Surface Devices

[SDColorado]

I have a w10 Acer laptop that I am sure is fine, but screen, keyboard and w10 updating pushed me away from it.

I was so used to using my iPad Pro or my iMac, I just could not adapt to that laptop.

At the same time, I am frustrated by my iPads (formerly iPad Pro, now 2018 iPad), in that I do not feel comfortable typing on them beyond forum posts or a quick email. I do get more use with the pencil (pdf mark up and drawing), as well as watching videos.

This is why I feel a Surface Pro is a good idea for me: it will be laptop useful when I go back to school (documents), have a better screen than that laptop, I can draw (hope there is a windows or cross platform app close to Procreate), and watch my movies/tv. Plus if I need the horse power for images etc., I will have that power under the hood.

The only thing that worries me are battery life and finding apps like Procreate and Pixelmator (esp. Procreate).

I understand folks have preferences and I respect that, but more and more I am feeling hampered by my mobile tech and I want to give MS a try.

Unfortunate there is still no Windows version of Procreate. Not that I use it, I can't draw a picture of a brick. But I know a lot of folks who love it. I understand Sketchable may be the closest equivalent to it. The coloring programs are also not quite as advanced as ones like Pigment and Lake. Those kinds of programs are a lot of what I do still use my iPad for.

Pixelmator also not available for Windows. Affinity Pro, Luminar, Polarr, Capture One Pro are some alternatives I can think of.

Battery life is quoted for the 12.9 iPad Pro at around 10 hours? I have never gotten more than 8, but mine isn't a 2018. I believe Microsoft claimed up to 13.5 hours of video playback on the i5 2015 and I don't think you will get that either. But I do think the i5 Surface Pro will last about as long as the 12.9 iPad Pro. The i7, such as mine, not as well.

Of course the Surface Book 2 will be the battery life champ of the bunch.

Watching videos, hulu, netflix, hbo is good. We often sit outside at night with the dogs when it is nice and watch a show or a movie.

Windows 10 updating is easier on a Surface than any of the others I have tried. I guess they have the advantage of building the software and hardware, but on other devices, I have had to use Lenovo Vantage or Dell Driver Update Utility or I forget what Acer calls theirs. Don't have to do that separate utility stuff with the Surface. It is all part of the Update & Security utility in Windows Settings that updates Windows.

 

[Dave245]

Unfortunate there is still no Windows version of Procreate. Not that I use it, I can't draw a picture of a brick. But I know a lot of folks who love it. I understand Sketchable may be the closest equivalent to it. The coloring programs are also not quite as advanced as ones like Pigment and Lake. Those kinds of programs are a lot of what I do still use my iPad for.

Pixelmator also not available for Windows. Affinity Pro, Luminar, Polarr, Capture One Pro are some alternatives I can think of.

Battery life is quoted for the 12.9 iPad Pro at around 10 hours? I have never gotten more than 8, but mine isn't a 2018. I believe Microsoft claimed up to 13.5 hours of video playback on the i5 2015 and I don't think you will get that either. But I do think the i5 Surface Pro will last about as long as the 12.9 iPad Pro. The i7, such as mine, not as well.

Of course the Surface Book 2 will be the battery life champ of the bunch.

Watching videos, hulu, netflix, hbo is good. We often sit outside at night with the dogs when it is nice and watch a show or a movie.

Windows 10 updating is easier on a Surface than any of the others I have tried. I guess they have the advantage of building the software and hardware, but on other devices, I have had to use Lenovo Vantage or Dell Driver Update Utility or I forget what Acer calls theirs. Don't have to do that separate utility stuff with the Surface. It is all part of the Update & Security utility in Windows Settings that updates Windows.

