Surface Devices

[Silvestru Hosszu]

For some reason i thought the tablet part/screen of the device would have longer battery life. I spend a lot of time with my tablet vs my laptop or iMac. I'm in no hurry so i can wait and see what happens and or what else is released this year. I did also want the Surface Neo, however that seems to have been pushed back until next year, altho the Duo is still rumoured to be coming this year.

Even if i don't get the Book 3, i'm still looking at Surface devices, even if it's the Surface Pro X. For the time being my iPad Pro is still working (not sure how long for) and the longer i use it, the more i'm getting my moneys worth i guess. I'm not sure when Microsoft typically update the Surface Pro line up, but maybe i'll have another go at one of those.

Having 60 days return why not just order it and try it out.
Although reviews may be useful, nothing can replace hands on experience, and I do not mean here a 30 minutes play time in a store.
Just order it and if it doesn't work out, return it. 60 days is plenty.

 

[maflynn]

Even if i don't get the Book 3

I owned the original SurfaceBook and it was a nice machine in a lot of ways, but I wouldn't buy another one.

Some of my critiques are what others have stated in reviews.
The center of gravity is different with the SB, much of the weight is in the display and not the base, so that makes it a tad wobbly. This issue plagues the Surface Pros, more so, but that's a tablet that can function as a laptop, where as the SB is the other way around.

I found in tablet mode, the tablet is kind of heavy and using it for extended periods produced some arm fatigue, something that wouldn't happen with other tablets.

In laptop mode, the hinge does make it a bit ungainly. Its a fantastic design and implementation, but it very wedgey

 

[Dave245]

I owned the original SurfaceBook and it was a nice machine in a lot of ways, but I wouldn't buy another one.

Some of my critiques are what others have stated in reviews.
The center of gravity is different with the SB, much of the weight is in the display and not the base, so that makes it a tad wobbly. This issue plagues the Surface Pros, more so, but that's a tablet that can function as a laptop, where as the SB is the other way around.

I found in tablet mode, the tablet is kind of heavy and using it for extended periods produced some arm fatigue, something that wouldn't happen with other tablets.

In laptop mode, the hinge does make it a bit ungainly. Its a fantastic design and implementation, but it very wedgey

Sounds like it's not a great tablet in terms of being able to hold. It may be that I would be better suited to a Surface Pro X or simply the Surface Pro. I do use my tablets by holding them most of the time, that's because most of the time I'm either drawing or note taking with my Apple Pencil, outside of that I love to watch Netflix or my iTunes library content while cooking, that means having to have it propped up in the kitchen, my 2017 iPad Pro has the Apple case where it's not a keyboard but it does help it stand up.

 

[maflynn]

Sounds like it's not a great tablet in terms of being able to hold

Jack of all trades, master of none type of mentality, its trying to do two things very well and in doing so, has to make some sacrifices.

Personally, the Surface Pro X looks intriguing if it wasn't ARM based, though I was leaning towards the Surface Go

 

[Dave245]

Jack of all trades, master of none type of mentality, its trying to do two things very well and in doing so, has to make some sacrifices.

Isn’t that what Tim Cook said about the original Surface Book

The Pro X is an interesting one, but as you say with it running ARM it’s a matter of what it can do and what it can run. Maybe the next version will be improved up on.

 

[maflynn]

running ARM it’s a matter of what it can do and what it can run.

I'm having too much playing games on steam to consider the Surface Pro X. I totally understand that the surface products are not geared for gaming, but still, if I'm on something, it might be nice for a diversion

 

[Dave245]

I'm having too much playing games on steam to consider the Surface Pro X. I totally understand that the surface products are not geared for gaming, but still, if I'm on something, it might be nice for a diversion

How brilliant would it be if Apple made a truly competitive Surface Pro style device. Looks like the iPad Pro with a kickstand an OS that can handle full Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro! amount other Pro style software. I think Apple would make a killing and a lot of people would buy it.

Just look at the iPad Pro, with mouse support and a trackpad it now seems like they are admitting that Microsoft were right all along. That the 2 in 1 category is actually worth getting involved in.

 

[The_Interloper]

Sounds like it's not a great tablet in terms of being able to hold.

It's really no different to holding a 12.9" iPad Pro; it's even roughly the same weight.

I use the Surface Book as both tablet and laptop daily and no longer miss the iPad Pro one bit.

 

[Mendota]

Apparently the center of gravity issue is better with the new one (Can't wait!), although I never found that to be a problem when using it on my lap. Holding any of the larger tablets is about the same, only the Surface Pro provides a kick stand. If you can hold a iPad, you can hold a Surface Book. It is not so much about the jack of all trades, as it is about providing power (a real operating system) that allows you to use actual full on applications and having the portability of being able to take it with you. There is nothing cooler than being at a meeting, and presenting a idea and then while everyone watches you disconnect the tablet and pass it around. The first time I did this everyone's eyes popped.

On the other hand, if you really like your iPad for that mobile experience, then you should keep it. It is not a zero sum game. You don't have to give up one to have the other.

 

[VanneDC]

ive used various Surface devices for work, hated the first one, absolutely loved that other ones. If your looking at buying one, stay away from the low spec ones, they are painful. Still use a surface 3 pro a lot these days, its a high spec one, but perfect for web duty and old games. LOVE IT!!

