Surface Devices

[Gamer-Dad]

Interesting, I noticed that for your results the database doesn't report the CPU frequency, so that may indicate that the result is related to a Mac and/or OS X.

Q-6

I need to email them. I'm sure there are other Mac's in there, but everything shows up under the Win platform. During my tests, my processor sits around 3.2 throughout the test, unless I run it back to back mutliple times where it drops to 2.9's. Not like yours staying at 3.9, but yours is built for the sustained loads...

 

[xraydoc]

My SurfaceBook 2 arrived today. It's the 13.5" core i7 model with 16GB of RAM, 512GB SSD and nVidia 1050. My new employer bought the machine for me. Also got myself a Dock for home and the pen (current gen 3).

This thing is gorgeous. Build quality is straight out of Apple. The clipboard is surprisingly light -- weighs less than my iPad Pro (I was expecting it to weigh similar or more, actually).
I haven't done much more yet than get all my software installed and set up, but seems quite zippy (better be).

If only Apple had made this. I think this machine could get me to leave the Apple nest completely.

I know new machines potentially are coming in Oct., but I don't think any significant changes are coming to the SB line. And even if so, this machine has everything I require.

If anyone has any specific questions, please let me know.

 

[Dave245]

My SurfaceBook 2 arrived today. It's the 13.5" core i7 model with 16GB of RAM, 512GB SSD and nVidia 1050. My new employer bought the machine for me. Also got myself a Dock for home and the pen (current gen 3).

This thing is gorgeous. Build quality is straight out of Apple. The clipboard is surprisingly light -- weighs less than my iPad Pro (I was expecting it to weigh similar or more, actually).
I haven't done much more yet than get all my software installed and set up, but seems quite zippy (better be).

If only Apple had made this. I think this machine could get me to leave the Apple nest completely.

I know new machines potentially are coming in Oct., but I don't think any significant changes are coming to the SB line. And even if so, this machine has everything I require.

If anyone has any specific questions, please let me know.

Congratulations on you’re new machine! I do have some questions you could answer if you don’t mind?

What’s Windows like on the Surface Book 2? I’m really out of the loop since 2011, which was the year I started to use MacOS.

Have you tried the different modes? Like taking the screen off flipping it around and using it in studio mode? If so what’s it like?

How portable do you find the device?
[doublepost=1537008144][/doublepost]I don’t know if any of you guys have noticed but most of the Surface devices (Surface laptop, Studio, Book 2) configurations are out of stock (at least here in the U.K) I’m guessing this means there will be an update? There are some good price drops as well:

Surface Book 2 now starts at £1,299 (down from £1,499)
Surface Laptop now starts £749 (down from £979)
Surface Pro now starts at £749 (down from £799)
Surface studio only has 1 configuration in stock which is the middle tier and is now £3,017

The only model to NOT get a price reduction is the Surface Go.

It will be interesting to see what updates the Surface line gets. October is going to be an interesting month, I will be watching both Microsoft and Apple to see what they do, Apple need to do something more than just another big iPad, we need more productivity for the iPad itself if it has any chance of being a full laptop replacement.

 

[SDColorado]

This thing is gorgeous. Build quality is straight out of Apple. The clipboard is surprisingly light -- weighs less than my iPad Pro (I was expecting it to weigh similar or more, actually

I really like Microsoft's use of magnesium alloy over aluminum alloy in these devices. I think it has a better texture and feel over the aluminum, weighs less and is less thermally conductive, so doesn't seem to get as warm to the touch. I haven't sent a lot of time with the Surface Book 2 though, just my in-store demoing of it on a couple of occasions. But my Surface Pro also uses that magnesium alloy.​

What’s Windows like on the Surface Book 2? I’m really out of the loop since 2011, which was the year I started to use MacOS.

Have you tried the different modes? Like taking the screen off flipping it around and using it in studio mode? If so what’s it like?

How portable do you find the device?