That’s weird I’ve been quoted on something I didn’t say

 

[kazmac]

That’s weird I’ve been quoted on something I didn’t say

Oh no, bug in MacRumors forum too.
[doublepost=1538650824][/doublepost]

Unfortunate there is still no Windows version of Procreate. Not that I use it, I can't draw a picture of a brick. But I know a lot of folks who love it. I understand Sketchable may be the closest equivalent to it. The coloring programs are also not quite as advanced as ones like Pigment and Lake. Those kinds of programs are a lot of what I do still use my iPad for.

Pixelmator also not available for Windows. Affinity Pro, Luminar, Polarr, Capture One Pro are some alternatives I can think of.

Battery life is quoted for the 12.9 iPad Pro at around 10 hours? I have never gotten more than 8, but mine isn't a 2018. I believe Microsoft claimed up to 13.5 hours of video playback on the i5 2015 and I don't think you will get that either. But I do think the i5 Surface Pro will last about as long as the 12.9 iPad Pro. The i7, such as mine, not as well.

Of course the Surface Book 2 will be the battery life champ of the bunch.

Watching videos, hulu, netflix, hbo is good. We often sit outside at night with the dogs when it is nice and watch a show or a movie.

Windows 10 updating is easier on a Surface than any of the others I have tried. I guess they have the advantage of building the software and hardware, but on other devices, I have had to use Lenovo Vantage or Dell Driver Update Utility or I forget what Acer calls theirs. Don't have to do that separate utility stuff with the Surface. It is all part of the Update & Security utility in Windows Settings that updates Windows.

Thanks for the app tips, I will have to investigate as Adobe is not an option. I thought Surface might be the best way to ease into W10 because MS does all. Makes sense.

Most battery on my iPP was 9 hours but generally 7-8 hours especially when drawing and using Safari. I average about 7-8 on the 2018 iPad too.

I think would like a Pro in case I need to carry with me on my commutes, I could do the SB2, but as my introduction to MS I would like to keep the price and weight down. While the Go might be a good option, I’d like more horsepower and a bigger screen. I will do more reaearch, the art apps are the biggest thing because I just want to hit the ground running (which Procreate does beautifully).

The last thing I want is another piece of tech just to do art and pdf markups, so if I can consolidate that would be great. My ideal set up would be a SS2, a Surface Pro and a phone. I need a hybrid device (and could probably roll with just a SP and phone, but that SS is such a want)

iPads are not on my list because of the bugs and money thrown away on the 2017 iPP and ASK, and I would like one unified OS btw my hybrid and desktop, the less I have to think about shifting OS, the better.

Thank you -as always- for the suggestions and your experience.

 

[SDColorado]

That’s weird I’ve been quoted on something I didn’t say

Probably Tapatalk. I like using it for the phone, but sometimes it does some really weird and random stuff

 

[SDColorado]

The last thing I want is another piece of tech just to do art and pdf markups, so if I can consolidate that would be great. My ideal set up would be a SS2, a Surface Pro and a phone. I need a hybrid device (and could probably roll with just a SP and phone, but that SS is such a want)

The Go is a great device in its own right for sure, but it was r available when I bought the Pro, nor would I have opted for it if it was.

When I purchased the Pro I wanted a mobile and portable ultra book that had a decent processor, decent RAM and decent storage.

I originally purchased the i5 model with the Intel HD graphics, but eventually swapped it for the i7 with Intel Iris 640, because the Iris is 2-3X faster with some graphics tasks.

The nice thing about MS though is that they (and pretty much everyone except Apple) give you a 30 day return window to try it out and see how it fits your needs. I went through 3, while fine tuning mine.

If you are buying for going back to school, aside from the educational discounts and bundles, they also have an educational extended warranty, which is 2 years instead of one.

Also slipping through the cracks a bit was the announcement of Microsoft’s “All Access” plan for monthly payments to ownership.

I haven’t looked at the details, but The Verge felt it was a good deal if you were already planning on an Office 365 subscription along with a new Surface device anyway.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.th...s-payment-plan-explained-office-365-microsoft

I only bring that up, because there is a thread in the main section from a teacher, who is having a bit of a justified “rant” (his word, not mine) about how he can’t afford a new Mac. It seems that at least some companies recognize that these things are expensive and are working on ways to try to make their computers obtainable for more people.

