8 things you'll love about new Surface Pro – and 3 things you'll hate

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

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

Things to love about the new Surface Pro

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

1. Longer battery life

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

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

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

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

2. Amazing pen-and-ink experience

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

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

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

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

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

3. Fanless Intel Core i5

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

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

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

4. Iris Plus graphics

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

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

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

5. 4G LTE (optional)

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

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

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

6. Instant-on

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

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

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

7. Improved display

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

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

8. Available in 26 markets at the same time

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

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

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

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

Surface Pro disappointments

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

1. No USB Type-C

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

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

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

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

2. Type Cover still flops open

Heading into nitpicking country, the Surface Pro Signatrue Type Cover (opens in new tab), made of sumptuous Alcantara, still flops open.

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

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

3. Display may be too small

The Surface Pro gets a lot right, but that 12.3-inch display is still a bit on the small side when compared to most Ultrabooks. The 3:2 aspect ratio certainly helps. Maybe it's just my aging eyes, but I tend to find 13.5 inches easier for extended durations.

I can always go for the Surface Book or Surface Laptop – both of which are 13.5 inches – but wouldn't it be nice if Surface Pro matched that? Then again, 13.5-inch tablets are probably not that fun.

Wrapping it up

We just posted our in-depth review of the Surface Pro. Hit the link below to see why Microsoft's latest iteration may go down as a milestone.

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

Better battery life, dramatically improved pen, quieter fans and optional 4G LTE make it all very enticing. Combined with the improvements in Windows 10, the new Surface Pro is living up to expectations.

Did I miss anything? Leave a comment below and let me know.

Preorder the Surface Pro at the Microsoft Store (opens in new tab)

Updated June 15, 2017: This story has been modified to add recently revealed details.

Daniel Rubino is the Editor-in-chief of Windows Central, head reviewer, podcast co-host, and analyst. He has been covering Microsoft since 2007 when this site was called WMExperts (and later Windows Phone Central). His interests include Windows, laptops, next-gen computing, and for some reason, watches. Before all this tech stuff, he worked on a Ph.D. in linguistics, watched people sleep (for medical purposes!), and ran the projectors at movie theaters because it was fun.