I was in a similar boat, having not used Windows since the XP days. I find Windows 10 to be snappy and stable in the 13+ months I have owned the Surface Pro.

Surface Book is definitely going to be snappier with graphics intensive work than the Surface Pro. Depending on the model, there is an option for either the nVidia 1050 w/2GB discreet graphics or 1060 w/6GB discreet graphics.

Surface Pro, by comparison, is all Intel integrated graphics. I went with the top model and the Iris Plus Graphics 640 with mine and Windows 10 is still snappy on that, but heavy graphics stuff will find it's limit. However, the 640 does perform better than the Intel HD 615 in the MacBook, for the sake of comparison.

One thing that really surprised me from my in-store demoing of the Surface Book 2 was how light the display felt once separated, even on the 15" model. No doubt it is still a large tablet at 15", but it is surprisingly light due to the magnesium alloy.

The Microsoft Store near my house still has stock of units, but all but the Go are discounted $200 - $300. Definitely, a refresh coming if nothing else. Likely to Whiskey Lake processors. Whether we see significant updates to the Surface Pro or Surface Book is the question. Most "experts" predict based on past release dates, that there won't be a Surface Book 3 until Sept. 2019, but also admit to having been wrong before.

 

[Dave245]

I was in a similar boat, having not used Windows since the XP days. I find Windows 10 to be snappy and stable in the 13+ months I have owned the Surface Pro.

Surface Book is definitely going to be snappier with graphics intensive work than the Surface Pro. Depending on the model, there is an option for either the nVidia 1050 w/2GB discreet graphics or 1060 w/6GB discreet graphics.

Surface Pro, by comparison, is all Intel integrated graphics. I went with the top model and the Iris Plus Graphics 640 with mine and Windows 10 is still snappy on that, but heavy graphics stuff will find it's limit. However, the 640 does perform better than the Intel HD 615 in the MacBook, for the sake of comparison.

One thing that really surprised me from my in-store demoing of the Surface Book 2 was how light the display felt once separated, even on the 15" model. No doubt it is still a large tablet at 15", but it is surprisingly light due to the magnesium alloy.

The Microsoft Store near my house still has stock of units, but all but the Go are discounted $200 - $300. Definitely, a refresh coming if nothing else. Likely to Whiskey Lake processors. Whether we see significant updates to the Surface Pro or Surface Book is the question. Most "experts" predict based on past release dates, that there won't be a Surface Book 3 until Sept. 2019, but also admit to having been wrong before.

I’m not really in the loop when it comes to Microsoft, do leaks often happen like they do with Apple? if not it could be a surprise that they announce a new Surface Pro, Surface Book 3 or something like that.

It’s great to hear that Windows 10 is better and snappy over all, we don’t have Microsoft store’s here in the U.K. I don’t think, at least not close to where I live. If there is a Whiskey lake update is it likely to be a big update? At this moment in time I’m happy to sit back and see what happens in October with both Apple and Microsoft.

My 2011 MacBook Pro gave up the other week and broke down (I think there’s a GPU issue) so at the moment I’m using my 2017 iPad Pro until I decide what machine to get, there is definitely a compromise with the iPad Pro, as much as I like iOS and the iPad overall it just isn’t a replacement for the laptop for people like myself, mainly for the following reasons:

I can’t play games on it (one thing I actually liked about the PC I had years ago)
Typing for long periods is a no
Navigation just isn’t as good when doing things like word documents
The OS seems to limit what I can do

I really wish Apple would just stop being stubborn and finally make a Surface Pro style of device, the iPad just isn’t it.

 

[xraydoc]

Congratulations on you’re new machine! I do have some questions you could answer if you don’t mind?

What’s Windows like on the Surface Book 2? I’m really out of the loop since 2011, which was the year I started to use MacOS.

Have you tried the different modes? Like taking the screen off flipping it around and using it in studio mode? If so what’s it like?

How portable do you find the device?

