Surface Devices

[AndyMacAndMic]

It has been known that there are 2 brands of the SSD in the SP4 and SB/SB2: Toshiba and Samsung. The Toshiba one is 1/2 the speed of the Samsung. Check your Smart report to see which one you have
[doublepost=1539718434][/doublepost]

Any links or iFixit link to prove this?

Just found an article claiming that the consumer version is fanless and it has the slower/non-Vpro i5-8250U. I’ll wait for official iFixit teardown for confirmation.

The i5 8250U is a turn off to me since you don’t have the exclusivity of the past gen Surface Pros where has the slightly faster, slightly faster iGPU, vpro/vt-d enabled i5 chips. Now you have to fork for the i5 business version or i7 model to get that exclusivity since the typical i7 on the consumer laptops have the slower and non vPro i7-8550U

All recent reviews on YouTube mention that the i5 is fanless:

Mobile Tech Review (from about 7:20):

Just search on Surface Pro 6 on YouTube and pick the most recent ones.
The fanless design seems to do it's job perfectly. No overheating and no throttling below the base frequency. The max temperature stays around 60 degrees centigrade.

Also the i58250U is a 8 gen quad core instead of the dual core processors of previous Surfaces. All reviews I have seen claim that the graphics performance is in practice about the same as the previous generation, but the cpu speed is faster. Also it runs longer on a battery charge than previous generations, which is surprising since this CPU has more cores.

 

[max.ine]

Are there any Surface models without the touchscreen capability? I’ve been considering buying a Surface, but I’m really not sure if I want to shell out the extra money for a feature I don’t need.

 

[AndyMacAndMic]

Are there any Surface models without the touchscreen capability? I’ve been considering buying a Surface, but I’m really not sure if I want to shell out the extra money for a feature I don’t need.

All Surface devices have touch capability. That is the core design. That's what they are famous for. If you don't need that, don't buy a Surface.

 

[max.ine]

All Surface devices have touch capability. That is the core design. That's what they are famous for. If you don't need that, don't buy a Surface.

Thanks for the reply. I know they’re great devices and I really respect what Microsoft has accomplished with them, but the touchscreen isn’t something that appeals to me personally.

 

[SDColorado]

Thanks for the reply. I know they’re great devices and I really respect what Microsoft has accomplished with them, but the touchscreen isn’t something that appeals to me personally.

It grows on you the more you use it. It is funny the people who will defend the touch bar on the MBP, but then say that the touchscreen doesn't appeal.

Obviously, I am not referring to you with that statement as I have no idea where you stand on the touch bar either, but on a device like the Surface Pro or similar, it's a nice feature.

 

[max.ine]

It grows on you the more you use it. It is funny the people who will defend the touch bar on the MBP, but then say that the touchscreen doesn't appeal.

Obviously, I am not referring to you with that statement as I have no idea where you stand on the touch bar either, but on a device like the Surface Pro or similar, it's a nice feature.

Nah, I totally agree with you—the Surface has actually looked really appealing to me ever since it was first unveiled, but the higher-spec models have always been too far out of my price range. I’m sure the technology will become more affordable with time, and should that time come, I’ll probably switch to a Surface right away.

 

[SDColorado]

Nah, I totally agree with you—the Surface has actually looked really appealing to me ever since it was first unveiled, but the higher-spec models have always been too far out of my price range. I’m sure the technology will become more affordable with time, and should that time come, I’ll probably switch to a Surface right away.

Where I think I like the touchscreen the most is for air travel where you only have that tiny seatback tray. Just using the kickstand and navigating with touch is easy and efficient in the cramped space. There are some good deals right now on leftover stock of the Surface Pro 2017 models, but "affordable" is still a relative term as far as those go

 

[SteveJUAE]

Are there any Surface models without the touchscreen capability? I’ve been considering buying a Surface, but I’m really not sure if I want to shell out the extra money for a feature I don’t need.