215 Comments

I couldn't care less about not having USB Type-C.
Good summary Daniel. I personally hoped for:
1. Screen size will increase a bit to 12.4-12.5.
That will also decrease the bezel without compromising much.
2. Metal type cover, similar to Surface Book.
3. i5 / 16 GB and i7 / 32 GB configurations. These are sweet spots for pro users.
4. Windows 10S option to appeal to education/junior markets. Personally not that bothered about lack of USB C-Type for now. But might need it in the near future. So, it will be nice to have. Overall, sounds really good. I will be getting one.
Bezels are needed in a hand held tablet scenario. While you can "edge grip" a phone, you can't do that on a tablet.
USB-C isn't a big deal, it's a faster, compact USB port that can replace a few ports (like mDP) as well. Thunderbolt 3 is a whole other story and while your current usage scenario may not require it the fact that all other comparable products (the "pro" ultrabooks) do support it means a lot of 4rd party accessories. For now it's mostly docking stations and external GPUs and your new $1000-$2500 Surface "Pro" won't be able to use any of these and with their release history they won't have a Surface Pro that does support TB3 for a couple of years.
I believe the Surface Connector port does support Thunderbolt 3, so once that adapter dongle is available, it'll open up most of the accessory landscape.
Evidence? Link?
Surface connect port may mot be powerful as Thunderbolt 3 but it is still very powerful. When surface dock is connected it can power up two 4K monitors, can use all the sub 3.0 all the time whatever peripheral is connected to it. So, I can safely assume that it is powerful enough.
Bing it!
No Pen in the box.. and pricing .. omfg
The Pro is the same (starting price) as the iPad Pro, which also ships with no pen. The Pen on the iPad Pro is not great, and has terrible battery life. The kickstand has value that just isn't there on the iPad. And go type on an iPad and the Apple keyboard, and let me know how it feels (hint: its terrible). So, you might not be able to afford it - but value wise its pretty darn competitve.
You're making lame excuses for Microsoft making a poor choice. Pen in the box has been a defining feature of the surface pro line from day one. Aping Apple's folly is not wisdom, it's foolishness.
Didn't Panos say somewhere that only ~30% of the people using the Surface Pro were actually using the pen at all? No use making consumers pay more for things they don't use anyway. I'd say its a good move. I don't use it either so I like the idea of a lower price and the option to buy the pen. Definitly saving up for this device.
That would be sound logic if they'd dropped the price of entry to all models by the same $99, or at least $59 for the old pen. But they didn't. So now you're paying for the pen still, but you don't get it in the box. That's lame.
Did you stop to think that the actual cost to manufacture this improved device is higher and so their was no savings to pass on. The alternative may have been a $100 higher starting price with pen included.
I have pens with my SP4 and S3, and even with my HP Spectre X2 12", but rarely use them. Unless you are doing art, or maybe a student, who needs them. I'm in a file that I could use a pen on a tablet for note-taking. But I find it a hassle and mostly always keep a keyboard attaches in laptop mode.
I use my pen all the time. Yes, artists and others with various writing needs get more mileage, that's true. But the point isn't that they don't include the pen anymore, it's that they're still charging as if they do. In effect, surface pro has increased in price by $100.
if you don’t use the pen the why buy the surface? In my opinion, the pen makes the Surface. I took forever to get into the tablet market. I knew I wanted one, but none of them actually did what I wanted. In the end, I opted for the iPad 2. Big mistake, I gave the iPad to my daughter after just three months. The Surface Pro came out, but because of the iPad, I could not afford it so I waited. Finally the Pro 3 pitched up and I knew right there, this had been the product that I had wanted 3 years earlier. The Surface has transformed the way I work. 60% of my work is with the pen, then I use OneNote to turn my handwriting into text later, brilliant for me as I am not a typer, never have been.
They're perhaps considering how many people would be upgrading from a PRo 3 or 4 who will already have a pen and will resent having to buy a surface that comes with one. Perhaps there could be two SKUs, but maybe it's just easier to sell them seperately.
Nonsense. The sp3 pen is nowhere near as capable as the sp5 pen. Plus, look at the price. You're still PAYING for the pen, you just don't GET the goddamned thing
You don't know that for sure. There may be other costs associated with both the pen and tablet (ie, pressure/tilt sensors, pen co-processor, fan and chassis adjustments) that increase the prices. Selling the pen separate may be the same profit margin as selling the old pros without one, just costs more. Plus now people can choose pen color, choose to use an older pen.
With the many color options for pen & keyboard, putting one in the box would be a bad idea. Too many SKUs. Better to have them separate.
Good for you. Bad for me. I've already bought a slew of USB-C NICs, video outputs, adapters, and wires for my 2 devices that support it. Replacing my third and final device without USB-C just isn't an option. I'm also not going to carry around a first-party proprietary to USB-C adapter later on
and if they had used a USB-C the same people here would be complaining that they wouldn't want to use an adaptor for their current non USB-C devices.
It is possible to have one of each. Not one or the other.
There's room enough on any surface pro ever built for both USB-A and USB-C to coexist.
"Instant-on". Does this work even with a shut down and boot later? If not, how exactly does this work? Is it just an improved version of sleep?
Yup. It is an improved version of sleep function. In this version even After prolonged sleep state will not affect the time of waking up. After all they could keep the surface pro more alive and active even in sleep mode to Instant-on, they have got bigger batteries inside it. Earlier SP have less battery power that's why they had to turn off all the functions in the sleep mode note they can keep it more active sure to more battery capacity.
Whilst many won't see the USB C benefit straight away, it is clearly not great for this device to be restricted to legacy connectivity when my Lumia 950XL has already moved on. Why one little USB C port couldn't have been added (it could have replaced the power connector even) I cannot comprehend. MS clearly see the lack of USB C to be an advantage to users in some way but personally I cannot see how. When I replace my current tablet and laptop I am thinking to look for a Surface style device, but for the cash investment involved I will be keen to get as much future proofing as possible. This means avoiding legacy connectivity standards. There is enough competition now though so I have Windows tablet choices, so I'm not concerned. Just surprised. Adding a standard USB C power port instead of the MS power port would have added negligible cost to the device, if anything at all.
Wen in India? :(
Hmm, one disappointment on my end is that it still has quite big bezels. I think Microsoft can still make big strides on that area.
I can understand that complaint, but at the same time the bigger bezel makes for easier handling in tablet mode. It also helps with swipe gestures that start from off the screen. But like I said, I can see the other side of this argument as well.
Bezels are important on a tablet. You don't want your fingers mashing the touch screen when you are holding it. In fact tiny bezels are annoying enough tbh on phones which you can hold with one hand. Not really sure why everyone is obsessed with this. Seems like form over function.
Yep I 150% agree, it's just because it's the latest trend with smartphones, but like you say it doesn't work for tablets. The way of holding a tablet is entirely different and you often need to make contact with the front of the screen using your hands - thin bezels would be a nightmare.
The SP4 had just enough bezel to keep it perfectly usable whilst maximising screen space.
People forget you can't "edge grip" a tablet at 12 inches.
