Surface Devices

[Dave245]

In terms of Windows 10 or just Windows in general now a days, how bad is it? I can remember pre-2011 when I first had my MacBook Pro and left Windows. The PC I had at the time was terrible with Windows on it (not sure if it was Vista or just before) but it was terrible, Windows would slow down, crash, need defragging on a regular basis and so on.

I jumped over to Mac and ever since I have MacOS has been great, in fact it’s not on my list of complaints for Apple or even the Mac. The lack of hardware updates and innovation is, especially when Microsoft seem to be doing just that.

 

[kazmac]

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

Thank you for testing that on your Go with the Pen. Do you have the older pen for the SB2?

The wobbly lines in your example were part of the complaint this blogger has using the Pen on the Go. I forgot what this means as far as actual drawing in a particular app etc.

Since you have it, how is Sketchable? You mentioned you had the settings on default. Have you tweaked the settings?

And can you just open a canvas, select brushes and pressure points, and get to doodling, or are there more steps involved?

Thanks!

 

[SteveJUAE]

In terms of Windows 10 or just Windows in general now a days, how bad is it? I can remember pre-2011 when I first had my MacBook Pro and left Windows. The PC I had at the time was terrible with Windows on it (not sure if it was Vista or just before) but it was terrible, Windows would slow down, crash, need defragging on a regular basis and so on.

I jumped over to Mac and ever since I have MacOS has been great, in fact it’s not on my list of complaints for Apple or even the Mac. The lack of hardware updates and innovation is, especially when Microsoft seem to be doing just that.

By and large for most users its personal preference these days

Defrag largely died out with SSD although its still needed under a different principle and both OS handle this for you since around 2014

Of course Apple ECO hooks which I find is a double edged sword may swing the balance for some but equally MS more cross platform support is more refreshing IMO

Simply there is no black and white case and both have minor pro's and cons and a few users it can be a deciding factor with software options (ignoring games) or some niche requirement

 

[kazmac]

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

I understand, my experience with Dell happened very early in 2017 so it is still fresh. Regardless, of Dell financial being separate, I will remain stubborn.

And apparently some folks updating to October W10 update are finding their documents and user profiles being wiped out.

..Sigh..

 

[SteveJUAE]

Thank you for testing that on your Go with the Pen. Do you have the older pen for the SB2?

The wobbly lines in your example were part of the complaint this blogger has using the Pen on the Go. I forgot what this means as far as actual drawing in a particular app etc.

Since you have it, how is Sketchable? You mentioned you had the settings on default. Have you tweaked the settings?

And can you just open a canvas, select brushes and pressure points, and get to doodling, or are there more steps involved?

Thanks!

It's the newer Pen with tilt and greater pressure sensitivity and no pocket clip

The wobbly lines from the blogger were about a specific pen, my ones is more related to my skills or lack off If I practise or stoke more evenly or faster the lines will be straighter and less tapered if I toned down the pressure setting

I just jumped in the app and did a few flicks much like you would in a store demo just to show you guys. I know nothing about the app. It's just a bundled and bit of limited (Bloatware) and any advance features require upgrade to Pro version . So I fiddled with nothing nor did I alter any settings in W10 for the pen

Sorry can't offer any more specific help but I do not perceive any issue for the average user. May be a pro would with the GO vs $1-2K Wacom tablet. But I think like many Pro's they only outline in tablets we play with and finish off in desktop studios like many creatives.

It's only us dabblers in art, photography and videography try and do it all on a single laptop. Pros will have a multitude of devices, OS's etc and take the best of all options.

 

[kazmac]

It's the newer Pen with tilt and greater pressure sensitivity and no pocket clip

The wobbly lines from the blogger were about a specific pen, my ones is more related to my skills or lack off If I practise or stoke more evenly or faster the lines will be straighter and less tapered if I toned down the pressure setting

I just jumped in the app and did a few flicks much like you would in a store demo just to show you guys. I know nothing about the app. It's just a bundled and bit of limited (Bloatware) and any advance features require upgrade to Pro version . So I fiddled with nothing nor did I alter any settings in W10 for the pen

Sorry can't offer any more specific help but I do not perceive any issue for the average user. May be a pro would with the GO vs $1-2K Wacom tablet. But I think like many Pro's they only outline in tablets we play with and finish off in desktop studios like many creatives.