As others have noted there is not an option of non touch on any of the surface range

But lets pretend for a moment there was (using a bit of guess work and a bit of data from other OEM's) a non touch model

Ignoring the actual touch features and format/footprint versatility vs say a clamshell

The simple downs of touch version

• According to Lenovo the delta cost for a touch and non touch screen on the 470 is around $75 (Dell is considerable more at $350 but you have gone from a 1080p to super duper 4k screen)
• Most seem to note a touch version is around 0.1 to 0,2 pounds more (45 to 90 grams)
• You could loose 20 to 40 nits due to extra screen layer
• You may get more finger prints on your screen
• You could loose 1/4 to 1/2 hour of battery life, pure guess as most sites are comparing significant display delta like Dell 4K screen

The simple Up's of touch version

• You gain a much stronger scratch resistant (Gorilla Glass) screen, its less likely to break if dropped
• You can use your device without a KB
• You can use a pen
• You gain the advantages with some software packages that have extra features for touch
• It can replace a secondary device like a tablet
• It can avoid for many having to buy a digitiser pad (Wacom)

In this simple theoretical example I can't see why someone would not want a touch version even if it was seldom used for probably a minor cost delta

When you actually compare spec to spec of equivalent premium build there is no significant price delta due to 2 in 1 format and if anything it gives you more options to save money by potentially eliminating other devices if you so choose. If you can get pass the clamshell format then the SB2 is a good alternative.

I think your misguided if you think you are paying for some significant additional premium because of the format. There are less expensive models available depending on what spec you want etc.

 

[Bodie CI5]

No problem

I may have a partial solution for you

I just tried my old Samsung T1 external SSD which is USB-A but via a dongle I plugged it in to the USB-C port as it should be a little faster

Running CrystalDiscMark 6 I was able to get just under 400 write speeds (340 seemed tops with your internal SSD) but not much more read but this is a fairly old SSD

Considering you now need more SSD perhaps the new T5 version could work for you if you can get one to try which now comes with USB-C it may be an option or maybe another brand

https://www.samsung.com/us/computin...tate-drives/portable-ssd-t5-1tb-mu-pa1t0b-am/

The whole point of me writing that first post was to once and for all leave the Surface line-up and sell this thing.

Instead I go out and buy the T5 1tb .

I'll hook it up later today and give it a whirl. So I guess I can forget about buying a new iPad Pro lol.

You guys tempt me too much

 

[SteveJUAE]

The whole point of me writing that first post was to once and for all leave the Surface line-up and sell this thing.

Instead I go out and buy the T5 1tb .

I'll hook it up later today and give it a whirl. So I guess I can forget about buying a new iPad Pro lol.

You guys tempt me too much

I hope it works out for you even if not the T5 is a great little SSD with plenty of other uses

You know you do not want another IPP LOL may be a black SP6

If the SB2 had a TB3 you could at a mere $600 got the super speedy external drive

 

[SDColorado]

The whole point of me writing that first post was to once and for all leave the Surface line-up and sell this thing.

Instead I go out and buy the T5 1tb .

I'll hook it up later today and give it a whirl. So I guess I can forget about buying a new iPad Pro lol.

You guys tempt me too much

Look at it this way, whatever you do in the future, Surface or Mac, the T5 1TB drive is a damned nice drive

You know you do not want another IPP LOL may be a black SP6

Man, *I* want a black SP6 and I just purchased the SP 2017 last August. I would never recoup enough money on a trade-in, but I may look at a private sale. Still has 3 years warranty since I picked it up as a business purchase I may have to list it locally and see what I can fetch.

SB3 with Thunderbolt in black would have been on pre-order had they announced one.​

 

[SteveJUAE]

Man, *I* want a black SP6 and I just purchased the SP 2017 last August. I would never recoup enough money on a trade-in, but I may look at a private sale. Still has 3 years warranty since I picked it up as a business purchase I may have to list it locally and see what I can fetch.​

​

SB3 with Thunderbolt in black would have been on pre-order had they announced one.​

Yep when Lisa Gade had the SP6 Black in her hand it looked great and got a good thumbs up from her, but I must resist else as you note SB3 black TB3 the old CC would be spanked immediately LOL

 

[Bodie CI5]

I hope it works out for you even if not the T5 is a great little SSD with plenty of other uses

You know you do not want another IPP LOL may be a black SP6

If the SB2 had a TB3 you could at a mere $600 got the super speedy external drive

Look at it this way, whatever you do in the future, Surface or Mac, the T5 1TB drive is a damned nice drive

Very true, although as you say a TB3 one would be sweet - might get one for the Lenovo X1 Carbon I have (I better not, my CC is shot lol). But yep, this is indeed a very sweet drive! I have an older Samsung external SSD, I can't remember the model no. but it too is excellent for my MBP backups. The T5 should absolutely rip it

lol re an SP6 in black... purchasing a whole lot of hardware in the 2nd half of 2017 and I'm still feeling the repercussions financially . In addition, I am also kinda partial to the Surface Studio. Don't know how I would make best use of it (maybe image processing for the astro stuff I mentioned). But I'd have family members breathing down my neck lol.