That's a problem that can be solved by software. In fact, Microsoft has already filed a patent to support edge-grip with functionality. But it's - like always - too late. By the way, if you noticed the argument of Panos Panay in the interview about why they didn't want to use USB-C for charging ("We tried that with Surface 3 and people kept using their phone chargers, which don't have enough power to charge a tablet"), that could be solved by software too. They could have adapted the driver to show a small message indicating, the user is using the wrong adapter. But. Microsoft. Doesn't. Get. It.
You can't physically edge grip a 12 inch tablet. I'm six and a half feet tall with a hand big enough to palm a basketball and I can't one hand edge grip a tablet. So you are always going to have some of the hand on the Surface, why bother with touchy software solutions when a small bezel solves the problem? As to the software solution to charging, they could, but which port do you lose? Assuming it is probably a major internals rework to add a port, your best bet is to lose one. Given USB-C is still a niche port (most people use a USB-A to USB-C charging cord if they use it), which port do you sacrifice in a mass market device?
I think he meant some form of "grip rejection" like what is done for your palm when using pen. I doubt it would be ideal though
Software doesn't solve the problem, it just informs people of the problem. Sure, maybe over time people will begin to remember with enough warnings and reminders to bring the real ac adapter but I wouldn't consider it a solution. I'm on the fence about USB-C. As with most commenters on this website, I'm a tech geek and am always looking at the next gen tech but casual consumers and even enterprise realistically adopt new technology that quickly. So I can understand Microsoft's position needing to support legacy hardware (and of course this is the same problem with legacy software side of things too, especially with enterprise). I also don't think it makes total sense to compare it to Apple and the MacBook going with one USB-C port or iPhone for dropping the headphone jack. They are both tech companies but Apple is more consumer based. That being said, this kind of contradicts what I said earlier about casual consumers not adopting new tech as quickly but with Apple they are a super closed ecosystem of software and hardware. People who are entrenched in that are in a way forced to upgrade or stay behind regardless of whether or not they like it if they want to stay in that ecosystem.
IMO only - the biggest disappointment without a doubt is the lack of a design refresh of any kind. While I've always loved the design, it's getting a bit stale and boring.
My thoughts are "don't mess with a good thing," but it would be cool to see them release this in different colors like the Surface Laptop. Even just a black one like the original Surface Pro would look pretty sick.
Serious question, what more can you refresh? It's a tablet, most of it is screen. I don't think there is much to refresh here...
It could have a cup holder, power kickstand, flashing LED light show, studio quality boom mic, and be waterproof to 9,000ft. 🙄
I still remember Panos saying "The only reason we couldn't make it thinner is USB 3" at SP4 launch. I think next gen with just USB C will be dramatically thinner device.
Yep, I remember that line too. I also thought that next gen will be usb-c but remember this is not next gen. This is just refresh. Have you ever wondered why apple became the king of gestures and UI tweaks and elements? Because they wait for the right time to release them when the consumer is able to understand that thing easily. iOS10 and 11 took some pf the gestures from the Windows 8 design and gestures language but apple didn't applied those gestures immediately in their next iPad iteration they saved it for later release. I don't want surface to be more slimmer, What I want it they should give usb-c and make the internal circuitry slim and pur more even more battery in it and keep the original thickness. If they can give around 13-14 hrs of real world usage it would be the biggest factor in the eyes of consumer to purchase it.
there are changes in the design. go see them side by side ith a Pro 4 and hold them. it's very obvious design changes
My issue isn't the lack of USB-C it's the lack of thunderbolt, USB-C is just a more compact way to get it. I am hoping that the Surface Connector is just as fast.
You do realize that the USB 3 slot is just as fast as the USB c. The only real change is size.
Remember that bit about how I don't care about USB-C, and only care about the thunderbolt part? That hasn't changed. And Thunderbolt is MUCH faster than USB 3.1.
The vast majority of consumers don't care about Thunderbolt or it's uses. A smaller number of people care about eGPU and such. The only USB-C cords the vast majority of consumers probably have (if any) is a USB-A to USB-C charging cord. The only USB-C to USB-C cord i have is for connecting my 950 to the Display Dock. Samsung just adopted USB-C and Apple hasn't in the iPhone or iPad so you are still a way from mass adoption.
You also didn't read my post. It isn't USB-C that I care about, it's thunderbolt. USB-C is literally just a connector type, nothing else, it's sole purpose is getting things like thunderbolt or usb into a smaller form factor (reversible is pretty neat too). Now I assume the "Pro" part of Surface Pro is for professional. And professionals use thunderbolt for data transfer, device chaining, and more. So yes, you're right, USB-C isn't that useful to a consumer but guess what, neither is a $4000 laptop, even a $1000 laptop is excessive expenditure for the vast majority of users. I'd say they could have reserved the functionality solely for the higher end models but that would be a waste of manufacturing (making different chassis') so the better option is to release it on all. But they didn't which makes this device subpar for some professional users that would have benefitted greatly from the device. It's not the be all and end all, not having the functionality, but it goes against the target market for the device according to Microsoft themselves.
I did read it, i just think your argument (we need thunderbolt) represents a minority view. Granted, you guys are a vocal minority. Microsoft is making a tablet that can replace your laptop for the masses, and the masses know as much about TB as most did about Firewire. They just see USB-C as the new charging cord on their cell phone.
But you still don't want to get it! The masses won't pay the primium price of this... As someone already said and I agree with him a "pro" would pay for it happily if it had tb. I'm a motion graphics designer and I would love to replace my laptop for something like this, but the lack of thunderbolt makes it a no no. I imagine a big number of editors, animators, motion designers and many others in my field, which is content creation, find the lack of tb just as bad. As a minority I think we represent some juicy sales... usb3 speeds in the 4k era is not enough anymore, making new hardware for "pros" without it is nonsense. I just wish the next surface book refresh has it.
No you don't get it. Surface is a billion dollar brand for MS, they have hit a sweet spot in the market and they know it. Dell, HP, and the like are still seeing sagging sales as MS is showing growth in the area. Your "juicy sales" are not needed to make this a hit in Enterprise, it already is. You want to flog that pony that this is "needed" by MS, but the market bears out that it isn't.
Being a billion dollar brand for Surface isn't actually saying much, in theory that could be as little as 400,000 units (it isn't, I'm sure, but it could be). And besides, what company wouldn't want to make more money than they already do? Also I think the fact that after news of the new Surface Pro Intel "suddenly" announces it is going to drop royalty fees for Thunderbolt 3? That's an interesting coincidence.
Still... You don't get it, I couldn't care less about what Microsoft thinks is needed, you speak as if only Enterprise people matters, or as if they are the only ones that buy high end devices, sorry to burst your bubble, Enterprise is not the only market that buys. I tried to put that into perspective, other markets have uses for tb and money to buy it, outside Enterprise, but you just keep ignoring all that. But hey! Time will tell who's right. At least is nice to know there are other players that understand the need for thunderbolt in a "pro" device, sadly their product design is lacking beauty, I just hope that changes soon.
