Keep My rMB or Exchange It for the SP4? (1 Week Left on Return Period)

[joy_ng]

The largest appeal for me of my rmb is continuity between the devices. I am not a graphic designer or a programmer, so my usage on my devices are light and it's my impression that many devices on the market these days both look and run very similarly and are all top-notch. What clenches it for me on the rmb is what you stated about the device speaking with my iPhone and iPad. I use my iPad as an actual tablet and annotate/write on documents on it as well as reading sheet music and books. I carry both rmb and iPad air 2 around with me daily and the combined weight of both the devices are similar to my husbands sp4. However, I am at the point where having my photos automatically backed up and cataloged, as well as my calendars, contacts, notes, reminders etc synced between devices is super sexy to me. also, between my devices, I am never out of battery, which is a huge plus.

 

[palpatine]

The largest appeal for me of my rmb is continuity between the devices. I am not a graphic designer or a programmer, so my usage on my devices are light and it's my impression that many devices on the market these days both look and run very similarly and are all top-notch. What clenches it for me on the rmb is what you stated about the device speaking with my iPhone and iPad. I use my iPad as an actual tablet and annotate/write on documents on it as well as reading sheet music and books. I carry both rmb and iPad air 2 around with me daily and the combined weight of both the devices are similar to my husbands sp4. However, I am at the point where having my photos automatically backed up and cataloged, as well as my calendars, contacts, notes, reminders etc synced between devices is super sexy to me. also, between my devices, I am never out of battery, which is a huge plus.

That's a good point about the battery, especially on long trips. It's easy to have everything I need available on any international flight (one last summer that had two connections), even if I don't get stuff charged in the seats (bad luck sometimes with the power supplies). In daily use as well, I don't ever have to carry a charger around, so that is nice.

 

[Truefan31]

In my opinion, that gap is just too much of a headache. Even if you do put things in a sleeve, dust/particles etc end up everywhere and therefore have an easier time scratching things.

And I don't think the part about 99% of scratches being caused by finger or pens are necessarily true. If I take my sample of MacBooks at University (where there are literally hundreds), many people have Speck cases like mine, and we are advised to remove the case ever month or so, as dust can get in through tiny spaces.

There's also the issue of the 'wobble':

Honestly speaking though, if Microsoft just made a normal laptop, I would be slightly more interested. I think 2 in 1s are overrated. They don't achieve being an amazing tablet, or an amazing laptop. You're left in the middle.

That being said, the XPS 13 is simply perfect, but after using the touchpad in the store, the MacBook blows it away. I have read however that the Surface Book's trackpad is actually very, very good.

Not exactly a glowing review of the surfacebook. Seemed disappointed with it but it is a gen 1 product.

 

[SSD-GUY]

Not exactly a glowing review of the surfacebook. Seemed disappointed with it but it is a gen 1 product.

I agree. I don't see why Microsoft couldntve just designed a normal laptop. This would get rid of the weird hinge and make it even more lighter. Or better yet, adopt the 360 hinge designs of other laptop makers like HP/Lenovo

 

[Queen6]

I agree. I don't see why Microsoft couldntve just designed a normal laptop. This would get rid of the weird hinge and make it even more lighter. Or better yet, adopt the 360 hinge designs of other laptop makers like HP/Lenovo

Likely to differentiate their product, I don't see the Surface Book as inherently flawed, equally as with the Surface Pro the next generation of Surface Book will very likely be a significantly better product. I am considering one myself, however I am a little cautious of the SB being Microsoft`s first notebook. Undoubtedly Microsoft will learn a great deal between initial launch and the next release. Another aspect is pricing as a decent specification SB is very much into the territory of significantly more powerful portables like the rMBP.

My own overall impressions are that the Surface Book is a decent product, 2 in 1`s are not for all, with many of the negatives really adding up to the notebook not really meeting the users need or expectation (we see enough of that here on MR with some expecting quad core performance from the Macbook) All portables are compromises, the key is identifying which ones will work the best, for the given task.

Q-6

 

[maflynn]

I know some of the discussion had shifted over from the SP4 to the SurfaceBook and I'm not taking away from the arguments for and agisnt the SB, but I think overall, the Surface Pro line offers a bit more portability.

OP, unless I missed something, did you make a decision yet?