 

[kazmac]

The Go is a great device in its own right for sure, but it was r available when I bought the Pro, nor would I have opted for it if it was.

When I purchased the Pro I wanted a mobile and portable ultra book that had a decent processor, decent RAM and decent storage.

I originally purchased the i5 model with the Intel HD graphics, but eventually swapped it for the i7 with Intel Iris 640, because the Iris is 2-3X faster with some graphics tasks.

The nice thing about MS though is that they (and pretty much everyone except Apple) give you a 30 day return window to try it out and see how it fits your needs. I went through 3, while fine tuning mine.

If you are buying for going back to school, aside from the educational discounts and bundles, they also have an educational extended warranty, which is 2 years instead of one.

Also slipping through the cracks a bit was the announcement of Microsoft’s “All Access” plan for monthly payments to ownership.

I haven’t looked at the details, but The Verge felt it was a good deal if you were already planning on an Office 365 subscription along with a new Surface device anyway.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.th...s-payment-plan-explained-office-365-microsoft

I only bring that up, because there is a thread in the main section from a teacher, who is having a bit of a justified “rant” (his word, not mine) about how he can’t afford a new Mac. It seems that at least some companies recognize that these things are expensive and are working on ways to try to make their computers obtainable for more people.

Oh I could hug you for mentioning the Surface All Access Plan, now I can get a Studio a lot sooner and still take college classes. I was so bummed when they cancelled the original Surface plan last month. Thank you again. If it means having another Office 365 subscription, I can roll with that.

I will just use edu discount for a Surface Pro then if I decide to try that first.

Thanks for the Intel Iris details, that is important but knowing that a Pro will not be my primary machine, that gpu is not a dealbreaker.

You just made me very happy so thanks for mentioning this. Unless the upcoming Mac Mini has great internals and can do chores around my house, I think I am jumping ship now.

 

[SDColorado]

You just made me very happy so thanks for mentioning this. Unless the upcoming Mac Mini has great internals and can do chores around my house, I think I am jumping ship now.

Do you think that there will really be a mac mini this year? I know Apple has claimed it is still an important part of their future, they don't seem terribly motivated to actually address it. I know previous rumors had been for September or October 2018, but I haven't seen any real leaks or rumors. I wonder if it will be 2019?

One of the funnier "rumors" I saw suggested that the delay was due to them wanting to make it more MacBook Pro like and had a render of an extremely thin design. A joke I am sure

My wife is still waiting for an updated iPad Mini. I keep telling her that I don't think one is ever coming, but she holds out hope

 

[Dave245]

Do you think that there will really be a mac mini this year? I know Apple has claimed it is still an important part of their future, they don't seem terribly motivated to actually address it. I know previous rumors had been for September or October 2018, but I haven't seen any real leaks or rumors. I wonder if it will be 2019?

One of the funnier "rumors" I saw suggested that the delay was due to them wanting to make it more MacBook Pro like and had a render of an extremely thin design. A joke I am sure

My wife is still waiting for an updated iPad Mini. I keep telling her that I don't think one is ever coming, but she holds out hope

It’s rumoured for this year but so are other things like a new “budget” MacBook and updates to the iMac. These are given more credit because they were reported by Ming Chi Kuo who is very reliable, Apple needs to do something with Mac the lineup is very frustrating.

For example the 12” MacBook is at a higher price than it should be, for not much more cash you can get a 13” MacBook Pro and the Air is still around because people love it and still buy it.

I really do hate to say it and I know a lot of people in the other forums dissagree but, Microsoft are doing so much more! Just look at them and then take a look at Apple, in the computer space Microsoft are doing more! Yes I really like my series 4 Apple Watch and iPhone X BUT they are iOS devices, Apple need to bring more focus and more ideas to the Mac or they risk being outdone by Microsoft.

