Surface Devices

[GoldfishRT]

In the continuing absurdity of GoldfishRT's laptop battle royale...

I decided pretty quickly, actually nearly immediately the Surface Laptop wasn't for me after getting it set up last night. It just 'feels' fragile. I know that's probably unfounded as are my concerns with the alcantara. I can't put my finger on why it feels that way to me, but put simply, I just didn't like it once I was carrying it around and using it! I'd recommend it however to many people. The battery life and subjective performance experience was awesome. The fans, even at full blast, are remarkably silent and you could have easily convinced me it was fanless. Love that aspect ratio too. Overall a good product.

And because I'm a total moron and continue to do the same thing over and over expecting different results, I decided to try once more at the XPS because I really do like it on paper and... how convenient. It has no flaws that I can discern! No grindy fans, can't find any backlight bleed or pinch line at the top of the screen, the keyboard deck coating is evenly applied, the speakers don't pop. It's a Christmas miracle.*

So we're down to the final round = the X1 has survived thus far. Will finally the XPS be a real contender? Will the GPU and touch screen win me over? Or will the X1 continue to impress with it's build quality, keyboard, and portability.

*Wouldn't recommend anybody go through what I've done to get a unit they're happy with on any consumer electronic but again, I'm a moron.

 

[IowaLynn]

I'm looking at pulling the trigger on Sandisk Extreme SDXC having been disappointed with other models, these seem to deliver not just outstanding write performance but also where it means, in write speeds, for using for backups and added storage.

SanDisk Extreme Pro Micro SDXC UHS-I U3 A2 V30 Memory Card + Adapter

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07G3JCG8Z/

 

[kazmac]

Okay I have a create recovery drive question:

I am following MS’s office help to the letter -and like many others who have this same issue-when the recovery drive is almost created I get an error message that says:

"We can't make a recovery drive" and then "A problem occurred while creating the recovery drive."

This is a very common problem. I tried calling the MS tech support # to no avail and have been reading forums for the last hour.

Any suggestions?

Can I just make a copy of the W10 disc image from the following link instead?

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10ISO

I’ll be honest, bugs like this are the exact reason why I’ve been so skittish with MS.

I really like this machine, and won’t add anything to it until I know I can create a restore point and this recovery drive. If I cannot get past this, I am returning it and just using my existing machines until they die. I don’t have time to wait on a store appointment to create a recovery drive (something that should be included with any $1k plus machine MS make). The sales rep was such an ***** this morning I was tempted just to return the SP6 for a refund.

So much for patience.

And thanks as always.

 

[AndyMacAndMic]

Okay I have a create recovery drive question:

I am following MS’s office help to the letter -and like many others who have this same issue-when the recovery drive is almost created I get an error message that says:

"We can't make a recovery drive" and then "A problem occurred while creating the recovery drive."

This is a very common problem. I tried calling the MS tech support # to no avail and have been reading forums for the last hour.

Any suggestions?

Can I just make a copy of the W10 disc image from the following link instead?

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10ISO

I’ll be honest, bugs like this are the exact reason why I’ve been so skittish with MS.

I really like this machine, and won’t add anything to it until I know I can create a restore point and this recovery drive. If I cannot get past this, I am returning it and just using my existing machines until they die. I don’t have time to wait on a store appointment to create a recovery drive (something that should be included with any $1k plus machine MS make). The sales rep was such an ***** this morning I was tempted just to return the SP6 for a refund.

So much for patience.

And thanks as always.

Those are the normal hurdles if you are new to a system you are not familiar with . The link you show will let you download the MS media creation tool. If you start this tool it will guide you step by step through the process of creating a bootable usb-stick or dvd with the newest installable Windows 10 version on it. This process never failed in my case, unless you have a faulty usb-stick or dvd of course.

 

[OdT22]

Sort of funny. I never could figure out Time Machine on Mac over the years, and resorted to backing stuff up folder by folder via USB thumb drives. Wish I could have figured it out. Looks like it would have been handy to understand and use. I gave up before thinking to ask here.

