Microsoft Surface Pro Review

Lisa Gade reviews the MS Surface Pro Windows 8 tablet. The Surface Pro isn't just a tablet, it had the power of an Ultrabook inside with a 1.7GHz Intel Core i5 ULV CPU, 4 gigs of DDR3 RAM and a 64 or 128 gig SSD drive. The 10.6" multi-touch full HD display also works with the included Wacom pen for precise note taking and drawing. The 2 lb. Surface starts at $899 US for the 64 gig and the 128 gig is $999. It works with Microsoft's Touch Cover and Type Cover (not included) that are compatible with Surface RT as well. The tablet runs Windows 8 Pro 64 bit, had dual band WiFi, Bluetooth and dual 720 cameras. In May 2013, Wacom finally released WinTAB drivers for the Surface Pro for those who need pen pressure sensitivity in Photoshop!
Read our full written Microsoft Surface Pro review here:
www.mobiletechr...
*Also check out our in-depth review of the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 at: • Microsoft Surface Pro ...

[@mobiletechreview]

Yes, with Intel Atom Windows 8 tablets, you can connect an HDMI cable to play streaming video to a TV. But they lack wireless Intel WiDi streaming since none of the Atom models use Intel wireless so far.

[@mobiletechreview]

I don't think the tech is there yet to allow for a dedicated GPU in the size of the Duo 11 (heat and battery life would be issues).

[@mobiletechreview]

You could use the mobile hotspot feature on your smartphone (if you have it), a USB 3G/4G dongle or a MiFi portable hotspot.

[@mobiletechreview]

The Acer Iconia W700 doesn't have an active digitizer and it does not work with digital pens. Only capacitive styli will work.

[@mobiletechreview]

That's covered in the review. No pressure sensitivity for Adobe apps yet, MS and Adobe are working on the required WinTab driver.

[@mobiletechreview]

The Samsung ATIV 700t. Asus Taichi and Sony Vaio Duo 11 for Core i5. Samsung ATIV 500t, ThinkPad Tablet 2, Dell Latitude 10 for Intel Atom Windows 8 tablets.

[@mobiletechreview]

With Surface Pro, the Touch and Type covers are sold separately. There's no Touch Cover bundle as with Surface RT.

[@mobiletechreview]

I did not have WiFi problems with Surface Pro. MS did release a driver update to improve signal strength.

[@mobiletechreview]

Toshiba hasn't gotten us a U925 review unit yet, apparently their review program was lamentably small for that Windows 8 convertible. No idea if and when they'll get us a loaner.

[@mobiletechreview]

You're better off with an Intel Core i5 for those tasks. If you also want a detachable tablet and pen for drawing it's the MS Surface Pro and Samsung ATIV 700T.

[@mobiletechreview]

That's a tough all. Granted the Surface Pro is significantly lighter than the Sony Vaio Duo 11 when the Surface Pro is naked. But with keyboard, the weights are closer. The Duo 11 is more complete in terms of design and ports, but the keyboard isn't better. We will do a smackdown between these two.

[@mobiletechreview]

You can send it back to MS for a battery replacement if it goes bad.

[@mobiletechreview]

Personally I'm sticking with my last generation Samsung Series 7 Slate, it's still getting the job done. But I'd lean toward Surface Pro if I could wait for Wacom WinTab drivers.

[@mobiletechreview]

Civ 5 turn times with a large map in later eras is definitely bearable. Turns don't take forever.

[@S3844]

Hi Lisa, When you say 4.5h of battery life? Is that with steady use? I'm buying a pro for univeristy when stock arrives in my local Canadian store and I'm hoping it has a longer battery life if you include standby and menial tasks like looking at documents rather than video playback or something like that! Thanks, Matt

[@mobiletechreview]

Yes you can use a USB external CD/DVD drive with the Surface Pro.

[@mobiletechreview]

Yes you can install Avid on this tablet. It's a full PC inside.

[@dymproductions]

Hey Lisa, before you tested the gaming performance on the Surface Pro...did you update the Intel driver for the 4000 graphics that the CPU comes with? Because people that have done the update have been able to play Call of Duty at a good frame rate with a good resolution.

[@mobiletechreview]

Thanks for the tip and yes that's another great way of dealing with games that actually pay attention to scaling settings in Windows.

