Surface Devices

[SDColorado]

No problem mate thought you had forgotten it was same poster

I expect lag with KB may be in reference to remote desktop as I see this when IT log in to my work laptop, but it's to be expected especially if you have 2 laptops side by side it's more apparent

I did forget the specifics and the recommendation. It was the 256SSD? I do recall the whole T5 recommendation now

I can understand how a keyboard would be an issue with remote desktop. Sort of like phone, you don't realize how much of a lag there is until you try to test them out and talk to someone who is standing right beside you

 

[Bodie CI5]

Lets not go through all those posts again

Last time we suggested Bodie try the Samsung T5 external drive that was twice as fast

Not sure what issues Bodie is also having with remote desktop but there are plenty of guides to setting this up

KB lag sorry can't swallow this one under normal circumstances

Remote Desktop issues were with scalability. I can only work with what work provides me and the SB is simply not up to the task. I need to squint or employ a magnifying glass to work with it. Not exactly efficient. On my other machines I’ve never had a problem. (IT dept themselves cannot give a work around for my boss’s SP4 either, so it’s not me, it’s a Windows res issue

The keyboard lag is an issue, it is not ever present, but it is there. In fact, I copped it yesterday afternoon whilst typing out that reply. No other tasks were running in the background. Only two tabs open on the browser. Happens a little too frequently in Word and Access as well...

Yeah, just trying to help. There was a poster in this thread that claims to have seen as much as a 40% boost in speeds by using a Samsung NVE Express driver, rather than the default.

Not sure what to make of the KB lag, maybe there are issues that go beyond the SSD that are slowing the system in general?

LOL all good - heaps of posters in this thread

It is unfortunate, but there is a problem with others on the 256 who experience this keyboard lag, as well (and not just after waking from sleep either).

The T5 is being put to good use with my X1 where it works much more efficiently - great recommendation, Steve

 

[Bodie CI5]

No problem mate thought you had forgotten it was same poster

I expect lag with KB may be in reference to remote desktop as I see this when IT log in to my work laptop, but it's to be expected especially if you have 2 laptops side by side it's more apparent

Hi Steve,

Just a quick response: nope, I’m not referring to keyboard lag in relation to the Remote Desktop. Keyboard lag is experienced on the local desktop with anything such as MS Office, through to PyCharm to even Edge. It just depends. It doesn’t happen all the time but it is more than occasional.

Cheers

 

[SteveJUAE]

Remote Desktop issues were with scalability. I can only work with what work provides me and the SB is simply not up to the task. I need to squint or employ a magnifying glass to work with it. Not exactly efficient. On my other machines I’ve never had a problem. (IT dept themselves cannot give a work around for my boss’s SP4 either, so it’s not me, it’s a Windows res issue

The keyboard lag is an issue, it is not ever present, but it is there. In fact, I copped it yesterday afternoon whilst typing out that reply. No other tasks were running in the background. Only two tabs open on the browser. Happens a little too frequently in Word and Access as well...



LOL all good - heaps of posters in this thread

It is unfortunate, but there is a problem with others on the 256 who experience this keyboard lag, as well (and not just after waking from sleep either).

The T5 is being put to good use with my X1 where it works much more efficiently - great recommendation, Steve

Glad you like the T5

Yep you can run in to some legacy scaling issues, more bad programming than the SB2 fault What's the company prog they make you use ?

Odd the KB issue, sound like something suddenly ramping up to max cpu when system is in little use. I would keep an eye on what apps and processes are in use. I had an odd one a few months back due to some old install software used by an app, that did not behave.

 

[Bodie CI5]

Yeah it’s weird that it should be maxing out, if indeed it is maxing out for the keyboard to lag. I confess, I haven’t investigated it whilst it’s happened. I should though, you’re right.

 

[c0ppo]

SB2, 15", fully loaded is here. I will use this device for 11 days straight, then it will be returned to the owner.
Owner is using my X1C for those 11 days. It will be nice to see what he thinks about x1c when compared to sb2, and vice versa.

First thoughts:
Build quality is great, I like the chassis a lot! Setting everything up and this fan never turned on, not even once. I will have more to say in a few days, now everything is a novelty.

Just to say this once more, this device is as silent as it gets (@hajime )

 

[hajime]

SB2, 15", fully loaded is here. I will use this device for 11 days straight, then it will be returned to the owner.
Owner is using my X1C for those 11 days. It will be nice to see what he thinks about x1c when compared to sb2, and vice versa.

First thoughts:
Build quality is great, I like the chassis a lot! Setting everything up and this fan never turned on, not even once. I will have more to say in a few days, now everything is a novelty.

