Tech Review: Microsoft Surface Pro

A laptop, PC and tablet all in one.

That’s what the experts at Microsoft promised Her.ie recently when we got our hands on the new Surface Pro for review, and as far as we're concerned, that’s one very big promise to make.

A couple of weeks later, we’d be quite happy never to be parted from this nifty device again.

Here comes the science bit: Surface Pro is a 64-bit tablet PC, based on the 3^rd Generation Inter Core i5 Processor, available with 64GB and 128GB Solid State Disks and boasting the Window 8 Pro operating system. It weighs about 2lbs, is 13.5 millimeters deep, and features a WACOM pen device as well as full touch capabilities.

The Surface Pro is housed in an ultra-light durable casing, with an integrated kickstand and cover. The Pro also boasts a full-sized USB port, one thing that instantly sets it aside from tablets, and microSDXC card slot for adding additional storage, and a 10.6 inch screen with a 16:9 widescreen high-definition display that makes it optimal for viewing and sharing content easily. The advancements in the way the glass is bonded means that the screen can be viewed clearly even when almost side-on to the device, wonderful news for anyone who’s ever had to share a tablet with a loved one on a plane or train… and the picture is so sharp and sexy it’s a world away from the tablet and desktop viewing many will be used to. In fact, you’ll experience full HD - 1,920 x 1,080p. You’ll also find two 720p front and rear facing cameras. Say cheese!

It’s the closest we’ve seen something as nifty as a tablet get to taking on the power of a laptop, and winning. It’s everything your Windows 8 PC or laptop can do, in one easily-portable device that, for women like us, is a tool that could change the way you work from the first day you get your hands on it.

Designed to showcase Windows 8 Pro, the OS may look a bit foreign if you’re a first time user, but this is a system that’s been designed to make everything you do on your computer easier, more streamlined, and simpler to pair with other jobs. The ability to multi-task is key, and this philosophy is something that comes to the fore very quickly on the tile system, something you’ll be familiar with if you have a Windows phone. Of course, if you’d like to wade gently in to the tile system instead of diving headfirst, you can revert to the desktop view and all will be simple and straightforward in your tech-overloaded brain once more. Take your time with the tiles, but do master them, it changes everything.

Of couse, what makes the Surface Pro the ultimate business and pleasure tool is really the accessories. The WACOM pen that comes as standard is a nifty little tool that not only lets you point and click, but can be used on design software for you to create on the move. Or draw a picture, whatever. As for the optional extras, you can choose to opt for a Touch Cover - a super-thin, spill resistant cover with a pressure sensitive keyboard that comes in a variety of colours, or a Type Cover – one of the thinnest mechanical keyboards available. Neither of these are strictly necessary, but in Her opinion you should pair your purchase with one of the two to really make the most of the device. HD AV and VGA adaptors and the Wedge Touch Mouse Surface Edition are other optional accessories for the Pro, depending on your intended usage.

 

 

‘Work easy, play hard and connect with those who matter to you’ – that’s what Microsoft would like you to get from their newest device. Windows Mail and Messaging, SkyDrive, IE10, Bing, Xbox Music, Maps, Video and Games all come preloaded with the device, which will run current Windows 7 desktop applications also.

 

They say:

This is a fully functional PC that looks, feels and acts like a tablet and allows handwriting and sketching with the Surface pen in a natural and intuitive way. With Surface Pro, customers can do everything they have ever done on a PC, ranging from using their favorite desktop applications to enjoying the protection of world-class safety and security software.

Her thoughts:

Over the past number of weeks we’ve used the Surface Pro to work, (writing reviews like this one), watch movies, surf the web, tweet, post on Facebook, use Chat, send emails, save to cloud storage, edit pictures, play games, listen to music, use apps, plan travel and much, much more. With about four hours of continuous use before needing a recharge, it’s a Godsend for time spent travelling, but we’ve also been bringing it home for evening work instead of pulling out the laptop. We’ve yet to find a task that the Surface Pro can’t handle as well as a PC, and we’ve tried. While it’s not the most lightweight product out there in terms of a tablet, try finding a laptop or PC that will fit in your handbag and weigh less than your current hardback read.

It’s not cheap, and the cost was our reservation on day one of our Surface Pro experience. But back then, we couldn’t get it our of our heads that this was more than the latest tablet, with some extras. In a number of weeks, it’s become a viable replacement for a desktop PC, a laptop and a tablet, that we can take on the move but rely on for the big jobs. Frankly, we’re starting to wonder what we ever did without it, and if you’re a woman on the move, we’d start breaking open that piggy bank or penning the letter to Santa now… it’s worth every penny.

 

Starting at €879 (ERP), Surface Pro is available now online at http://www.surface.com and at Microsoft Stores and select retail locations worldwide.

Surface Pro	Estimated Retail Price
64GB + Surface pen	€879
128GB + Surface pen	€979