One nice scenario with thunderbolt powered devices is “sharing a docking station”. It would be nice to be able to share a 3rd party or Microsoft docking station between a Microsoft Surface Pro and my work laptop through 1 single connecter and thunderbolt technology. Maybe Microsoft dongle will fix the problem? Now my understanding is Microsoft and OEM laptops/tablets want you to use their proprietary ($100-$200) docking station. Again sharing power supply is another nice feature when you bring your laptop, tablet and phone on the road. I know, phone charger is not power full enough but the Surface/laptop charger should be able to power a phone. (Yes, I can charge my phone through a laptop USB port but it’s an extra cable) Not this year…maybe next time.
Wow, people bitched when they changed to the Surface Connect with the SP4 because it broke backwards compatibility. MS promised not to change it again and you see it in the SB and SL. Now you are pissed they didn't break their promise and change it in the SP. Okay, lose the USB-A and face the backlash that Apple faced over donglegate for the Macbook Air. Remove the DP and see enterprise get pissed at having to replace all their attachments. The market isn't large enough to justify a switch to TB or C. Most people will probably be coming from SP models (reuse accessories) or don't have a laptop AND SP problem. Again, I argue you are in the vocal minority.
It's worth noting that adding a port doesn't necessarily mean taking something away, especially as components become more streamlined.
I'm guessing none of the people complaining about USB-C/Thunderbolt read the later article highlighting my concerns, significant internal change (extra board needed) and cost/market advantage. Even Intel realizes these are issues and has now decided to work with MS on it.
Extra board is not needed. That was one of the major reasons why a lot of us were waiting/hoping for a Kaby Lake Surface Pro to include it.
"on to the consumer. Also, Thunderbolt 3 is a discrete component on the PCB board, which requires more space, increased power usage, and surging costs." From later article. TB3 is not integrated into Kaby Lake (as per Intel announcement, CPU integration is coming)
Believe me that mainly users connect their phones to their surface pro. I can safely assume that 80% of all surface owners own a iPhone as their primary phone and iPhone still doesn't support universal-ness in any way and it will not support it any time soon. When apple can be so stubborn of having their proprietary ports just to show off in the public. Why not Microsoft can do that? I'm not saying that they should not give USB-C but for thunderbolt connectivity it should rely on surface connect, it is a signature proprietary port. Even wacom released their wacom which has n-trig support and works on all surface devices. Wacom also has been so stubborn not supporting any product of it does not have any influence on the consumer (same as google having all the apps available on windows pc but not even a single one anywhere else like Windows store even after 500m devices are running windows now, just for the sake of not letting it up). You'll see that over the period of time these surface owners will not leave surface they will change their iPhone to something else and something that easily connects with the surface without ****** iTunes.
I am with you on the 13.5 inch screen. If it ever happens, it will be the reason I upgrade from the surface pro 3. If it does not, I think the surface book will be next for me. It is an age thing - sorry!.
But if the screen was bigger then it wouldn't be tablet first.
Maybe Microsoft can do an Apple and just create a bigger Surface Pro and call it the Surface Pro Pro. ;-)
More like, the Surface Pro Plus.
The SP is about as big as you want for a tablet that is meant to be a tablet. The SB and iPadPro both got dinged (rightly so) for being just a tad too big as a tablet.
I've got a 13.5" tablet - its called a Surface Book and it is too darned big to use as a tablet. The Surface Pro size is perfect for this purpose. If the screen is too small, I'd recommend a surface book, surface laptop or another manufacturer's 2 in 1.
I actually agree on all points.
And the new SP coasts more than the SP4 did. That's really annoying considering that they sell the pen separately.
Correct me if i am wrong, but wasn't SP4 priced $899 at release, yes with pen but guy like me who doesnt use pen at all this is a good starting point.
The M3 version was around $899,- so this new version is a lot cheaper considering what you get (imho). Not a really fair comparison. I also don't use the pen, choice is always good. Saves up a few dollars/euro's in my case.
Sorry. Forgot to say that in Europe the Surface is 100$ more.
The new pen and stand improvements are what has won me over. I was always put off by the basic pen when comparing it to the more pro Wacom, now the surface is a real option for designers.
I want a 17" surface pro
Will the Surface Connect converter be able to drive an eGPU? Also, looking forward to your full review. I'm especially interested in the battery life improvements and how good the fanless i5 works
I'm hedging with 'no' but we'll definitely have to wait to see what Microsoft says when it hits later towards the autumn. I'm definitely curious too, but eGPUs and TB3 are hit and miss with devices i.e. cross-compatibility.
Fanless is the biggest plus for me. I had 4 Surface Pro 3's returned due to fan issues. I'll gladly downgrade from my i7 to an i5 for that
For developers, what is the difference between I7 and I5?
All I know is that my housemate has an I5 paired up with a 1080 and there isn't a game he can't run at maximum (except Dishonoured 2, but that's drivers needing an update as it stutters for him at moderate settings).
WIthout knowing the exact model CPUs being used, all I can say is that i7 is generally faster than i5. If they are using the HQ series processors, i7 has 4 cores 8 threads, while the i5 only has 4 cores 4 threads (no hyperthreading) In the U series, both have 2 cores, 4 threads, with i7 having a higher clock speed. The reference to the Iris Plus 630 graphics in the i7 model seems to imply the U series, but I haven't been able to find the exact model listed.
i7's are usually used for video/3d rendering. Games don't use all 8 threads (so far) so you really don't need to get i7 above i5.
I'd like an ARM based circa 8" version of this with the same level of surface pen support. Really want a proper, solid windows tablet for work/notes that has an all day battery life.
I beleive that my be the new category of device Microsoft is working on, an ultramobile device. And I think and hope it will be released next year. With Redstone 4?
Yeah could be, though if they could put out an 8" tablet sooner then that would tide me over.
Noticeable this is called the Surface Pro, the plain Surface is still up for grabs. I expect that to be a Q4 announced W10 on ARM successor to the Surface 3 (again probably dropping the number). Then you will see (2018) some type of ultraportable Surface "mobile." Given that even the atom Surface 3 has fully embraced the Surface Pen i have hopes these will too.
Nice thinking. Not bad at all. You are right about the "Surface 3". Fingers crossed.
I expect the same thing. With Windows on ARM, I would love to see a "mini" version of the Surface line. Use cases would be quite different from a Pro, so being able to use high-end software (VS, CC, etc) wouldn't be its target. I'd love a tiny portable Windows tablet with pen support.
I would even take non ARM at this point. Really would like something in the iPad mini form factor.
I had an HP Pro Tab 608 but the Atom struggled (though I think it was mainly the storage interface tbh) but it would have been fine if the pen support hadn't been anything other than..er..crap..utterly crap. I'd like the same form factor as that but thinner and with proper instant on (ARM hopes) and that great full surface pen capability. Surface Pro not an option as I already have a main machine (MSI GS63 VR) so don't need a top end additional laptop class device.
My S3 still works great as my light work machine. Granted the S3 used a higher speced Atom than most of the Atom tablets (x7 vs the far more common X5) and I got the 4GB version. The pen support on the S3 is great. I had a Dell atom (suck ass synaptics pen tech) and an Asus atom (good Wacom pen, but bricked by driver issues and plagued by screen issues). My S3 can hold out till its successor (most likely W10 on Arm) appears.
We talked about that on the podcast; our bet is this fall with Windows 10 on ARM Microsoft may have a new "Surface" to show that off...maybe just "Surface" i.e. not "Surface 4", but a 10-inch ultra-compact model. Seems reasonable.
I expect the ARM Surface will also default to W10S (with the option to unlock). However, they need it to be sub $500 at launch.
13.5 inch tablet is kinda dumb IMO. 12.3 is probably still pushing it.