Just to say this once more, this device is as silent as it gets (@hajime )

Thanks.

If possible, could you two please check possible noise issue when playing full screen 4K YouTube videos on external 4K display?

 

[SDColorado]

SB2, 15", fully loaded is here. I will use this device for 11 days straight, then it will be returned to the owner.
Owner is using my X1C for those 11 days. It will be nice to see what he thinks about x1c when compared to sb2, and vice versa.

First thoughts:
Build quality is great, I like the chassis a lot! Setting everything up and this fan never turned on, not even once. I will have more to say in a few days, now everything is a novelty.

Just to say this once more, this device is as silent as it gets (@hajime )

Right? Even listening to 4K video the most you will hear is “shhhhhh” from the fans. My household heating makes more noise when it kicks on

 

[c0ppo]

If possible, could you two please check possible noise issue when playing full screen 4K YouTube videos on external 4K display?

Just played a 4K on SB2 screen. Nothing, I hear nothing.
Will check tomorrow what happens when I hook it up to external 4K screen and play 4K video. Don't own any 4K monitors (ultrawide fan here), but there are plenty in company, so will check there of course.

Screen on this thing is great. Pen works like a charm, I'm no artist, but I could find a use for this thing in OneNote, since I do take a lot of notes, and I keep them tidy and organized.

Speakers are really good as well. Not as good as on MBP, but close enough, and way better then on my X1C.
Keyboard is great as well, but imho, keyboard on Thinkpads can't be matched. But this one is so good it will really be a personal preference. I can see why many love this keyboard and compare it to Thinkpad keyboards.

I really look forward to test this device out, I have already transfered my current project (Unity3D), and this thing will be pushed hard in the next few days. If it holds up, I will probably wait for SB3 and thunderbolt 3 support, then purchase one of these.

 

[xraydoc]

Just played a 4K on SB2 screen. Nothing, I hear nothing.
Will check tomorrow what happens when I hook it up to external 4K screen and play 4K video. Don't own any 4K monitors (ultrawide fan here), but there are plenty in company, so will check there of course.

Screen on this thing is great. Pen works like a charm, I'm no artist, but I could find a use for this thing in OneNote, since I do take a lot of notes, and I keep them tidy and organized.

Speakers are really good as well. Not as good as on MBP, but close enough, and way better then on my X1C.
Keyboard is great as well, but imho, keyboard on Thinkpads can't be matched. But this one is so good it will really be a personal preference. I can see why many love this keyboard and compare it to Thinkpad keyboards.

I really look forward to test this device out, I have already transfered my current project (Unity3D), and this thing will be pushed hard in the next few days. If it holds up, I will probably wait for SB3 and thunderbolt 3 support, then purchase one of these.

The 15" SB2, as I'm sure you know, has only one small fan on the CPU/screen module and one on the dGPU base.
The 13.5" version is fanless (both i5 and i7 models) on the upper portion and has a fan on the dGPU base (if so equipped).

 

[hajime]

Actually before I bought the X1E, I almost bought the SB2 until Costco told me this:

"In response to your inquiry, the replacement if deemed needed by the concierge service or ExcellencePlus+ (if an extended warranty is purchased) may be a refurbished unit. Due constantly changing models available there is no guarantee that a new unit will be available for replacement a few years after the item was initially purchased. They may also choose to offer a predetermined amount of reimbursement. It is there decision to make if that is the only option left after attempting to trouble shoot and repair."

 

[SDColorado]

Actually before I bought the X1E, I almost bought the SB2 until Costco told me this:

"In response to your inquiry, the replacement if deemed needed by the concierge service or ExcellencePlus+ (if an extended warranty is purchased) may be a refurbished unit. Due constantly changing models available there is no guarantee that a new unit will be available for replacement a few years after the item was initially purchased. They may also choose to offer a predetermined amount of reimbursement. It is there decision to make if that is the only option left after attempting to trouble shoot and repair."

So in other words pretty much exactly what Apple does with the iPhone and iPad.

I spoke with both Microsoft and the Microsoft Store and they each told me that units are replaced with new units that are built specifically for replacement purposes and that defective units are then refurbished if possible and sold through their website through the Refurbished.

I have no idea what the Costco ExcellencePlus+ is, it isn’t a Microsoft warranty.

Their terms and conditions may be different than those of Microsoft Complete. It sounds almost like a Square Trade type warranty.

I have the Microsoft Complete for Business version of their warranty that includes 4 years warranty, 2 incidences of Accidental Damage coverage and advanced or in store exchange.

You may want to contact Microsoft sales and ask if the Microsoft Complete coverage can still be added to a Costco purchased unit, if Costco is your retailer of choice.

