do you have a Microsoft Surace Pro? Worth it?

Parent Cafe
1

Do any of you have a Microsoft Surface Pro? My mds says I should consider it.
Do you like it?

2

I use it as my main PC. It runs every piece of software I need and beyond, and because it weighs so little, it is easy to carry around. I do not have to take it out of the bag when I go through the security at Seatac (it is a tablet!) and can hold in to it during takeoffs and landings (it is a tablet!).

3

I’ve setup a couple for faculty who I support and they love them. As Bunsen says, it’s really light and portable but it’s a full computer so runs most apps. It is a real computer running real Windows so would need to have antivirus (or use the built-in Windows defender), updates, etc. You can add a keyboard/cover to it too that makes it really easy to use. There is also a docking station (purchased separately) where you can connect monitors, a real keyboard and mouse, etc. They’re pretty sweet!

4

Son has one for college classes and loves it, D getting one and I’m not far behind after testing out son’s. Think IPad meets Windows laptop.

5

I love my iPad too but the surface is a “real” operating system. So much more to it vs. the ios of the ipad.

6

@BTMell Will it accept any old keyboard/mouse (I usually get Logitech), or does it have to be $$$pecial Surface Pro peripherals?

7

I tried using it today for. WebEx webinar but it didn’t work but I’m still trying to figure out all I can do with it. We use it with the keyboard made to go with it.

For size, we slightly prefer the iPad mini, but prefer this to a regular laptop.

8

The $$$pecial keyboard cover is worth the money, IMO. It works seamlessly providing screen protection and support (together with the built-in kickstand). As far as mice go, I use the touch screen most of the time and sometimes a generic USB Logitech mouse.

9

Take a look at Costco - sometimes, there is an extra discount offered. Plus, if you don’t like it, returns are easy!

10

Thanks everyone!

11

My son and husband both have them and love them. My son loves all things Microsoft and was waiting for the Pro Surface for years. He’s used it for his main computer at different times and is in a tech field.

12

It has at least one USB port so any USB keyboard should work. A docking station adds on to that.

13

It is also Bluetooth-enabled, so a Bluetooth device will work as well (the stylus that comes with Surface uses it).

14

I’m soooo close to wanting the new Surface Pro for Christmas but am stuck on a couple things. Help me decide if they are truly issues or if I’m making stuff up…

  1. The Surface Pro, while it is a true "laptop substitute", doesn't come with as much memory (hard drive memory, not RAM) as my laptop. Does this mean that all my files (and I'm mostly concerned with music / pictures here...) has to be stored on a cloud? Or do I need an external HD? Or am I worrying about nothing.
  2. The Surface Pro, while it can be a "tablet", doesn't come with LTE, thus has to be on Wifi in order to access the internet. Do I care? I feel like I do, especially if the answer to #1 is that my files should be stored on the cloud. Or am I worrying about nothing.

Note that I’m not an Apple fanatic. I’m happy with my Android phone… I work with Windows all day long and I’m not in the market for an iPad. H has an iPad though.

15
  1. 256 is plenty for the programs I run. I store immediate-need files on it, the photos get duplicated on 2 external hard drives. It still has close to 200 unused (I checked).
  2. I find that a combo of a smartphone and Surface works well. I had a LTE iPad, and I hardly used the feature. We ended up dumping the plan. For uploading content onto a cloud, wifi works better.

Now, one thing I am not fanatical about is Win 8. I cannot switch to 10 yet because of the software I need to use for the classes I take. But if you don’t have this issue, then Win 10 is the way to go.

16

@JustaMom5465 - the 256 HD depends on what you’re storing now. How much do you use currently?

My iPad does have LTE but I don’t use it - I only use wireless - and don’t miss it at all. Ditto for the Surface Pro. That’s why I have a cell phone.

I love my Android too. At work, I use and support both Macs and Windows computer and don’t have a clear preference. Both have good things and bad things about them.