 

[kazmac]

Those are the normal hurdles if you are new to a system you are not familiar with . The link you show will let you download the MS media creation tool. If you start this tool it will guide you step by step through the process of creating a bootable usb-stick or dvd with the newest installable Windows 10 version on it. This process never failed in my case, unless you have a faulty usb-stick or dvd of course.

Thank you so much... I will try that. Do I still need to make this recovery drive in addition though?

@OdT22 - I was told by folks that making sure you have a bootable disk image on a drive is vital for stress free Windows.

The recovery drive that is something else entirely. Honestly, I wish I would have created a disk image like that with my Mac too (using something like carbon copy cloner).

To me, it sounds like Windows “restore points” are their version of Time Machine. Time Machine would back up your system and selected folders either manually or automatically.

 

[AndyMacAndMic]

Oh, I forgot something else. Within Windows you have the possibility to make restore points (thanks odT22!) a bit like time machine. It is a fairly simple process, just Google 'Windows restore points'. Also built in is a simple to use data backup system. Also in Windows file explorer you will find a folder called 'One Drive'. Needless to say that everything you put in there will be saved in the cloud.
I am currently typing this on my phone, so I have to be brief.

One more thing: There is much less 'hand holding' in the Windows world than you are used to with Apple, because you have greater freedom in choosing programs etc. With more possibilities you can also have more frustration Google and forums are your friend.
[doublepost=1545530843][/doublepost]

Thank you so much... I will try that. Do I still need to make this recovery drive in addition though?

@OdT22 - I was told by folks that making sure you have a bootable disk image on a drive is vital for stress free Windows.

The recovery drive that is something else entirely. Honestly, I wish I would have created a disk image like that with my Mac too (using something like carbon copy cloner).

To me, it sounds like Windows “restore points” are their version of Time Machine. Time Machine would back up your system and selected folders either manually or automatically.

See my post before this one . The link with the Media creation tool is essential for making a bootable disk with a fresh Windows.

There are a lot of very good freeware programs for Windows like Carbon copy cloner, but they are not built in.

 

[kazmac]

Oh, I forgot something else. Within Windows you have the possibility to make restore points (thanks odT22!) a bit like time machine. It is a fairly simple process, just Google 'Windows restore points'. Also built in is a simple to use data backup system. Also in Windows file explorer you will find a map called 'One Drive'. Needless to say that everything you put in there will be saved in the cloud.
I am currently typing this on my phone, so I have to be brief.

One more thing: There is much less 'hand holding' in the Windows world than you are used to with Apple, because you have greater freedom in choosing programs etc. With more possibilities you can also have more frustration Google and forums are your friend.
[doublepost=1545530843][/doublepost]
See my post before this one . The link with the Media creation tool is essential for making a bootable disk with a fresh Windows.

There are a lot of very good freeware programs for Windows like Carbon copy cloner, but they are not built in.

Thanks for taking the time to reiterate this again.

So I was right about the recovery points being like time machine. I’ll get on making the bootable disk drive when the SB2 is charged.

Thanks again.

 

[SteveJUAE]

Funny I do none of the above

Especially on small SSD I always turn restore point off but generally I have it off as its just makes many updates boringly long and it's a hog on space if you do not regularly delete but last one. I have never had to use it.

I make a restore/backup using the old windows 7 utility in settings/backup of my preferred set-up and the occasional one

I have majority of data on onedrive and personal stuff I back-up to an external SSD

I tried file history when it first came out but it use to get it's knickers in a knot and I never needed it. This is the equivalent of time machine not restore point, that's W10 updates return to previous.

Only ever made recovery drive when switching between W8 and W10. I can always DL the ISO file from MS if the recovery partition fails

But if doing it all makes you feel better then its no harm done

 

[AndyMacAndMic]

Funny I do none of the above

Especially on small SSD I always turn restore point off but generally I have it off as its just makes many updates boringly long and it's a hog on space if you do not regularly delete but last one. I have never had to use it.

