Surface Devices

[AndyMacAndMic]

Hi everyone,

Actually did not ask Luddite mom for help, she just commented hearing me grumble. And no offense taken. She said, “I feel so bad you’re having all this trouble and I cannot help because I do not know this stuff.”

My main reason for the return is my physical issues with using trackpads and that particular Surface mouse. I returned a few Apple laptops too because of this exact reason.

The mice Bluetooth issues were the icing on the cake for me. I thought official online channels would help. With everything going on at home, it is just too big a leap for me to go Windows right now.

And I am dead embarrassed about the soap opera posts of my woes in trying to learn Windows here. I so appreciate everyone’s help, and if my arthritis wasn’t an issue, I would have asked for help and brought it into the MS store.

Believe me, I’ve had a heck of a time with my iMac’s Bluetooth and the original Magic Mouse. I finally figured out a fix for that: I have to leave the iMac on in order for the Bluetooth connection to hold.

I will definitely be picking up a wired, mechanical keyboard for my next machine, a desktop.

At any rate, thank you all for being so awesome, friendly and supportive. I’ll duck in from time to time, but I’ll leave Windows to you Pros for now*.

*Unless my next job insists I use Citrix on a Windows machine.

Mouse with wire: SL2 only has one older USB port. I learned pretty quick: no dongle life for me.

Burn not your house to fright the mouse away
I already had a slight suspicion that there was more going on than a tiny rodent
In the end it all boils down to: use the tool where you feel most comfortable with (but finding it can be a pain).

We'll probably meet again in some thread on this forum. Thanks for the pleasant and entertaining posts/conversations!

 

[kazmac]

Amazon? Was it some no-name branded transmitter/ mice with 100’s of awesome fake reviews? Or a reputable brand?

Something Comb - LOL, I don’t remember. The transmitter one worked great with the Acer and okay with my iMac. I bought a wireless version that was utter crap, which surprised me since the usb transmitter one was so good.
[doublepost=1550280688][/doublepost]

Burn not your house to fright the mouse away
I already had a slight suspicion that there was more going on than a tiny rodent
In the end it all boils down to: use the tool where you feel most comfortable with (but finding it can be a pain).

We'll probably meet again in some thread on this forum. Thanks for the pleasant and entertaining posts/conversations!

You were wonderful. Thank you for helpful tips, the laughs and your generosity. Hope to talk again somewhere on here.

 

[SteveJUAE]

You should have asked here, one of us would have walked you through it in 5 minutes, as we've mostly been there done that...

Alternatively ever considered a mouse with a wire Have one myself as no wireless connection or charging needed

Q-6

Like yourself I have lived in countries for the last 20 years where there is none of this 14/30 day return policy once you open the box let alone use it

Funny how much more determined you are to find fix when there are no easy return options

I recall having to wait over 3 months for Apple to release a BT driver for my mouse and a $25 MS wired one did me well for the interim period

Sorry I find these return polices encourage the fickle and cost consumers billions a year. I think there was one owner in the rMB forum who was proud that he replaced over 20 units in his quest for perfection on surface finish

 

[SDColorado]

Something Comb - LOL, I don’t remember. The transmitter one worked great with the Acer and okay with my iMac. I bought a wireless version that was utter crap, which surprised me since the usb transmitter one was so good.
[doublepost=1550280688][/doublepost]
You were wonderful. Thank you for helpful tips, the laughs and your generosity. Hope to talk again somewhere on here.

I really like the "Fake spot" extension for looking at Amazon reviews. It helps ID some of the BS ones that look so good

Sorry I find these return polices encourage the fickle and cost consumers billions a year. I think there was one owner in the rMB forum who was proud that he replaced over 20 units in his quest for perfection on surface finish

20?? Wow. I felt bad that I am on #5 and I actually had issues beyond whether or not it was the proper shade of Space Gray

 

[kazmac]

Like yourself I have lived in countries for the last 20 years where there is none of this 14/30 day return policy once you open the box let alone use it

Funny how much more determined you are to find fix when there are no easy return options

I recall having to wait over 3 months for Apple to release a BT driver for my mouse and a $25 MS wired one did me well for the interim period

Sorry I find these return polices encourage the fickle and cost consumers billions a year. I think there was one owner in the rMB forum who was proud that he replaced over 20 units in his quest for perfection on surface finish

^
Well, that’s ridiculous. I stand by my return though. Looks like no more laptops for me.