Windows 10, especially the latest version, is very usable. Still has a few legacy oddities, but it's pretty easy to not see them. For example, there's the new Windows 10 settings panel, which is clean and modern, but there's still the old NT-style control panel that is mostly hidden away but contains some deep settings that one might have to deal with occasionally, whereas MacOS has only the single, unified system settings. But I've had to use Win10 for work for quite some time, so I'm familiar with it. It's very stable and usable.

Popping the screen off takes about 3 seconds - the "clipboard" is surprising light, and since it contains everything but the dGPU, it's just as fast as when the computer is in one piece. Has only about 20% battery capacity of the whole thing, so it's not really meant to be used as a tablet full time. But it'll definitely last a few hours of couch surfing and can be charged independently from the base if you want.

Flipping the screen over and using the base as a monitor stand is actually quite nice. Makes for a good second desktop monitor, and I find it more pleasing as you don't have the laptop's keyboard to look over. Closing the lid with the screen on backwards give you the "studio" mode. Here it's easy to write on the screen while on a table - gives it a slight incline for comfort and of course the full 10+ hour battery life of the whole thing together. I look forward to using it like this at work quite often (I take a lot of notes in OneNote).

You could actually use it like a tablet in this configuration, too, but it's weight will quickly be tiring.

As a laptop, it's heavier and thicker than a 13" MBP but I think lighter than a 15" MBP (just a ballpark estimate). The laptop is a little top-heavy when open since so much is in the screen portion, but the hinge is quite stable.

The keyboard is great. While I personally liked the low-profile keyboard of the new MacBook Pros, the SurfaceBook 2 keyboard is top notch. Positive tactile snap in and out, but quiet and with good key travel. Backlighting is a little bit uneven but that's nowhere close to being a dealbreaker.

Runs my 4K monitor perfectly when connected to the desktop Surface Dock. Apparently the SB2 will only run one external 4K monitor at 60Hz (or two at 30Hz), so for some people this might be a problem, but doesn't impact me.

It's extremely fast. Quad core i7 with a dGPU in a 13" form-factor. Sure, it's a U-series processor, a 15 watt part with no fan, so it's not going to sustain a full-CPU load for hours at a time. But for short bursts, it's great and runs cool. And yes, the "clipboard" portion with the CPU and SSD does not have a fan, so most of the time, the laptop is completely silent. The 15" model apparently has a small fan for when necessary, which will permit more sustained high GHz usage.

The dGPU is very good for my purposes (medical 3D rendering), even when outputting to a 4K external monitor. The fan in the base is audible when the dGPU is being stressed, but no more than what I heard from my 15" MBP under similar stress.

The fit and finish is up to Apple standards. Great laptop for someone who wants a powerful machine in a 13" form factor and occasionally wants a tablet. Thicker and a bit bigger than a 13" MBP. Smaller than a 15" MBP (though thicker). If you want a tablet most of the time, I'd go with something like the Surface Pro instead. But for a laptop that can also occasionally be a tablet, it's awesome.

 

[SDColorado]

I’m not really in the loop when it comes to Microsoft, do leaks often happen like they do with Apple? if not it could be a surprise that they announce a new Surface Pro, Surface Book 3 or something like that.

Microsoft lately seems to be more like the Apple of old, not much in the way of leaks other than the Surface Studio video I posted earlier and some Andromeda stuff which may or may not come to fruition and if it does it could be this year, next year or the year after that. I am not really sure there is that much of a market for Andromeda, but who knows. Some folks were quick to declare the Go DOA. Not on MacRumors, the thread title was borrowed from the YouTube review. But maybe Andromeda will beat out the DOA predictions it will likely get on initial release as well.

Otherwise, most of the rumors are speculation centered around a pattern of Microsoft releases of new versions vs spec bumps.

https://www.techradar.com/news/surface-book-3

It’s great to hear that Windows 10 is better and snappy over all, we don’t have Microsoft store’s here in the U.K. I don’t think, at least not close to where I live. If there is a Whiskey lake update is it likely to be a big update? At this moment in time I’m happy to sit back and see what happens in October with both Apple and Microsoft.