Nah, the Surface Pro size is surprisingly comfortable, it really just feels likes you're holding a clipboard, or an a4 notebook.
The biggest issue I have hear is that many of the benefits mentioned are OS related which I pressume will also benefit the Surface 4 line. I would rpefer a Surface Laptop but those prices are insane. I would also like to know if there are then plans for a non 'Pro' version but it seems not as MS seem to be trying to drop number iterations and focus on upgraded models instead much in line with Windows 10 with each item being defined buy it's name alone, 'Surface... Studio, Book, Laptop, Pro,'
You know you had no gripes and the only reason you listed some is to subside some of the people here who will never buy the new device but will find something to complain about anyway. You're just trying to stay ahead of the curve. ...i respect your admiral gesture..salute!
Will the Surface Connect to USB-C be Thunderbolt 3 compatible or just USB-C. The more interesting accessories, especially for pro users, are based on TB3 (docking stations, external GPUs, etc.). I can even get FireWire support with TB3 (for those rare cases where I need to import old footage from DV cameras). The lack of TB3 is the main reason I won't be upgrading to a new Surface, it's not just a different USB port that's faster (like USB-C itself) it's the basis for an ecosystem and with Apple and Windows OEMs releasing laptops with these ports you're going to have a lot of accessories. Compared to the limited number of Surface Connect accessories (with zero from 3rd parties) it makes little sense to stay with Surface if you don't use the pen that often.
Good, now move on...
Move on where? This is the perfect place to talk about it. 'Pro' is Professional.
Is the instant on something unique to Kaby Lake that isn't available in the Skylake used in the SP4, or is it an improvement in Windows 10 that will benefit the SP4 too?
In spite of claims, the fanless SP with Intel 615 graphics could not have significant power and will be on the slow side...
Core i5 version has Intel 620; Core m3 has Intel 615. Both are fanless.
I also found the screen a bit small after so many years working directly on it and docking it to a larger monitor at the office, I wish there was a Surface Pro Plus with a 15" screen.
I'm glad it still has the standard surface power connector and the old USB ports.
Oh man if those are the only three complaints you have then I would call this a win for Microsoft, lol.
Yeah definitely some nits being picked.
Is the battery life listened for the pro or s version? Hope it's as good on the i7 version.
But I still don't understand why they put a mini display port in. They say they don't want to put type c in, because it could confuse costumers, but the mini display port does it as well. I mean it doesn't work with all adapters, so it's confusing too. I had to learn that the hard way before a presentation. In my opinion this port doesn't make any more sense then a type c port.
Has Microsoft revealed if the 4G/LTE variants will be able to be used with multiple carriers in the US? It was nice to have mobile versions of the Surface 3 made available for Verizon Wireless customers. Will that be the case with the Surface Pro, or, will Microsoft revert back to old form and make the mobile variants exclusive to at&t (think Surface 2)?
Considering the majority of world markets are GSM/LTE it is doubtful they will make a CDMA/LTE variant. Verizon is quite honestly the betamax of carriers from a world perspective.
The thing is, Verizon Wireless isn't the only CDMA carrier in the US. It is the largest by far, but, Sprint and US Cellular are also under the CDMA banner. Staying away from CDMA hasn't exactly helped the sales of Windows mobile devices.
If you only care about the US. Notice the list of markets, those are almost all GSM markets. CDMA only has a strong following in the US, why develop a special model just for that in a worldwide market, especially when CDMA in the US may make up at max of 50% of one country?
The other factor is that CDMA is only used for non-LTE communications, LTE (even Verizon) is based on GSM technology (the competitor, WiMax, lost). CDMA is simply a dying tech.
Agreed that CDMA is on the way out. Having said that, it will be around for the immediate future, thus, to ignore the three...and possibly more...carriers, will only result in angering customers of said carriers even more than they already are due to being pushed aside by the retrenchment of Windows mobile OEMs.
If they don't release a version sutable for Verizon customers, just tether the standard SP version to your phone. It may not be the 'perfect' solution. But it seems to work well whenever I need an Internet connection away from the office on my SP4.
That is what I have done in the past. That does work for me, but, power users might be better served with a mobile variant.
I believe Japan is still using CDMA (a variant called WCDMA) 100%. If they launch the LTE version in Japan, it will have to offer some kind of CDMA compatibility. That doesn't mean 100% guarantee of Verizon support, but it hints that unless they plan a bunch of local variants, or not supporting LTE models in Japan at all, they have a universal solution that works on both. Pure speculation on my part, but I would be tentatively hopeful if they confirm that the LTE models will ship in japan.
WCDMA is, actually, a GSM variant. 1xEV-DO is a variant of CDMA.
Daniel, I'm in the camp that doesn't care that there is no USB C port on the new Surface Pro, but I'm glad Microsoft is making a dongle for those who seem to believe they can't live without it. When you get your hands on a review unit, will you be able to choose the i5 version? That is the most interesting of the new features of the new model (along with the new kickstand) and I'd love to know more about it. I'm sure the i7 model will do well in testing but I'm really curious about how the i5 holds up: does it get warm and if so, what causes that? does it throttle to keep cool? is the battery life claim based on this model? I love forward to your reviews, so I hope your as curious about the i5 version as I am.
Pass...It took MS over a year to fix the Surface Pro 4's driver problems, I know.. I would rather purchase an HP or Dell. And no USB-C/Thunderbolt is archaic.
Might get one. My 2007-era Toshiba is still as good as it was on day 1 (with inking!), but I'm just growing tired of it. I do like that it has an optical drive -- something I'm sure this Surface Pro is lacking.
"The new Microsoft Surface Pro is almost perfect." That statement alone settles the decision for me. I will wait for the perfect model to come along. No need to go beyond my Core i7/256GB Pro 4 for a while.
Oh dear, 1st world problems ..
How is that a problem? He's basically starting he doesn't have a problem.
Honestly there probably is very little reason to upgrade from a high specced SP4, maybe pickup the new pen when the drivers are changed for tilt control in the SP4
Fanless i5 is a bad thing. it means you're going to have serious throttling and basically quick burst modes only. not an improvement. Expect performance to be basically equal to a similarly clocked m chip.
I'm not sure how you can back that up without understanding the passive cooling system they built. I'm skeptical, but I'll wait to see benchmarks.
dissipating sustained 15w passively isn't easy. I think it running for any meaningful length of time at full speed is highly unlikely.
Inless they are using the Y model i5, which is only 4.5 watts, like the M3. EDIT: never mind. If they are using the HD620 graphics in the i5 models, it's not the Y model, it's the U, which is 15 watts. Carry on.
Lots of assumptions based on no evidence. I'll wait and see actual use results.
by all.means. But you should consider how many other companies have run i5's passively.
Our it gets cooling elsewhere, like good general circulation and heat sink placement.
and has magic physics
My 1 year old laptop running on an i5 processor wakes up pretty fast from sleep, runing Windows 10. It's a delight to use. There is a lag though, which I suspect is due to a regular SATA hard disk
So there should not be a lag with a Surface Pro with an I5 processor because of the SSD drive?
Yes, there probably wouldn't be one, or at the least it would be much less noticeable. Either ways I want to get an SSD on my laptop which would contain the OS and all the software, and keep my files on the stock hard disk. And it's not just about booting, a SSD make general operation and program boots much faster from examples I have seen (of a machine running on a SATA drive, which after replacing with SSD got super fast)