The Surface Headphones look really good, hell I even plan on getting a pair if they sound good and the noise cancelling feature works well, that’s coming from me a self professed Apple fan! If I’m thinking this then what are other people thinking?

 

[SDColorado]

It’s rumoured for this year but so are other things like a new “budget” MacBook and updates to the iMac. These are given more credit because they were reported by Ming Chi Kuo who is very reliable, Apple needs to do something with Mac the lineup is very frustrating.

For example the 12” MacBook is at a higher price than it should be, for not much more cash you can get a 13” MacBook Pro and the Air is still around because people love it and still buy it.

I really do hate to say it and I know a lot of people in the other forums dissagree but, Microsoft are doing so much more! Just look at them and then take a look at Apple, in the computer space Microsoft are doing more! Yes I really like my series 4 Apple Watch and iPhone X BUT they are iOS devices, Apple need to bring more focus and more ideas to the Mac or they risk being outdone by Microsoft.

The Surface Headphones look really good, hell I even plan on getting a pair if they sound good and the noise cancelling feature works well, that’s coming from me a self professed Apple fan! If I’m thinking this then what are other people thinking?

Initial "hands-on" reviews of the headphones look very good. I will be interested in more detailed reviews when some of the audio sites get their hands on them. I wonder if Microsoft partnered with Harman Kardon on these as they did the Invoke? Although Microsoft is also allegedly working on their own in-house speaker system to compete with the HomePod, Echo, etc., so perhaps that partnership has ended.

I am a self-professed Apple fan as well, but Apple has frustrated me lately with their computer offerings. I love my watch, I love my iPhone. I love my iMac as well, though that new Surface Studio looks awesome. iPad Pro I just can't get behind and the new MacBook Pro's are a bit of a mixed bag for me. MacBook has become irrelevant and the mini... i just wonder if they overstated the importance. There seem to be no solid leaks about what it may be or what form it might take. Is it about as important to Apple as the iPod Touch and iPad Mini, as in we will keep selling them as long as people are willing to pay for them, but don't expect any real updates?

 

[kazmac]

Initial "hands-on" reviews of the headphones look very good. I will be interested in more detailed reviews when some of the audio sites get their hands on them. I wonder if Microsoft partnered with Harman Kardon on these as they did the Invoke? Although Microsoft is also allegedly working on their own in-house speaker system to compete with the HomePod, Echo, etc., so perhaps that partnership has ended.

I am a self-professed Apple fan as well, but Apple has frustrated me lately with their computer offerings. I love my watch, I love my iPhone. I love my iMac as well, though that new Surface Studio looks awesome. iPad Pro I just can't get behind and the new MacBook Pro's are a bit of a mixed bag for me. MacBook has become irrelevant and the mini... i just wonder if they overstated the importance. There seem to be no solid leaks about what it may be or what form it might take. Is it about as important to Apple as the iPod Touch and iPad Mini, as in we will keep selling them as long as people are willing to pay for them, but don't expect any real updates?

Yeah, I am 22 year Apple vet (iMac exclusive since 1999) and I have been super bummed with Apple’s lack of quality control, especially the last 2 years. The only thing keeping me around at this point are the phones and some Mac-exclusive software and apps.

I would love an iPad Mini with pencil support, the Mini 4 is the only iPad I loved. I hate to be so down on Apple since their stuff is so easy to use and it inspires me to create; but will all the trouble I have had with the mobile devices these past 3 years and all of their trouble as well, I am finding it increasingly difficult to throw more money Apple’s way beyond a new phone.

MS are doing more innovative things these days, I hope the software and apps can be made cross platform.

We’ll see.

 

[stockscalper]

MS are doing more innovative things these days, I hope the software and apps can be made cross platform.

