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"The tablet I had been waiting for"
on by pjoswaldPros Fast performance, stylus functionality exceeds expectations, excellent screen, brings out the best in Windows 8, USB and Mini displayport functionality add immense flexibility, able to install any software
Cons Stylus and power adapter connection point is finicky, offers less battery life than other tablets
Summary I was intrigued to discover last year that Microsoft planned to enter the world of hardware design, and now I'm pleased to find that they've done their homework. I bought the Surface Pro hoping to find a tablet that could run a complete operating system and handle business computing-- as well as all the "consumption" that other tablets are known for. It would appear I've found what I was hoping for.
The screen is super high-res, the included pen was an unexpected surprise for composing emails and reviewing documents, and the separate type cover accessory makes this feel perfectly well suited to lots of typing. It is also very fast thanks to a solid state hard drive and great cpu.
The battery gets about 5 hours of battery life when I use it heavily, and with "power saving options", I get closer to 6-7. Certainly less than a "media consumption" tablet, but better than any laptop I've used in recent years. I would hope that future Surface Pro models find a better solution for storing the pen than having it magnetically attach to the charging port.
I purchased the 64GB model as I wanted to save a bit of money, and admittedly, I could see how it would be possible to fill up that space quickly. I've already freed up 8GB by using the simple "Create a System Recovery Disk" option with a usb drive, though, and I'm using Skydrive to access many of my most commonly used files. So now, after installing most all of my software, and plenty of apps, I've still got about 30 GB free.
On another note, I see now that Windows 8 was built with touch screen in mind...It flows so well on the Surface.
This is a great piece of machinery that takes tablets to a more meaningful and useful place. -
"Best device for Windows 8"
on by aquerzePros Lightest and most portable and well built of all non-Atom Windows 8 PCs
Pressure Sensitive Stylus
HD display
Touch screen is responsive and tracks ten points of contact
Price: even with the keyboard added in this is one of the lowest price optionsCons 1. Speakers at maximum volume are not sufficient
2. Lap typing definitely possible but at times tricky
3. Wish it had a full sd card slot
4. No where to put the stylus when chargingSummary I considered every possible Windows 8 (non RT)convertible tablet/laptops. For me it came down to the Yoga 13 (which I returned after major issues), the Duo 11 (which I didn't get because no touch pad and potential lack of durability of the mechanism to convert), and the Dell XPS (which didn't have any sd card slot to expand memory). After owning the Pro for a couple weeks I can say I feel like I made the right choice but I wish I could have tried the Sony Duo in a store before deciding. The big con most people say is battery but the battery life is average (4.5hrs) for the category but since this is the lightest of all the devices it is comparably good but not so good generally speaking
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"Surface Pro is going to be everything it lives up to be"
on by keepingitreal23Pros All the features, and its capabilities!!! Great materials and craftsmanship as well!!!
Cons No Backlight Optional Keypad.
Summary Hoping second generation Surface Pro will have a bigger screen without making the tablet any bigger though, therefore only enlarging the screen by going more edge-to-edge on the tablet.
Truly a one of a kind, in its kickstand, and attachable keypad!!!
Updated on Jan 12, 2013 -
"Fantastic Productivity Device!"
on by ZeikfriedPros Runs old windows software, gorgeous display, expandable memory via SD card or External USB storage, super fast boot up and processing speeds
Cons Short battery life
Summary The Surface Pro (128 GB) is a fantastic device that allows me to have all the productivity of a laptop and the convenience of a tablet. The speeds are fantastic and the fact I can run any windows software on it are key! Plus the ability to utilize external storage (via SD Slot and USB) is another notch in it's favor. My only complaint is the battery life, it could be better.
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"Everything I needed for a desktop, laptop and tablet"
on by MusabnashiPros A definite laptop replacement in a tablet package
Cons a little heavy


