wi-Fi built in. The connections and interfaces include USB-A, USB-C, DisplayPort, a headphone jack, and a microSDXC card reader.

The operating system is Windows 10 Home and you can get a free trial to Office 365. It is covered by a one-year warranty from Microsoft.

The deal includes a Surface Pro Type Cover, which provides a full mechanical keyset, backlit keys, and a large glass trackpad. The Type Cover is basically essential if you want your Surface Pro 7 to be a full-blown laptop instead of just a tablet computer.

Plonking down your hard-earned cash for a new Surface, whether it's the Pro, Laptop, Go, or Book, means you'll also want to protect it from everyday abuse. On a recent reddit thread, a user shared a photo of their skin with a design pattern that caught my eye.

So, I ordered one up to try it myself on Surface Book 3. The MasiBloom skins can be found on Amazon ranging from $9 to $15 with various designs. Here are some photos and whether I think it's worth it.

MasiBloom for Surace: What it is

Printed in China, there are around 25 different patterns available depending on the Surface. What I like about this series is the bright, colorful, and artistic designs, which differ from other companies like dBrand's more monotone look.

As you have guessed, these are just vinyl stickers. If you order for Surface Book 2 (or Book 3), you get two stickers – one for the top and one for the bottom ($15). For Surface Laptop and Surface Pro, you get one, but it only costs $10. For Surface Go fans, that version is only $9.

The Surface Pro and Surface Go get some matching decals for the sides too, which is neat.

They're all sized quite accurately and have cutouts for the Surface logo, and rear camera/microphone where applicable.

There is even a separate style that is mostly clear with a simple partial graphic, which looks cool.

MasiBloom for Surface: How is it?

Some people hate stickers on laptops, while others prefer them. I'm in between, sometimes preferring a clean look, other times not so much.

The MasiBloom is a bit tedious to install and line up. I wished the Surface logo was more than a square cutout and had cross lines as a sticker (like how dBrand does it). It makes lining up the decal infinitely more manageable, and it looks better. I opted to keep the square sticker on and cover up the logo because my alignment was off slightly.

On the plus side, these are thick vinyl. That makes installing the decals a bit easier as you can peel back, realign, and try it again without worrying about tearing it (using a hairdryer can help too). On Surface Book 3 15-inch, you are dealing with a giant sticker, making it harder to manipulate due to the size. Surface Laptops, Surface Go, and Surface Pro should be much easier.

I appreciate the matte design, which means you won't see fingerprints. It also feels nice with a slight texture that helps take the chill out of the Surface's metal chassis.

I do feel like this will provide moderate scratch and scuff protection to the Surface Book 3. I can't complain about the price. For $9 to $15, you're getting a visually stunning graphic on your laptop (so long as you find a style you like).

Overall, I am quite happy with the MasiBloom, and it's worth checking out if you like the look. I'll probably order one for my Surface Pro soon.

The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 12.3-inch touchscreen laptop is on sale for $1,299 through the BuyDig eBay store. This particular configuration normally sells for $1,499, so you're saving $200 here. It is also rare to see this advanced of a configuration go on sale at all since it's usually the less advanced versions of the convertible laptop that we see get discounted.

If you want a more advanced configuration you can also save $200 at Microsoft. BuyDig's sale though is not replicated at Microsoft, so if this one lands in your price range this is how you're going to get it. You can actually go for a less expensive configuration at Microsoft, too, but whether you choose to go up or down you will still only save $200 during this ongoing sale. Neither the deal above nor Microsoft's discounts include the extra cost of the keyboard, pen, or other accessories.

We gave the Surface Pro 7 5 out of 5 stars and said, "The Surface Pro 7, though, is almost everything I want in a portable PC. Performance is excellent, typing and audio are still the best of the bunch, and battery life gets me through the day." Daniel Rubino added, "That Type-C port brings so many new options to the table, drastically increasing the Pro's abilities."

The Surface Pro 7 12.3-inch display has a 2736 x 1824 pixel resolution with PixelSense touchscreen technology. The machine has facial recognition built in, too. Other specifications include 16GB RAM, a 256GB solid state drive, and a 10th-generation Intel Core i7 processor.

There are cameras on the front and back. The rear camera 8 megapixels and the front camera has 5 megapixels and both record in 1080p resolutions. The battery can last for up to 10.5 hours. It has Bluetooth 5.0 technology and Wi-Fi built in. The connections and interfaces include USB-A, USB-C, DisplayPort, a headphone jack, and a microSDXC card reader.

Back in June 2019, I did a piece on how the more the iPad Pro becomes like the Surface Pro, the bigger the threat it is to Microsoft's 2-in-1 PC paradigm. At the time, I remarked that mouse and cursor support was just the beginning, but once iPadOS gets a trackpad, the situation will become more significant.