 

[SteveJUAE]

Actually before I bought the X1E, I almost bought the SB2 until Costco told me this:

"In response to your inquiry, the replacement if deemed needed by the concierge service or ExcellencePlus+ (if an extended warranty is purchased) may be a refurbished unit. Due constantly changing models available there is no guarantee that a new unit will be available for replacement a few years after the item was initially purchased. They may also choose to offer a predetermined amount of reimbursement. It is there decision to make if that is the only option left after attempting to trouble shoot and repair."

That's Costco policy not MS.

More surprisingly is even Apple approved authorised retailers are not all equal many do not have 14 day return policies or AppleCare and repair polices vary etc

 

[SDColorado]

That's Costco policy not MS.

More surprisingly is even Apple approved authorised retailers are not all equal many do not have 14 day return policies or AppleCare and repair polices vary etc

Yes, this ^^^^


I just looked up Costco Excellence Plus and it is backed by Asurion, which based on my past experiences, is probably my least favorite aftermarket warranty company to deal with. I have found them difficult to deal with, slow to process a claim and generally not user friendly.

There are many complaints on Costco’s site about Asurion regarding phones. Taking a long time to replace phones (despite a 24 replacement policy), because they never have them in stock and generally offer a refund, minus deductible and what you paid for the warranty. This despite you having years and x number of replacements on the original warranty they’ve sold you.

Those complaints reflect my experience with Asurion when I needed to get a “24 hour replacement” when my mother was in the hospital and ended up having to buy a new phone instead, because I couldn’t wait/deal with their nonsense.

Get warranty coverage through MS, not Asurion. Even Square Trade is better to deal with. That’s always my first question when someone asks if I want an extended warranty. Who is it through? Asurion? No thanks!

B&H is one of those Apple resellers without a 14 day return policy. Once the plastic is removed from the box, the item can not be returned to them. There is still a loophole to return it to Apple, but it isn’t as easy or straight forward.

 

[c0ppo]

Well, I'm setting everything up. I'm now almost completely apple-free. I do own a MBP 2017, almost fully maxed out, but it has been reformatted, Mojave reinstalled, and is on sale. I believe my last desktop build was back in 2009, something like that. I'm a bit rusted in that department, but still managed to build myself a nice looking beast of a desktop PC.

In the picture below I show off my desktop PC with SB2. Not everything (software wise) is still set up, and I have to clone my Windows 10 installation from desktop to a new nvme SSD (2x Samsung 970 512GB that I plan to run in RAID 0). But all in all, I will finish setting everything up this weekend. Have been travelling lately and didn't have enough time.

Cable management is no existent, but will be dealt with this weekend. And on the right of the picture is the only Apple product I do intend to keep, because it works great for me

P.S.
SB2 is a complete beast. I really like this 'laptop'. A lot. It's a shame MS didn't manage to put a TB3 in there

 

[SDColorado]

P.S.
SB2 is a complete beast. I really like this 'laptop'. A lot. It's a shame MS didn't manage to put a TB3 in there

Agreed. A black SB 2/3 with TB3 was my dream announcement from the October event that didn’t come.

That said, I can live without TB3 on my laptop and went ahead and bought it anyway. If they release an update next fall I may sell it and pick up that model or wait until TB3 (or 4) becomes something I can’t live without and update it then.

But otherwise I really like it a lot as well.

 

[GoldfishRT]

I ordered a Surface Book 2 13.5", i7, 512, 16, 1050 model this morning to replace this XPS which has given me nothing but issues.

I can't get over the MacBook keyboards on a device I type on for 6 hours every day (plus I need proper Excel and Access so my MacBook would be a Windows machine half the time which defeats a lot of the point). At least the iPhone is still pretty space age though, they haven't ruined that line for me yet.

Still very excited! I can't wait to have dedicated Page Up and Down keys again! Ah!

 

[Dave245]

On Tuesday i went into the Apple store and played around with the new Macbook Air, i also then went into PC World where i had a play around with the Surface Pro and the Surface Book, WOW that black Surface Pro 6 looks nice

I used the Surface Pen on the Surface Book 2 screen, it felt a little weird doing it while the screen was upright but i wasn't able to detach the screen turn it around and lay it flat (ie Studio Mode). The Pen worked great and i even tested out the eraser, which worked well. It will be very interesting to see where Microsoft take the Surface Book 3, Surface Pro 7 as well, i've certainly got my eyes on the Surface range.

With Apple it almost feels like they haven't put in the effort, i do like the new Air but it almost feels like Apple are not moving the Mac lineup forward, instead they seem to focus a lot on iPad Pro, almost half of the October event was spent on the iPad Pro. The price of the iPad Pro is ridiculous for a device that still has a mobile OS (ie IOS).

