Surface Devices

[xraydoc]

But that’s the thing, they don’t need repairing since Apple sent me a replacement pair of AirPods Pro. All they need to do is release the hold on my debit card.

They still have to verify that they are being replaced for a warranty-valid reason (ie., not because you dropped them in the toilet), otherwise they will charge you for the replacements.
The credit card hold will only turn into a charge when Apple instructs it to, however. But, yes, the extended hold is an inconvenience and Apple should respond faster.

 

[kazmac]

But that’s the thing, they don’t need repairing since Apple sent me a replacement pair of AirPods Pro. All they need to do is release the hold on my debit card.

Or That's up to Apple (or business) and your bank.

 

[Dave245]

They still have to verify that they are being replaced for a warranty-valid reason (ie., not because you dropped them in the toilet), otherwise they will charge you for the replacements.
The credit card hold will only turn into a charge when Apple instructs it to, however. But, yes, the extended hold is an inconvenience and Apple should respond faster.

fair enough. Apple shouldn’t tell people that it will be completed “within 48 hours“ if that’s not the case.
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Or That's up to Apple (or business) and your bank.

Apple shouldn’t tell people that it will be completed “within 48 hours“ and then fail to do so. The customer service at Apple is not good.

 

[kazmac]

fair enough. Apple shouldn’t tell people that it will be completed “within 48 hours“ if that’s not the case.
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Apple shouldn’t tell people that it will be completed “within 48 hours“ and then fail to do so. The customer service at Apple is not good.

Bolded, Italicized: An understatement.

Maybe just keep asking then?

 

[Dave245]

Bolded, Italicized: An understatement.

Maybe just keep asking then?

I know there are issues at the moment with the Coronavirus and I don’t want to come across harsh. I just think it should of been dealt with by now. Especially after being told by Apple customer service that It would take “up to 48 hours“

it’s not just that, the whole experience has not been good. I had to spend around an hour in conversation with Apple before they would even offer to send me a replacement. The Airpods Pro are 5 months old. Then they sent out the replacements in the most ridiculous way. One AirPod was in one package, the other in another and the case was in the 3rd and final package.

 

[kazmac]

I know there are issues at the moment with the Coronavirus and I don’t want to come across harsh. I just think it should of been dealt with by now. Especially after being told by Apple customer service that It would take “up to 48 hours“

it’s not just that, the whole experience has not been good. I had to spend around an hour in conversation with Apple before they would even offer to send me a replacement. The Airpods Pro are 5 months old. Then they sent out the replacements in the most ridiculous way. One AirPod was in one package, the other in another and the case was in the 3rd and final package.

I've had much worse scenarios that cost me a lot of $ and no resolution from Apple. Your airpod replacement was sloppy as hell to be sure, and it won't be the last time.

You may want to write Tim Cook when things get better out there. Be polite and maybe include pix of those packages and the details.

Wishing you luck.

 

[maflynn]

My wife got a new surface laptop (13" variety) and its really nice. In nearly every way this is what the MBPs used to be. Beautiful design, solid/quality construction, nice components. I'm really enjoying my Razer, but if I needed a 13" form factor this would definitely be on my short list.

 

[kazmac]

My wife got a new surface laptop (13" variety) and its really nice. In nearly every way this is what the MBPs used to be. Beautiful design, solid/quality construction, nice components. I'm really enjoying my Razer, but if I needed a 13" form factor this would definitely be on my short list.

I agree 100%. I loved my Surface Laptop 2 (Were it not for my silly mouse bork, I would have kept it). I hope she gets a lot of use out of it.

 

[Poisonivy326]

I have had my surface pro for a few months. I basically like it but: it scratches easily. I was using it and dropped it from about two feet (basically slipped out of my hand from the couch) and the top right corner of the black paint is chipped off. Oh well.

 

[derekamoss]

With the Surface Book 3 rumoured to be on the way, do you guys think there will be any hardware changes?

The Surface Book is a very interesting device, the fact that the top comes off and is usable as a tablet is appealing, but also that it can be used in so many different modes (the top comes off and can be turned around and re-attached for example).

Does anyone currently have a Surface Book 2 that they use around the house? Do you detach the screen to carry around and how well does that work?