Today, Apple announced refreshes to the iPad Pro line, and they're due to ship in the coming weeks. The more important news is what comes in May, which is the new $350 Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro. That keyboard brings a new hinge for multi-angle support and, yes, a trackpad.

Will Magic Keyboard be as good as the Surface Pro's Type Cover? It's unlikely. Microsoft's keyboard has angled typing, and the Surface Pro's built-in kickstand and hinge still set the bar. But that doesn't matter much, as Apple's is likely good enough (and yes, it's backlit and even works with the last-gen iPad Pro, too).

Putting aside how wrong Apple was about the 2-in-1 form factor, which it is now ironically fully embracing, this move by Apple is likely to harm sales of the Surface Pro line. Apple's iPad has long bucked the trend of the failing tablet market because it has the best hardware and an OS that people relish.

I'd argue – and many of you would too – that Windows 10 is still a more "serious" OS built for doing "real" work. But for many, those lines are blurring. For the last few years there have been many attempts by people trying to make do with just an iPad, and today's announcement will only make that easier.

Apple still has some other hurdles to overcome yet. Its iPadOS is still lacking in many advanced desktop OS features compared to Windows, and its processor is still mostly overkill for what many use the iPad Pro for today. But those are surmountable problems that Apple will likely solve with time. That's not too different from Microsoft, who is working from the opposite of end of trying to make a desktop OS more palatable to light-computer devices like the Surface Pro X.

There's also pricing, and, to no one's surprise, everything Apple is doing is more costly. The 256GB iPad Pro 12.9 ($1,100) with Apple Pencil ($130) and Magic Keyboard ($350) comes to $1,580. The 256GB Surface Pro 7 ($1,000) with Surface Pen ($100) and Type Keyboard ($160) is just $1,260 with the current sale price. That favors Microsoft by $320. Although, interestingly, the Surface Pro X is $1,570, which gives you 4G LTE for just $10 less than Apple without LTE.

The good news is while Apple is just now catching up to Microsoft's 2012 vision of a 2-in-1 tablet PC, Microsoft is already on to the next thing: foldable and dual-screen devices.

As I reported in January 2018, Microsoft sees dual-screen and foldable PCs as the next era of mobile computing. That strategy is coming to life this summer with the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold and later this year with the Surface Neo with Microsoft's new Windows 10X OS. Companies like Dell and HP are expected to follow the trend in 2021 with their own takes on the hardware.

Much like in 2012, many Apple fans and general tech skeptics will question the value of dual-screen and foldable PCs, but the industry seems set on the idea.

All eyes will be on how Microsoft evolves the Surface Pro 8, which could come in late 2020 with some of those Surface Pro X design cues. And Surface Neo as the big exciting "next-gen" PC evolution.

But make no mistake, a lot of people will give the new iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard serious consideration the next time they need a laptop, and Microsoft better be ready to respond.

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

• iFixit continued its series of Surface guttings with the Surface Pro 7 today.
• Where the Surface Pro X and Surface Laptop 3 showed some promise this year, the Surface Pro 7 remains a headache.
• The Surface Pro 7 gained a 1/10 "repairability" score, keeping in line with previous versions.

If the relatively good scores iFixit gave the Surface Pro X and Surface Laptop 3 had your hopes up for the Surface Pro 7, it's time to check those expectations. Where the Surface Pro 7 carried forward the same design as last year's tablet hybrid, it also appears to have done the same on the repairability front. In its teardown, iFixit gave the Surface Pro 7 a repairability score of one out of ten, which matches the score for the Surface Pro 6 and 2017 Surface Pro before it.

Like its predecessors, the Surface Pro 7's low score comes down to a combination of how hard it is to access its interiror and the inability to replace certain parts. In particular, Microsoft makes it hard to get inside the Surface Pro 7, requiring removal of the display, which is "stubbornly glued in place." Once inside, the battery is also glued in place, and requires lots of solvents and prying to remove.

Beyond the display and battery, the Surface Pro 7's CPU, storage drive, and RAM are soldered to the motherboard. That makes it impossible to replace or upgrade those components without replacing the full board.

The Surface Pro 7's score isn't unexpected, but it stands in contrast to the improvements seen in the Surface Pro X and Surface Laptop 3 this year. The Surface Pro X was hailed by iFixit as the most repairable Surface Pro yet, while the Surface Laptop 3 managed to swing a score of 5 out of 10, improving the zero out of 10 given to Surface Laptop 2.

Still, if you're unswayed by all this talk of repairability, the Surface Pro 7 is currently available to order starting at $749.

