Microsoft's new Surface Pro is a powerful machine with a slight drawback
When it launched back in 2012, Microsoft’s (MSFT) Surface was little more than a reference design for the company’s Windows 8 operating system. Unfortunately, Windows 8 was a disaster. But the Surface hardware proved to be a diamond in the rough thanks to its simple, 2-in-1 laptop-tablet design.
Which brings us to the new Surface Pro. The follow-up to Microsoft’s excellent Surface Pro 4, the new Surface Pro — there’s no number designation for this one — builds on the successes of its predecessor with improved performance, a new, more flexible kickstand and an upgraded stylus. And while you’ll now have to shell out an extra $100 to get the whole package, it’s still worth the price of admission.
Microsoft’s Surface Pro is a winner, but its pen will cost you.
More Haven’t we met before?I’d be both impressed and a bit concerned if you could tell the difference between the Surface Pro 4 and new Surface Pro at a glance. That’s because the new Pro’s design hews so closely to its predecessor that any changes are incredibly subtle at best.
The Surface Pro and the Surface Pro 4.
MoreMicrosoft points to the system’s newly curved edges and the lack of fan vents — on the Intel Core m3 and i5-powered versions only — as some of the 2-in-1’s most distinct changes.
At this point, I wish Microsoft would revamp the design a bit. Still, the fact that the company managed to pack a Core i5 processor into a device without a fan to keep it cool is seriously impressive. I, however, have the Core i7-powered model, which does have a fan and vent. But it’s not like it sounds like a jet engine or anything.
The Surface Pro is certainly handsome.
MoreThe biggest physical change to the Pro is its new kickstand. Now you can lean the Surface all the way back 165 degrees until it’s essentially flat on its back. Microsoft says this is to help make it easier for people who want to write on the Surface using their Surface Pen or use the Surface Dial accessory.
One of the best features of the Surface is its display. That’s been the case for the past few generations of Surface devices, and it’s no different this time around. The Pro’s 12.3-inch screen is beautiful, especially when using Microsoft apps like Office, Edge or others.
The Surface Pro’s kickstand is a yoga master.
More A slick stylus for a priceThis time around, the Surface team improved the device’s display to work better with the new Surface Pen stylus. According to Microsoft, the Pen is more sensitive than its predecessor and suffers from less latency. The company says it cut down the response time for the Pen to 21 milliseconds. Microsoft also added a tilt feature to the Pen so you can create wide strokes with the stylus when you tilt it.
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Apple’s (AAPL) new iPad Pro 12.9 inch, however, also features a more responsive stylus with a response time of just 20 milliseconds. Realistically, you’re not going to notice a 1-millisecond difference, but you know, bragging rights.
The new Surface Pro’s improved stylus.
MoreThe Surface Pen’s performance is certainly impressive. Writing on the Pro’s screen genuinely does feel like you’re writing on a piece of paper. I didn’t notice a hint of lag even when scratching off a note. And the tilt function works just as advertised, though it didn’t seem to work with every app. I’m sure that will be helpful for artists, but all it did for me was give me a chance to add some extra flare to a few doodles around my notes.
My one beef with the Surface Pen is that it’s no longer included with the price of the Surface. Previously, Microsoft tossed in the stylus as part of the Surface package. But this time around you’ll have to shell out $99. That’s a heck of a lot of cash for a stylus. I previously criticized Apple for charging that much for its Apple Pencil stylus, and now Microsoft is doing the exact same thing. Sure, the new Surface Pen is supposed to offer improved performance, but it’s still a bad look.
The new tilt feature for the Surface Pros’s stylus in action.
More Paying to typeTo get the full Surface Pro experience, you’ll have to also purchase a Surface Pro Type Cover for $129. Microsoft also sells the $159 Signature Surface Type Cover with its Alcantara fabric covered body, but outside of that, both keyboards are essentially the same.
Microsoft’s Signature Type Coverer will cost you $159.
MoreI like typing on the Type Cover — I wrote this review with it — but still have the same complaint I’ve always had about the whole setup: it just doesn’t feel comfortable when working on your lap. The fact that you need to rest the kickstand on your knees means you’ve got to keep the Surface tucked close to your body when typing. Either that or I have unusually short thighs.
That said, I hardly ever use the Surface, or any laptop for that matter, on my lap. I’m usually sitting at a desk or table. If you tend to work on the bus or train, though, you might want to keep that in mind.
About this item
- A best in class laptop with the versatility of a studio and tablet
- More power — now with the new 8th Generation Intel Core processor
- Ultra slim and light, starting at just 1.7 pounds
- All day battery life, with up to 13.5 hours of video playback
- Pair with our Signature Type Cover* in luxurious Alcantara material and rich colors for a full keyboard experience. Sensors :Ambient light sensor, Accelerometer, Gyroscope
Product description
Unplug. Pack light. Get productive your way, all day. Collaborate on projects, perfect a
presentation, manage email, and stream a show when it's all done. From office to home,
airport to open road, power your life on the move with new Surface Pro 6, the laptop that
adapts to you now more powerful than ever with the latest 8th Generation Intel Core
processor for faster, smoother multitasking.
Product information
Technical Details
| Screen Size | 12.3 Inches |
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| Max Screen Resolution | 2736x1824 Pixels |
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| Graphics Coprocessor | Intel UHD Graphics 620 |
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| Card Description | Integrated |
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| Wireless Type | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, 802.11abg, 802.11a/b/g/n, 802.11a |
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| Number of USB 3.0 Ports | 1 |
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