My Surface Book 2 is probably the best electronic gadget I have ever had, excluding the 1st gen iPod in 2002. It mostly stays in laptop mode since its my work computer but it really is amazing to be able to detach the screen especially when i am just browsing the web. Holding it landscape mode is very nice to view web pages in. If i am going to watch a movie off of it, ill probably detach it as well. I would say i am 80 percent laptop and 20 percent tablet which really baffles me because I had come from a surface pro 4 which i almost always used as a straight tablet and bought the surface book because the tablet portion was lighter and bigger thinking i would be using it the same way. A lot of it might be because the keyboard IMO just feels so damn good and enjoy typing on it where with my surface pro I wasnt a big fan of the keyboard and ended up just typing on screen. Honestly after getting used to this form factor, anything else now would just feel half assed.

 

[Queen6]

My wife got a new surface laptop (13" variety) and its really nice. In nearly every way this is what the MBPs used to be. Beautiful design, solid/quality construction, nice components. I'm really enjoying my Razer, but if I needed a 13" form factor this would definitely be on my short list.

Looking briefly at the new Air I think Apple is trying harder with the Mac. That said Apple has burnt a lot of bridges in recent years and no doubt that has impacted reputation and sales, rightfully so IMO. Microsoft has very much got on it's game with hardware and offers premium products without the headaches that Apple seems to be spiralling with of recent.

Personally IMO Apple needs to go back to it's roots with the Mac; produce the best it can, under promise and over deliver, get off the sales & marketing high spec merry go round as this only sets up the users for disappointment with the 16" MBP being a prime example.

In 2011 Apple advertised the 15" MBP as a 2.4GHz in actuality it will Turbo up to 3.5GHz and hold a sustained 3.1GHz across all cores on OS X 10.12, same applied to battery life. Today Apple has fallen into the trap of specifying unrealistic numbers, max Turbo will never be sustained, especially on a Mac and battery runtimes are best circumstance, not realistic usage and that is the crux of the issue, add in unreliability due to poor design & shoddy software the rest is history...

Q-6

 

[Dave245]

Looking briefly at the new Air I think Apple is trying harder with the Mac. That said Apple has burnt a lot of bridges in recent years and no doubt that has impacted reputation and sales, rightfully so IMO. Microsoft has very much got on it's game with hardware and offers premium products without the headaches that Apple seems to be spiralling with of recent.

Personally IMO Apple needs to go back to it's roots with the Mac; produce the best it can, under promise and over deliver, get off the sales & marketing high spec merry go round as this only sets up the users for disappointment with the 16" MBP being a prime example.

In 2011 Apple advertised the 15" MBP as a 2.4GHz in actuality it will Turbo up to 3.5GHz and hold a sustained 3.1GHz across all cores on OS X 10.12, same applied to battery life. Today Apple has fallen into the trap of specifying unrealistic numbers, max Turbo will never be sustained, especially on a Mac and battery runtimes are best circumstance, not realistic usage and that is the crux of the issue, add in unreliability due to poor design & shoddy software the rest is history...

Q-6

I get the impression Apple are more focused on the iPad Pro and making it more like a computer. The latest update seems to confirm it.


I’m very tempted with the latest iPad Pro, however £349 for the new Keyboard with trackpad is a big ask for most people. For that price you can get the Surface Pro X keyboard and the new pen.
With the Surface Neo and Duo coming I’m going to hold off and see what happens. I will be getting A Duo and if it impresses I will also get the Neo at some point.

 

[maflynn]

That said Apple has burnt a lot of bridges

They have for me, at least in terms of laptops. Its just not the hardware, but also the software, and I've found macOS to be a bit lacking these past few years. I've left the fold before Catalina hit but based on what've seen, I'm lucky to do so. Its just been a frustrating mess of bugs for many people. The 16" MBP is a nice step up on paper, especially with the scissors based keyboard, but then the new owners start complaining about washing out screens that are ghosting, or buzzing sounds, or kernel panics. Granted not every owner has these issues, but it was enough for me to realize that Apple had its opportunity with me, but I've moved on.

Personally IMO Apple needs to go back to it's roots with the Mac

Like @Dave245 said, Apple is more vested and more focused with iOS. Its purely a numbers thing, they make more money off the iOS app store, so they'll be focusing more on iPhones and iPad. Plus since both of those are more locked down, with Apple having much more control over the iOS store, they want people to move over there as well.

 

[kazmac]

I backtracked on a 4th gen iPP because of past experiences with iPads (and hotspot issues with iOS 13 etc.), so I will see how the 2019 iPad does with remote work.

Will use what I have for now (Not a fan of Windows Ink) and go from there.

I second @derekamoss love for the SurfaceBook 2 keyboard. That was so comfortable to type on. The design and build quality were on point. I cannot wait to see what they do with the SB3.