Personally I find my SP3 to be a great machine, and it is my go to computer for all of my mobility needs at this point
[doublepost=1453041378][/doublepost]

I just finished watching this review, and it doesn't really include anything we don't already know. I was expecting more information and details of it being used for the last couple of months, rather then saying there were issue, some software, some related to the chipset, and windows 10 roll out. It was just mostly 16 minutes of rehashing what we already know.

 

[Queen6]

I know some of the discussion had shifted over from the SP4 to the SurfaceBook and I'm not taking away from the arguments for and agisnt the SB, but I think overall, the Surface Pro line offers a bit more portability.

OP, unless I missed something, did you make a decision yet?

Personally I find my SP3 to be a great machine, and it is my go to computer for all of my mobility needs at this point
[doublepost=1453041378][/doublepost]
I just finished watching this review, and it doesn't really include anything we don't already know. I was expecting more information and details of it being used for the last couple of months, rather then saying there were issue, some software, some related to the chipset, and windows 10 roll out. It was just mostly 16 minutes of rehashing what we already know.

Equally the SB is just being released in many countries, so it`s good to see how users have been getting on stateside. I agree no revelations, which can also be construed as a positive. SP4 & SB are coming in from different angles, with the SP4 a tablet that can "role" into a notebook, obviously the SB is the inverse.

I do very much like the portability of the SP4, over the SB & rMBP etc. equally the SB piques my interest a more, due to the extensive battery runtime and dGPU. The only aspect I don't like do far is the increased thickness of the hinge (I fly frequently) being a Gen-1 also concerns, I would not be so concerned at the base SP4 or rMB price point, however with pricing excedding a high tier 15" rMBP it`s prudent to be cautious. Microsoft are clearly listening to their customers, hence the brisk evolution the Surface Pro. I rather suspect the 2nd Gen SB will be significantly improved, therefore I may defer to the SP4 or SB with reduced storage.

One must also consider what Apple will throw into the "mix" for the rMBP, I don't expect anything revolutionary, more rather the the typical evolution, with a design not too far off what we already have with the rMB, something like the new Dell XPS line (not a direct comparison) for ports & performance.

Q-6

 

[maflynn]

Equally the SB is just being released in many countries,

Agreed, yet the video review billed itself as somethign different and was to provide information of how it faired after 2.5 months of use. In reality it was just a rehash of a typical review that came out shortly after the SB. The difference is that it stated what has been resolved.

I do very much like the portability of the SP4, over the SB & rMBP

Same here, I really do love my SP3.

One must also consider what Apple will throw into the "mix"

Don't go there, I don't need to be tempted to buy another computer, I just picked up an iMac this past November and the wife would kill me (not even divorce me, just kill me), if I shop up at home with a new computer

 

[Queen6]

Agreed, yet the video review billed itself as somethign different and was to provide information of how it faired after 2.5 months of use. In reality it was just a rehash of a typical review that came out shortly after the SB. The difference is that it stated what has been resolved.

Well it`s the internet after all I like their review as they tend to not be biased.

Same here, I really do love my SP3.

Can see why, SP4 is very much right up there for me as goto "tool" just a matter of time before I buy one, equally you'll have a hard time getting my rMB out of my hands

Don't go there, I don't need to be tempted to buy another computer, I just picked up an iMac this past November and the wife would kill me (not even divorce me, just kill me), if I shop up at home with a new computer

There`s alway room for "just one more" always

Q-6

 

[Maukey]

OP, unless I missed something, did you make a decision yet?

Personally I find my SP3 to be a great machine, and it is my go to computer for all of my mobility needs at this point

I have not made a decision yet. I am leaning toward keeping the rMB. Reasons being, 1) iPhone Compatibility, 2) Battery Life, 3) Xcode, 4) Speakers.

Now I know you said you have a SP3 and love it. But I also noticed in your signature that you also have other Mac Laptops. I only have an iPhone 6S Plus and a 14.1in Lenovo Laptop issued to me by my job for work functions only. Whichever I decide to get will be only for Personal Enjoyment; Media Consumption, light gaming, web browsing, email, etc. The most "work" my device will do will be updating Resumes and Budgeting on spreadsheets. If you didn't have all of these other Computers, and all you had was an iPhone 6S Plus and a 14.1in Lenovo Windows Laptop issued to you by your job for Work duties only, would you choose the rMB or SP3/4?
[doublepost=1453053952][/doublepost]

Can see why, SP4 is very much right up there for me as goto "tool" just a matter of time before I buy one, equally you'll have a hard time getting my rMB out of my hands

Q-6

You are not making my decision easier with this statement

 

[SteveJUAE]

I just finished watching this review, and it doesn't really include anything we don't already know. I was expecting more information and details of it being used for the last couple of months, rather then saying there were issue, some software, some related to the chipset, and windows 10 roll out. It was just mostly 16 minutes of rehashing what we already know.

