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I bought a SurfaceBook
- Thread starter maflynn
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I'd recommend that of any major OS.... Windows, OSX, iOS, Android really.Congrats. It was especially wise to wait about a year before purchasing a Surface product. That's about how long it takes for Microsoft to work out most of the serious bugs/issues. Yes, you don't get in on the fun on day-1, but you also don't get in on the "fun" on day-1.
128GB should do fairly well since it isn't going to be your primary device. The problem that I have with Windows in general is the footprint-creep of the operating system. Not a problem when one has a 500GB or 1TB drive, but on these lower capacity SSDs, I find it to be an issue.
Interesting comparison Surface Book with Performance Base versus 2016 MBP
[doublepost=1481914390][/doublepost]Another convert
Q-6
[doublepost=1481914390][/doublepost]Another convert
Q-6
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Looking at the Surface Book, coming from a MBP 15" retina late 2013.
Is it good for software development in Visual Studio? Is it fast for everything like web browsing too?
Is it good for software development in Visual Studio? Is it fast for everything like web browsing too?
with an external monitor(s) yes. without, not enough screen estate to work with visual studio comfortably. At least that is my experience, especially with visual studio where you often have multiple panes around the code window. Other than that, it's a fast machine.
Not in a position to comment on Visual Studio. Other aspects yes my i7 Surface Book is fast and fluid, easy in the same space as a 13" MBP, exceeding where the gGPU comes into play.
Q-6
We have a Surface Book in the office hooked up to 2 x 34in ultra-wide screens running Visual Studio 2015 , Xamarin and bunch of other stuff and works really good. Nice machine and I have already ordered the new Performance base version for me and will pass my XPS 13 on to someone else (It's great being the boss!)
I am now seriously considering either a SurfaceBook or HP Spectre to replace this iMac. I'd like something for the long haul with more bang for the buck. My usage needs are pretty low though (Word, light image editing (mostly screenshots from video, video burning, web).
I think a laptop would better suit my needs now as I sit in front of a desktop all day at work and would like the option of portability.
Any input/suggestions would be great.
I think a laptop would better suit my needs now as I sit in front of a desktop all day at work and would like the option of portability.
Any input/suggestions would be great.
Assuming the type of usage you gave is truly all you plan to do with your laptop, you should seriously consider the base model Surface Book. It would actually be an advantage to you over any dGPU model because it would provide you with more battery life. The dGPU would not provide you any performance advantage aside from the i7 processor, and that processor would only improve performance by a slight amount for you.
The form factor for the Surface Book simply offers more flexibility than the Spectre because you can flip the Surface Book screen around and fold it over without having to hold onto the keyboard portion of the laptop on the back. Obviously you also have the ability to detach the screen completely. You can currently find the Surface Book on sale for around $1200.
There will likely be a new Surface Book out in March so if you can wait, that'd be your best option for now.
Okay, I might look into a Surface Pro 4 for the time being and use that for awhile. If anyone else has suggestions, I would greatly appreciate hearing them This will be my first home PC as I've been Mac for 20 years.
Bit of both. It's got plenty of HP and memory to do dev work with the big screens and it's also a great laptop. We bring it into meetings all the time and use it in tablet mode. Looking forward to getting the newer update and using that as my regular laptop.
Right now there are 3 iterations of Surface Book:
- i5 Integrated graphics only
- i5 or i7 Integrated graphics & GT 940M GPU
- i7 Integrated graphics & GTX 965M (Performance Base)
- Up to 512Gb SSD for integrated graphics only, dGPU versions up to 1TB SSD
Given your usage description any model of Surface Book will work for you as, they are genuinely fast notebooks. Personally I like the dGPU option as this opens up the Surface Book for greater usage, GPU acceleration for some applications and a level of casual gaming. Another major aspect of Surface Book is it`s 2 in 1 functionality, which for me was a big aspect of the purchasing decision, if you do not have use or want this functionality, likely be better to save some money and opt for the more traditional clamshell notebook.
All models offer extremely solid battery life, with the dGPU versions still remaining to be very efficient thx to Nvidia`s Optimus technology. For typical Microsoft Office workloads all day computing is given. The dGPU models also charges faster, as I believe they have a higher capacity charger, versus the integrated only i5 model.
Surface Book 2 will likely launch with the next major update to Windows 10 the Creators Update, undoubtedly bringing improvements over the current model. Microsoft moat definitely has signifiant issue with the Surface Book on release, equally all now looks to be resolved being related to software rather than hardware.
Spretre I don't have first hand use of, however ones I have seen on display all appear to accumulate dust in the air intakes of the cooling system, which may to may not be an issue over time.