 

[grmlin]

They have for me, at least in terms of laptops. Its just not the hardware, but also the software, and I've found macOS to be a bit lacking these past few years. I've left the fold before Catalina hit but based on what've seen, I'm lucky to do so. Its just been a frustrating mess of bugs for many people. The 16" MBP is a nice step up on paper, especially with the scissors based keyboard, but then the new owners start complaining about washing out screens that are ghosting, or buzzing sounds, or kernel panics. Granted not every owner has these issues, but it was enough for me to realize that Apple had its opportunity with me, but I've moved on.


Like @Dave245 said, Apple is more vested and more focused with iOS. Its purely a numbers thing, they make more money off the iOS app store, so they'll be focusing more on iPhones and iPad. Plus since both of those are more locked down, with Apple having much more control over the iOS store, they want people to move over there as well.

I think Apple is with MacOS where Microsoft was with Vista. I was absolutely amazed how little changed in all the years, when I booted up an old ass CRT iMac.
TBH. It’s not as bad as Vista of course, but the amount of bugs and issues I have using a MBP is infuriating.

 

[SteveJUAE]

I get the impression Apple are more focused on the iPad Pro and making it more like a computer. The latest update seems to confirm it.
m

I’m very tempted with the latest iPad Pro, however £349 for the new Keyboard with trackpad is a big ask for most people. For that price you can get the Surface Pro X keyboard and the new pen.
With the Surface Neo and Duo coming I’m going to hold off and see what happens. I will be getting A Duo and if it impresses I will also get the Neo at some point.

Don't be beguiled by the KB for the IPP

I quite like the Esq similarity to MS Studio and sure having a TP will help some but its still a Mobile OS and all its short comings

The new IPP brings little to the table than your current device

At $1000-1500 for the new combo brings you in to serious 2 in 1's and laptop territory and anyone really concerned about battery life only has to look at Samsung new Book-S

I know you like sketching but really the new combo brings little for you opposed to possibly what MS new releases and others will have to offer

 

[Dave245]

Don't be beguiled by the KB for the IPP

I quite like the Esq similarity to MS Studio and sure having a TP will help some but its still a Mobile OS and all its short comings

The new IPP brings little to the table than your current device

At $1000-1500 for the new combo brings you in to serious 2 in 1's and laptop territory and anyone really concerned about battery life only has to look at Samsung new Book-S

I know you like sketching but really the new combo brings little for you opposed to possibly what MS new releases and others will have to offer

At £349 just for the new keyboard, it’s a big ask and a big sting to customers (I think). I’m intrigued how the new trackpad and cursor support will work tho.

I’m waiting to see what Microsoft announce, the Surface Book 3 is of interest to me, also I’m patiently waiting for the Neo and Duo. If the Duo is a great a device, my current iPhone 11 Pro Max will be my last iPhone. If the Neo is a great tablet like device, my 2017 iPad Pro will be my last iPad.

Microsoft have got a real chance here to make something great, the Duo could be a great phone and the Neo could be a great tablet. Who knows maybe they could even be iPad and iPhone killers in the long run (but that’s running before they can walk at the moment).

 

[Queen6]

I get the impression Apple are more focused on the iPad Pro and making it more like a computer. The latest update seems to confirm it.

I’m very tempted with the latest iPad Pro, however £349 for the new Keyboard with trackpad is a big ask for most people. For that price you can get the Surface Pro X keyboard and the new pen.
With the Surface Neo and Duo coming I’m going to hold off and see what happens. I will be getting A Duo and if it impresses I will also get the Neo at some point.

They have for me, at least in terms of laptops. Its just not the hardware, but also the software, and I've found macOS to be a bit lacking these past few years. I've left the fold before Catalina hit but based on what've seen, I'm lucky to do so. Its just been a frustrating mess of bugs for many people. The 16" MBP is a nice step up on paper, especially with the scissors based keyboard, but then the new owners start complaining about washing out screens that are ghosting, or buzzing sounds, or kernel panics. Granted not every owner has these issues, but it was enough for me to realize that Apple had its opportunity with me, but I've moved on.

Like @Dave245 said, Apple is more vested and more focused with iOS. Its purely a numbers thing, they make more money off the iOS app store, so they'll be focusing more on iPhones and iPad. Plus since both of those are more locked down, with Apple having much more control over the iOS store, they want people to move over there as well.