Agreed nothing new for us that have an interest in these but for those that don't or 1st timers they may not realise that these teething issues are largely resolved. In fairness what more can she add it works despite what she chucked at it
[doublepost=1453059281][/doublepost]

I have not made a decision yet. I am leaning toward keeping the rMB. Reasons being, 1) iPhone Compatibility, 2) Battery Life, 3) Xcode, 4) Speakers.

I thought we already answered your 1st 3 points Windows can handle all of these other than FaceTime and battery life is subjective

The Speakers on the SP4 are very crisp but arguably the rMB is a more rounded sound

The SP4 you have already found good use of it's extended features and it's more of a multimedia device than a rMB in it's tablet mode

Like Q6 it's hard to put the rMB down as it's so dam cute but the SP4 is literary more, due to the sum of it's parts

 

[Queen6]

You are not making my decision easier with this statement

Nor my own

Q-6

 

[palpatine]

I have not made a decision yet. I am leaning toward keeping the rMB. Reasons being, 1) iPhone Compatibility, 2) Battery Life, 3) Xcode, 4) Speakers.

Now I know you said you have a SP3 and love it. But I also noticed in your signature that you also have other Mac Laptops. I only have an iPhone 6S Plus and a 14.1in Lenovo Laptop issued to me by my job for work functions only. Whichever I decide to get will be only for Personal Enjoyment; Media Consumption, light gaming, web browsing, email, etc. The most "work" my device will do will be updating Resumes and Budgeting on spreadsheets. If you didn't have all of these other Computers, and all you had was an iPhone 6S Plus and a 14.1in Lenovo Windows Laptop issued to you by your job for Work duties only, would you choose the rMB or SP3/4?
[doublepost=1453053952][/doublepost]You are not making my decision easier with this statement

ipad?
you have a work computer already. why buy another one?

 

[Maukey]

ipad?
you have a work computer already. why buy another one?

3 Reasons:

1) My work laptop is ONLY for Work. We can't do anything personal on it.
2) I feel that owning a 6S Plus would hamper my use for my iPad. I will more likely grab my phone over an iPad. At least that's what I believe.
3) A lot of what I do, as stated in my original post, is much easier done on a full OS.
[doublepost=1453071049][/doublepost]

I thought we already answered your 1st 3 points Windows can handle all of these other than FaceTime and battery life is subjective

The Speakers on the SP4 are very crisp but arguably the rMB is a more rounded sound

The SP4 you have already found good use of it's extended features and it's more of a multimedia device than a rMB in it's tablet mode

Like Q6 it's hard to put the rMB down as it's so dam cute but the SP4 is literary more, due to the sum of it's parts

Yes I recall your response. I'm just still undecided if I want to spend the time necessary to make things work efficiently. Battery Life is pretty big for me as I would be using the SP4 more as a Tablet. Having to leave it on power kinda negates Tablet use for me. I have an active household with children and I tend to move around my house with my device quite often; hence my desire for a light device like the SP4 or rMB. My wife called me the other day while I was using my rMB, I picked it up with one hand by it's base and went to see what she wanted. This was very convenient. Using the SP4 w/ the Type Cover in Laptop mode would not allow this kind of freedom of movement, so Tablet mode on the SP4 is really my only option during the active hours in my home. A short battery life could hinder this experience for me and my time with SP4 definitley displayed a clear difference in battery life between it and the rMB.

As regard to Xcode, I need to really research and see if it's possible to use Xcode in Windows to install Apps on an ATV4. My understanding is you can't without installing OS X via a Virtual Machine and I'm not sure I want to fool around with that. I'll see.

I really do appreciate all the responses though. I posted so that you all could help me think through my decision and it's definitely proved successful thus far.