I make a restore/backup using the old windows 7 utility in settings/backup of my preferred set-up and the occasional one

I have majority of data on onedrive and personal stuff I back-up to an external SSD

I tried file history when it first came out but it use to get it's knickers in a knot and I never needed it

Only ever made recovery drive when switching between W8 and W10. I can always DL the ISO file from MS if the recovery partition fails

But if doing it all makes you feel better then its no harm done

True. I have a bootable USB drive with a recent iso file and I backup my important data to the cloud and to my NAS with the standard built in back up tool.
Now I think of it, that's all you need
@kazmac: don't worry be happy .
Just joking, but the basics I just described are all you need to rebuild your whole system in case something goes fatally wrong. The rest is 'nice to have' but not essential.

 

[SDColorado]

As far as getting back to square one, there is already a built in recovery partition and if you use that with the delete all data option, it will get you back to where you first took it out of the box. That’s your “nuclear option” if everything goes to pieces and you just want to start over

The restore points are the key if you just want to get back to a time before something went wrong

 

[SteveJUAE]

As far as getting back to square one, there is already a built in recovery partition and if you use that with the delete all data option, it will get you back to where you first took it out of the box. That’s your “nuclear option” if everything goes to pieces and you just want to start over

The restore points are the key if you just want to get back to a time before something went wrong

Yep as we both noted there is the recovery partition

However I think some of the recovery tools before you opt for the complete nuke will run from the USB drive image

I have only ever had to do that when I was having bootcamp issues

 

[SDColorado]

As for creating a recovery drive, I used these steps and had no issue. I am not sure if this is what @kazmac is doing.

1. From the taskbar, search for Create a recovery drive and then select it. You might be asked to enter an admin password or confirm your choice.
   
   
2. When the tool opens, make sure Back up system files to the recovery drive is selected and then select Next.
   
   
3. Connect a USB drive to your PC, select it, and then select Next > Create. A lot of files need to be copied to the recovery drive, so this might take a while.
   
   
4. When it’s done, you might see a Delete the recovery partition from your PC link on the final screen. If you want to free up drive space on your PC, select the link and then select Delete. If not, select Finish.

I chose the finish option and did not delete.

I find the easiest way to get to the Restore Point creation is to simply type in Restore Point in the search box at the bottom and Windows will pop up the Create a Restore Point Control Panel. Here you can manage disk space as far as how much will be allocated to restore points or manually create one choosing the create option at the bottom of the dialog box.

Windows will create one automatically after an OS update.
[doublepost=1545535432][/doublepost]@kazmac the Microsoft Store near my house has cards near the cash register areas for 1 free one-to-one session. The manager at my store gave me 1 year free with the purchase, which I really appreciated and found valuable when I was making the switch. But I would have paid for a year had he not. I found sitting down with them and having someone show me how to do certain things both in Windows and Office to be invaluable in making a smooth switch.

But if they have those free session cards at your local store, grab one and see what you think.

 

[kazmac]

Wow. I will try those steps @SDColorado for the recovery drive. Thank you and
@AndyMacAndMic @SteveJUAE

I will try to create these and then just get to drawing.

A laugh: I forgot the power button is on top on the display of the SB2. So I spent a good five minutes looking for the power button on the keyboard and the back of the display. I had to crack open the quick start guide to find out how to turn the SB2 on

I can hear Obi-Wan Kenobi saying “she will learn patience” as a result of owning this machine. Thanks for all. I love typing on this keyboard (mechanical keys), just typing in search terms was a joy. Go figure.

Another reason why I finally decided to try Windows as I felt it would push me toward learning Affinity Designer (and maybe Photo). I have the work books for both and if Designer can replace Procreate, I will be quite happy.

@SDColorado no free training cards, but I will see if I can start going to sessions after my uni class ends.

And breathe...it’s been a long day.

 

[Queen6]

Okay I have a create recovery drive question:

I am following MS’s office help to the letter -and like many others who have this same issue-when the recovery drive is almost created I get an error message that says:

"We can't make a recovery drive" and then "A problem occurred while creating the recovery drive."

This is a very common problem. I tried calling the MS tech support # to no avail and have been reading forums for the last hour.

Any suggestions?