[@JQuoix]

Fantastic review of the Surface Pro, Lisa. You're the only reviewer I know that's really reviewed the Wacom digitizer at length and discussed the API issue. I'm glad to know that WinTab drivers will be coming soon.

[@mobiletechreview]

The Galaxy Note 10.1 is Android vs. Surface Pro with full Windows 8 Pro. Those are very different operating systems and it depends if you need all the things a Windows PC offers vs. a mobile OS tablet like the Galaxy Note 10.1.

[@mobiletechreview]

All three would handle Photoshop and Illustrator equally as well. If you need the pen, the W700 is out, and if you need the pen plus WinTab drivers right now, then it's the Samsung 700T. But if you really liked everything about the Surface RT except needing Windows 7 apps, it sounds like Surface Pro would be the logical choice.

[@mobiletechreview]

The Samsung ATIV 700T Smart PC Pro is certainly a worth competitor, though it costs $200 more here in the US. I personally don't like the plasticky build for such a pricey machine and the keyboard dock is nice but no battery in it? Really? And it's wobbly with the keyboard dock. We may review it, but it hasn't impressed me like my last gen Samsung Series 7 Slate did last year.

[@MichaelGrabowskii]

Quick question that pertains to both, I don't know how long you've had your review units/how often you use them/ but do you find the kickstand to be good for longevity? Is there a difference in that specific respect in either? I just dont want to have a loose flimsy hinge three months down the line of owning this thing!

[@mobiletechreview]

I do manage to use the Surface Pro on my lap but it takes more care to keep it balanced. A lapdesk really helps.

[@captainlovebug]

Hello Lisa, I recently purchased a surface rt based on your review and I look to you for almost all my tech purchases. I have decided to sell my rt and migrate towards a pro. However I do a lot of adobe photoshop and illustrator work and the rt has crippled my ability to do this. Which Windows 8 device would you recommend? My price range is $800-$1200 and I would love to keep the portability of a tablet. What are you suggestions? Please respond at your earliest convenience. Sincerely, Kyle

[@JackyUnoriginal]

Best video review by far on the Surface Pro; very detailed, informative, and not at all biased about what SP can and cannot do and no unnecessary criticism on what it was not designed to do. Good job.

[@mobiletechreview]

Ivy Bridge refers to a generation of Intel CPUs (3rd gen), it has nothing to do with desktop, mobile or ULV designation. And yes, the Surface Pro, just like Ultrabooks, uses a ULV (Ultra low voltage) CPU. No way they could cool a full mobile CPU in a chassis this small.

[@natelawrence]

I really don't know what you mean. I've used the Surface Pro in Best Buy and changed the DPI settings no problem to increase the size of the icons, buttons, scrollbars, minimize, restore, and maximize buttons, etc.

[@neptune610]

Wow best reviews ever. I don't think anyone makes more detailed and knowledgeable reviews than Lisa! One thing that I'd suggest is maybe since your reviews are so detailed of course with that comes length maybe put the times in the description for each talking subject so people can skip around to what they might be looking for. Anyway awesome reviews!

[@FrozenMartini]

This is by far the best review of surface pro Ive seen. English is my second language but your speech is crystal clear, pronunciation is superb and very easy to understand. Thank u so much.

[@vishnudeepak7847]

firstly, AMAZING REVIEW! But, I have a few questions to ask- 1.Can you put the type cover in the opposite direction so that the keys are protected when we fold the cover back 2.can we plug in 1tb or 500gb portable storage through the usb port? 3.Would this thing have any problem if I used it to replace my desktop(plug it in all the time) while connecting it with a 17 inch display. Looking forward to your answer as I want to get one for my birth day

[@flowertowerrr]

hi Lisa, i was wondering if you managed to play a Civ V game throughout on a larger map in a more GPU consuming era (modern and above). Would the time taken to load the turn be unbearable or is it okay? Thanks in advance

[@Mathview]

What happens when the strong magnets accumulate iron filings, magnetite, paperclips, staples, and other ferromagnetic debris from the office, home, and outdoors ? Will the magnetic crud get into the electrical contacts? Will the contacts be shorted out? Will they interfere with the mechanical stability of the keyboard-tablet connection? Or are we needlessly concerned? TY in advance.