It's only us dabblers in art, photography and videography try and do it all on a single laptop. Pros will have a multitude of devices, OS's etc and take the best of all options.

Thank you, Steve. I appreciate your response: You make so much sense and for your demo. Still not sure what I am going to do. Maybe I am overthinking things in trying to consolidate. I am not a professional artist (I wish), but a fellow dabbler.

Appreciate your comments about Sketchable too. The apps/software are apparently the biggest hitch now.

Back to the drawing board as it were.

 

[SDColorado]

In terms of Windows 10 or just Windows in general now a days, how bad is it? I can remember pre-2011 when I first had my MacBook Pro and left Windows. The PC I had at the time was terrible with Windows on it (not sure if it was Vista or just before) but it was terrible, Windows would slow down, crash, need defragging on a regular basis and so on.

I jumped over to Mac and ever since I have MacOS has been great, in fact it’s not on my list of complaints for Apple or even the Mac. The lack of hardware updates and innovation is, especially when Microsoft seem to be doing just that.

As Steve mentions the defragging of the past with SSD's and the things are stupid fast to boot. They do a little internal housekeeping in both OS's, but no real difference there.

XP was bad at times, but pretty stable, though you did have to keep up with some housecleaning tasks to keep it running fast. Vista was just plain awful.

The current Windows 10 is a nice experience. It lacks the consistency throughout every application and program as MacOS has. That is probably MacOS's biggest strength these days in addition to the ECO hooks Steve mentions. But MacOS can also at times be frustrating in how it forces certain things as Apple sees fit and lacks the choice to change some things that Windows gives. As far as reliability, I haven't experienced crashes or BSOD's in either other than the Kernal Panic/BridgeOS issues with one of the 2018 MacBook Pro's

By and large no complaints whatsoever with MacOS in general, just a couple niggles and seriously Apple? WTF can't I change that? kinda things

I understand, my experience with Dell happened very early in 2017 so it is still fresh. Regardless, of Dell financial being separate, I will remain stubborn.

And apparently some folks updating to October W10 update are finding their documents and user profiles being wiped out.

..Sigh..

I haven't heard of any of those kinds of issues. Updated two machines here and absolutely no problems. Seems like some folks have issues though, whether it is Windows or MacOS. You always seem to see a post from someone about how things went wrong. Hard to say why.

 

[kazmac]

As Steve mentions the defragging of the past with SSD's and the things are stupid fast to boot. They do a little internal housekeeping in both OS's, but no real difference there.

XP was bad at times, but pretty stable, though you did have to keep up with some housecleaning tasks to keep it running fast. Vista was just plain awful.

The current Windows 10 is a nice experience. It lacks the consistency throughout every application and program as MacOS has. That is probably MacOS's biggest strength these days in addition to the ECO hooks Steve mentions. But MacOS can also at times be frustrating in how it forces certain things as Apple sees fit and lacks the choice to change some things that Windows gives. As far as reliability, I haven't experienced crashes or BSOD's in either other than the Kernal Panic/BridgeOS issues with one of the 2018 MacBook Pro's

By and large no complaints whatsoever with MacOS in general, just a couple niggles and seriously Apple? WTF can't I change that? kinda things



I haven't heard of any of those kinds of issues. Updated two machines here and absolutely no problems. Seems like some folks have issues though, whether it is Windows or MacOS. You always seem to see a post from someone about how things went wrong. Hard to say why.

As Steve mentions the defragging of the past with SSD's and the things are stupid fast to boot. They do a little internal housekeeping in both OS's, but no real difference there.

XP was bad at times, but pretty stable, though you did have to keep up with some housecleaning tasks to keep it running fast. Vista was just plain awful.

The current Windows 10 is a nice experience. It lacks the consistency throughout every application and program as MacOS has. That is probably MacOS's biggest strength these days in addition to the ECO hooks Steve mentions. But MacOS can also at times be frustrating in how it forces certain things as Apple sees fit and lacks the choice to change some things that Windows gives. As far as reliability, I haven't experienced crashes or BSOD's in either other than the Kernal Panic/BridgeOS issues with one of the 2018 MacBook Pro's

By and large no complaints whatsoever with MacOS in general, just a couple niggles and seriously Apple? WTF can't I change that? kinda things



I haven't heard of any of those kinds of issues. Updated two machines here and absolutely no problems. Seems like some folks have issues though, whether it is Windows or MacOS. You always seem to see a post from someone about how things went wrong. Hard to say why.