A fanless SP6 however

 

[Dave245]

One thing i have wondered is why Microsoft didn't update the Surface Book at the same time as the Surface Laptop, Surface Pro 6 and Surface Studio 2?

 

[Bodie CI5]

One thing i have wondered is why Microsoft didn't update the Surface Book at the same time as the Surface Laptop, Surface Pro 6 and Surface Studio 2?

As I recall, SB has a two year cadence.

I hope they include TB3 next round. (We should start some e-bets )

 

[SDColorado]

As I recall, SB has a two year cadence.

I hope they include TB3 next round. (We should start some e-bets )

I am wondering if they will do a Spring event and if so, will we see an update then?

 

[Bodie CI5]

I am wondering if they will do a Spring event and if so, will we see an update then?

Good question on the timing - Spring would coincide with their Developers Conference? Was it summer when SB2 was announced?

My wallet would opt for a later date

 

[Dave245]

As I recall, SB has a two year cadence.

I hope they include TB3 next round. (We should start some e-bets )

I did not know that I’m not overly familiar with Microsoft products. I wonder when the Surface Book 3 will get announced? if I remember correctly they didn’t hold an event for the Book 2, just a silent update I think?

On another note I wonder when the Surface headphones will be available in the UK? nothing has been mentioned yet. I have seen a review in Twitter that says they sound really good.

 

[Bodie CI5]

I did not know that I’m not overly familiar with Microsoft products. I wonder when the Surface Book 3 will get announced? if I remember correctly they didn’t hold an event for the Book 2, just a silent update I think?

On another note I wonder when the Surface headphones will be available in the UK? nothing has been mentioned yet. I have seen a review in Twitter that says they sound really good.

Hi Dave, Sorry that sounded a little too official. I had read a speculation article somewhere a couple weeks ago where the reporter thought we would not see an SB3 this year, but would see SP6 etc. The reporter reasoned that since we saw a release cycle of 2 years from SB1 to SB2, it would stand to reason that we'd need to wait till next before we see an SB3. Kinda makes sense.

I think there may have been a keynote last year which included the SB2. Seems as though I remember Panos Panay talking some specs? My memory's a little hazy, though, and I'm probably wrong. I remember getting hyped for the SB2 watching videos on it after it got announced that night after work.

Yes, the Surface headphones definitely loo sweet as! I, too, am a little concerned. Unless I've missed it, I have seen no reference made to them on the Australian MS Store. Fingers crossed!

 

[SDColorado]

Hi Dave, Sorry that sounded a little too official. I had read a speculation article somewhere a couple weeks ago where the reporter thought we would not see an SB3 this year, but would see SP6 etc. The reporter reasoned that since we saw a release cycle of 2 years from SB1 to SB2, it would stand to reason that we'd need to wait till next before we see an SB3. Kinda makes sense.

I think there may have been a keynote last year which included the SB2. Seems as though I remember Panos Panay talking some specs? My memory's a little hazy, though, and I'm probably wrong. I remember getting hyped for the SB2 watching videos on it after it got announced that night after work.

Yes, the Surface headphones definitely loo sweet as! I, too, am a little concerned. Unless I've missed it, I have seen no reference made to them on the Australian MS Store. Fingers crossed!

Yes, the typical release cycle has been Fall 2015 for the Surface and October 2017 for the Surface Book 2, so speculation for a Surface Book 3 is October 2019. However if the black color is popular enough and TB3 demand strong enough, could we be surprised by a spring release? Maybe not, but who knows


The new headphones are a little buried on the US site under PCs & Devices —> Accessories. They show a pre-order start date of 11/15 and shipping starting 11/19.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.th...eadphones-hands-on-sound-quality-anc-features

 

[Dave245]

With Apple's event now confirmed for the 30th, i will be watching to see what they actually do, i really hope they move the iPad Pro forward. A new MacBook at general consumers would be nice as well.

 

[SDColorado]

With Apple's event now confirmed for the 30th, i will be watching to see what they actually do, I really hope they move the iPad Pro forward. A new MacBook at general consumers would be nice as well.

In what way are you hoping that they will move the iPad forward? About the only rumored feature that sounds somewhat interesting to me is the one that it might feature a USB-C port that will allow it to display to an external 4K monitor. That could be useful I suppose if someone really is trying to make it their only computing device. That and tabbed apps might have some appeal.