I really like the "Fake spot" extension for looking at Amazon reviews. It helps ID some of the BS ones that look so good



20?? Wow. I felt bad that I am on #5 and I actually had issues beyond whether or not it was the proper shade of Space Gray

Yeah, 20 swaps over the color is a bit much. I generally stop after 3. And I still hope you get a refund on #5.

 

[SDColorado]

Yeah, 20 swaps over the color is a bit much. I generally stop after 3. And I still hope you get a refund on #5.

I can't say I have ever returned one based on the finish, other than unit #2 that had a series of sharp nicks. But that was a bit different. Haven't returned one because the keys don't all sound the same either, though I have seen posts from people who have.

Doesn't seem Apple is terribly interested in refunding me on #5. Probably already taking in too many on return/exchange as it is.

 

[kazmac]

I can't say I have ever returned one based on the finish, other than unit #2 that had a series of sharp nicks. But that was a bit different. Haven't returned one because the keys don't all sound the same either, though I have seen posts from people who have.

Doesn't seem Apple is terribly interested in refunding me on #5. Probably already taking in too many on return/exchange as it is.

You know I am going to say you should press the refund issue, but their sloppy assembly/QC shouldn’t be your problem. Sorry, I am like that.

Best Buy sure do not like hearing how buggy the iPad Pros are - tough toodles.

 

[SteveJUAE]

^
Well, that’s ridiculous. I stand by my return though. Looks like no more laptops for me.

Yeah, 20 swaps over the color is a bit much. I generally stop after 3. And I still hope you get a refund on #5.

Yes for every genuine return like yourself there are 100's of abusers to the point of a fill in device whist another is in repair

It does not take very long or just a few devices and the average user has probably paid more than $500 for these privileged refund policies that started off for mail to order consumer protection

What I dislike even more is where consumers are not even offered these the pricing is not adjusted and its like a subsidy tax for other country users

 

[Queen6]

Like yourself I have lived in countries for the last 20 years where there is none of this 14/30 day return policy once you open the box let alone use it

Funny how much more determined you are to find fix when there are no easy return options

I recall having to wait over 3 months for Apple to release a BT driver for my mouse and a $25 MS wired one did me well for the interim period

Sorry I find these return polices encourage the fickle and cost consumers billions a year. I think there was one owner in the rMB forum who was proud that he replaced over 20 units in his quest for perfection on surface finish

Well it certainly make you do your homework, being very straightforward that once you purchase, it's yours including Apple...

Q-6

 

[OdT22]

Yes for every genuine return like yourself there are 100's of abusers to the point of a fill in device whist another is in repair

It does not take very long or just a few devices and the average user has probably paid more than $500 for these privileged refund policies that started off for mail to order consumer protection

What I dislike even more is where consumers are not even offered these the pricing is not adjusted and its like a subsidy tax for other country users

That distinction needs a little more airtime. Airline miles, rewards programs, and return policies are all the same garbage- 'we screw the other guy, and pass the savings on to you!'

Trust me, you're paying for those rewards/miles/points/returns. Or someone else is, and then you just might need an attitude adjustment.

 

[Queen6]

I can't say I have ever returned one based on the finish, other than unit #2 that had a series of sharp nicks. But that was a bit different. Haven't returned one because the keys don't all sound the same either, though I have seen posts from people who have.

Doesn't seem Apple is terribly interested in refunding me on #5. Probably already taking in too many on return/exchange as it is.

I'd chase the money, as ultimately it's Apple's poor design at fault. As SteveJUAE said many of us don't have the luxury of return polices so Apple can stick the MBP where it wants as in no shape am I going to spend over $4250 on a "maybe" it will work, especially given it has recognised design issues.

TBH I've had better customer service with Huawei, Microsoft and Asus ROG, even Acer matches what Apple offers and that only cost $650...

Q-6

 

[SteveJUAE]

That distinction needs a little more airtime. Airline miles, rewards programs, and return policies are all the same garbage- 'we screw the other guy, and pass the savings on to you!'