Unfortunately, there are no Microsoft Stores near you. Outside of the USA, there is one in New South Wales, Australia, 3 in Canada and 1 in Puerto Rico. I do like the Microsoft store experience. It isn't 90% iDevices like the Apple store seems to have become. All computers, including other brands which helps for comparison and a virtual reality area.

I really wish Apple would just stop being stubborn and finally make a Surface Pro style of device, the iPad just isn’t it.

That and stop goofing around with the "A touch of gimmick" touch bar and trying to pretend it is even remotely as good as a touchscreen. Please. I saw someone post the other day that they like the touch bar because they like the predictive text function. Ummm, how about just having that right on your screen instead of having to look down from the screen you are tying in and at some goofy strip?

 

[kazmac]

Great posts! @xraydoc congrats on your Surface Book 2. So much good info here, as always.

Really looking forward to the October 2nd event now. Best Buy is sold out of the bundled Surface Pros and some Surface Books, and only stock the highest end Surface Studio now. So fingers crossed for a new Studio.

I appreciate the constant mention of graphics card capabilities in the Surface Pro too. I didn’t do much graphic intensive stuff on my iPP, drawing and using the Pixelmator app, but it is good to know ahead of time what the Surface line can do.

Sigh... not moving entirely away from Apple (sticking with iPhone), but looking forward to getting a Surface or two next year and exploring other options.

 

[SDColorado]

Great posts! @xraydoc congrats on your Surface Book 2. So much good info here, as always.

Really looking forward to the October 2nd event now. Best Buy is sold out of bundled the Surface Pros and some Surface Books, and only stock the highest end Surface Studio now. So fingers crossed for a new Studio.

I appreciate the constant mention of graphics card capabilities in the Surface Pro too. I didn’t do much graphic intensive stuff on my iPP, drawing and using the Pixelmator app, but it is good to know ahead of time what the Surface line can do.

Sigh... not moving entirely away from Apple (sticking with iPhone), but looking forward to getting a Surface or two next year and exploring other options.

Affinity photo works well on the Surface Pro, but I wouldn’t recommend Adobe Premier Pro. Games like Halo Wars and Minecraft will play on the Surface Pro. Games like Fortnite and Shadow of the Tomb Raider, not so much.

But it does well for most things, and as mentioned the Iris Pro card outperforms the MacBook. So if a MacBook will meet your needs, so too will a Surface Pro.

If you do a lot of graphics intensive stuff or need to run a number of programs simultaneously, the Surface Book 2 could be the better choice.

Surface Pro is great for most things though and the small profile and light weight make it easy to travel with, not to mention the 12v car charger.

I am sticking with the iPhone as well, mostly because the watch. The new watch was the only thing not yawn worthy from the latest event.

 

[kazmac]

Affinity photo works well on the Surface Pro, but I wouldn’t recommend Adobe Premier Pro. Games like Halo Wars and Minecraft will play on the Surface Pro. Games like Fortnite and Shadow of the Tomb Raider, not so much.

But it does well for most things, and as mentioned the Iris Pro card outperforms the MacBook. So if a MacBook will meet your needs, so too will a Surface Pro.

If you do a lot of graphics intensive stuff or need to run a number of programs simultaneously, the Surface Book 2 could be the better choice.

Surface Pro is great for most things though and the small profile and light weight make it easy to travel with, not to mention the 12v car charger.

I am sticking with the iPhone as well, mostly because the watch. The new watch was the only thing not yawn worthy from the latest event.

Hmm, good to know about the Surface Pro’s multitasking abilities and lack there of. Maybe I can trade my Acer 2017 laptop into Microsoft, if I do not send it to my sister. SP would be better for me for school on the go, but I will wait and see (Obviously if I get a Studio, I wouldn’t need heavier lifting).