No doubts at all that Apple places IOS devices & Services way above the Mac. Personally I don't find IOS devices to be useful or an alternative to a fully fledged W10 2in1. Absolutely agree regarding control Apple certainly doesn't like it's customers thinking for themselves 😛

The 16" MBP did stir the interest, equally Apple still persists on dropping the ball, now display and cooling issues are raising up, for the asking price the MBP should be far more refined and better executed. Problem being Apple is selling to a target audience and like as not the majority who post here fall outside of that demographic.

Given I've been grounded for the last 3 months thx to COVID-19 I've had time on the hands hence the resurrection for the 2011 MBP. Sadly for all it's faults it's a better piece of hardware for it's day than the current offerings. New Air interests, however I will most definitely wait as Apple has become synonymous with problematic hardware/software TBH any other company would have flopped by now, as I've often said the best thing Apple sells is Apple...

Q-6

 

[Dave245]

No doubts at all that Apple places IOS devices & Services way above the Mac. Personally I don't find IOS devices to be useful or an alternative to a fully fledged W10 2in1. Absolutely agree regarding control Apple certainly doesn't like it's customers thinking for themselves 😛

The 16" MBP did stir the interest, equally Apple still persists on dropping the ball, now display and cooling issues are raising up, for the asking price the MBP should be far more refined and better executed. Problem being Apple is selling to a target audience and like as not the majority who post here fall outside of that demographic.

Given I've been grounded for the last 3 months thx to COVID-19 I've had time on the hands hence the resurrection for the 2011 MBP. Sadly for all it's faults it's a better piece of hardware for it's day than the current offerings. New Air interests, however I will most definitely wait as Apple has become synonymous with problematic hardware/software TBH any other company would have flopped by now, as I've often said the best thing Apple sells is Apple...

Q-6

Personally I regret selling my Surface Pro 6, I should of persevered with Windows and got use to using it. My issue wasn’t with the hardware, I actually liked the durability and loved the kickstand on the Pro 6. It was Windows I had a bit of a panic with, I think because I’ve been so use to using MacOS and IOS for many years now (since at least 2011) that I was like a rabbit in the headlights and so I bailed on an otherwise great device.

I think Apple are also gouging us customers when it comes to price, for example the new keyboard with trackpad for the new iPad Pro is around £349, whereas the Surface Pro X keyboard and the pen top out at £249! I’m not saying either are cheap, but considering it’s over £100 for the Apple Pencil, it’s a bit ridiculous.

 

[SteveJUAE]

At £349 just for the new keyboard, it’s a big ask and a big sting to customers (I think). I’m intrigued how the new trackpad and cursor support will work tho.

I’m waiting to see what Microsoft announce, the Surface Book 3 is of interest to me, also I’m patiently waiting for the Neo and Duo. If the Duo is a great a device, my current iPhone 11 Pro Max will be my last iPhone. If the Neo is a great tablet like device, my 2017 iPad Pro will be my last iPad.

Microsoft have got a real chance here to make something great, the Duo could be a great phone and the Neo could be a great tablet. Who knows maybe they could even be iPad and iPhone killers in the long run (but that’s running before they can walk at the moment).

I do not have high hopes for mass adoption of the Duo, it will be niche appeal as Apple and Samsung have 10 years of popularity and that has too much familiarity for MS to over come

However

It will appeal to me 🙂 and the Neo is a given

 

[Queen6]

Personally I regret selling my Surface Pro 6, I should of persevered with Windows and got use to using it. My issue wasn’t with the hardware, I actually liked the durability and loved the kickstand on the Pro 6. It was Windows I had a bit of a panic with, I think because I’ve been so use to using MacOS and IOS for many years now (since at least 2011) that I was like a rabbit in the headlights and so I bailed on an otherwise great device.

I think Apple are also gouging us customers when it comes to price, for example the new keyboard with trackpad for the new iPad Pro is around £349, whereas the Surface Pro X keyboard and the pen top out at £249! I’m not saying either are cheap, but considering it’s over £100 for the Apple Pencil, it’s a bit ridiculous.

Apple has always pushed the pricing, in the past it was the price of the cutting edge, today it's more aligned with corporate greed, especially with forced in house upgrades and peripherals. We're seeing some value increase now, likely due to Apple's sales being negatively impacted by poor reliability, pricing, low storage etc.

I used the Mac exclusively for many a year, even preferring them to corporate notebooks where usage was permissible. Today I've not bought a Mac and retained one for over 5 years as I don't see the inherent value they once offered, nor do I care to support companies that deliberately abuses the customer (4 years to fix a poorly designed keyboard 🙄 one of many) Apple wants to appeal to a specific demographic and wants them to fawn over it's products regardless of price & flaws. Apple lost my business both privately & professionally and I don't see that coming back anytime soon...