Really had to hunt down/make up those hate/disappointment arguments... ha.
For some of us, the lack of TB3 is a huge disappointment on a "pro" machine.
I can see you have a hard time finding at least some negative points about it :) which is a good problem to have ...
I dont think it is too small. I use my surface pro 4 also as quite often as a tablet so the size is great. when i need to do some work i go to my desk an dock it (docking station + 24'' monitor) ^^
"The Surface Pro gets a lot right, but that 12.3-inch display is still a bit on the small side when compared to most Ultrabooks." - true indeed for many people. I wonder why Microsoft does not release a 14" Surface Pro with identical internals. I think that will be a BIG hit - larger screen + larger trackpad + longer battery life!!! I guess the price may be $150-$200 more as a result of the increased cost of the screen.
I couldn't dissagree more about the size, unless they eliminate the bezel I would not want the thing any bigger. If fits perfectly in a slot meant for an ipad in my camera bags. Any bigger and it has to be lugged around in a full laptop size bag. The tablet size is one of the biggest selling points for me. This is what happens with cars too :( everyone complains, gee I wish it had just a bit more leg room, just a bit more cargo room. Have you seen how big the CRV is now?? they had to make a whole new size (HRV) because they made the CRV so dam big. Enough with making everything slightly bigger year on year!!
This article lacks a "No. 7 will surprise you" in the heading. :D :D
The article is a great read, though click-baity feel of the title is too strong
I think that people who are not concerned about the USB-C port are missing something here. The rest of the industry is moving to this standard. It is a faster and more versatile interconnect. It is also easier on users as it eliminates the one issue USB had. The triple flip to insert problem. We have all done it. Tried to plug in a USB device, fail, flip the connector over, try to plug in it again, inexplicably fail again, then flip it over again and this time it works. USB-C eliminates this problem. USB-C is also smaller and can be used for Thunderbolt as well as USB 3.0 and USB 3.1, as well as mini-display port. That leads to another question. Given the chipset, does the new Surface Pro support USB 3.1 or is it still limited to USB 3.0?
The industry is moving there, but it isn't there yet. Next year it will probably be needed, but this year it is a novelty for the masses.
I still do the triple flip.
I don't see why a 13.5" tablets are not that fun. I would even go for a 15" Surface Pro; a whole magazine page on screen, nice.
let me say this: Surface Pro deserves to have no number anymore. deserves to be an incremental yet considerable yearly refresh. it got the the point where microsoft really brought its Surface Pro(hopefully the rest of Surfaces will follow soon) deserves all the attention and praise apple hardware gets every time. sure, surface was close to perfect for the last 2 generations too, but then it was still the form factor and other things like that that made it even cooler. now, that the form factor is quite ordinary, and that the surface pro is well know, microsoft could have screwed it and stagnate. but hell no, they brought this device to perfection and all the changes all worth it. windows is not perfect, but its getting better AND cooler, and if they manage to kills the hardware and firmware issues ppl complained(usually about battery or sleep) on the last 2 surface pro generation, they will literally ship a device with perfect hardware, decent/even pleasant os AND with no quirks to worry about, things apple fans enjoy, while still delivering a more powerful os and hardware, things which pc users look for. good job! ps: i agree with all 3 points of hating from article, especially the no magnet on type cover thing lol
What's the actual WH battery capacity of the new longer battery life Surface Pro?
I personally don't care that USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 is missing, as long as the Surface Dock can handle two high res monitors. But having said that, I think the Market cares, which is a shame for Microsoft. Not sure how after much discussion they came to the decision they did. In my view, the Market would prefer a Surface Pro with both a Surface Connect port and a USB-C/Thunderbolt port (in place of the mini displayport).
Why not call this article 8 great things about surface pro and 3 poor. The title makes it sound like one of those related articles ads you have at the bottom of your pages. Also you seem to get it wrong about the hated things most of the time so why bother generalising in the first place.
Huawei managed to squeeze down the bezel on the MateBook. MS could have increased the screen size quite a bit without changing the external size. Is a bezel needed for handheld operation in tablet mode?
* Most people that use a tablet do it while sitting, and in that case there is hardly any need for a bezel. The argument is mainly valid for, e.g., a contractor walking around on a building site and taking notes, or a physician doing the daily round and taking notes of the state of patients, etc. I would say that for most uses of a tablet while standing -- which is a "minority problem".
* Microsoft has recently filed a patent to handle the case. Also, intel showed prototype ultrabooks/2-in-1 years ago where the active part of the screen shrunk when in tablet mode, thus creating a bigger bezel when in tablet mode.
* Microsoft in fact presents the Surface Pro as a *laptop* (according to the press).
* The advantage of a 13+ inch screen when in laptop mode is significant, so in my view they should have reduced the bezel size.
I'd actually go the other way. Most who use it as a tablet use it while NOT sitting. There isn't a good way to use it as a laptop while you're standing--it totally dictates tablet use. When I use a Surface, it's mostly while walking, in which case it's a tablet. When I get seated, I immediately go into laptop use.
I am so in love with the ease of use and functionality of USB type-C on my Lumia 950 that I view any recent Microsoft device without it, as Ballmer's Last Baby.
About the instant on thing...is this like sleep mode which currently crashes my SP4 half the time or is it a boot from cold to on instantly kind of thing?
No Daniel you didn't miss anything.. From the advantage of bezels, to better battery life, to how lte is great, and how usb is a better choice than type c as of now, and how India was missing on the list of countries where it will be launched "globally" .. You didn't skip a bit! Great article of a great device! I was torn between a Lenovo yoga book and sp4 core m but now my problem is solved as i best of both these: lte, i5, lightweight, 4096 pen, hello, portable and 9hr+battery life. I'll wait as long as needed, hopefully it's not more than 1 year and get the i5 model because it doesn't have fan now for me to worry and i get a device powerful enough to last me for my next 5 years of college life. Thanks!
He skipped that they took the Pen out of the price that didn't drop to reflect the removing of the accessory.
Connectivity: USB type C, just for future proofing we all know how long it has taken the surface pro 4 to get a successor! And bravo microsoft for LTE suppprt, it's been something many have waited for in the pro line since the RT. Type cover and Stand for lap use: while still the best combinations for keyboard and stand, many would agree with me that there is still a challenge using any surface pro for lap use. Personally I credit the Google Pixel C having one of the best implementation for a type cover for lap use.
I don't agree with the bigger size.
I guess it depends on whether you like it more as a tablet or a latop. I'd probably do more laptop things with it, so I wouldn't even mind a 15" display. However, that would be unwieldy for someone using it as a tablet a lot.
Basically, personal preferences. After having been married to a 17" laptop for years, I was more than glad to drop that thing and go with the 12" display of the SP3. And I have seriously never experienced the "flopping open" of the keyboard. I guess I figured out how to carry it in my hand when I don't have it in my backpack. Finally, I would have liked to have the USB-C and TB3 on this new SP, I don't have any peripherals yet that are USB-C (other than the dock for the Lumia 950) and I prefer to connect via Bluetooth as much as possible anyway. I totally agree with the pro list, though.
I'm fine with the surface connect connector over usb type c, as long as we get accessories that can actually use it