Thanks -as always- for the great response.

 

[Dave245]

This is a very interesting interview, I wonder if Steve Jobs knew about devices like the Surface, I know it’s pointless to ponder on what Jobs would of thought, but this interview seems to point to Jobs knowing that tablets would move forward and be more than what they were back in 2010.

It’s very interesting to listen to Steve Jobs talk about the tablet and then listen to Tim Cook.

 

[SDColorado]

Hmm, good to know about the Surface Pro’s multitasking abilities and lack there of. Maybe I can trade my Acer 2017 laptop into Microsoft, if I do not send it to my sister. SP would be better for me for school on the go, but I will wait and see (Obviously if I get a Studio, I wouldn’t need heavier lifting).

Thanks -as always- for the great response.

For some reason it seems Microsoft has halted the trade-in program, at least for now. Hopefully they bring it back for the Holidays if they release new model?

Don’t get me wrong on the multi-tasking with the Surface Pro. It’s very capable of running most anything as long as it isn’t heavy GPU intensive. I purchased the i7/16GB RAM/512GB SSD model and it’s been a great computer.

A couple under rated Microsoft Store Apps imho are Office Lens and Whiteboard

 

[OdT22]

The Surface Pro and iPhone combos are still serving us (both wife/me) very well. Neither of us are missing our iPads, nor the shared iMac since selling them.

She intends to keep her iPhone (7+) as she enjoys her Apple Watch in tandem with it. I intend to keep mine too (8+), but for me it's the Airpods, as I've grown to frequently use them daily for hands-free phone calls, podcasts, and music.

Having devices in a separate ecosystem has actually turned out to be a blessing that I hadn't foreseen. Different devices for different purposes is much more convenient for us. Text messages as an example, are now in ONE spot! No more am I wondering if my kids are reading my messages on the iMac, getting multiple notifications/alerts for the same conversations, or adjusting to different sized devices through the day for a simple task. Phone only for texts is what I should have been doing all along, but it didn't occur to me. I guess because someone at Apple made it look like a cool function to have the ability to use all our devices for them. Cool tech for sure, but not any real advantage IMO.

I put the Edge browser on the iPhone shortly after my SP arrived. It sort of ties my workflow together, and has helped me acclimate to the Microsoft world again. Seems like a solid browser, and some of it's functions are cleaner than Safari. (like closing multiple tabs, and a cleaner favorites menu)

I've heard that Android phones have come a long ways, but I haven't seen any real incentive to explore them for my own uses. iOS & iPhone are pretty proven, and I never have any trouble with them. My only trouble was expecting the iPad to meet my needs. Took a few years for me to figure out I was spinning my wheels with that idea.

 

[Queen6]

Owned and professionally used a 13" Gen one Surface Book, have nothing but praise for it, and will likely purchase another in time. This is the Computer that Apple should have brought to market, but couldn't be bothered being too busy with other nonsense...

Q-6

 

[SDColorado]

This is a very interesting interview, I wonder if Steve Jobs knew about devices like the Surface, I know it’s pointless to ponder on what Jobs would of thought, but this interview seems to point to Jobs knowing that tablets would move forward and be more than what they were back in 2010.

It’s very interesting to listen to Steve Jobs talk about the tablet and then listen to Tim Cook.

The car analogy was a bit weird maybe, but going with that.....

one of the best selling segments of the car industry, at least in the USA, is the crossover SUV

 

[kazmac]

@SDColorado - thanks. I appreciate your explaining the graphics capabilities of your Surface Pro model. I am sure even a fanless model can handle what I was doing on my iPad as far as drawing and digital images.

Interestingly, I was told by MS that trade ins were still an option a few weeks ago. I suppose they got a lot for back to school. Okay, won’t worry about it until I have to.

@OdT22 - thank you for sharing your iPhone and Surface Pro experiences. Makes me feel a lot better about being mixed platform.