Can I just make a copy of the W10 disc image from the following link instead?

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10ISO

I’ll be honest, bugs like this are the exact reason why I’ve been so skittish with MS.

I really like this machine, and won’t add anything to it until I know I can create a restore point and this recovery drive. If I cannot get past this, I am returning it and just using my existing machines until they die. I don’t have time to wait on a store appointment to create a recovery drive (something that should be included with any $1k plus machine MS make). The sales rep was such an ***** this morning I was tempted just to return the SP6 for a refund.

So much for patience.

And thanks as always.

I've never bothered to create a Recovery Drive for newer systems as you can generally boot into Recovery. Try formatting the Flash drive as NTFS and make sure the capacity is adequate, think it needs to be 8Gb.

Unless you completely "bork" the drive you wont really need the Recover Drive. What I recommend is first and foremost is create a back up on an external SSD/HDD - Settings - Update & Security - Backup and use the W7 Backup option. Recovery is included, same as modern Mac's it's on a hidden partition and can be ignored until you have need.

Restore points are automatic and likely disabled as the primary drive is an SSD. By following the W7 Backup routine you will have a complete system image that you can revert in about minutes, this is by far the easiest way & fastest way to get back to a working system. It creates a special folder on the external, just keep it safe and you can move it into another folder to prevent Windows updating it as you backup another time

Just slow down, your not alone here, let the computer update, then decide what you want to install. The computer's good to go out the box, so no need to dig into it too much. As you get into it more & more you can then decide what to turn on or off. TBH W10 is so much different to a Mac, these days install apps and go to work

Q-6

 

[Queen6]

Funny I do none of the above

Especially on small SSD I always turn restore point off but generally I have it off as its just makes many updates boringly long and it's a hog on space if you do not regularly delete but last one. I have never had to use it.

I make a restore/backup using the old windows 7 utility in settings/backup of my preferred set-up and the occasional one

I have majority of data on onedrive and personal stuff I back-up to an external SSD

I tried file history when it first came out but it use to get it's knickers in a knot and I never needed it. This is the equivalent of time machine not restore point, that's W10 updates return to previous.

Only ever made recovery drive when switching between W8 and W10. I can always DL the ISO file from MS if the recovery partition fails

But if doing it all makes you feel better then its no harm done

Restore should be off for SSD's, equally if the manufacturer has it on, leave it on. Same, only ever use the built in W7 back up utility, nor has it ever failed to restore, I've tested the images and used them countless times. So unless any specific need, there's no third party solution required.

I Don't use OneDrive baring for OneNote, rest of my working data is sync'd with a point to point encrypted cloud server with OS wide folder by folder selection to allow full sync between differing hardware & apps.

Never used File History, as I prefer the W7 system image, cloud server will update all the relevant working data, latest files with versioning, which most definitely works

Q-6

 

[xraydoc]

I have a cheap network drive at home that Windows File History is set to use as a repository. I just leave it to do its thing. Every so often I check to make sure it's working.

My data is further backed up to Dropbox, which works well for me as I can access it all from my work office PC, too.

Not worried about backing up the OS and applications, as all that can be installed fresh, and my Windows settings are stored/mirrored on my Microsoft account.

 

[kazmac]

I have a cheap network drive at home that Windows File History is set to use as a repository. I just leave it to do its thing. Every so often I check to make sure it's working.

My data is further backed up to Dropbox, which works well for me as I can access it all from my work office PC, too.

Not worried about backing up the OS and applications, as all that can be installed fresh, and my Windows settings are stored/mirrored on my Microsoft account.

Thanks for reiterating this. It is obvious from everyone's posts that Windows 10 does not require these things but I want to finally start learning things like making a disc image and taking more responsibility for how the OS operates.

I am flying on this keyboard. It's been so long since I have used a mechanical keyboard and it feels so great. The track pad is very, very responsive too. It reminds of the Mac trackpad and I like the fact that it isn't huge. I can forget the horrors of the Acer machine.

I bought an arc mouse which is really weird, but I like it a lot. I am sure as I get used to it, I'll enjoy it a lot more.