Really, no complaint about how they kept the same price tag and pulled out the Surface Pen you used to get included? Honestly, that change might be why I'd pass on a Surface Pro. The price was already average for its market, maybe even on the high side. Now, you're going to up the ost for the full experience another $50? I absolutely hate the way Microsoft is copying Apple's worst qualities across the board. If they had knocked the price down and taken it away, I'd be happy they gave fulks color choice with pens. However, to take it away and keep the same price is disappointing. The hardware refreshes do not warrant such a move, keeping the same price for less. They're also-ran changes that mostly match what the competition already does (again, for less money). The exception there is the inking push...which is hurt by removing the pen from the box.
The base model of the SP4 was $899 with pen. This one is $799 without. Many of the models are $50 less than their SP4 counterparts. It seems they _did_ redice the price in some cases due to the lack of pen. Also: The SSD market fluctuates a lot, and I've heard that all SSD prices are at a high point right now, especially for larger capacity (512GB+) ones.
Another positive for me is accessory compatibility from SP3 / SP4 / SP, same Type Cover / Pen will work across all models forward and back as well as power supplies and Ethernet adapters. Negative is de-facto price increase due to removal of Pen. SP4 i5/8/256 launch price is identical to SP with same specs only missing Pen. For those that want pen that means essentially a 100 price increase.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZjNgiE9bkk
You won't believe number 4!
I'm confused by the "negative" about the type cover magnet. My Surface Pro 3 uses a Surface Pro 4 keyboard and the keyboard snaps shut and holds with a magnet. Is that not the way it is on the new Surface Pro?
I'm confused by the "negative" about the type cover magnet. My Surface Pro 3 uses a Surface Pro 4 keyboard and the keyboard snaps shut and holds with a magnet. Is that not the way it is on the new Surface Pro?
An OLED display would perhaps do us some battery life justice that we so much yan for and of course getting a beautiful display in return which am certain will even solve the light bleed issues.
These OLED screens have already proven the same in smartphones.
All 3 of these "dissapointments" ARE TOTAL BULLSHIT! Who cares about USB C now if Thunderbolt isn't available yet and we can use our accesoires for the time being.
Type cover flops open? Are you kidding me... Doesn't everybody use a case to put their surface in?
Display size is perfect! Don't fukin make it bigger. What's the purpase if the tablet is as big as the laptop... I want a tablet because it's light small and easy to take with you while it still has all this power. I actually think my SP3 is still a bit too big. 1 inch smaller would have been perfect.
Thunderbolt _is_ available now on Kaby Lake and MS could have included it. Even having a TB3 port only on the dock would be a huge advantage for pro use.
I like the size. It is supposed to be a lighter more portable device. Bigger screen is not really necessary. If you can't see, just increase the size of the font!
Personally, I always though the 12" size is in a dead spot... too big for a tablet and too small for a laptop. Give me a 10" Surface Pro and my wallet comes out immediately. 12", I just hate that size... I've got full size laptops for work, 15" and up, even 14" is kind of small...
The screen size IS a deal breaker for me. Whilst I love the new processor and the internal sound reductions a blessing, the instant start up has taken long enough but its here now. I cant get passed the negatives like, the type cover flopping open, no Thunderbolt. I can here Panos saying, "but its the best on the planet.... no other similar is in the same league", etc,etc. But the screen size simply is not good enough.
Well, even though I will be completely content with a type-C converter, it would have been much better for M$ to have this ready on day one of the release. I still have a bad taste in my mouth for the whole power problems of the premature release of the Pro 4. The same goes for the 4G LTE. It should have been ready day one! Period! And why is it optional instead of standard? Who wouldn't want connection anywhere, anytime? Especially with unlimited data plan prices way down with so much new competition. M$ needs to do a lot more of the heated debating before releasing products.
I have always been a lover of the Surface Pro, but this time I will wait for the new Surface Book. It will be the next one for me, mostly because of the detachable screen size.
Surface Pro is the best Microsoft can produce. I do not need USB Type-C, but I guess it is a major mistake not to include it. No future proof - no deal. The screen is just right, smaller or larger and the versatility will be hit. Right now my Windows 10 machin is trying to upgrade the nVidia driver, tume required - one eternity. No Windows device can be on par with ANYTHING Apple, iPod included, but as second best budget alternative to Mac Book + iPad Pro 12 combo Surface Pro is great.
Octagon31415, your statement is shortsighted at best, and moronic at worst. Every Windows device is better than anything CRapple!!! I have NEVER understood the idiocy of backing CRapple. I use to use CRapple products, and was stunned when I made the switch, at how much better all fo the Windows based products were to use and customize. I felt like I was liberated from a CRapple itunes prison. I fookin HATE itunes with a passion. You can't remove your pics or attachments in the CRapple environment, as they have to be used in that environment ONLY! CRapple prison. Lastly moron, the SP3 and SP4's ran circles around the crappy ipad pro and air. You have no clue what you are talking about. You probably barely even know how to chat or check email. As that is about the extent of CRapple users.
SteVae, sorry, I just cannot take anything after the "iTunes prison" seriously, but I will try. Your view of Apple is outdated. I use iTunes every quarter to backup my iPad. Why hate it? You failed to understand and use Apple products properly. Please share the responsibility with Apple. SP3 and SP4 running circles? Nice joke. Look what SP fixes: battery consumption in sleep, wake up time, and pen tilt. Only now SP is comparable to iPad Pro 12. Please believe Microsoft. We need UWP apps and Windows 10 S for a reason, and the reason is that otherwise Windows is hopeless. The best platform to develop cross platform iOS and Android apps? The best platform to manage Linux servers in a cloud? Anything more?
How in the hell can you say I failed to do anything, when you know absolutely nothing about my level of understanding. I supported myself as a tech for years, so trust me, it wasn't my understanding of devices that were created for simpletons. This is exactly why I hate CRapple, and "i"idiots. CRapple has convinced all of you that if something is going wrong with your device, it is YOUR fault. And like the idiots you are, you all believe them, and accept it. "Thank you sir, may I have another!" This is like Steve "*******" Jobs telling people to hold their phones a certain way when they would only get reception at certain angles. Or the idiocy of the Cube, and his telling people to make an antenna out of foil... There's way too many to cover all of them here, but most people with common sense get the gist. Not you, I'm sure, but most people.... The problem Octagon, is you are too stupid to realize how stupid you really are. When ever you put a full computer next to a piece of **** mac, or ipad pro, the comparison is laughable. A full computer can do thousands of things your idiot CRapple devices simply can't. But I wouldn't expect you to understand that. As long as your, "I can just turn it on and it works" simpleton mindset of being able to chat, or use email continually works, you dumbasses never even realize you were ripped off by an overpriced toy.
By the way, the dumba$$ look on your face in your avatar, is exactly what I am talking about. You even look like a CRapple using "i"idiot. That not so bright gaze in your eyes says it all. CRapple saw you coming from a kilo away.
Sound the sirens, we have ourselves a butthurt Microsoft fanboy! Your grammar and punction is atrocious, and I find it ridiculous that you take the time to type "CRapple" in place of every "Apple". Apple makes good products too, deal with it. P.S - You must have been an AD/Exchange task monkey for years. MacOS is better out of the box for a *NIX admin. You know, the guys that actually do real IT work ;)))