 

[Dave245]

Unbox Therapy have a unboxing/review video, for the Surface Book 3

 

[meddow]

cant wait for the Duo!

 

[Dave245]

cant wait for the Duo!

No release date for it yet tho, i do keep seeing leakers say that Microsoft want to release it earlier than the original "Holiday 2020" release. It would be nice if they were to realise it around September-October time.

 

[meddow]

Theres seems to be a few units out there, so hopefully soon rather than later!

No release date for it yet tho, i do keep seeing leakers say that Microsoft want to release it earlier than the original "Holiday 2020" release. It would be nice if they were to realise it around September-October time.

 

[Falhófnir]

No release date for it yet tho, i do keep seeing leakers say that Microsoft want to release it earlier than the original "Holiday 2020" release. It would be nice if they were to realise it around September-October time.

Probably more likely Jul-Aug timeframe in that case (if that's even possible) it would probably be better to get it out ahead of the iPhone, and far enough ahead that people aren't thinking they will wait and see what the iPhone offers this year?

 

[Dave245]

Probably more likely Jul-Aug timeframe in that case (if that's even possible) it would probably be better to get it out ahead of the iPhone, and far enough ahead that people aren't thinking they will wait and see what the iPhone offers this year?

That's a good point, they will probably want to get it out earlier than the iPhone release. I'm watching the Duo carefully, it could be such a great device, the two screens that work well for multitasking but also being to take calls, send txts and even use the Surface Slim Pen.

 

[Falhófnir]

That's a good point, they will probably want to get it out earlier than the iPhone release. I'm watching the Duo carefully, it could be such a great device, the two screens that work well for multitasking but also being to take calls, send txts and even use the Surface Slim Pen.

Yep it's certainly a very interesting design, and arguably could be another industry disrupting iPhone moment, but I think it will be harder this time around as the benefits are there but not immediately as obvious, and a lot of people are more strongly attached to or invested in their iPhones. That's why I think Microsoft might be better trying to get it out against the 11 Pro while its old news, and before the wall to wall iPhone 12 coverage and hype starts to build up. They will want all the focus and coverage for this for as long as possible to really get people interested in it and understanding how it could work for them better.

 

[meddow]

Probably more likely Jul-Aug timeframe in that case (if that's even possible) it would probably be better to get it out ahead of the iPhone, and far enough ahead that people aren't thinking they will wait and see what the iPhone offers this year?

Microsoft most likely thinks that these devices are in a different category (pro/business) user so they won’t be too concerned about iphones timing. And the price will most likely be well over $1G pricing it out for 'casual' users.

 

[LeeW]

All I have left in terms of macOS is a Mac Mini, sold my iMac today, laptops are all gone too. So now both PC and MM are connected to dual monitors, all I need to do is switch either or both on and then flick the monitor ports as required. When I need macOS and I do, it is there but provided in the cheapest option possible.

About to switch the IPP over to Surface Pro unless something else catches my eye, with lockdown I have time to browse. The only thing about the SP7 is the battery life, every review puts it as a negative.

My next earphone change will be away from Airpods to something where all the functionality works cross-platform. That will leave me with just the MM, iPhone and Watch which I will decide on when the time arises. Just can't find a good enough replacement for the Watch. Really edging towards the Pixel, hearing so many good things it which forces the quest to move away from the Apple Watch.

 

[kazmac]

I am liking what I am hearing about the headphones and what came out of this Builds conference so far. Not that I understand much beyond MS’ version of Terminal.

Dave Lee on the SB3 and S Headphones2:

I really need to up my Affinity Designer game...

 

[LeeW]

Any recommendations for a reasonably cheap Android tablet, don't fancy the in your face branding of the Fire HD. Looking for around a 10-inch screen, reasonably cheap as I want to try out android again for a while, but not so cheap I will feel like it's not great as it's underpowered.

 

[Mendota]

Any recommendations for a reasonably cheap Android tablet, don't fancy the in your face branding of the Fire HD. Looking for around a 10-inch screen, reasonably cheap as I want to try out android again for a while, but not so cheap I will feel like it's not great as it's underpowered.

Samsung just released a new Galaxy Tab 6 lite. I have the Galaxy Tab 6. The lite version has 4 gigs or ram vs six. They both have the S -Pen. The lite version has a slightly slower processor, not really something you would notice. Quite a few reviews out on it, and they are positive. The price is around $400 dollars vs $650. I really can't recommend any tablet that isn't done by Samsung at this point. They are the only ones still chasing quality on Android.

 

[Expos of 1969]

Any recommendations for a reasonably cheap Android tablet, don't fancy the in your face branding of the Fire HD. Looking for around a 10-inch screen, reasonably cheap as I want to try out android again for a while, but not so cheap I will feel like it's not great as it's underpowered.

I have the Samsung Galaxy Tab A (2019) and am quite pleased with it. Great battery life. It is often on sale. I paid 160 Euros about 7 months ago. @sracer has good things to say about this product and in fact that's how I became aware of it.

 

[sracer]

Here's a link to my thread on the Galaxy Tab A 10.1" (2019).

That was back in August 2019. 9 months later, my appreciation for the Tab A has only grown.

 

[maflynn]

Dave Lee on the SB3 and S Headphones2:

I watched that video, and he makes some nice points. Also what's with these computer makers jumping into the headphone business ¯\_(ツ)_/¯