 

[ahostmadsen]

Hello fellow Mac Users! A few weeks back I purchased a SP4 i5 w/ 256GB SSD. In short I really had a love hate relationship with this device. It was and still remains one of my all time favorite pieces of hardware. I feel the SP4 has the potential to be, and may be to some, the best overall computer hardware available. It's light, powerful, innovative, and just a joy to use with all of it's features; Cortana, Pen Input, Touch Screen, etc. However, 2 things kept me from keeping my SP4, and that's battery life and stability. I was only getting about 5 hours on average battery life. And although most of the serious issues had been ironed out, I still had the occasional weird things occur, like Microsoft Edge freezing forcing a reboot, Wifi connection slowing to a crawl, etc.

This led me to the exchange of the SP4 for the 1.2 rMB w/ 512GB SSD. The rMB + USB-C to USB Adapter was the exact same price as the SP4 + Type Cover as I got the rMB on sale. Upon first use of the rMB I loved it. It was nearly perfect in my eyes. It was light, lighter than the SP4 + Type Cover, has excellent Speakers, a flawless design in my opinion, charges extremely fast, has better battery life for my uses (8 hrs average compared to 5 hrs on the SP4), and although not as powerful, was snappier than the SP4 in everyday use. Not to mention that OS X is still an overall more user friendly experience than Windows 10.

Now I know you may be asking yourself, if he likes the rMB, why is he even posting this? And that's my problem, I don't know! I still love the rMB, but I just can't get the SP4 out of my head. It was just something about using it that made it feel premium and invigorating. For example, I loved that I could mark up Web Pages with the pen, save them to one note, and then send them to my wife. This came in handy when we were planning a family vacation a few weeks back. I loved that although the SP4 is pretty average as a Tablet, I could still use it as a Tablet w/ the pen which I found convenient when using it in bed. The kickstand is just the best period lol! So, why didn't I just take the rMB back and get the SP4 back? Two words, Apple Ecoystem. I just recently got the 128GB iPhone 6s Plus and it's been years since I've had a Mac + iPhone combination. Being able to respond to a phone call, face time call, or text message right from my rMB is just sooo convenient. Not to mention only needing to update contacts, notes, bookmarks, etc all from one device and it syncs to the other is just excellent.

I need help! Both from you all and a professional LOL. I don't know what to do. I think I enjoy using the SP4 more, however, the rMB is more convenient overall. Each does fine for my uses which is Media Consumption, Web Browsing, Light Document and Spreadsheet tasks, Retro Gaming via Emulators (Games I own), Torrent Downloading (Bluray Movie Backups), Streaming to my ATV4 via Air Video HD, Kodi, etc. I guess it just comes down to Excitement vs Convenience. Help!!! All opinions and ideas welcome. Well, except for seek professional help, I've agreed to that already LOL.

Thanks in Advance!

I have an rMB and my wife the Surface Pro 4. I wouldn't say my rMB is completely without issues, but it pales compared to the issues my wife has with her Surface Pro -- and when searching the web I can see that those are common issues, that have no solution. The concept of the surface pro is cool, but the execution is not there. And yes, then there is the Apple eco system. There Microsoft just cannot compete.

 

[JackieInCo]

To the OP, why not keep the MacBook and then also buy the SP4 when you are able? I have two MacBook Pros and also a SP3. I mostly use the two MBPs but I still occasionally have a use for the SP3.

 

[SteveJUAE]

I have an rMB and my wife the Surface Pro 4. I wouldn't say my rMB is completely without issues, but it pales compared to the issues my wife has with her Surface Pro -- and when searching the web I can see that those are common issues, that have no solution. The concept of the surface pro is cool, but the execution is not there. And yes, then there is the Apple eco system. There Microsoft just cannot compete.

Whilst I agree the early adopters of the Surface suffered more than their fair share of teething problems , but this is largely water under the bridge and like anyone buying a Surface or even a rMB now they should experience minimal issues.

I'm not an OSX only a an Apple hardware user, but outside of synching mail. contacts, settings, pics, music, files/documents, desktops, passwords, bookmarks, instant messaging, remote access, find my device which is all available across MS devices and most others using windows or a utility. What extras do you get in the Apple ECO that's significant other than having to use skype for business vs facetime ?

Is there some must have that's missing or are you simply noting it appears more seamless with Apple as opposed to say with an Android Phone you need to install an app to synch with the rest of your MS OS/Devices ?