Do I miss the Mac? Yes, equally I don't care for what Apple has become and it's blatant disregard for the customer. I still have a few older Mac's kicking about that I used professionally in the past to keep me going and if COVID-19 keeps me at home for another 3 months might just get back into Linux, I've an old ThinkPad which is lining up for a good candidate for KDE.

As for W10 zero regrets as it has opened many doors and never presented an issue. Frankly there's good reason why the world runs on Windows nor is it directly related to the cost of the hardware, Windows is simply better for the vast majority of professional environments. Apple stopped caring about OS X & Mac a good number of years ago barring the $$$$ it can haul in...

Q-6

 

[Expos of 1969]

Has always pushed the pricing, previously it was the price of the cutting edge, today it's more aligned with corporate greed, especially with forced in house upgrades and peripherals. We're seeing value increase now as likely Apple's sales are being negatively impacted by reliability, poor pricing, low storage etc.

I used the Mac exclusively for many a year, even preferring them to corporate notebooks where usage was permissible. Today I've not bought a Mac and retained one for over 5 years as I don't see the inherent value they once offered, nor do I like to support companies that deliberately abuse the customer (4 years to fix a poorly designed keyboard 🙄) Apple wants to appeal to a specific demographic and wants them to fawn over it's products regardless of price. Apple lost my business both privately & professionally and I don't see that coming back anytime soon...

Do I miss the Mac? Yes, equally I don't care for what Apple has become and it's blatant disregard for the customer. I still have a few older Mac's kicking about that I used professionally in the past to keep me going and if COVID-19 keeps me at home for another 3 months might just get back into Linux, I've an old ThinkPad which is lilneing up for a good candidate for KDE.

Q-6

Great comments about the state of Apple and its shabby and abusive customer treatment.

 

[kazmac]

I only have minor quibbles with this Lenovo Yoga (Mainly, Windows Ink is terrible and the battery life is not the 15 hours promised even on 50% brightness and no streaming video etc.) That said, the keyboard on the 15.6" model is very comfortable, the display is brighter than any W10 machine I've used, and for a starter machine, it's fine.

I am sure it will be decent as a remote work machine too (Will start using it in that capacity next week). Taking heed of folks' advice here not to tinker.

Am curious about the SB3 (and still pine for a smaller Surface Studio with newer internals). I wonder if MS will announce hardware on the 30th (Uncertain for sure, but a nice surprise if so.)

 

[derekamoss]

Personally I regret selling my Surface Pro 6, I should of persevered with Windows and got use to using it. My issue wasn’t with the hardware, I actually liked the durability and loved the kickstand on the Pro 6. It was Windows I had a bit of a panic with, I think because I’ve been so use to using MacOS and IOS for many years now (since at least 2011) that I was like a rabbit in the headlights and so I bailed on an otherwise great device.

I think Apple are also gouging us customers when it comes to price, for example the new keyboard with trackpad for the new iPad Pro is around £349, whereas the Surface Pro X keyboard and the pen top out at £249! I’m not saying either are cheap, but considering it’s over £100 for the Apple Pencil, it’s a bit ridiculous.

The switch for me wasn't so bad because I switched to a Surface when Windows 8 was the new thing and believe me, if you would have had a Surface running Windows 8, you wouldn't have ever let go. It's UI when it comes to touchscreen/tablets beats iOS, OS X and the poorly put together Windows 10. If I was able to install it on my surface book I would. Every time I pull out my Surface RT I am reminded how good Windows 8 was....

 

[Queen6]

The switch for me wasn't so bad because I switched to a Surface when Windows 8 was the new thing and believe me, if you would have had a Surface running Windows 8, you wouldn't have ever let go. It's UI when it comes to touchscreen/tablets beats iOS, OS X and the poorly put together Windows 10. If I was able to install it on my surface book I would. Every time I pull out my Surface RT I am reminded how good Windows 8 was....

W8 was too far ahead of it's time and the bigger issue was for standard desktop usage as the constant flipping between the two very different UI's for many was overly jarring. I do think MS will slowly move back to a similar control scheme, equally it will be far more well thought out for the typical desktop user and the far more mobile tablet/2in1 scenarios.

We will see soon enough with the emerging W10X as MS has the perfect opportunity to effect change...

Q-6