This Surface Book is great. I haven't detached the display yet, but I am going to do so soon.

More later, but I love it.

 

[SDColorado]

Thanks for reiterating this. It is obvious from everyone's posts that Windows 10 does not require these things but I want to finally start learning things like making a disc image and taking more responsibility for how the OS operates.

I am flying on this keyboard. It's been so long since I have used a mechanical keyboard and it feels so great. The track pad is very, very responsive too. It reminds of the Mac trackpad and I like the fact that it isn't huge. I can forget the horrors of the Acer machine.

I bought an arc mouse which is really weird, but I like it a lot. I am sure as I get used to it, I'll enjoy it a lot more.

This Surface Book is great. I haven't detached the display yet, but I am going to do so soon.

More later, but I love it.

I love the arc mouse. People look at you funny if you are using it in public and smash it with your fist before you put it away hahaha

I think you will find the more you use Windows 10 and the more you get comfortable with it, you will look back and wonder what the big deal was

 

[kazmac]

Sigh. It’s going back tomorrow morning.

A restart resulted in Bluetooth not recognizing the arc mouse now (tried many official fixes, even a system reset to no avail. I barely had anything on the machine).

Battery drain is quite rapid with track pad and surfing (that is true of every laptop I’ve tried, but this always makes me run away from laptops. I know you can keep them plugged in but...)

I won’t bash MS though, a lemon is a lemon. It happens. The build quality is amazing. The most pleasant typing experience I have in years. I know the gen 3 Surface Book will be a beautiful thing.

Me: IDK. If I could fix this stuff with a quick search in MS’ site as I thought would be the case, I’d be happy to stick it out. But with school starting a week from Wednesday, this is the wrong time to make a switch. Yeah, running away.

I am beyond grateful at how supportive you’ve all been to me here and privately. Blown away really. I hope I can help you all in some way here too.

So I’ll check in and post links for sales and things. If you’re thinking of trying a Surface Book, I’d recommend and say please do not take my experience to heart. Of course, I’ll be researching the Surface Studio 2.

Thank you everyone. Back to the Ministry of Indecision for now.

 

[IowaLynn]

Bluetooth interference. Low battery. Disconnect and reconnect. Make sure to turn Arc off and back on.

There is a battery in the keyboard and display, #1 and 2.

Google?

Arc Touch Mouse will not pair
Press and hold the pairing button on your mouse for 5-7 seconds, then let the button go.
The light will blink to show that the mouse is discoverable.
The pairing button is usually on the bottom of the mouse. Make sure Bluetooth is on, then select Add Bluetooth or other device > Bluetooth.Aug 17, 2018
Troubleshoot problems with your Bluetooth mouse - Microsoft Support
[doublepost=1545604684][/doublepost]Part #2

Connect your Surface touch mouse

1. On the bottom of the mouse, press and hold the Power/Connect button for three to five seconds. ...
2. On your Surface, swipe in from the right edge of the screen, press and hold Bluetooth, and select Go to settings.
3. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on and select Mouse > Pair.

 

[Queen6]

Sigh. It’s going back tomorrow morning.

A restart resulted in Bluetooth not recognizing the arc mouse now (tried many official fixes, even a system reset to no avail. I barely had anything on the machine).

Battery drain is quite rapid with track pad and surfing (that is true of every laptop I’ve tried, but this always makes me run away from laptops. I know you can keep them plugged in but...)

I won’t bash MS though, a lemon is a lemon. It happens. The build quality is amazing. The most pleasant typing experience I have in years. I know the gen 3 Surface Book will be a beautiful thing.

Me: IDK. If I could fix this stuff with a quick search in MS’ site as I thought would be the case, I’d be happy to stick it out. But with school starting a week from Wednesday, this is the wrong time to make a switch. Yeah, running away.

I am beyond grateful at how supportive you’ve all been to me here and privately. Blown away really. I hope I can help you all in some way here too.

So I’ll check in and post links for sales and things. If you’re thinking of trying a Surface Book, I’d recommend and say please do not take my experience to heart. Of course, I’ll be researching the Surface Studio 2.