Very true. I should have posted the link to the Verge article where I saw that W10 issue I mentioned, here it is

https://www.theverge.com/2018/10/5/...october-2018-update-deleting-documents-issues

There is no such thing as perfect, so there are always risks with either OS.

Glad you haven’t had that issue.

As far as Apple, both OS are starting to become needlessly complex (the amount of stuff I have to shut off in iOS 12 is so annoying) also making me think WTF Apple.

So it is a toss up either way.

 

[SDColorado]

Very true. I should have posted the link to the Verge article where I saw that W10 issue I mentioned, here it is

https://www.theverge.com/2018/10/5/...october-2018-update-deleting-documents-issues

There is no such thing as perfect, so there are always risks with either OS.

Glad you haven’t had that issue.

As far as Apple, both OS are starting to become needlessly complex (the amount of stuff I have to shut off in iOS 12 is so annoying) also making me think WTF Apple.

So it is a toss up either way.

To be honest I thought I had an issue with one because it seemed hung up, but turns out my WiFi was down. It recovered just find and installed without issue. But anyone who does an upgrade without backing up and/or creating a restore point is just rolling the dice.

Some of the niggles I have in Apple are kind of simple things I take for granted in Windows 10. Like being able to set what happens if I press the power button or close the lid or press a key.

None of it is a dealbreaker, but part of Apples consistency and reliability comes from pretty much mandating certain aspects of the OS

 

[c0ppo]

And apparently some folks updating to October W10 update are finding their documents and user profiles being wiped out.

Didn't happen to me. But it brought Candy Crush back, and a bunch of other bloatware.
But even bigger annoyance was reseting lots of my settings, especially about privacy. MS does some idiotic stuff, and on purpose

You always seem to see a post from someone about how things went wrong. Hard to say why.

Look at it this way:

This morning I turned on my Windows/Mac computer. It worked like a charm. I've finally managed to polish my magic casting spells in Unity3D, and my artist finally finished modelling that small church in the village that was missing. After that updates to 3 apps came, along with major Windows/Mac update. Updated, my computer is nov safer, and even feels faster! Great job MS/Apple. After update my pc/mac even made coffee for me

Of course you won't read stuff like that on this forum. When rMBP was first released in 2012, my only gripes were with lack of ethernet port and some animation slowdowns. But nothing major, nothing that I couldn't easily work around. Turn off transparency, mac was fast again. Bought that one damn adaptor, got my ethernet back. And used that machine for 2 and a half years without any problems at all.

But as soon as 2016 arrived, and keyboard issues, I was all over the place complaining. I can't resolve the keyboard failing, unless I bring with me external keyboard, but that defeats the purpose of a laptop completely. Likewise, thermal throttling, t2 kernel panics, speakers crackling, lousy windows updates with loads of bloatware, etc...

Well, those things tend to be mentioned. And somehow they are way more interesting to read then my first anecdotal story, isn't it?

 

[kazmac]

To be honest I thought I had an issue with one because it seemed hung up, but turns out my WiFi was down. It recovered just find and installed without issue. But anyone who does an upgrade without backing up and/or creating a restore point is just rolling the dice.

Some of the niggles I have in Apple are kind of simple things I take for granted in Windows 10. Like being able to set what happens if I press the power button or close the lid or press a key.

None of it is a dealbreaker, but part of Apples consistency and reliability comes from pretty much mandating certain aspects of the OS

All fair points and thanks for using the MS terminology for time machine (creating a system restore point). I admit I am still intimidated by Windows but... the hardware is calling me.
[doublepost=1538779175][/doublepost]

Didn't happen to me. But it brought Candy Crush back, and a bunch of other bloatware.
But even bigger annoyance was reseting lots of my settings, especially about privacy. MS does some idiotic stuff, and on purpose



Look at it this way:

This morning I turned on my Windows/Mac computer. It worked like a charm. I've finally managed to polish my magic casting spells in Unity3D, and my artist finally finished modelling that small church in the village that was missing. After that updates to 3 apps came, along with major Windows/Mac update. Updated, my computer is nov safer, and even feels faster! Great job MS/Apple. After update my pc/mac even made coffee for me

Of course you won't read stuff like that on this forum. When rMBP was first released in 2012, my only gripes were with lack of ethernet port and some animation slowdowns. But nothing major, nothing that I couldn't easily work around. Turn off transparency, mac was fast again. Bought that one damn adaptor, got my ethernet back. And used that machine for 2 and a half years without any problems at all.