Some apps like OneNote are available for the Mac, but without pen and touchscreen support you lose much of what makes the app great. For example, writing formulas and equations with a pen and then having the app solve it and graph it is wonderful. I no longer have a need for a graphing calculator.

Apple has fallen so far behind Microsoft under Tim Cook, but as long as the fanboys continue to wear blinders Timmy is going to get away with his incompetence.

 

[kazmac]

Some apps like OneNote are available for the Mac, but without pen and touchscreen support you lose much of what makes the app great. For example, writing formulas and equations with a pen and then having the app solve it and graph it is wonderful. I no longer have a need for a graphing calculator.

Apple has fallen so far behind Microsoft under Tim Cook, but as long as the fanboys continue to wear blinders Timmy is going to get away with his incompetence.

Yes, I’ve noticed how gimped Office is for Mac, so reading your usage does not surprise me.

Thanks for posting this, it helps in making my decision a little bit easier.

 

[SteveJUAE]

The Go is a great device in its own right for sure, but it was r available when I bought the Pro, nor would I have opted for it if it was.

When I purchased the Pro I wanted a mobile and portable ultra book that had a decent processor, decent RAM and decent storage.

I originally purchased the i5 model with the Intel HD graphics, but eventually swapped it for the i7 with Intel Iris 640, because the Iris is 2-3X faster with some graphics tasks.

The nice thing about MS though is that they (and pretty much everyone except Apple) give you a 30 day return window to try it out and see how it fits your needs. I went through 3, while fine tuning mine.

If you are buying for going back to school, aside from the educational discounts and bundles, they also have an educational extended warranty, which is 2 years instead of one.

Also slipping through the cracks a bit was the announcement of Microsoft’s “All Access” plan for monthly payments to ownership.

I haven’t looked at the details, but The Verge felt it was a good deal if you were already planning on an Office 365 subscription along with a new Surface device anyway.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.th...s-payment-plan-explained-office-365-microsoft

I only bring that up, because there is a thread in the main section from a teacher, who is having a bit of a justified “rant” (his word, not mine) about how he can’t afford a new Mac. It seems that at least some companies recognize that these things are expensive and are working on ways to try to make their computers obtainable for more people.

I agree it's hard to singularly recommend the GO as your only windows device. Of course there are always niche circumstances where it's a good option but for little more you on the bottom rung of the SP

I'm happy with my SB2 15" and GO combination after trying many other devices/tablets and if it was not for the convivence of travel and kindeling etc with the GO I could replace both with the newer SP

MS cross platform support especially with android smart phones had improved greatly and not far behind Apple. As of yesterday the new 1809 W10 build takes it further with more to come this year

Don't forget with MS Office you get 1TB of cloud storage and with the family deal you now have up to 6 separate accounts all with 1TB each

 

[cube]

At least they got rid of Windows 10 S.

 

[SDColorado]

Yeah, I am 22 year Apple vet (iMac exclusive since 1999) and I have been super bummed with Apple’s lack of quality control, especially the last 2 years. The only thing keeping me around at this point are the phones and some Mac-exclusive software and apps.

I would love an iPad Mini with pencil support, the Mini 4 is the only iPad I loved. I hate to be so down on Apple since their stuff is so easy to use and it inspires me to create; but will all the trouble I have had with the mobile devices these past 3 years and all of their trouble as well, I am finding it increasingly difficult to throw more money Apple’s way beyond a new phone.

MS are doing more innovative things these days, I hope the software and apps can be made cross platform.

We’ll see.

I updated my version of Windows yesterday and they all this stuff about better Android integration. It has me really curious. I may need a new business phone soon and it has me tempted to try one.

I also have to say I am a fan of the 3:2 screen ratio, which is also the ratio for full frame photography. I get that it isn’t as good for watching movies and some wide screen games, but for business productivity it can make a lot of sense

 

[OdT22]

I would love an iPad Mini with pencil support, the Mini 4 is the only iPad I loved.