 

[ahostmadsen]

Whilst I agree the early adopters of the Surface suffered more than their fair share of teething problems , but this is largely water under the bridge and like anyone buying a Surface or even a rMB now they should experience minimal issues.

I'm not an OSX only a an Apple hardware user, but outside of synching mail. contacts, settings, pics, music, files/documents, desktops, passwords, bookmarks, instant messaging, remote access, find my device which is all available across MS devices and most others using windows or a utility. What extras do you get in the Apple ECO that's significant other than having to use skype for business vs facetime ?

Is there some must have that's missing or are you simply noting it appears more seamless with Apple as opposed to say with an Android Phone you need to install an app to synch with the rest of your MS OS/Devices ?

iMessage. iCloud photos. Keychain. Continuity. Time Machine (I guess not strictly an ecosystem thing). That's what I can think of right now.

Nothing in the MS ecosystem comes close to that. Potentially Google has something similar if you use Android and Chrome OS? But Chrome OS is not a full fledged PC operation system.

 

[Maukey]

Whilst I agree the early adopters of the Surface suffered more than their fair share of teething problems , but this is largely water under the bridge and like anyone buying a Surface or even a rMB now they should experience minimal issues.

I'm not an OSX only a an Apple hardware user, but outside of synching mail. contacts, settings, pics, music, files/documents, desktops, passwords, bookmarks, instant messaging, remote access, find my device which is all available across MS devices and most others using windows or a utility. What extras do you get in the Apple ECO that's significant other than having to use skype for business vs facetime ?

Is there some must have that's missing or are you simply noting it appears more seamless with Apple as opposed to say with an Android Phone you need to install an app to synch with the rest of your MS OS/Devices ?

I can't speak for ahostmadsen, I can give my input based on the limited experience I had owning the SP4. For me it's SP4 to iPhone that is the issue. Now I know that you can get push email on the SP4 w/ the Mail App, I know you can use Google Calendar so that your iPhone and SP4 stay in sync, I know putting iTunes on the SP4 will take care of syncing music, etc. You even explained that you can download iCloud for Windows to take care of Photos, Contacts, etc. I'm sure you probably can take care of most "Apple Eco" issues on the SP4 through the use of Apps, Programs, etc. That's not the point.

Most of us who aren't using our rMB/SP4 as a work device are limited on the amount of time we spend on it. We, well I know I, spend 8+ hours a day on a different device for our work duties. When I get off I have limited time on my rMB if any, so convenience is big for me. When you turn on a rMB and sign into iCloud, everything is instantaneous. My contacts, calendar, notes, iMessages, reminders, etc are all right there ready to use as well as mimics what's on my iPhone. I can create a new reminder from my Mac and its automatically on my phone. I can get a text message from a friend, my iPhone can be in another part of the house, yet I will still get the alert on my rMB and can respond right from it. My kids have iPads and use FaceTime, I can answer them from any of my Apple devices. I don't have to put my rMB down and go and locate my phone. This includes phone calls which I can answer right from my rMB. Yeah, Yeah I know, I can get Skype on The SP4 and install Skype on my kids' iPads. That's not the point, the point is convenience.

For some the convenience of everything just working is advantageous. Spending time researching and installing programs to create the best sync environment possible between an iPhone and SP4 may not be desirable for some people. And when they have to make changes for everyone in the house, it's even more of an inconvenience. Now I don't claim to have done much research on synchronization between iPhone and SP4, but from many reviews/impressions I've read, many consider it a disadvantage owning a SP4 over a rMB if you have other Apple products. Doesn't mean it's not possible, just not as seamless. For some people, "Apple Eco" convenience is a big deal. Even more so in a house full of Apple devices

 

[SteveJUAE]

iMessage. iCloud photos. Keychain. Continuity. Time Machine (I guess not strictly an ecosystem thing). That's what I can think of right now.

Nothing in the MS ecosystem comes close to that. Potentially Google has something similar if you use Android and Chrome OS? But Chrome OS is not a full fledged PC operation system.

I think you will find most of them are equally there although Time Machine maybe a little better

 

[ahostmadsen]

I think you will find most of them are equally there although Time Machine maybe a little better

Do you have something like iMessage on Windows (I'm not talking about a special private messaging app like Skype, but one that can handle ordinary text messages)? As far as I know, you can only do that if you have a windows phone (as a future feature). What about continuity, where you can redirect phone calls to your computer? I'm just curious. My wife would love if she could do those things on Windows (with an iPhone, not a Windows phone).