[@M.O.G.D.]

after this review do you prefer the vaio duo or the surface? i want to know your personal opinion please, and do you know if any of this are upgradeable to next generation processors?

[@cali4nia4me]

Lisa, u have a gift of including all the info and details I need to know about a product. Many reviewers miss that. Only one small question about the Surface(s) however, not sure if I overlooked it: Re memory expansion - What's the max capacity on the memory card?

[@sinusmagnus2015]

This is the most complete review of the surface pro on KZbin! Thanks a lot

[@natelawrence]

Just to clarify: Windows RT does support hardware manufacturers building Windows RT tablets that have active digitizers and use Wacom style pens, however the Surface RT is not one such tablet. Your question was about using a capacitive stylus (like those used with iPads and iPhones) on the Surface RT (since it does not have a digitizer and only touch screen) and the answer is yes, that would work.

[@phzdnandrea]

Hi Lisa, What's the main difference between atom and intel core? Which would you recommend for a university engineering student? (I‘ve watched many of ur videos and they are so very helpful, and detailed, and so nicely made! Thank you!!!)

[@mysticdragon38]

I really love your reviews. They always cover the same points consistently across devices (making comparisons really easy) and always include some sort of gaming test.

[@gw4k]

I hope you don't mind me asking but what camera do you use for your videos? Very sharp quality. Thanks.

[@WisStyle]

I would like to get a surface product. I am confused on what one I should get. With the surface rt, surface pro, and surface 2 all released right now, I am torn. I will be using it for web browsing, video watching, all microsoft office features, mixing and creating music, maybe a bit of minecraft, uploading KZbin videos, and maybe trying out sky rim at some point. Which Surface should I look into for these needs?

[@IntellitechStudios]

Mike Rank Jr. Definitely the Surface Pro, RT won't do half of that

[@CoreyMcD]

Would you recommend this for a student who wants to take notes during class? The battery life is the main thing that is scaring me...

[@mobiletechreview]

You can't replace the CPU on the Surface Pro or Vaio Duo 11. Our smackdown comparison between these two is coming next to our channel.

[@ihavevocaloid]

"You'll hear the sound effects on the device itself." Do you mean on the Touch cover or on the tablet? I want to get my Surface Pro with a type cover, but that way, will it not make any sounds?

[@MrDrayiscool]

Hey Lisa, I've been watching a few videos from your selection and I'm looking at a tablet that can run games, like Dota 2. I was wondering if Surface RT, Surface pro, Samsung 5 Slate, Samsung 6 slate and Song VIAO Duo 11 would be best for this? I Would also like to use it for school work as well.

[@mobiletechreview]

Both can handle Office just fine. It really depends on the size/weight you prefer.

[@ICUrezerva]

I reckon the charger cable would not last for long? Too much wire "kinking" around the connector and the inside connections will soon become loose and break. Another thing, where you put the pen when charging and is there enough space for charger cable and dislpay port cable? Are the battery and SSD replaceable/upgradeable?

[@NeilCaulfield]

i use it in my college classes and with one note it is amazing. the eraser end functions too to erase errors. Ive been using tablet pcs since 2007, and I can say that this is a huuuuge upgrade from what I started with, and I am so happy microsoft has made a good effort in the tablet market, especially impletmenting a pen

[@dawgcanjumphigh]

Amazing that its on its 4th generation of the product. I have the surface pro 3 currently. I will look to upgrade I think to the surface pro 5 when that comes out. Its a great concept to have a tablet and pc all in one. No one else makes computers like this.

[@111tato]

Lisa I'm thinking of getting macbook air or Microsoft surface pro or some other convertible, I am a physicist I show lots of presentations and I need a comfortable device, in which I will be able to make presentations and also check news easily, which device do you recommend?(Your opinion is important)

[@realityworx]

This is very good review. Thank you for focusing on the WACOM aspects of the Surface Pro. It is one of the strongest features of the package for me, and other reviewers have not presented it as thoroughly as you.

[@mobiletechreview]

If you're replacing a laptop, I'd go with Surface Pro rather than RT so you can run existing Windows programs as you did with your laptop.

[@jamesfoo6128]

do you recommend using this as an alternative for a college student?? I'm really looking for an ultrabook/laptop that is mostly used for microsoft excel,power point and etc..... I like this because it is a tablet and have the digitizer stylus... considering Sony Vaio Duo 11, however is out of my budget(RM3999) about $1k+

[@ChrisGary]

I don't ever bother with any other tech reviews on KZbin, Lisa Gade is the best and most thorough.