But as soon as 2016 arrived, and keyboard issues, I was all over the place complaining. I can't resolve the keyboard failing, unless I bring with me external keyboard, but that defeats the purpose of a laptop completely. Likewise, thermal throttling, t2 kernel panics, speakers crackling, lousy windows updates with loads of bloatware, etc...

Well, those things tend to be mentioned. And somehow they are way more interesting to read then my first anecdotal story, isn't it?

LOL great post.

Hem...I have to reset all of the privacy, notification etc. settings in each new iOS.
Quite annoying. I don’t use iCloud, so I suppose the obnoxious privacy reset wouldn’t quite surprise me. I appreciate you letting me know about that so if I fire my Acer up again (I think I need to, it has been months), I will double check those privacy settings.

 

[SDColorado]

All fair points and thanks for using the MS terminology for time machine (creating a system restore point). I admit I am still intimidated by Windows but... the hardware is calling me

There are a number of options for recovery if you have backed up, including "Restore Personal Files." It is always a good idea to back up before upgrading an OS version, whether the Windows 10 fall update or Mojave.

 

[OdT22]

OS updates are supposed to be dangerous. Live a little! Lol

Our 2 (SPs) installed the 1809 update without any mishaps. I did it on day one and had to use the installer. She got hers done with Windows Update a day later. Not sure why I wasn’t able to get past 1803 with Windows Update, but it wasn’t an issue to click a few more times. Either way, no files missing. Which may have something to do with OneDrive?

 

[SDColorado]

OS updates are supposed to be dangerous. Live a little! Lol

Our 2 (SPs) installed the 1809 update without any mishaps. I did it on day one and had to use the installer. She got hers done with Windows Update a day later. Not sure why I wasn’t able to get past 1803 with Windows Update, but it wasn’t an issue to click a few more times. Either way, no files missing. Which may have something to do with OneDrive?

You very likely would have gotten it with Windows Update sometime between Oct. 2 and Oct. 9. Microsoft says they use “real-time feedback and telemetry” to determine what they call a “phased and controlled” roll-out of Windows.

Which I suppose makes sense when you consider the number of Windows machines being updated. But they say the roll-out will occur between Oct. 2-9

 

[OdT22]

You very likely would have gotten it with Windows Update sometime between Oct. 2 and Oct. 9. Microsoft says they use “real-time feedback and telemetry” to determine what they call a “phased and controlled” roll-out of Windows.

Which I suppose makes sense when you consider the number of Windows machines being updated. But they say the roll-out will occur between Oct. 2-9

Right on. I like the cosmetic changes, but the new snipping tool is the only new feature I’m curious to master. I don’t spend much time tweaking stuff, and have no interest in having a relationship with my operating systems. Ironic as that may seem, that’s how I first took an interest in MacOS when Windows became a lot of damn work. Now it’s a pleasant reverse. Fun and tedious both.

Wouldn’t it be cool to sit down with both CEOs and spend a day going through your workflow? I guess we’d need google there too. The tasks are obvious, but the keystrokes are not

 

[kazmac]

Kind of surprised at this article on appleinsider so harshly ripping the Surface products a new one, particularly the SS2. That level of bashing seems odd for them, but I wouldn't know because I did not read any previous Surface articles they've written.

https://appleinsider.com/articles/1...rears-up-again-with-the-latest-surface-update


The price hikes for the sake of price hikes are not good, I'll agree and I think it stinks with any manufacturer.

I think what sets me off about Apple doing that is that it is blatant to increase their profits and the doublespeak that just drives me bonkers. If the tech does what I want with minimum hardware or software hiccups, I'll pay a bit more because I expect it to last (that's why I was so utterly gutted with the iPad Pro saying pfffbbtt...pfffbbttt argh! after a few months).

As far as OS, I cannot speak from a Windows perspective since I've barely used it at home beyond being frustrated and quite uncomfortable with it (and don't care at work because IT takes care of any issues I may have).

I really applaud folks that can volley between 2-3 operating systems with little issue. I just want easy that gets out of my way, so I can draw, write, create. You guys are awesome.