Black Friday buyer's guide: Windows 10 tablets

The Surface Pro is one of the most popular convertible PCs around, so much so that many businesses and industries adopt them for fieldwork. But how do you protect it when outside from drops, bangs, or just the environment?

The Urban Armor Gear (UAG) Plyo case helps answer that. While the price is high, its ability to work with the Surface Pro 4 up through the new Surface Pro 7 and its excellent design leave me impressed.

What you'll love about UAG Plyo for Surface Pro

UAG has been making ruggedized protects for technology for years. It's a reliable brand with name recognition who stands behind its products.

The new UAG Plyo is "designed to be featherlight, while still being able to guard against major drops and shocks" and differs from more substantial UAG releases like Metropolis and Plasma, which are better suited for even more extreme conditions.

The case is one solid piece. The Surface Pro slips in with lips around the four corners locking it in place. At no time did I feel the case would come off accidentally. Yet, removal of the case is also easy just by peeling back one corner and slowly working it off the remaining ones.

The corners are very well protected, protruding slightly outward, revealing the extra padding. That's good as corner drops are the most damaging. The case is solid, with only minor flex and a softer silicone that wraps around the display. The case has venting notches on the top and the left side.

The Surface Type Cover clicks in place with no problem. UAG's Plasma case has a cover for the Surface keyboard connect port if you want to use it only as a tablet, but the Plyo does not – it's meant to be used with the Type Cover (though you can leave it off too). The Type Cover can be added or removed with the Plyco case intact.

All the ports are exposed, including the new Type-C on the Surface Pro 7. There is a slight recess due to the case, but cables had no issue making a connection. The same goes for the Surface Connect port and headphone jack, which is all accessible.

The power and volume controls have faux buttons that are gripped. All of Surface Pro's controls felt responsive and were easy to operate with the case.

On top of the case is a pinched slot for holding the Surface Pen. This holder effectively locks the pen in its place for transport and feels very sturdy and satisfying to use.

The kickstand is better than expected. While it does not articulate as thoroughly as the Surface Pro's Kickstand, it does support variable angles letting users customize the exact position (versus preset slotted position of some stand with limited mobility). The kickstand is seamless with the design, feels sturdy when opened, and there is a grab notch to pull it out quickly.

Finally, the UAG Plyo is compatible with Microsoft Surface Pro 7, Surface Pro 6, Surface Pro 5th Gen, and Surface Pro 4 (for this review, it was tested with the Surface Pro 7).

What you'll dislike about UAG Plyo for Surface Pro

There's not a lot to criticize with the UAG Plyo for Surface Pro. The biggest issue for some potential buyers will be the price at $70. UAG, while a well-known brand, does charge a premium for its products. The Kensington Microsoft Surface Pro Rugged Case is now half the cost, and while it doesn't offer as much protection (the kickstand is exposed), it still has a MIL-STD-810G drop rating. Likewise, the SUPCASE, which is not up for MIL-STD-810G, is only $24.

Being a clear case, the Plyo keeps the distinctive look of the Surface. But if you remove it frequently, dust, dirt, and particles will get trapped between the Surface's back and the case. While it may look a bit unsightly, it has no impact obviously on performance.

So, should you buy the UAG Plyo for Surface Pro?

The UAG Plyo is an excellent case for those who want MIL-STD-810G-rated drop protection, but don't want to ruin the appearance of the Surface Pro. Many similar cases wrap the Surface Pro in all-black rubber or leave parts exposed. This case, though, keeps the Pro's appearance intact while looking quite nice too.

This case is also certified with Microsoft's "Designed for Surface" program, making it an officially licensed and supported product. UAG offers a one-year warranty on the Plyo.

Little features like the band that holds the Type Cover in place or the Surface Pen holder make it feel like a complete package. The buttons and ports all work, and none of the Surface Pro's function feels compromised. Even the kickstand is better than I thought it would be considering it is replacing the Surface Pro's. I also like the ability to remove the case when it is not needed.

For those who want a similar case but with a grab handle on the back, or the ability to add a shoulder strap, UAG's $100 Plasma case is a better choice.

Overall though, I think this is a very well-designed case that threads the needle between rugged protection and stunning good looks.

Owners of the new Surface Pro 7, or Surface Laptop 3 13.5 or 15 (Intel) may find one feature disruptive to their workflow. Adaptive contrast is a feature of Intel systems (AMD calls it Vari-Bright) that differs from auto-brightness, and while it can enhance the user experience for many, it can be annoying too.

I wrote a few guides on this topic over the years. Back then, it required going into the Windows Registry, which is tricky and cumbersome. Luckily, Intel has a full app in the Microsoft Store that allows you to disable it with a switch.