Trust me, you're paying for those rewards/miles/points/returns. Or someone else is, and then you just might need an attitude adjustment.

Ohh I don't disagree they are all rob Peter to pay Paul schemes but with international companies like Apple you would hope for some consistency.

It's not like it's a small thing we have no refund policy other than DOA's, ignore currency exchange rates on pricing we are missing a fundamental pro of Apple that many here take as a given and part of the Apple tax advantage.

This is even before we get to level of support and walk in Apple stores etc etc

 

[Queen6]

Ohh I don't disagree they are all rob Peter to pay Paul schemes but with international companies like Apple you would hope for some consistency.

It's not like it's a small thing we have no refund policy other than DOA's, ignore currency exchange rates on pricing we are missing a fundamental pro of Apple that many here take as a given and part of the Apple tax advantage.

This is even before we get to level of support and walk in Apple stores etc etc

Many are guilty, what annoys me the most is when companies regionally price their products. As such I avoid where possible, as being over 50% more expensive doesn't wash with me, nor is it taxes. I'm certainly unwilling to pay more to subsidise other markets...

Samsung, Lenovo to name but two, and easily avoided for the most part...

Q-6

 

[OdT22]

Ohh I don't disagree they are all rob Peter to pay Paul schemes but with international companies like Apple you would hope for some consistency.

It's not like it's a small thing we have no refund policy other than DOA's, ignore currency exchange rates on pricing we are missing a fundamental pro of Apple that many here take as a given and part of the Apple tax advantage.

This is even before we get to level of support and walk in Apple stores etc etc

Hey I get it, and I thought that if I bought enough iPads, one of them would eventually replace something I already owned. My bad!

No seriously. I don't doubt others have experienced much worse with consumer protection and tariffs. It really is market driven at the end of each day.

 

[SDColorado]

Many are guilty, what annoys me the most is when companies regionally price their products. As such I avoid where possible, as being over 50% more expensive doesn't wash with me, nor is it taxes. I'm certainly unwilling to pay more to subsidise other markets...

Samsung, Lenovo to name but two, and easily avoided...

Q-6

Triumph Motorcycles caused a big stir when they decided to offer big discounts for military and emergency personnel in the USA and not in the UK. Pissed off a lot of customers in the UK since they are a British company. You have to wonder what they were thinking, but as you say, I am sure the market subsided. Rob Peter to pay Paul...

 

[SteveJUAE]

Many are guilty, what annoys me the most is when companies regionally price their products. As such I avoid where possible, as being over 50% more expensive doesn't wash with me, nor is it taxes. I'm certainly unwilling to pay more to subsidise other markets...

Samsung, Lenovo to name but two, and easily avoided for the most part...

Q-6

Yep $1 or $200 more is bearable given that's what most charge to have anything shipped internationally and a local warranty is better than 0

Think it was over 6 months before SB2 was available here and SS is only available down the road in Singapore and hardly hand luggage

Colleagues commute weekly by car not sure I'm cheeky enough to ask them to pop one in the boot/trunk for me

 

[Queen6]

Triumph Motorcycles caused a big stir when they decided to offer big discounts for military and emergency personnel in the USA and not in the UK. Pissed off a lot of customers in the UK since they are a British company. You have to wonder what they were thinking, but as you say, I am sure the market subsided. Rob Peter to pay Paul...

Yeah that would tick me off just a tad, and they'd be on that list too

Q-6

 

[SDColorado]

Yeah that would tick me off just a tad, and they'd be on that list too

Q-6

It was for $750 too, which isn't an insignificant amount. So needless to say it wasn't a popular offering outside the USA, people wondered what about our service members? I can't blame them.

I am not sure how true this is, but one UK vet on the forum responded "It would be difficult in the UK to give a discount to Vetrans as when you leave the Military in the UK the door hits you on the arse as you leave. You have no vetran ID your card gets handed back the day you leave and thats it."

You would know better than I how true that is.

 

[SteveJUAE]

It was for $750 too, which isn't an insignificant amount. So needless to say it wasn't a popular offering outside the USA, people wondered what about our service members? I can't blame them.

I am not sure how true this is, but one UK vet on the forum responded "It would be difficult in the UK to give a discount to Vetrans as when you leave the Military in the UK the door hits you on the arse as you leave. You have no vetran ID your card gets handed back the day you leave and thats it."