 

[maflynn]

Kind of surprised at this article on appleinsider so harshly ripping the Surface products

Why are you surprised - Appleinsider is an apple fan site. Of course they're going to come down on any thing from Microsoft.

To be fair, I don't frequent appleinsider do I don't know if they're anything like imore with its blind allegiance to apple.

With that said, I think MS more or less wife on the rollout of new machines. Yes, its a spec update, but given how the competition is embracing USB-C, I think the lack of modern (read current) ports is a mistake on MS' part.

 

[Dave245]

With there rumoured to be a complete redesign next year for the Surface Pro, I’m intrigued as to how they are going to redesign it. I just hope they don’t do what Apple do and put up the price with a redesign. People are already speculating that the iPad Pro with Face ID will get a price hike.

The Surface Pro 6 now has a quad core processor, does that mean it can compete with Apple’s 13” MacBook Pro? In other words is it a proper intel quad core chip?

If I were to get one I’m unsure as to what specs I should get (won’t be making a decision until Apple have held their event later this month).

 

[SDColorado]

Why are you surprised - Appleinsider is an apple fan site. Of course they're going to come down on any thing from Microsoft.

To be fair, I don't frequent appleinsider do I don't know if they're anything like imore with its blind allegiance to apple.

With that said, I think MS more or less wife on the rollout of new machines. Yes, its a spec update, but given how the competition is embracing USB-C, I think the lack of modern (read current) ports is a mistake on MS' part.

A little like going to Rossman's YouTube channel and being surprised when he comes down hard on Apple (not that some of the criticisms aren't deserved)

I was REALLY hoping for an updated Surface Book 2.5/3 in black with USB-C

 

[kazmac]

Why are you surprised - Appleinsider is an apple fan site. Of course they're going to come down on any thing from Microsoft.

To be fair, I don't frequent appleinsider do I don't know if they're anything like imore with its blind allegiance to apple.

With that said, I think MS more or less wife on the rollout of new machines. Yes, its a spec update, but given how the competition is embracing USB-C, I think the lack of modern (read current) ports is a mistake on MS' part.

A fair question. I think I was surprised because it was so harsh and blindly praising Apple; which, no shouldn’t be so surprising, but I have never read anything that scathing/butt kissy on their site. I am sure they’ve written similar material though.

And the spec bumps call is, of course, quite accurate. Everyone does spec bumps so I can understand some heat, but that much when the Studio has vastly improved specs over its rightly criticized launch specs?

I wonder if they would feel the same way after actually testing and using the Studio?

Naturally, given my rather scathing criticism of Apple these past few years, I want nothing more than to have better products for the prices asked.

 

[SteveJUAE]

Kind of surprised at this article on appleinsider so harshly ripping the Surface products a new one, particularly the SS2. That level of bashing seems odd for them, but I wouldn't know because I did not read any previous Surface articles they've written.

https://appleinsider.com/articles/1...rears-up-again-with-the-latest-surface-update


The price hikes for the sake of price hikes are not good, I'll agree and I think it stinks with any manufacturer.

I think what sets me off about Apple doing that is that it is blatant to increase their profits and the doublespeak that just drives me bonkers. If the tech does what I want with minimum hardware or software hiccups, I'll pay a bit more because I expect it to last (that's why I was so utterly gutted with the iPad Pro saying pfffbbtt...pfffbbttt argh! after a few months).

As far as OS, I cannot speak from a Windows perspective since I've barely used it at home beyond being frustrated and quite uncomfortable with it (and don't care at work because IT takes care of any issues I may have).

I really applaud folks that can volley between 2-3 operating systems with little issue. I just want easy that gets out of my way, so I can draw, write, create. You guys are awesome.

I think 30 comment replies on the site about sums up the worth of the article

As ever someone trys to fit MS products in to an Apple pigeon hole, he even compares the SS to and IPP lol

Not sure what the beef is on USB-C but MS have 2 product lines (SB2 and the GO) out of 5 with USB-C that's substantially better than some other OEM's we know

For todays world they have 5 out of 5 product lines with touch/mouse/TP/KB/Pen support which is a far more important basic requirement than a port that can supply a bit more power However I agree they could simply add one USB-C or possible make an adaptor that uses the proprietary port for the other 3 of 5

 

[SteveJUAE]

With there rumoured to be a complete redesign next year for the Surface Pro, I’m intrigued as to how they are going to redesign it. I just hope they don’t do what Apple do and put up the price with a redesign. People are already speculating that the iPad Pro with Face ID will get a price hike.