Q-6
Thank you @Queen6 I appreciate your detailed post and information (ditto to others who have answered). I've found a home for this 2013 iMac and will ride the fumes of my wobbly, but still working 2010 iMac until the Surface Book 2 arrives. Currently my creative side is sleeping, but I would like the option of buying a machine that has software and hardware that could accommodate web and light print design, amongst other things (as you mentioned the dGPU makes me think I should wait until this is released. I'd rather have a machine with a little more than what I need than not enough. EDIT: just looked up creator's update (3D paint and social media aren't really stuff I use but that's okay).
I've always read your replies to others and appreciate your thorough knowledge regarding PCs and Mac laptops.
In the meantime, I will be making many trips the Microsoft store in Manhattan (5-6 blocks away from the 5th Avenue Apple store). Have to laugh, I stopped and stared at the Surface Studio through the window several times this month.
I've always read your replies to others and appreciate your thorough knowledge regarding PCs and Mac laptops.
In the meantime, I will be making many trips the Microsoft store in Manhattan (5-6 blocks away from the 5th Avenue Apple store). Have to laugh, I stopped and stared at the Surface Studio through the window several times this month.
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From what I've read Surface Book 2 will very likely incorporate Nvidia 10 series dGPU, Pen will also be improved, adding tilt. I have little doubt that one is in my future, given the impression the current model has made
I will be interested in seeing how Microsoft develop the Performance Base model, will certainly be impressive if a 1060 is an option. Personally finding my own Surface Book to be a vast improvement over my 13" Retina with the notebook being far more rounded & versatile.
Thx to the 2 in 1 design, combined withTouch & Pen input and software maturing such notebooks are very much coming into their own realm. I also consider a provider that places the PC first is also likely to deliver the better overall product.
Q-6
I found a case that I really like, not cheap but very nice and now I can carry my SB around without worrying.
https://www.amazon.com/Surface-Icar...483055010&sr=8-1&keywords=icarer+surface+book
https://www.amazon.com/Surface-Icar...483055010&sr=8-1&keywords=icarer+surface+book
I ultimately went with a mini PC, the Alienware Alpha, but I will keep watching the Surface line. I may pick up a surface pro 4 once the price drops a bit more. I really like what MS is doing hardware-wise, but the mounting glitches in my 21.5" 2010 iMac pushed me to act now.
They are both exactly devices, build quality is great and feels very premium. My biggest problem with the Surfacebook is the hinge isn't as adjustable as I would have liked it. Personally If I were you, I would wait because:
1. The Surface Pro 5, Surfacebook 2 are absolute studs then buy them for the price the older devices are now
2. The Surface Pro 4, Surfacebook are dropping heavily in price --> you get a better bang for the buck.
Personally I think MS needs to improve the battery life on the Surface Pro 5, increase screen size a bit and for crying out loud allow users to disable the update service. If that happens, I think the Surface Pro 5 might be the perfect 2 in 1 because the Surface Pro 4 is already damn close.
Thanks for your input. I will certainly wait and I appreciate your insights; I'll be quite busy getting used to Windows 10 and the PC way of doing things in general (My work PC use is very specific).
They improved the battery in the high end Surface Book so they may very well do that with the SP. I don't think they'll increase the size at all.
That's a Windows thing and not a Surface issue, and as such MS isn't going to do that, they want their users to keep current.
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The issue I have with the first video review is that he's comparing the quad core 15" MBP with the dual core 13" SB. I don't buy his logic to compare apples to apples, he opted for the 15" MBP because of the SB contains a dGPU. Overall however he gives excellent reasons why he likes the SB
I've done a lot of research and am so glad I ultimately did not go with the alienware alpha - it was not right for me as far as desktop - perhaps by the time I am ready to replace it, another PC mini will step up to the plate. Will keep my 2013 iMac until it fails, but will test the Windows waters with a laptop. Circling around an HP Spectre or Surfacebook now. I never really understood a lot of ultrabook tech or terminology until this past week, so I understand exactly what I will be purchasing insofar as battery life screen etc.
Linux is a bit more than I can get involved (speaking as a right brain creative), so for now, it'll be Windows.
Linux is a bit more than I can get involved (speaking as a right brain creative), so for now, it'll be Windows.
True, however would be even more skewed if he opted for the 13" MBP, the CPU`s would be fairly balanced, add the dGPU to the mix the 13" MBP would be literally decimated with only the SSD pulling ahead. Personally pleased with the performance of the custom GT 940M, Performance Base with the GTX 965M much more so.
Q-6
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I would look at the Spectre carefully every one I have looked at seems to attract dust in the cooling intakes on the bottom of the chassis. Quite possibly a non issue, equally I would want to keep the intakes clean as once the heat-sync looses efficiency it can result in a loss of performance. The spectre is also USB C only which is also a consideration depending on your usage.
n.b. I am speaking about the Spectre, not the 360
Q-6
After much thought I also just got back from the MS Store with my new Surface Book. It is the i7/16gb/512ssd/Performance Base. It better last for a while!
Doing the updates now and then will start the software installs
Doing the updates now and then will start the software installs