You would know better than I how true that is.

You certainly do not see so many offers for Vets in UK like the US even airline carriers give special terms for those in Uniforms I seem to remember

I do wonder at them sometimes like Apples latest offer to centralise medication info only available on Iphone, not IPP or even other OS's

 

[derekamoss]

Hi all,

Anyone here read Brad Sims’s “Beneath a Surface”? I ordered the paperback version last night.

https://www.amazon.com/Beneath-Surface-Brad-Sams-ebook/dp/B07HDV5364

I feel as though the book was mentioned once a while back in this thread.

I read it today after seeing your post. It's really good and insightful. I love having a kindle paperwhite and just being able to download any book at any time. I can't for some reason read on my old Surface Pro or this Surface Book, I don't know why.

 

[SDColorado]

I read it today after seeing your post. It's really good and insightful. I love having a kindle paperwhite and just being able to download any book at any time. I can't for some reason read on my old Surface Pro or this Surface Book, I don't know why.

What browser are you using? I read a lot of books on my Surface Pro, but using Edge when doing that. I haven't had the chance to download this one yet though.

 

[derekamoss]

What browser are you using? I read a lot of books on my Surface Pro, but using Edge when doing that. I haven't had the chance to download this one yet though.

I tried using edge and the kindle app and a couple other ebook reader apps. I don't know why. My Kindle Paperwhite has been the only electronic device that I feel is tolerable to read on. A lot of my friends have no problem reading ebooks in edge or even their phone though as well.

 

[SDColorado]

I tried using edge and the kindle app and a couple other ebook reader apps. I don't know why. My Kindle Paperwhite has been the only electronic device that I feel is tolerable to read on. A lot of my friends have no problem reading ebooks in edge or even their phone though as well.

It may be because you have become accustomed to reading on the Kindle Paperwhite. I have a buddy who also loves the Paperwhite and can't stand reading books on iPad etc. He claims the Paperwhite is a much better reading experience. Oh, my wife's sister as well. She tried iPad and Surface and went back to her Kindle. But I have never owned one, so I don't have that experience to compare to. You, he and many others may be right in it being a better reading experience, but you don't miss what you don't know you are missing, so iPad and Edge on Surface have worked OK for me

 

[derekamoss]

It may be because you have become accustomed to reading on the Kindle Paperwhite. I have a buddy who also loves the Paperwhite and can't stand reading books on iPad etc. He claims the Paperwhite is a much better reading experience. Oh, my wife's sister as well. She tried iPad and Surface and went back to her Kindle. But I have never owned one, so I don't have that experience to compare to. You, he and many others may be right in it being a better reading experience, but you don't miss what you don't know you are missing, so iPad and Edge on Surface have worked OK for me

I actually came to that conclusion before owning a paperwhite. I don't know it might be the font, which I've learned after owning a kindle goes a long way to the reading experience, or it could be that I have to move my eyes more since it is a larger screen or it could just be the blue light from the display. Ive tried night light and I cant get used to it. Also I like to read outside a lot and move around frequently when reading and Ive stumbled into things being distracted and the kindle fell to the floor. It's pretty sturdy but I wouldn't want to take the chance with the Surface. I will say one thing, I love it for reading Comics. I don't read a lot at all but ive downloaded a few from when I was a kid and its freaking awesome!

 

[SDColorado]

I actually came to that conclusion before owning a paperwhite. I don't know it might be the font, which I've learned after owning a kindle goes a long way to the reading experience, or it could be that I have to move my eyes more since it is a larger screen or it could just be the blue light from the display. Ive tried night light and I cant get used to it. Also I like to read outside a lot and move around frequently when reading and Ive stumbled into things being distracted and the kindle fell to the floor. It's pretty sturdy but I wouldn't want to take the chance with the Surface. I will say one thing, I love it for reading Comics. I don't read a lot at all but ive downloaded a few from when I was a kid and its freaking awesome!

If I understand correctly the E-Ink is supposedly much easier on the eyes for extended reading? My wife sister just purchased ... I can't recall if it is the new waterproof paperwhite or the Oasis? I know she liked the waterproof feature since she likes to use it at the beach.