The Surface Pro 6 now has a quad core processor, does that mean it can compete with Apple’s 13” MacBook Pro? In other words is a it proper intel quad core chip?

If I were to get one I’m unsure as to what specs I should get (won’t be making a decision until Apple have held their event later this month).

Yes but under a different philosophy

The main difference is Apple use the 25w chip and MS (and most others) tend to use the 15w. Apple are alone in using their CPU as it's not enterprise ready (ie all the clever stuff your IT dept can in maintaining your laptop remotely) so it gets ruled out by many corporations.

Otherwise simply it's a balance on thermals and power management. Typically the 15w mobile CPU are all about burst speed and trying to sip power where the 25w can sustain higher clock speed for longer if designed correctly etc etc battery size etc and both do a good job

Whilst it use to be true that quads had a lower single core speed this has largely caught up but you still need software that can take full advantage of all cores. You may be surprised how little software is designed for multiple cores and even then only certain aspects may use all cores.

For the average user most are not doing continuous sustained load on their laptops. This is why you see so much chat on MR about rendering and video's as it plays to the strength of the 25w chip but they stray away from more balanced software or progs or games that use graphic as it's a lessor strength of MBP's.

As always we see example of it saved me 10mins on export time and I could meet my deadline which I think is complete waffle and irrelevant for more that 85% of Apple owners who are not professionals, go and get a cup of tea.

Lets face it the number of pro's working in a remote field is negligible Q-6 being a notable exception who works literally in the jungle LOL. Most Pro's will have a verity of devices and if time is that's critical they would be doing final prep on a stonking great luggable or desktop or cloud rendering services .

It's easy to build what if scenarios but reality is different. Don't get me wrong I am all for over spec'ing and have done for years as it comes part and parcel with most premium devices. Although it was nice too stretch the rMB it did get tiresome being a low spec premium device but I gained some valuable insight to my daily usage.

The surface range (SP/SB) to me is all about flexibility in both physical and practical use at home. I do not want to keep swapping devices to do little jobs on occasion. I can afford but can't justify buying a Wacom or even $1500 IPP just to do the occasional touch-up on a photo or picture with a pen that's far easier than a mouse or TP or send comments on a PDF file/drawing.

The value of the surface's is undeniable if you cannot justify spending $1000 or more for a separate standalone device that may only get you 5 or 10% better experience IMO. If the SP/SB2 was $1000 more than the equivalent MBP because of touch, pen and detachable tablet I could understand, but moaning about lack of USB-C or even TB3 considering what is bundled is just . Wishing and hopefully thinking is a different matter

 

[kazmac]

Kaby Lake are four cores...I want at least 6 cores in my replacement machine for the 2013 iMac.

I guess I will wait for a SP6 on sale to become my possible iPP replacement.

 

[Dave245]

If anyone in this thread gets a Surface Pro 6, could you post a little review on here? just to let others know what you think of it

 

[Bodie CI5]

Honestly, I wish I had delved into the Surface line much more deeply than I had in December of last year where I spent $3000AUD on one of the most over-hyped pieces of hardware ever.

- Cortana even worse than the much maligned Siri.

- Initial setup took me longer than 12hrs to complete. (Windows update issues - constant looping)

- Windows Hello is not the bees knees everyone makes it out to be.

- Exorbitant (read, extortionate) pricing on RAM and SSD (more on this later)

- Laggy pen

- Windows still bad at scaling especially for Remote Desktop client where one needs a magnifying glass to actually read anything. And it’s Microsoft’s own hardware!

- Poor at outputting to 4K monitor

I do like its screen and audio output, though. It’s keyboard is great too.

- The NVME is such a poor performer it’s made me feel I’ve paid top premium pricing of 3000AUD for what should be a 1500AUD laptop in terms of performance. And that’s even after with the supposed ‘fix’ for Samsung SSDs. Laggy pen is not restricted to just the pen but even to its trackpad (which I do actually like). Not sure why MS has not been called out for these issues, apart from a few disparate articles here and there. Honestly, the complicit non-focus on especially the SSD issue is so irksome form the likes of youtubers to magazine reviewers to even our own Macrumors (the article earlier this year) as to be wholly disempowering.

Apple would be crucified if it released a product with these sort of issues.