Much agreed. That's the only way (that I'm aware of) I'd be interested in the iPad again. Perfect size for heavy reading, and coupled with a small pencil for markup/signatures... Yeah, that would be pretty cool.

 

[SDColorado]

Some apps like OneNote are available for the Mac, but without pen and touchscreen support you lose much of what makes the app great. For example, writing formulas and equations with a pen and then having the app solve it and graph it is wonderful. I no longer have a need for a graphing calculator.

Apple has fallen so far behind Microsoft under Tim Cook, but as long as the fanboys continue to wear blinders Timmy is going to get away with his incompetence.

OneNote with the pen/touchscreen is really nice. I also like Nebo. The do have Nebo for the iPad, but the export to Word feature on the Surface is nice.

I noticed that the latest window version comes with a new app called Snip & Sketch for screen capture and markup. I haven't had the chance to play with it yet, but it looks useful for screen capture and sharing.

I would love an iPad Mini with pencil support, the Mini 4 is the only iPad I loved.

Same with my wife, but she is looking at the Go as a replacement.

 

[Dave245]

Yeah, I am 22 year Apple vet (iMac exclusive since 1999) and I have been super bummed with Apple’s lack of quality control, especially the last 2 years. The only thing keeping me around at this point are the phones and some Mac-exclusive software and apps.

I would love an iPad Mini with pencil support, the Mini 4 is the only iPad I loved. I hate to be so down on Apple since their stuff is so easy to use and it inspires me to create; but will all the trouble I have had with the mobile devices these past 3 years and all of their trouble as well, I am finding it increasingly difficult to throw more money Apple’s way beyond a new phone.

MS are doing more innovative things these days, I hope the software and apps can be made cross platform.

We’ll see.

I love my iMac (2012) it's been a great machine and i also really like MacOS Mojave, i'm just frustrated with decisions that Apple seems to be making just lately, it's like they are more focused on IOS devices. They have completely denied the idea of a hybrid type of device yet the iPad Pro is touted to be a laptop/PC replacement. Steve Jobs was against a lot of things, he decided to do the tablet properly, same with the smartphone, i'm sure that he would also of found a way for a hybrid/Surface style of device and probably would of even done it better than Microsoft.

There also seems to have been more issues with Mac's (Macbook Pro in particular) these last few years, if it's not the keyboard it's thermal throttling, it's like they rush out Mac's rather than taking their time and putting real innovation into them.

 

[kazmac]

Some more info on the Surface All Access Plan, yuck through Dell Financial Services!?! That may nix the Studio for me then. Not the end of the world though. I may look at the Pro and Surface Book 15 then as alternatives.

However, Kensington recreated the SS hinge for the Surface Pro: pricey? Yes, but a possible alternative.

Also, for artists, the Surface Pen does not work so great on the Go.

 

[SDColorado]

Some more info on the Surface All Access Plan, yuck through Dell Financial Services!?! That may nix the Studio for me then. Not the end of the world though. I may look at the Pro and Surface Book 15 then as alternatives.

However, Kensington recreated the SS hinge for the Surface Pro: pricey? Yes, but a possible alternative.

Also, for artists, the Surface Pen does not work so great on the Go.

Is it bad that Surface All Acess Plan is through Dell Financial Services? It still looks like a better deal than Apples, which is through Barclay Visa and seems to have a lot more fees and a shorter term 18 vs 24 months.

That Kensington SS hinge for the Surface Pro is cool. They should have one for the 15" Surface Book 2 where you could remove the screen?

Interesting about the Pen for the Go. The article was written in August. I wonder if there has been a new firmware for the Pen or if there is anything in the latest version of Windows 10 that addresses it? I also wonder if the same issue exists with Windows Pro vs S mode.

if it's not the keyboard it's thermal throttling, it's like they rush out Mac's rather than taking their time and putting real innovation into them.

And if it isn't thermal throttling it is speakers crackling, or kernel panics due to the T2.