[@jdavet79]

I'm looking at getting either this or the Acer Aspire S7 11 inch. Would you have a preference out of those 2? By the way, thanks for all of your wonderful reviews!

[@PuI2ePLaYaZ]

Hey Lisa, You have the BEST video review out there for the Microsoft Surface Pro. Very detail oriented and we learnt quite a bit from it. So there.... Thank You !

[@tcv4]

Is this the best "tablet" running an i series processor? I know the razer edge will be coming out, but that retails for $1299 and it has a very low res display. Just wondered if there were any other similar products at a price close to this one?

[@prolifikadiel]

hey lisa, I plan on purchasing a laptop and ready to drink the windows 8 touchscreen coolaid; lol. I want a slate I can take notes on and do some light drawings and sketches that doubles up as a fully functional laptop as well. I got an ipad some years ago but since getting a galaxy note2 I found myself picking it up less and less. It seems to be just a toy and i rarely do anything productive on it. Presently I'm considering the taichi 31 after comparing it to duo 11 and SPro. Wat's ur opinion?

[@Aqxea]

does it come with an external optical drive? or do you have to download everything you want to install?

[@mobiletechreview]

For handwriting equations, the Surface Pro (and Windows 8 tablets in general) would be awesome.

[@Titanz91]

I love how you didn't edit out the 'stutter' in the beginning. Just makes the video 'feel' better if that makes any sense.

[@Jhaxxboyd]

Would the Surface tablet/PC be good as a drawing tablet? I mean, does it have an automatic application that comes with it that can be used for artwork? Or do you have to download one separately? I'm also worried about something else: When drawing, would it mess up the screen if I were to rest the side of my hand on the screen while using the pen? (Or can the tablet only register the pen sometimes?) Thanks.

[@mobiletechreview]

The Asus Taichi and Sony Vaio Duo 11 stylus are interchangeable.

[@Arti999]

Hey Lisa, I don't recall the lady time I spend 30 min watching a review from start to finish but you sure made it possible. Thank you

[@idiartejuan]

Hi Lisa i really like your reviews. I have a question: Which new Windows 8 convertible Tablet/Pc would be best for gaming ? Thanks !

[@kwongyauleung]

Hi, can you tell me whether when your palm on the class, the pen still work as pen? I have seen the introduction from Microsoft that it remove such problem and I really want to know this device can handle this. I am using a HP TM2 and I really want to know the pc can recognize my palm and just response to the signal of the pen. Your review is great!

[@itsallbustersfault]

Thanks for the great review Lisa! I watched your review on the EP121 awhile back and you helped me decide to get one. I see how the Surface Pro would be better in some areas, but when you factor the $1000 device, the $100 keyboard and another $150 for Office Suite, it just doesn't seem worth it next to the $500 EP121. Why not bring up the EP121 as a comparison. It's got an i5, more ports.... Is it too old?

[@mobiletechreview]

All tablets have similar specs and none are really designed for gaming except the Razer Edge, which still offers only low-mid level dedicated graphics.

[@twobarells]

Is this one better than the RT one, if you're only going to do basic school stuff and watch movies on it? Or are there other better tablets?

[@thepokekid01]

Wow, this looks better than I thought it was going to be. All I want from the pro is for it to run Word, Excel, Photoshop, Illustrator, and the Sims 3... and it seems like it can do all of that! I'm impressed!

[@ecotopia21c]

it may sound silly but can I expand battery life by lowering CPU speed (like adjusting windows power plan). I plan to use power saving mode for normal use and turn on performance mode for serious gaming. As being said, do you expect some improvements in terms of battery life?

[@azaas]

I've said it before and I'll say it again ... Lisa sets the bar for every single other reviewer out there! Unbiased, with a deep knowledge about things, always doing her research before she jumps into the product itself etc. Thank you for another great video. I just can't justify the expense for such an expensive tablet - actually I might be one of the very few who just don't need a table to begin with - but for those who can this one seems like a really REALLY good option!

[@henrywong7606]

Whats your take on this tablet vs. the Ipad 4 and should I wait and compare it to the newer iPad coming out later this year?