 

[SDColorado]

This is how it should have b

@SDColorado - thanks. I appreciate your explaining the graphics capabilities of your Surface Pro model. I am sure even a fanless model can handle what I was doing on my iPad as far as drawing and digital images.

Interestingly, I was told by MS that trade ins were still an option a few weeks ago. I suppose they got a lot for back to school. Okay, won’t worry about it until I have to.

@OdT22 - thank you for sharing your iPhone and Surface Pro experiences. Makes me feel a lot better about being mixed platform.

Maybe the trade-in is different than it used to be. I used to be able to see on-line quotes. Now it just says to bring it in? I am not sure. I still have a Dell Precision M50 Mobile Workstation circa 2002 floating around. Still on working order too. Think they will give me anything for it? hahaha

The fanless ones will handle everything just fine as well. The only reason I wanted the i7 model is I figured it would be a bit better for handling some light video processing from my Sony Action Cam. The fan-less models are great because they are dead quiet, but the i7 really never makes more than a "woosh" sound. Nothing obnoxious

Having devices in a separate ecosystem has actually turned out to be a blessing that I hadn't foreseen. Different devices for different purposes is much more convenient for us. Text messages as an example, are now in ONE spot! No more am I wondering if my kids are reading my messages on the iMac, getting multiple notifications/alerts for the same conversations, or adjusting to different sized devices through the day for a simple task. Phone only for texts is what I should have been doing all along, but it didn't occur to me. I guess because someone at Apple made it look like a cool function to have the ability to use all our devices for them. Cool tech for sure, but not any real advantage IMO.

I put the Edge browser on the iPhone shortly after my SP arrived. It sort of ties my workflow together, and has helped me acclimate to the Microsoft world again. Seems like a solid browser, and some of it's functions are cleaner than Safari. (like closing multiple tabs, and a cleaner favorites menu)

I haven't really played around too much with Edge, but Microsoft has brought so much other stuff to the iPhone such as the office suite, continue on PC (sort of like Hand-off, still a raw), Cortana which will set memos and reminders on both the iPhone and PC, etc.

On the flip side there is also iTunes and iCloud for PC, so my photos from the iPhone sync to the Surface Pro just fine.

 

[OdT22]

I haven't really played around too much with Edge, but Microsoft has brought so much other stuff to the iPhone such as the office suite, continue on PC (sort of like Hand-off, still a raw), Cortana which will set memos and reminders on both the iPhone and PC, etc.

On the flip side there is also iTunes and iCloud for PC, so my photos from the iPhone sync to the Surface Pro just fine.

I need to learn more about Cortana. The Windows Central podcast has explained that it is under heavy redirection as to its’ primary purpose. So I haven’t spent any time on it yet. Virtual assistants are allusive to me on all platforms, but I do like the idea.

I did get the iCloud for Windows straightened out. All photos I take on iPhone are immediately inserted on the SP desktop as I wished. Awesome feature! Why couldn’t I get Mac to do that? I mark up and forward a ton of photos and screenshots for work. Mac photos was always a mess though, which made me use iOS for everything. Now I can use a full operating system to do it without hunting down my pics. Woohoo!

 

[Rockadile]

Why isn't there Thunderbolt on any of the Surfaces? Not even the Book 2!

Would be an attractive eGPU option.

 

[SDColorado]

I need to learn more about Cortana. The Windows Central podcast has explained that it is under heavy redirection as to its’ primary purpose. So I haven’t spent any time on it yet. Virtual assistants are allusive to me on all platforms, but I do like the idea.

I did get the iCloud for Windows straightened out. All photos I take on iPhone are immediately inserted on the SP desktop as I wished. Awesome feature! Why couldn’t I get Mac to do that? I mark up and forward a ton of photos and screenshots for work. Mac photos was always a mess though, which made me use iOS for everything. Now I can use a full operating system to do it without hunting down my pics. Woohoo!