Yes, this can work on older Surface PCs too, including Surface Book, Surface Go, and older Surface Pro models (though we have not tried it on all them). The only system requirements are Windows 10 version 1709 or higher and 6th Gen Intel Core Platforms or newer. Here is how it works.

Not auto-brightness, not HDR

What is adaptive contrast?

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

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

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

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

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

This is easy

How to disable adaptive contrast with Intel's Store app

Compared to diving into the registry, this newer method (mentioned on Reddit) is much safer and requires no advanced skills.

Intel's Graphics Command Center is a Universal Windows Platform (UWP) app that was released in Spring 2019. It is like Intel's Graphic Control Panel but is newer, easier to find, and easier to manage.

1. Download Intel Graphics Command Center and open it.

2. Go to the System tab.

3. Go to the Power sub-tab.

4. Turn Display Power Savings off.

That's it! Some users have remarked that after some cumulative updates to Windows 10, the setting may revert. If that happens, simply re-follow these steps.

Likewise, the Intel Graphics Command Center has many options to help tune your display to your liking. You can adjust contrast, sharpness, colors, battery savings, and more. There is no real risk as you can always "revert to default" if your display looks worse, or battery life decreases.

And for AMD users, the AMD Radeon software is also now in the Microsoft Store so you can disable Vari-Bright too.

Do you have the ideal settings for your Surface using this utility? Share them in the comments, including which model Surface you are using and why you chose those settings.

We're back with another exciting episode of the Windows Central Podcast, and this week Daniel Rubino and Zac Bowden talk about Microsoft's Q1 earnings along with forthcoming updates to Windows 10 before diving into their reviews of Surface Pro 7 and Surface Laptop 3.

They provide advice on who should upgrade to which models and compare the AMD-based consumer version of the 15-inch Laptop 3 vs. the Intel-based business edition. Additionally, Daniel professes his love for Alcantara. But as Zac reminds him: humans are gross.

This episode of the Windows Central Podcast was recorded on October 25 2019.

Links:

• Microsoft Q1 earnings: $33.1 billion in revenue as the cloud continues to shine | Windows Central
• Here's why 'Instant On' is a huge deal for Surface Pro 7 and Surface Laptop 3 | Windows Central
• Surface Laptop 3 13.5-inch first impressions: Powerful CPU, improved trackpad impress | Windows Central
• Internal Windows 10X documentation leaks, revealing new OS details | Windows Central
• Windows 10 May 2019 update picks up another round of optional fixes | Windows Central
• Windows 10 20H1 build 19002 rolls out to Fast ring Insiders | Windows Central
• Surface Laptop 3 15-inch review: Loads of good looks, very little substance | Windows Central
• Surface Pro 7 review: Microsoft's king of the 2-in-1s retains its crown | Windows Central

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Hosts

• Daniel Rubino
• Zac Bowden

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Send in your comments, questions, and feedback to:

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In my recent review for the Surface Pro 7 and first impressions of Surface Laptop 3 13.5, I keep mentioning "Instant On" as a super cool feature that has been dramatically improved from previous iterations. Built, presumably, with Intel's Project Athena and the 10th Gen Intel platform, the feature effectively turns a laptop more into a smartphone or Apple iPad.

In this quick demo I posted on Instagram you can see a real-world example of it in action. The Surface Laptop on the left has been off for the entire night. Opening the lid, you must press the power button to resume. There, you see the Microsoft logo on the screen with the progress circle before it gets to the login screen for Windows 10. The entire process is only about 20 seconds (some laptops take even longer, like Dell).

Meanwhile, the Surface Laptop 3 13.5 on the right does it all within three to four seconds – even after being off all night. Moreover, the battery drain is minimal. After eight hours of being off, the Surface Laptop 3 13.5 only dropped 3 percent of the battery. The feature works up to 72 hours before the system will finally hibernate.

There is no setting for this, or rather, this is just how these devices work out of the box.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4DALh8Aw-s/

Some of this may seem trivial, but when you are in-and-out of your Laptop 3 or Surface Pro 7 multiple times a day, being able to jump back into your flow quickly is enormous. It is one reason why so many people like the iPad (and smartphones) – they are always ready to work.

And yes, this feature takes a bite out of one of Qualcomm's bragging rights with its Snapdragon on PC technology, which behaves the same. That means it will be even harder to choose between Surface Pro 7 and Surface Pro X.

Finally, not to slight the AMD version of Laptop 3 15, as it wakes up very quickly too, especially in multiple succession. Windows Hello is lightning fast. But you will still occasionally see the Microsoft logo when it hibernates as it does so more frequently.

What do you think of this improvement? Shout out in comments if you believe all laptop manufacturers should focus on this tech, or if it's no big deal.