 

[dynestein]

I have an rMB and my wife the Surface Pro 4. I wouldn't say my rMB is completely without issues, but it pales compared to the issues my wife has with her Surface Pro -- and when searching the web I can see that those are common issues, that have no solution. The concept of the surface pro is cool, but the execution is not there. And yes, then there is the Apple eco system. There Microsoft just cannot compete.

I can definitely relate to this. My experience with the Surface Pro 4 (purchased late December) has been absolutely abysmal. From light bleed to battery problems, I've had so many software and hardware issues with every one of my four exchanged units that I finally returned it for good. What's funny is that my local Microsoft store never even asked me what was wrong with the devices. It's as if they were expecting me to exchange it and were happy to let me (or maybe it's attributed to good service, I don't know).

Overall, I'm pretty disappointed and ashamed with Microsoft for their poor quality control. I honestly really enjoyed using the device during the times it actually worked. If it wasn't so overly expensive I may have just endured and held onto it, but as a primary device, I prefer something more stable and reliable.

 

[jfriedman8]

I returned my SP4 for the MB. the SP4 was great, but battery ran down too fast for me and it just felt kind of clunky, but that is more win10 than anything. MB was great, but I need more than 1 port and dont want to carry adapters everywhere.

 

[SteveJUAE]

Do you have something like iMessage on Windows (I'm not talking about a special private messaging app like Skype, but one that can handle ordinary text messages)? As far as I know, you can only do that if you have a windows phone (as a future feature). What about continuity, where you can redirect phone calls to your computer? I'm just curious. My wife would love if she could do those things on Windows (with an iPhone, not a Windows phone).

As far as I understand IMessage is not a normal sms message app . I can't check as it's not available here but you should be able to txt via Cortana using normal sms service. If your wife also uses other message service for her friends etc that do not have Iphones then these are available in the windows store I use line as its very popular in the far east and skype is almost universal and vastly improved I understand there is a new message part of that too but I have not looked into it.

Sorry my bad as I did not realise continuity also included the call mimicking, I don't think that is available however all other aspects of her IPhone can easily be synched especially if she has an iCloud account by a one time install and forget icloud for windows. Similarly by installing any of the MS products like onedrive all her photos would be synched automatically like any other Apple product by using her MS account.

Generally MS have done a good job in allowing there products and synching across all OS now, Apple have recognised this productivity as we seen at the last Key note speech. Most MS and Android devices have native apps that synch quite happily with Apple accounts and all others.

All my work and private contacts, emails, bookmarks etc etc synch across any platform there is nothing special about having an Apple ECO especially when they restrict communications with other devices and friends etc. The ECO all sounds nice in your front room but the reality is there is the rest of the world to talk to

I'll check a few points for you incase there is extra functionality she can gain from her IPhone to SP4

 

[palpatine]

One nice thing for me about the rMB, and something that has long kept me from moving to the Surface Pro, is the software and operating system.

One thing that is important to me is security.
1. By just clicking a button, I can easily encrypt my hardrive and any external drives I connect to the computer. None of these passwords have to be shared with Apple or anyone else.
2. Using DEVONthink (personal information manager), I can securely sync all of my data through Dropbox with other Macs (everything is encrypted).
3. Using DEVONthink, I can easily sync securely with my iPad without having to go through the cloud (wifi or bluetooth sync).
4. TimeMachine automatically backs up everything in the background and it is encrypted. Wow.

Searching is also important.
1. Spotlight indexes my local and external drives, and with HoudahSpot (front-end for Spotlight), I can swiftly search through more than 3TB of data for any file. It is amazing.

Microsoft kind of does security, though I am not sure if we have cleared up yet how to encrypt without sharing your keys. I also found it quite clunky to encrypt external drives or make regular backups. A lot of stuff *can* be done, but it is a real pain to do it. One nice thing about the Surface is that you don't need the iPad anymore (theoretically), so no worries about secure syncing to a mobile device.

Search indexes and indexing software on Windows is kind of hit or miss, and for some reason, nothing I have found handles Chinese and Japanese well, which makes it a deal breaker. If the security and searching problems I raised have solutions, I might look again at the Surface.