I do the same with the marked up screenshots. That would drive me nuts if that workflow wasn't syncing properly. I am glad you got it straightened out. That would be frustrating.

I have definitely gotten to the point of using the virtual assistants more and more. Cortana had pretty much fallen behind the other VA's, but Microsoft seems to be trying to refocus it. Cortana is maybe the most personable of them. Jen Taylor, the actress who voices Cortana in the Halo games, provides the voice for the VA as well. Her impersonation of Bill Murray singing Star Wars is pretty good, but mostly what I use it for is location reminders. In other words, when I arrive at such as such a place, remind me to do this or buy that, put an appointment on a calendar, add something to a to-do list. It isn't for everyone I am sure. But it works for me.

Why isn't there Thunderbolt on any of the Surfaces? Not even the Book 2!

Would be an attractive eGPU option.

That is something I *REALLY* hope to see addressed in October.​

 

[SteveJUAE]

Some interesting points raised in the above posts my 2'cs:

The magnesium shell of the surface line is actually a very expensive option and probably only second to 100% Carbon fibre. It's biggest downside is probably lack of surface finishes but one of it's strengths is compound curves are easier to manufacture opposed to milling which I believe you see in the vent holes all around the screen

The SP/SP4 I understand can run 2x4K @ 60Hz by using the mini display port and the Surface Dock you can't do this on the SB/SB2 only 1x 4k @ 60Hz

Whilst having TB3 on the surface range would be nice I still do not see it as essential simply most are not rushing out buying >$600 peripherals or 4 x 4k monitors. These on paper spec's rarely turn in to reality and anyone's earnings are time critical for exporting files are likely to have more than one laptop. I'm not knocking anyone's hobby but doing your child's Birthday party video in 4 mins opposed to 6 mins is just nice, not essential

It's great if you can afford these high spec laptops/ 2 in 1's etc and enjoy them but most of the world runs on far less. My company builds some of the largest and most complex structures in the world on laptops most of us would hide in a 7/11 paper bag than be seen with LOL

Having said that I think the Surface range needs updating as halo products they should be current

SJ interview analogy was odd but give him his due he could see past clamshells even if it was not an iPad. I'm glad in retrospect that Apple stagnated so much on the MBA and although the rMB was an interesting device in 2015 this pushed me towards the SP4 opposed to a MBP for pure flexibility in one package

I am quite anti Apple Eco (even though buying many Apple products) and view it more of entrapment than an advantage as many of it's so called pro's are limited to just a few richer countries so it's nice to see some are gaining by a more focused use of their products in a dual OS situation. Whilst Apple still seem to have the smoothest approach to their Eco most of the features are available elsewhere now and Apples extras are of little real use other than bragging rights in forum arguments.

Forcing Granny to buy an iPhone and a data plan as a simple communication tool is just odd. Many users who own smartphones do not have data plans and rely on WiFi. My friends housing developments run completely on WiFi using Line. All the gardeners etc check in to their Line Groups from the site offices several times a day to get instructions etc. Owners similarly report problems or requests via line, no one pays for calls or sms or data etc and use whatever phone they wish. I digress . However because of his integration I do find at times using the PC version of Line a real help when sending more complex attachments to assist.

I opted post my SP4 for the 15" SB2 simply for real-estate but knowing I would still need a companion device. I am not going on hols with anything bigger than 12" and it must be capable of running a full OS for work. The Surface GO seems to be ideal unless your an Android or IOS app collector it's simply superior for my needs and covers all the basics of mobile OS tablets.

Now I would love a Surface Studio for pure greed no Idea what I would do with it but what a great looking device maybe if they make a dumb version for a monitor I could just get it pass the wife

I remember when I bought the kids an Imac the screen seems overwhelming and although having more rooms than I can count on my hands we still sit together in our lounge on our laptops. So a studio would be even less used if in another dedicated room, but I still want one
[doublepost=1537072217][/doublepost]

I need to learn more about Cortana. The Windows Central podcast has explained that it is under heavy redirection as to its’ primary purpose. So I haven’t spent any time on it yet. Virtual assistants are allusive to me on all platforms, but I do like the idea.