The rest of the rumored changes seem more evolutionary than revolutionary...

https://www.macworld.com/article/3238185/ios/ipad-2018-rumors.html

 

[Dave245]

In what way are you hoping that they will move the iPad forward? About the only rumored feature that sounds somewhat interesting to me is the one that it might feature a USB-C port that will allow it to display to an external 4K monitor. That could be useful I suppose if someone really is trying to make it their only computing device. That and tabbed apps might have some appeal.

The rest of the rumored changes seem more evolutionary than revolutionary...

https://www.macworld.com/article/3238185/ios/ipad-2018-rumors.html

I’m hoping for the iPad Pros to get more productive. Full Photoshop is coming in 2019, that is a step in the right direction. Give us writers a better keyboard so that we can use it for long writing sessions, make the iPad Pro able to tilt at different angles (like the Surface) so I don’t have to strain my neck at the same angle on the couch, in the home office, in the kitchen or the bedroom.

Also change the way that the Pencil is paired to the iPad Pro, putting it in the lightning connector is just ridiculous. I love using the Apple Pencil tho it’s a great device.

 

[SDColorado]

I’m hoping for the iPad Pros to get more productive. Full Photoshop is coming in 2019, that is a step in the right direction. Give us writers a better keyboard so that we can use it for long writing sessions, make the iPad Pro able to tilt at different angles (like the Surface) so I don’t have to strain my neck at the same angle on the couch, in the home office, in the kitchen or the bedroom.

Also change the way that the Pencil is paired to the iPad Pro, putting it in the lightning connector is just ridiculous. I love using the Apple Pencil tho it’s a great device.

I don't know that you will see it become much more productive as a computing device other than the possible ability to output to a 4K display (if the rumors are even true) and the tabbed apps. It is still bound by the limitations of a mobile IOS. It will never be a 2-1 device like the Surface. The Pixel Slate is maybe more likely to be the Surface Pro's main competitor. But even then... Chrome...

The way the pencil is paired/charged is ridiculous. Either plug it into the lightning connector where you now have a spear sticking out the end or use a dongle. I have an Apple pencil charger similar to this one, but it is still a flawed design. My Microsoft Pen is still on 63% charge after a year on the same AAAA (yes 4 A's) OEM battery. But Apple wanted to make it thinner

https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=BL3M3WCv&id=EE2D54EC7674DBE76F1BBAB14C9E6016AC781F86&thid=OIP.BL3M3WCvOTaOTRwf4phwYwHaHa&mediaurl=https://dfk8hf9p19dtk.cloudfront.net/E/EL6136T6A3ZG-4.jpg&exph=800&expw=800&q=apple+pencil+charger&simid=608021699381559314&selectedIndex=57&ajaxhist=0

Actually, Microsoft has supposedly been working on a "solar" powered pen that recharges from the light emitted by the display while you use it. I was hoping to see that this October, but maybe we see it next year?

https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/microsoft-solar-powered-surface-pen-patent/

Seriously Apple... what were you thinking when you decided to use a Narwhal as inspiration?

 

[xraydoc]

I don't know that you will see it become much more productive as a computing device other than the possible ability to output to a 4K display (if the rumors are even true) and the tabbed apps. It is still bound by the limitations of a mobile IOS. It will never be a 2-1 device like the Surface. The Pixel Slate is maybe more likely to be the Surface Pro's main competitor. But even then... Chrome...

The way the pencil is paired/charged is ridiculous. Either plug it into the lightning connector where you now have a spear sticking out the end or use a dongle. I have an Apple pencil charger similar to this one, but it is still a flawed design. My Microsoft Pen is still on 63% charge after a year on the same AAAA (yes 4 A's) OEM battery. But Apple wanted to make it thinner

https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=BL3M3WCv&id=EE2D54EC7674DBE76F1BBAB14C9E6016AC781F86&thid=OIP.BL3M3WCvOTaOTRwf4phwYwHaHa&mediaurl=https://dfk8hf9p19dtk.cloudfront.net/E/EL6136T6A3ZG-4.jpg&exph=800&expw=800&q=apple+pencil+charger&simid=608021699381559314&selectedIndex=57&ajaxhist=0

Actually, Microsoft has supposedly been working on a "solar" powered pen that recharges from the light emitted by the display while you use it. I was hoping to see that this October, but maybe we see it next year?

https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/microsoft-solar-powered-surface-pen-patent/

Seriously Apple... what were you thinking when you decided to use a Narwhal as inspiration?

I definitely appreciate the fact that I never have to worry about charging my pen again. And don't need to constantly dismiss notifications about its low battery level like I did on my iPad Pro.
AAAA certainly aren't common, but since they last over a year, I'm not too concerned.