CrashBook Pro? CrackleBook Pro? KeyFail Pro? HeatBook Pro? They are having some issues of late, with the MacBooks.

But it has been a long time since Computers where primary to Apple. When they dropped "Computer" from the name back in 2007, that should have been a hint. Their focus has been on iDevices for a while now. First the iPod, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch (iWatch, who are we kidding)

 

[kazmac]

Is it bad that Surface All Acess Plan is through Dell Financial Services? It still looks like a better deal than Apples, which is through Barclay Visa and seems to have a lot more fees and a shorter term 18 vs 24 months.

That Kensington SS hinge for the Surface Pro is cool. They should have one for the 15" Surface Book 2 where you could remove the screen?

Interesting about the Pen for the Go. The article was written in August. I wonder if there has been a new firmware for the Pen or if there is anything in the latest version of Windows 10 that addresses it? I also wonder if the same issue exists with Windows Pro vs S mode.

For me, Dell anything is awful. All it took was one horrible experience with “customer service” that made anything that happened with me and Apple look like nothing. So I will not finance through Dell. Or buy anything Dell (I have had issues with their computers at work too).

I like your idea about Kensington’s hinge and the SB2. They should do that.

Good question about the pen, firmware and the Go. I hope MS come up with a fix.

 

[SteveJUAE]

Not sure what this pen issue is suppose to be on the GO, just picked my pen of my SB2 and tapped on the GO to use sketchable app and did a few test lines L to R and R to L etc like the article

I cant see any fishhooks etc so no idea

BTW

I did not try to do perfect lines, just strokes some slow some fast but no intent on accuracy or even pressure etc

I could probably do better if I fiddled with the settings etc but everything was standard default

 

[SDColorado]

For me, Dell anything is awful. All it took was one horrible experience with “customer service” that made anything that happened with me and Apple look like nothing. So I will not finance through Dell. Or buy anything Dell (I have had issues with their computers at work too).

I like your idea about Kensington’s hinge and the SB2. They should do that.

Good question about the pen, firmware and the Go. I hope MS come up with a fix.

I hear you. Dell drove me to Mac 12 years or so ago hahaha. I used to be a huge Dell fan and still have a Dell M50 mobile workstation that will still run Windows XP, despite the fans sounding like the bearings are about shot and the battery being long gone hahaha.

But the last few Dell’s we bought for the company were awful, the quality had gone way down hill and CS never had an answer that didn’t begin and end with inserting the restore disk.

I didn’t like the alternatives, Apple had just released a MBP that would run Windows and the rest is history.

But as much as I like the XPS and the 15” 2-1 intrigues me, I keep thinking in the back of my mind “Eh... Dell.” Though by all reports they have greatly improved.

That said, those financial services are pretty much separate entities from the manufacturer. Whether it’s Dell, Ford, BMW or whomever. I am surprised Apple still does theirs through a Barclay Visa card rather than have their own Apple Financial

 

[SDColorado]

Not sure what this pen issue is suppose to be on the GO, just picked my pen of my SB2 and tapped on the GO to use sketchable app and did a few test lines L to R and R to L etc like the article

View attachment 792321

I cant see any fishhooks etc so no idea

BTW

I did not try to do perfect lines, just strokes some slow some fast but no intent on accuracy or even pressure etc

I could probably do better if I fiddled with the settings etc but everything was standard default

Could be a faulty pen on the test unit?

 

[SteveJUAE]

Could be a faulty pen on the test unit?

Who knows could be click bait on the hooks LOL

MS seemed to go to some lengths to optimise the GO so I would be surprised

I have noticed the GO because it's more laptop than tablet behaves like a laptop when you are minimal use it's a cue for the system to do some housework which sucks power, simply minimising these activities like indexing extends battery life

My retrospective disappointment is I think MS could of provided a sheet battery within the GO KB cover which could easily boost battery life by several hours and made the KB option far more attractive