 

[kazmac]

I am debating if I should exchange my 10.5 iPP at Best Buy for a Go as my mom has all but refused the 2018 iPad. She is okay with the sputtering iPad 2 and will use the newer iPad only when she has to. There are more important things going on with her so I cannot be upset about this. I can deal with Procreate being spazzy on the 2018.

I found some Windows drawing apps I would be willing to try, thanks to folks here.

My only hesitation is the like-new Acer laptop I have is collecting dust, I should probably use it. I can get Office from my university.

I would instantly exchange for a black Pro 6 if it cost the same as the iPP (it doesn’t).

Opinions?

 

[SteveJUAE]

I am debating if I should exchange my 10.5 iPP at Best Buy for a Go as my mom has all but refused the 2018 iPad. She is okay with the sputtering iPad 2 and will use the newer iPad only when she has to. There are more important things going on with her so I cannot be upset about this. I can deal with Procreate being spazzy on the 2018.

I found some Windows drawing apps I would be willing to try, thanks to folks here.

My only hesitation is the like-new Acer laptop I have is collecting dust, I should probably use it. I can get Office from my university.

I would instantly exchange for a black Pro 6 if it cost the same as the iPP (it doesn’t).

Opinions?

There is very little difference between the IPP 11"+KB+Pen vs SP6+KB+Pen but the black cost more due to SSD size but compare to IPP 12" and it far clearer.

As you have an Old IPP 10.5" then it's comparable more to 5th Gen SP M3 version ,

You would be better with this M3 option over the GO IMO which is more of a mobile companion device and the SP screen is what you are after for your art work

 

[kazmac]

There is very little difference between the IPP 11"+KB+Pen vs SP6+KB+Pen but the black cost more due to SSD size but compare to IPP 12" and it far clearer.

As you have an Old IPP 10.5" then it's comparable more to 5th Gen SP M3 version ,

You would be better with this M3 option over the GO IMO which is more of a mobile companion device and the SP screen is what you are after for your art work

Thanks for the input. Best Buy currently have the pricier 5th gens on sale and the 6th gen M3 is available too, but both of those options means more money out of my pocket. I’ll see if they offer better prices next week. Just thinking if I do this, I should probably return the iPP on Tuesday or so...(I bought it during their sales a week ago).

This Best Buy doesn’t accept trade ins, so I am stuck with the Acer.

 

[SDColorado]

This Best Buy doesn’t accept trade ins, so I am stuck with the Acer.

“Stuck” is a relative term. You would likely recoup more of what you spent on it through a private sale than you would a trade-in anyway.

Maybe selling it it through eBay or Amazon or another local means would be a better bet?

 

[kazmac]

“Stuck” is a relative term. You would likely recoup more of what you spent on it through a private sale than you would a trade-in anyway.

Maybe selling it it through eBay or Amazon or another local means would be a better bet?

Maybe I’ll try Gazelle. I haven’t had good luck with private sales through those sites and won’t try Craig’s List.

Worst comes to worst I’ll just return the iPad Pro for a refund, but honestly, I think I’d rather exchange at Best Buy than do a refund.

Thanks for the tip.

 

[SDColorado]

Maybe I’ll try Gazelle. I haven’t had good luck with private sales through those sites and won’t try Craig’s List.

Worst comes to worst I’ll just return the iPad Pro for a refund, but honestly, I think I’d rather exchange at Best Buy than do a refund.

Thanks for the tip.

I haven’t sold anything on eBay in forever. I have sold on Amazon and that went OK. But mostly we have a local app that targets your specific neighborhood called “Nextdoor” and that has been a good source of local sales and purchases.

Does Gazelle even trade with Acer? I thought they were strictly Apple.

Swappa would be an option that would also likely net you a better price than a Best Buy trade-in for the Acer.

 

[Dave245]

Ok so my iPad Pro which I brought in August of last year (15 months ago) has started playing up the screen goes all weird and suddenly goes black, it did that yesterday night about 5 times. I took it off charge this morning and all has been well most of the day, now it’s just happened again. I’m guessing there is an issue, but because it’s out of warranty (over the 12 months) and I don’t have Apple Care, Apple will want to charge me, probably a ridiculous amount as well.

Anyway I’ll get to the point, I’m thinking about using this opportunity to switch to a Surface device, before this happened I was looking at getting a new MacBook Air BUT with keyboard reliability issues, I’m now thinking about the Surface Laptop 2 or the Surface Pro 6!

Does anyone here have experience with the Pro 6 OR the Surface Laptop 2? If so what do you think? Are they reliable?