It is future proof. The Surface Connector allows for a USB-C adapter.
Ok, so no USB C /TB3, not completly sold on the reasons for that but they have at least stated their reasoning for the choice. What I cannot understand is that they launch this lineup without Bluetooth 5, thats an omission I would like to know the reason for!
Still 3 things I would like to see in a premium product before I upgrade. 1....SIM card.....yes, will just have to wait for later. 2....GPS ....even my phone has it, so why can't a PC. 3.....Fingerprint reader.......not essential but but would put it into the premium category. Certainly useful for verifying all those things that can now be verified by fingerprint. I didn't get the SP3 or SP4 cos of the lack of the first two features. Looks like I will have to wait for the 6th iteration and hope that it has those features. Till then I will have to keep using my old Sony Duo 13 with SIM and GPS, even though its desperately in need of an upgrade.
And why does my voice control in my car so bad while my phone can understand eveything I say?
Not seeing how that has any relevance to the Surface Pro.
Why would you want a fingerprint reader, when you have Windows Hello????? WH is faster and better than any fingerprint reader. I've been using it for almost a year and a half, and have never had a single problem. It is extremely fast and consistent. Try it if you haven't. I doubt you would want to go back to a fp reader.
Does hello work with someone who wears glasses? I prefer fingerprint because I don't want to take off my glasses just to unlock my computer.
Yes, and been demonstrated several times on YouTube as people was keen to try and prove Hello was a failure when the opposite happened. Hello has been proven time and time again to be a secure and robust biometric system. It even works through sunglasses.
To be clear, using fingerprints is not an alternative to Windows Hello. Windows Hello is the umbrella term for biometric identification in Windows 10. It supports fingerprint, iris and facial recognition. I use facial recognition on my desktop PC at home and it works without issue with glasses and even over-ear headphones. It also has continued to work as I've grown my hair longer.
I stand corrected. I wrongly assumed that it was Iris only like the 950. Sounds like windows hello on the SP would be good enough for me. I have a SP3 so I don't have direct experience with facial recognition that hello provides.
GPS would require additional hardware. In your phone, it's built into the SoC. I would expect Windows on ARM devices to have GPS because it will be built into Snapdragon 835 SoC. I would think that Microsoft decided that adding that extra hardware was not really warranted, given the different use cases of phones and tablets. I wouldn't expect that many people would use a tablet like the Surface Pro as a primary navigation device. They would use Maps more to find places rather than navigate between them. As such, the accuracy of GPS is generally not required in such a device. Because people use phones to actually navigate from A to B, whether by foot or by vehicle, the accuracy of GPS becomes far more important. As for the fingerprint reader, they made a Type Cover with one if you prefer that but it was intended for the SP3, which didn't support facial recognition. They obviously feel that fingerprints are redundant for most people when facial recognition is available. There are plenty of USB options available too, some of them very discrete.
Intel demonstratee its Smart Screen technolgy five years ago to allow the screen to be bezel-less when used as laptop, and talet bezels as a tablet - WHY can't manufacturers do that?
Cost. This technology would make the device even more expensive.
I beleive the price hype of the Surface will be it's down fall. I think I've owned everyone and they are becoming a "me 2" device. That being said these are great for people who move around a lot, but my guess is the new Surface Laptop will kill off the Surface Pro. Maybe not kill it but take a lot of its sales. Think I'm going to buy a Dumb iPad this year and skip the 2017 SP my SP4 is fine.
hi Daniel, Do you know how the instant-on feature works for the new surface? i.e. it's just windows 10 optimizations that can be ported over to Surface pro 4 for instance and other 2 in 1 manufacturers? or is it a hardware specific solution for the new surface pro 2017 that remains a surface-only feature? thanks for the many articles!
It is harware reason built into the SSD....
2. Type Cover still flops open Heading into nitpicking country, the Surface Type Cover, which is now in all sumptuous Alcantara, still flops open. I still don't understand this statement. I've never had the type cover flop open on Surface Pro 3. Any clarification? Thanks.
He means while carrying the device on the hinge side the cover may flop open... However, I have no idea why Microsoft cannot integrate the type cover so when you flop it open the device turns on!
Indeed, not that it WILL flop open but it CAN if the device is at a particular angle and the cover not held appropriately in the hand. That said, I've never had that happen with my Surface 3 so I'm not sure that it's a big problem, although maybe some people just hold it a particular way that makes it more likely. You would think that incorporating a magnet to prevent it wouldn't be a big deal though. I like your idea of having the device turn on when opening the cover. That should absolutely be possible without to much issue you'd think, given what smarts are already built into the combination of device and cover.
One more reason I don't like the new Surface Pro: no Surface Pen this time and still no Type Cover bundled with the Pro
What would be the difference between buying the three separately as you must now and buying the three as a single unit for the same price as the separate purchases? Given that Microsoft determined that only 30% of Surface owners use a Pen, surely you can see that uncoupling the two is the better option overall. As for the keyboard, even if only one person in a hundred doesn't need one, why should that person be forced to pay for it anyway, just to save you a few clicks when purchasing? Some people want to use existing Type Covers from older Surfaces or use third-party keyboards, e.g. those with Bluetooth, instead. I really think that those making these complaints are not thinking at all beyond their own needs to those of the larger Surface-purchasing public.
I'd like a type c port for egpu but I'm SOOOOOOO glad they didn't get rid of magnetic surface charger. Stiff plug in dongle are just a pain and dangerous. The surface type c adapter will be fine for me
You still won't get Thunderbolt support via that adapter though. Perhaps you are already aware of that but your comment didn't make it clear.
What more would you want from this handheld device? Very good device!!! 🤔😄
13.5" is unusable to me, so its just a matter of getting used to it, you say 13.5 wouldn't be a fun tablet, but is it any more fun at 12" already? its already hard, making it harder isn't gonna change your mind at this point
Display size is just perfect for me. Completely disagree on that point.
Same
I heard that USB Type-C and Thunderbolt 3 are omitted from Microsoft hardware products because Microsoft acknowledges a security bug wherebye Thunderbolt 3, through DMA, is able to dump all unprotected memory including bitlocker key. Once Windows is modified to store the bitlocker key in protected memory, Thunderbolt 3 will no longer be able to access the keys. After such time, USB Type-C and Thunderbolt 3 will be offered on Microsoft hardware. This has been an ongoing security loophole since Vista and requires the person to have a special thunderbolt 3 device to dump all of the memory of the computer and then a piece of software to search that dump for the bitlocker key. These tools become useless once the bitlocker key is stored in protected memory.
Thanks for the pros and cons Daniel. I just wish that there were more options on the i5 for memory.
The screen could be bigger with no real need for the huge bezel. I already miss the start button that was present on Pro3. Can't do screenshots and I lost my pro4 pen a year ago.
you need the bezel when you want to use the machine like a tablet or as a drawing pad. on the SP4, I'm always accidentally hitting the screen because I touch past the bezel.
I'm sure it's going to be brilliant. I have SP3 and wouldn't have anything else. Plus it works brilliantly with my Lumia 950. Keep up the great work Microsoft.

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