Thank you everyone. Back to the Ministry of Indecision for now.

Turn the mouse off and back on again, and check BT is open by default on the computer. Thing with Windows it does exactly what you tell it too Surface Book is a fantastic computer, once I would have believed only Apple could bring such a computer to market equally it's a complex device. As for Apple it's clueless these days, churning out pretentious garbage and pretending it's something special.

TBH I started my W10 "adventure" with a $300 2in1, cheapest I could find, just to get back into Windows as it was painfully obvious Tim & Co could care less about the Mac and it's professional users. Today I'm comfortable with W10 and more importantly the OS has yet to fail me, and that $300 notebook has a keyboard that will embarrass any Mac, what a shame, it's beyond disappointing So much potential wasted, only to be sold out by greedy old men with no vision...

SB-3 instant buy, assuming I don't pickup a 15" SB-2 over the holidays, even then

Q-6

 

[OdT22]

I had the exact same problem with the SP5 losing contact with the Arc mouse. Rebooting the computer always fixed it but I never figured out what went wrong. Since I didn't find that mouse as comfortable as many do, I went back to my old tried and true Logitech. The problem never occurred again. FWIW.

 

[SDColorado]

I have that problem with my iMac 5K ever since Mojave. It randomly loses connection with the Bluetooth Keyboard and/or mouse. Usually turning them off and back on works, sometimes I have to reboot. On a rare occasion, I have to reboot and reset NVRAM. Hoping there is an update soon that fixes it because in the meantime it is a bit of an annoyance.
[doublepost=1545611817][/doublepost]

Battery drain is quite rapid with track pad and surfing (that is true of every laptop I’ve tried, but this always makes me run away from laptops. I know you can keep them plugged in but...)

If your battery drain is that rapid with a trackpad and browsing the web, I am guessing you still have a lot of stuff updating in the background. Battery life is quite stellar once everything settles down, but that doesn't happen right away. Macs are similar and all that background stuff such as indexing will make battery life a little short while it is going on.

I would also check which apps are running in the background, you will likely find several that don't need to be. The steps for checking these are as follows...


How to disable background apps in Windows 10

• Click the Windows 10 Start icon on your desktop.
• Go to "Settings".
• On the settings menu, select "Privacy".
• On the privacy window, you'll see a list of options on the left pane...
• On the right pane, you'll see a list of apps that are running in the background.

 

[AndyMacAndMic]

Sigh. It’s going back tomorrow morning.

A restart resulted in Bluetooth not recognizing the arc mouse now (tried many official fixes, even a system reset to no avail. I barely had anything on the machine).

Battery drain is quite rapid with track pad and surfing (that is true of every laptop I’ve tried, but this always makes me run away from laptops. I know you can keep them plugged in but...)

I won’t bash MS though, a lemon is a lemon. It happens. The build quality is amazing. The most pleasant typing experience I have in years. I know the gen 3 Surface Book will be a beautiful thing.

Me: IDK. If I could fix this stuff with a quick search in MS’ site as I thought would be the case, I’d be happy to stick it out. But with school starting a week from Wednesday, this is the wrong time to make a switch. Yeah, running away.

I am beyond grateful at how supportive you’ve all been to me here and privately. Blown away really. I hope I can help you all in some way here too.

So I’ll check in and post links for sales and things. If you’re thinking of trying a Surface Book, I’d recommend and say please do not take my experience to heart. Of course, I’ll be researching the Surface Studio 2.

Thank you everyone. Back to the Ministry of Indecision for now.

The problem with the Arc-mouse can be a problem with the Arc-mouse and not with the SB2.
Also the battery drain most likely goes away after everything is settled in.
It doesn't sound like the SB2 has a hardware problem to me, but like there are still some services and programs running in the background. Try to do like @SDColorado says before making your final decision. Normally the battery life for the SB2 is around 10-12 hours (average use) per cycle which is very good for a laptop.

I am not in your position of course, but if I where you I'd give it a couple of more days before returning it.

Maybe the Arc-mouse is a lemon