I did get the iCloud for Windows straightened out. All photos I take on iPhone are immediately inserted on the SP desktop as I wished. Awesome feature! Why couldn’t I get Mac to do that? I mark up and forward a ton of photos and screenshots for work. Mac photos was always a mess though, which made me use iOS for everything. Now I can use a full operating system to do it without hunting down my pics. Woohoo!

Cortana does a bit more integration with notifications sms calls etc on Android and she would on IOS if Apple allowed it else like most VA they do have some niche uses if you can be bothered

 

[Queen6]

Why isn't there Thunderbolt on any of the Surfaces? Not even the Book 2!

Would be an attractive eGPU option.

Simple answer is that Surface has the it's own proprietary high speed connection, for power, data & AV, it's magnetic and robust.

Q-6

 

[Sackofnickels]

Seems like way too many people are judging windows based on the XP days or before. Windows 10 is legit. Please leave your opinions about OS's of the past in the past.

 

[Queen6]

I would love to see a Surface Book 3 with the new 8th Gen hex core CPU coupled with a robust cooling solution. I think if any OEM can crack this in a thin & light format it's Microsoft as they genuinely have a passion that drives innovation. While Apple has to be literally shamed into doing anything with the Mac, even then it's half-hearted, half-assed, take your pick

A Surface Go is almost a given right now, replacing Apple's rMB which has earned it's keep, equally an unsatisfying product & experience thx to Apple's weak SW and arguably shockingly poor keyboard.

My primary W10 notebook crushes everything, Apple would literally need to design a messenger bag for the iMac Pro to come close It would be funny, if it wasn't so sad, what a waste 17.3" and less than 3Kg, credit where credit is due top job ASUS.

Over 20 years with the Mac personally & professionally, today Apple offers absolutely nothing I would remotely consider purchasing. Steve Jobs once said Apple would never produce cheap garbage, only thing he got wrong about was the pricing What a shame...

Q-6
[doublepost=1537078438][/doublepost]

Seems like way too many people are judging windows based on the XP days or before. Windows 10 is legit. Please leave your opinions about OS's of the past in the past.

Exactly, many of these anti Windows comments are clearly from people that have no clue about W10 or how to use the OS. W10 is not perfect by any means, equally neither is macOS, at least MS is working on it...

Q-6

 

[Dave245]

The car analogy was a bit weird maybe, but going with that.....

one of the best selling segments of the car industry, at least in the USA, is the crossover SUV

I think what Jobs was trying to say is that in the post PC era most people won't need such computers because tablets will replace them, to a certain degree i think he may of been right, my mum and dad no longer use a laptop or desktop because they have iPads which for them is plenty (considering all they do with them is Netflix, Youtube, Email and browse the web).

BUT and it's a BIG BUT the post PC era simply hasn't happened to the extent that Jobs predicted back then (in the video i shared, ie 2010) most people who need to work don't use an iPad to get it done. I still own an iMac and i love it (MacOS is great in my opinion) simply because doing certain tasks on an iPad isn't as good as on a Mac.

The iPad Pro could be a proper pro device if Apple would only turn it into an hybrid device.
[doublepost=1537079908][/doublepost]

Seems like way too many people are judging windows based on the XP days or before. Windows 10 is legit. Please leave your opinions about OS's of the past in the past.

Since my experience with Windows back in 2011 was less than good it made me very reluctant to go back, if it wasn't for that i probably would own a Surface device by now (Pro or Book 2). Since using MacOS i've not had issues, no crashes, no slowing down or lagging.

I'm not saying that Windows 10 is bad because i simply don't know, but even tho i think the Surface Pro is a great device (from my hands on in Currys PC World) i still love MacOS, it's been a great OS for me and Mojave will take that further.