[@DahBjorn]

Wow, this was a good review. Good in length, covering all the things I want to know, and with a very knowledgable reviewer. I haven't seen anything from this channel before, but now I guess I'll have to subscribe ^^

[@motorheaddimos]

hi would you recommend this tablet for gaming like fifa 2014 ,movies and programs like matlab and other language compilers? can it handle it without problem?the problem with temperature is a worrying issue?i want an ultrabook or tablet with good processor for arround 450 is this deserve the money or it will no last for long time becauce of the temperatures?

[@ZennLa13]

Hi MobileTech Review. I want to get the Surface Pro 2, but I am thinking of getting a microSD card to add extra storage. Do you still think paying 100 dollars more for the 128 gig is preferable?

[@123abc249]

What's it like carrying it around like a lighter media tablet i.e. iPad? Is 900 grams a significant hinderance with regards to holding it with one or two hands while standing?

[@sngtd]

Very nice review. In your opinion Surface Pro or Sony Duo 11? Thanks

[@jonassjursen437]

Hey Lisa, do you know if the surface pro will be able to run CAD programs fluid? If not, do you then know any windows 8 tablets that will?

[@mobiletechreview]

Palm rejection is standard tech on today's Windows tablets. You'll find it on all the dual digitizer tablets we've reviewed in 2012 and 2013.

[@augustofretes]

I was going to buy a Macbook Air 11.6", do you think I can get this instead and be happy? I'm a mathematician so the stylus is absurdly useful to me. I could plug it to an external monitor, and connect it to a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse when I'm at home.

[@caywen]

I like your reviews very much. They are free of bias and unfounded expectations and just gives you the straight scoop.

[@Дмитро-х2г]

Lisa, what was the battery consumption while playing Civ V? Would it last at least 2-3 hours?

[@AbidurUllah]

which one do you think is better the Microsoft surface pro or Acer iconia w700? i am buying a windows 8 tablet and i need to know which one is the best.

[@Merko2]

Great review. I'm not sure if i missed it or not, but how many USB ports does it have? I guess a small USB hub would be ok for some small things that doesnt require too much power. Too bad this device is about 5-6months away from getting to Norway.. :-) Surface RT was released today so..

[@t2p5g4]

Lisa, two questions: Does it come with office? If you try to hook it up to a big screen TV using the mini display port to HDMI, is the audio transmitted to the TV through this?

[@Matschgolini]

Hello Lisa, if somebody asks you which tablet is better, the surface pro or the acer iconia w700, which one would you recommend?

[@Erxx152]

if this ultrabook/tablet isnt the best for gaming then what full ultrabook would you recommend for gaming?

[@juschill7]

Lisa, do you get to keep all the gadgets you review?

[@Tommix90]

I'm thinking of changing my laptop with either the surface pro or the dell xps12. Which one would you suggest?

[@mobiletechreview]

Watch our smackdown between Surface Pro, the Acer W700 and Samsung ATIV 700T and see what you think.

[@FlySwiftStudio]

I've always loved reviews from this group. Surprised I never subscribed until now.

[@kjones5005]

Hey Lisa, I am a 3D character artist and I am looking for something convertible that will run Autodesk Maya 3D software. Are any of the ultra-books or convertible tablets capable of this yet & if so which ones would you suggest?

[@monstercameron]

lisa is this a different mic? sounds different...

[@mobiletechreview]

To me, it feels very fluid when taking notes.

[@jkellyid]

So I have a question. The pro can stand up but does the kick stand support the device if you wanted to lay it down. How does the onscreen keyboard function???

[@Lolwut240]

just exactly how slow are the Atom processors? Most of what i do, is web browsing, video watching, and torrent downloading. Will the Atom processor limit me that much? The envy x2 goes for $599 now, is the surface really worth $400 more?

[@Bardregan]

So I have a question, I'm browsing for a tablet that would be great to use in school for notes and keeping track of homework and such, but off the clock also be able to play some games at a decent quality such as Dota2 or minecraft. ( I would mension FPS games and all sorts of others but as for PC gaming i don't have high hopes) Would this tablet be the ideal one for me on a 7 hour school day and i could charge it once i got home?

[@Sanjarih]

Hello ma'am, I plan on purchasing this within the next few days, how well does bluetooth mice function with this? and from where can we download the drivers? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated