Surface Devices

[SteveJUAE]

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 it's 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.

You can always buy more than one It's not like you have to pop down to 7 - 11 because it ran out at midnight LOL

Personally I find the Apple pencil too long maybe because I come from an engineering background with clutch and self propelling precision pencils originally opposed to the old wooden graphite style but the Surface pen is more than an inch shorter (30mm) and only 0.6mm larger in diameter, both have the same weight.

The Surface pen also mimics my preferred style with it's clever imaginary eraser and click action button

 

[SDColorado]

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 it's 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.

When I first purchased my Surface Pro in August 2017, I was worried about how long the battery would last, so one of the first things I did was purchase a 4 pack of AAAA batteries from Amazon. The Amazon Basics brand was a good price for 4. But here it is October and I am still at 63%, so I am thinking maybe I purchased a 6-8 year supply?

The Surface pen also mimics my preferred style with it's clever imaginary eraser and click action button

I also like the eraser. Much more so than stopping what I am doing, choosing the erase tool, erasing text, choosing the pen tool again. Just flipping the darned thing over and erasing makes way more sense.

The button is great too and being able to assign various tasks to a single click, double click, etc. is useful.​

 

[Dave245]

The Surface Pen I've only had the chance to use once at a Curries PC World here in the UK (for those who are not in the UK it's an electronics store) to be honest i did like the Surface Pen, i didn't notice any lag or anything like that. To be fair tho its not like i knew what i was doing, using the Surface was a whole new experience to me.

I do also like the Apple Pencil for drawing, it is a bit big tho and the way to pair it is ridiculous!

 

[The_Interloper]

One great thing people forget about the Surface Pen is that you can change the tips. I like the drag of the pre-installed tip, but there are ones with more or less ‘bite’ and hardness, unlike the single ‘hard plastic on smooth glass’ of the Apple Pencil.

 

[Dave245]

One great thing people forget about the Surface Pen is that you can change the tips. I like the drag of the pre-installed tip, but there are ones with more or less ‘bite’ and hardness, unlike the single ‘hard plastic on smooth glass’ of the Apple Pencil.

Maybe that’s something Apple could do with the Pencil.

 

[SDColorado]

One great thing people forget about the Surface Pen is that you can change the tips. I like the drag of the pre-installed tip, but there are ones with more or less ‘bite’ and hardness, unlike the single ‘hard plastic on smooth glass’ of the Apple Pencil.

I know that they have a kit that included 3 or 4 different type to mimic various pencil types like 4h,2H, HB, B, etc. but I haven’t tried any of them.

I wonder if they have a demo pack in the store for trail. I like the standard tip, but hard to say if I would like one of the others better without paying for the add-on tip pack

 

[Dave245]

I know that they have a kit that included 3 or 4 different type to mimic various pencil types like 4h,2H, HB, B, etc. but I haven’t tried any of them.

I wonder if they have a demo pack in the store for trail. I like the standard tip, but hard to say if I would like one of the others better without paying for the add-on tip pack

Not sure about that, some places here in the UK don’t even have demo pens on display. Also with the Surface Book I tried to detach the display, it was attached to something so I couldn’t turn it around and attach it like Microsoft demoed.

 

[SDColorado]

Not sure about that, some places here in the UK don’t even have demo pens on display. Also with the Surface Book I tried to detach the display, it was attached to something so I couldn’t turn it around and attach it like Microsoft demoed.

The laptop was attached to something? Or the display was? The display is amazingly light and much easier to hold than I would have imagined.

Being able to turn the display around is a cool feature. With the foldable models such as the Yoga, they have to do a retractable keyboard design that comes with some compromises in key travel and still puts the keyboard face down.

The hinge design and the way it doesn’t fold flat due to it, seem a bit divisive. I fall on the. “Like it” side and appreciate the utility it provides. I also like that it looks unique and not like the countless clones on the market.

 

[Dave245]

The laptop was attached to something? Or the display was? The display is amazingly light and much easier to hold than I would have imagined.

Being able to turn the display around is a cool feature. With the foldable models such as the Yoga, they have to do a retractable keyboard design that comes with some compromises in key travel and still puts the keyboard face down.

The hinge design and the way it doesn’t fold flat due to it, seem a bit divisive. I fall on the. “Like it” side and appreciate the utility it provides. I also like that it looks unique and not like the countless clones on the market.

Both, the Surface Book 2 was attached to the desk with something also attaching the display (see the image i've attached) unfortunately i didn't get to test out the ability to remove the display and then re-attach it, i believe it's called "Studio Mode"

I really think Microsoft should offer something i would call "Surface experience." potential customers could try a Surface Book 2 or any other Surface device, maybe loan it for a few days so that people who are use to other devices such as Mac's can get a feel for it.

 

[SDColorado]

The Surface pen also mimics my preferred style with it's clever imaginary eraser and click action button

Both, the Surface Book 2 was attached to the desk with something also attaching the display (see the image i've attached) unfortunately i didn't get to test out the ability to remove the display and then re-attach it, i believe it's called "Studio Mode"

I really think Microsoft should offer something i would call "Surface experience." potential customers could try a Surface Book 2 or any other Surface device, maybe loan it for a few days so that people who are use to other devices such as Mac's can get a feel for it.

Wow. That is not very customer friendly. The Microsoft stores here will set up a 1:1 type of experience for you to go in and work with a consultant to see how a device works for you. I have played with the SB2 quite a bit on various visits. Removed the screen, flipped it around. Walked around the store with just the display, etc.

But as for a "surface experience" loaner for a few days? Well, they do have a 30 days return policy, which is already more than twice as long as Apples. But if you are looking for a loaner without having to pay first, good luck with that! Try walking into an Apple store and telling them you are a lifetime PC user but would like to borrow a MBP for 4 days to see how you like MacOS and the Apple experience? I am sure they would be more than happy to accommodate

There are a number of places in the US that will do short-term rentals of Surface devices such as meetingtomorrow, perhaps you have something similar there. But probably not a cheap way to demo. The better bet, if you have the funds, is to buy, try and return.

Studio mode is kind of the flat down mode. Surface Pro will go almost flat on the kickstand, with a slight angle. I think the Surface Pro will go a little flatter even. But I believe "studio mode" is technically that slight tilt. You also have "Tent Mode" which is handy on aircraft for reading, watching movies, etc. as it takes up very little room on the seat back tray.

 

[jackiejoo]

The Surface Pro is a good machine, similar in size to the 12" Macbook - I prefer the MAC OS and being able to text or make/take a call from my MAC. I'm not a tech guy, but you get much better specs for less $$. The Surface pen is easier and more convenient in my experience (the eraser) and you don't have to do the odd pairing/charging. If I could text and take/make calls on a Surface the same as my MAC it would be a no brainer as this is what applies to my usage for bith personal and business. Still eager to see what Apple does on the 30th.

 

[Dave245]

Wow. That is not very customer friendly. The Microsoft stores here will set up a 1:1 type of experience for you to go in and work with a consultant to see how a device works for you. I have played with the SB2 quite a bit on various visits. Removed the screen, flipped it around. Walked around the store with just the display, etc.

But as for a "surface experience" loaner for a few days? Well, they do have a 30 days return policy, which is already more than twice as long as Apples. But if you are looking for a loaner without having to pay first, good luck with that! Try walking into an Apple store and telling them you are a lifetime PC user but would like to borrow a MBP for 4 days to see how you like MacOS and the Apple experience? I am sure they would be more than happy to accommodate

There are a number of places in the US that will do short-term rentals of Surface devices such as meetingtomorrow, perhaps you have something similar there. But probably not a cheap way to demo. The better bet, if you have the funds, is to buy, try and return.

Studio mode is kind of the flat down mode. Surface Pro will go almost flat on the kickstand, with a slight angle. I think the Surface Pro will go a little flatter even. But I believe "studio mode" is technically that slight tilt. You also have "Tent Mode" which is handy on aircraft for reading, watching movies, etc. as it takes up very little room on the seat back tray.

No it isn’t, getting hands on really isn’t very good here in the U.K. since we don’t have Microsoft stores. At the moment my plan is to wait and see what Apple announce at their event on the 30th, if it’s lackluster and the new Mac’s are just not up to par then I will be looking towards either a Surface Pro or Surface Book, I may wait until there is a Surface Book 3. As I’ve said in previous posts my only concern is Windows 10 since I haven’t used Windows in long time (2011 was the last time).

I don’t know what Apple’s game plan is here but the iPad Pro could so much more, yes full Photoshop coming in 2019 is a good thing but innovating like Microsoft seem to be doing with the Surface lineup would be a good idea, Apple of old would of done so, I even wonder if they would of done the Surface before Microsoft? Would Steve jobs of liked the Surface range? Tim Cook seems more interested in the iPad Pro and IOS devices.

 

[SDColorado]

No it isn’t, getting hands on really isn’t very good here in the U.K. since we don’t have Microsoft stores. At the moment my plan is to wait and see what Apple announce at their event on the 30th, if it’s lackluster and the new Mac’s are just not up to par then I will be looking towards either a Surface Pro or Surface Book, I may wait until there is a Surface Book 3. As I’ve said in previous posts my only concern is Windows 10 since I haven’t used Windows in long time (2011 was the last time).

I don’t know what Apple’s game plan is here but the iPad Pro could so much more, yes full Photoshop coming in 2019 is a good thing but innovating like Microsoft seem to be doing with the Surface lineup would be a good idea, Apple of old would of done so, I even wonder if they would of done the Surface before Microsoft? Would Steve jobs of liked the Surface range? Tim Cook seems more interested in the iPad Pro and IOS devices.

I can appreciate the stress over returning to Windows. I switched over to Mac right before the Windows Vista debut. My wife was a year behind me and I watched her struggle with Vista and was glad to be done with it. But after the first couple of weeks of adjusting and remembering how to do certain things in Windows vs MacOS, the transition became easy. Largely I just forget which OS I am in from time to time and try to use Windows shortcuts on MacOS and vice versa.

Full photoshop on iPad Pro seems like a good idea, but I wonder what that will really look like? I am guessing from this Gizmodo article, it is an iPad optimized interface for the CC version in order to get around the IOS file system limitations?

Apple doesn't seem particularly interested in computers these days imho. Going into an Apple store tells you pretty much all you need to know. The store is dominated by iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch display cases and computers are in a back corner like pariahs of the Apple lineup

Here is the store nearest my house. The computers are to the left where nobody is standing. I think the Beats headphones get more interest. It is clear where the money is for Apple.

 

[Queen6]

Maybe that’s something Apple could do with the Pencil.

Yeah, but Apple would offer completely separate Pencils to ensure that they nickel & dime you the max...

Q-6

 

[maflynn]

Yeah, but Apple would offer completely separate Pencils to ensure that they nickel & dime you the max...

Q-6

not for nothing, buy MS seems intent on nickeling and diming their customers too ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

[Queen6]

not for nothing, buy MS seems intent on nickeling and diming their customers too ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Very true...

Q-6

 

[SteveJUAE]

I know that they have a kit that included 3 or 4 different type to mimic various pencil types like 4h,2H, HB, B, etc. but I haven’t tried any of them.

I wonder if they have a demo pack in the store for trail. I like the standard tip, but hard to say if I would like one of the others better without paying for the add-on tip pack

My middle son stole my ones and the Surface dock before I had chance to play

 

[SDColorado]

My middle son stole my ones and the Surface dock before I had chance to play

Next time I am at the mall I will ask if they have an open pack of those tips to experiment with. I just never think to ask them when I am there. I would be curious about how much a difference one really makes over another.

 

[SteveJUAE]

If I could text and take/make calls on a Surface the same as my MAC it would be a no brainer as this is what applies to my usage for bith personal and business.

That feature dividing line is very thin now with just receiving cell calls being the main/significant difference, if that's important to you

Notifications, Wifi calling, sms, eMessages etc all covered dialling out via cell is best done with BT headset

MS put a teaser out in 2016 for dialling and receiving but still waiting, they did release your phone recently and Samsung have a few apps
[doublepost=1540216166][/doublepost]

Next time I am at the mall I will ask if they have an open pack of those tips to experiment with. I just never think to ask them when I am there. I would be curious about how much a difference one really makes over another.

I can't free hand draw to save my life brick or pool cue same same for me LOL

 

[KarmaRocket]

not for nothing, buy MS seems intent on nickeling and diming their customers too ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

True. It's the one thing that's disappointing about Microsoft. They are one of the few companies that actually spend money on R&D like Apple and try to innovate, but they skimp out on things that would make sense like adding the keyboard and pen (or creating a bundle that would cost less than purchasing them separately). Or not adding USB-C/Thunderbolt. Or the one thing that kept me from purchasing the SB2 when they use cheaper marvell controllers for their storage and WiFi. At least Apple develops their own controllers or puts in premium ones to get maximum performance.

Apple has their own faults as well (subpar dGPU, MBP keyboard dilemma, dongles for basic connectivity etc). It's just frustrating when Microsoft gets so close (good CPU and GPU) and then skimps out on little things like storage and WiFi and then charge a premium for it.

 

[SDColorado]

...but they skimp out on things that would make sense like adding the keyboard and pen (or creating a bundle that would cost less than purchasing them separately).

I was given a bundle deal that included the type cover, pen, carrying case when I purchased my Surface Pro last year. I am not sure if it is an “in store” only promotion or if you have to ask if purchasing online. But there are some deals available like that. Also if you maintain level 2 on their rewards program from playing their silly quizzes you can get 10% off.

In addition to the student and military discounts, they also offer business discounts, even if self employed.

I get your drift that in some ways they are becoming more Applesque, in their ways by doing things such as no longer including the pen. But they aren’t quite there yet with lot of Apples nonsense such as no longer including the extension cord to the power supply.

 

[SteveJUAE]

I was given a bundle deal that included the type cover, pen, carrying case when I purchased my Surface Pro last year. I am not sure if it is an “in store” only promotion or if you have to ask if purchasing online. But there are some deals available like that. Also if you maintain level 2 on their rewards program from playing their silly quizzes you can get 10% off.

In addition to the student and military discounts, they also offer business discounts, even if self employed.

I get your drift that in some ways they are becoming more Applesque, in their ways by doing things such as no longer including the pen. But they aren’t quite there yet with lot of Apples nonsense such as no longer including the extension cord to the power supply.

I forgot as it was 3 years back but I got a bundle deal with my SP4/KB/Pen/Dock, nothing on my SB2 but the Go I got a $100 Thule backpack

Samsung similarly I have had free wireless charger pads 3 years in a row and 20% of accessories (case etc) and an annual subscription to 2 for 1 dining worth $60

The only bundled item with Apple is those useless Apple stickers and at onetime you use to get multi socket set for the charger on overseas purchase

 

[SDColorado]

I forgot as it was 3 years back but I got a bundle deal with my SP4/KB/Pen/Dock, nothing on my SB2 but the Go I got a $100 Thule backpack

Samsung similarly I have had free wireless charger pads 3 years in a row and 20% of accessories (case etc) and an annual subscription to 2 for 1 dining worth $60

The only bundled item with Apple is those useless Apple stickers and at onetime you use to get multi socket set for the charger on overseas purchase

Those bundles may be seasonal/promotional as they seem to change. But I have never seen an Apple bundle, seasonal or otherwise. Even their Black Friday sales are a letdown.

For those in the USA, Costco currently has a good bundle deal on the Surface Pro 2017 (or 5 as they have listed it.). $300 off and it comes with Surface Pen and Surface Pro Type Cover. Surface Pro 6 bundles are also available for pre-order from Costco and include Surface Pen and Surface Pro type cover. The warranty also appears to be doubled to 2 years through Costco.

Speaking of Costco, I was told in a phone conversation with their customer support staff many years ago, that the reason they don't carry Apple Computers, despite having the phones, iPads, Watches is that Apple was unwilling to do anything extra for Costco customers and would also not honor Costco's 90 day return policy on electronics. I guess Apple had stopped doing that on iPads, etc. for a while as well. But they are now back and have the 90 policy.

As for the useless Apple stickers. Those don't even come packaged with the 2018 models anymore. Just more cost cutting I guess? I mean it isn't a big deal and Microsoft/Lenvo/Dell, etc. don't include stickers either. But it was just one of those extras that you used to get from Apple that made the unboxing experience a little more special and apparently they are no more.

 

[SteveJUAE]

Those bundles may be seasonal/promotional as they seem to change. But I have never seen an Apple bundle, seasonal or otherwise. Even their Black Friday sales are a letdown.

For those in the USA, Costco currently has a good bundle deal on the Surface Pro 2017 (or 5 as they have listed it.). $300 off and it comes with Surface Pen and Surface Pro Type Cover. Surface Pro 6 bundles are also available for pre-order from Costco and include Surface Pen and Surface Pro type cover. The warranty also appears to be doubled to 2 years through Costco.

Speaking of Costco, I was told in a phone conversation with their customer support staff many years ago, that the reason they don't carry Apple Computers, despite having the phones, iPads, Watches is that Apple was unwilling to do anything extra for Costco customers and would also not honor Costco's 90 day return policy on electronics. I guess Apple had stopped doing that on iPads, etc. for a while as well. But they are now back and have the 90 policy.

As for the useless Apple stickers. Those don't even come packaged with the 2018 models anymore. Just more cost cutting I guess? I mean it isn't a big deal and Microsoft/Lenvo/Dell, etc. don't include stickers either. But it was just one of those extras that you used to get from Apple that made the unboxing experience a little more special and apparently they are no more.

When I was living in Houston Sam's club did specials on Ipad mini so I grabbed 4 of them for xmas stocking fillers one year. We also got a free pair of Beats on Ed discount MBP 15 one year, but they snapped. So did my other sons Beats which he bought . Between the 2 of them they have also gone trough 5 extra power bricks due to frayed cables at >$60 a go over the years.

 

[SDColorado]

When I was living in Houston Sam's club did specials on Ipad mini so I grabbed 4 of them for xmas stocking fillers one year. We also got a free pair of Beats on Ed discount MBP 15 one year, but they snapped. So did my other sons Beats which he bought . Between the 2 of them they have also gone trough 5 extra power bricks due to frayed cables at >$60 a go over the years.

That pretty much sums up beats, nothing but bass in a fragile design. They all snap eventually.

Speaking of headphones, I hope Surface and others don't follow Apples lead in dumping headphone jacks. If you forget that 1" dongle with the spaghetti thin cord, it will cost you $18 at the Airport to replace it. No, it isn't Apples fault that the Airport doubles the price for those in need, but I hate the fact that I even need one and have to remember to pack it.