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Microsoft Surface Pro 4 announced: "better in nearly every way" (The Verge)
- Thread starter Anton Sugar
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Funky Papa
FUNK-Y-PPA-4
People still think Microsoft is this evil company or what not.
The surface pricing is high, way high and that's because of certain things.
1). They don't want to make their partners angry by competing with them directly. That's why we ALWAYS see comparison with MacBooks and no other devices.
2). These are supposed to be aspirational devices. For years, people saw Windows device ecosystem as some cheap dollaram products compare to Apple products. These new premium devices helps change the perspective. Windows now also have very high end products which not everyone can afford.
3). to show case latest and greatest of their software. Microsoft are making Pro, Book and Studio so companies like Dell, HP, Lenovo, Acer see it, and tries to copy it. And make a cheaper version of it.
My issue with Surface's pricing structure is that there is no middle ground. You get megafucked the second you want to jump from 4GB of RAM to 8GB on the Pro since the only option is the 256GB SKU. That's a brutal ~€500 price jump because of reasons.
My issue with Surface's pricing structure is that there is no middle ground. You get megafucked the second you want to jump from 4GB of RAM to 8GB on the Pro since the only option is the 256GB SKU. That's a brutal ~500 price jump because of reasons.
Agreed 100%.
Cheesecakebobby
Banned
So I just got a 4k TV and I'm wondering - what is the best way to connect my Surface Pro 4? I don't have any cables or adapters right now. I'm assuming there is a way to connect it over wifi, but that 4k might be too much for it to handle?
Commander Jameson
Member
I just ordered a Pro 4 i5 8Gb 256Gb tonight. Comes with 10% off (from PC World until Monday) and the Xbox One S with FIFA17 pack for free. Wanted to get it before any exchange rate shenanigans start happening.
……forgetit
Member
Are we not expecting a surface 5 anytime soon?
Next year
It runs badly and unreliably over wifi.So I just got a 4k TV and I'm wondering - what is the best way to connect my Surface Pro 4? I don't have any cables or adapters right now. I'm assuming there is a way to connect it over wifi, but that 4k might be too much for it to handle?
Use a hdmi to Mini DisplayPort adapter.
I opted for the 4GB version for this reason. It has been good, especially with an extra 128 microsd card in there.My issue with Surface's pricing structure is that there is no middle ground. You get megafucked the second you want to jump from 4GB of RAM to 8GB on the Pro since the only option is the 256GB SKU. That's a brutal ~500 price jump because of reasons.
I'll probably get the 8GB Surface pro 5 down the line.
eyeball_kid
Member
People still think Microsoft is this evil company or what not.
Yeah I'd say they're still pretty evil. They leave the back door wide open for the government. Handed them the keys to decrypt Skype conversations in real time. OneDrive cloud data is up for grabs. etc. The consumer electronics division is I'm sure fine, and they're trying to make good products, but that doesn't change the overall "evil" scale of the company, even if Nadella is trying to make the brand image more fluffy.
Zaraki_Kenpachi
Member
Not sure if anyone is interested but Bestbuy has the 128GB surface pro 4 w/ M3 processor for $550 if you're a student and $650 for everyone else. $550 seems like a pretty sweet price if you still have an .edu email.
Not sure if anyone is interested but Bestbuy has the 128GB surface pro 4 w/ M3 processor for $550 if you're a student and $650 for everyone else. $550 seems like a pretty sweet price if you still have an .edu email.
I just picked this up as a Christmas gift for my little sister.
Anything I should know about setup for her?
I see it comes with the improved pen and I know I have to find a keyboard. Seems they're all a bit over $100 for the latest versions.
Holy shit, that Avatar and name. Brilliant.For the people that owned a Pro 3 prior to owning a Pro 4, how much better is the Pro 4? I have a 4GB i5 Pro 3.
kitchenmotors
Banned
Not sure if anyone is interested but Bestbuy has the 128GB surface pro 4 w/ M3 processor for $550 if you're a student and $650 for everyone else. $550 seems like a pretty sweet price if you still have an .edu email.
You don't need an edu email to get the coupons.
Atraveller
Banned
Damn, never had that kind of deal in my country. Heck, Xbox One S is not even available yet.I just ordered a Pro 4 i5 8Gb 256Gb tonight. Comes with 10% off (from PC World until Monday) and the Xbox One S with FIFA17 pack for free. Wanted to get it before any exchange rate shenanigans start happening.
Is sp4 a significant upgrade over sp3? Does it down throttle the CPU a shitload like sp3 when it starts getting a little heated?
I broke my screen last month and Microsoft store here will replace the whole thing for 400 but I'm thinking about doing that, giving it to my girlfriend and getting an sp4
It would be an i5 8gb just like my sp3
I broke my screen last month and Microsoft store here will replace the whole thing for 400 but I'm thinking about doing that, giving it to my girlfriend and getting an sp4
It would be an i5 8gb just like my sp3
I opted for the 4GB version for this reason. It has been good, especially with an extra 128 microsd card in there.
I'll probably get the 8GB Surface pro 5 down the line.
How do you find performance on the M3 version? Any major hiccups?
You don't need an edu email to get the coupons.
How do I get the coupons? And I have an edu
How do you find performance on the M3 version? Any major hiccups?
How do I get the coupons? And I have an edu
Sign up here: https://www-ssl.bestbuy.com/profile/a/emailsub/student
You'll get the coupon shortly after signing up.
Cosmic Bus
pristine morning snow
Not sure if anyone is interested but Bestbuy has the 128GB surface pro 4 w/ M3 processor for $550 if you're a student and $650 for everyone else. $550 seems like a pretty sweet price if you still have an .edu email.
I wonder what the over/under is on there being a noticeably better deal around black Friday. Considering an entry-level Surface as a Christmas present, but wouldn't mind being able to do so for $500 or less.
I wonder what the over/under is on there being a noticeably better deal around black Friday. Considering an entry-level Surface as a Christmas present, but wouldn't mind being able to do so for $500 or less.
If you have Best Buy Elite status you have 30 days to return. (45 for Elite Plus).
I'll be keeping mine sealed just in case as well.
Cheesecakebobby
Banned
Thanks, so as long as the HDMI cable I connect to that accepts a 4k signal I'm good?It runs badly and unreliably over wifi.
Use a hdmi to Mini DisplayPort adapter.
Onlinehero
Member
Help!
I'm torn between a surface pro 4 and a surface book. I hate these devices, and I hate how I can't get a clear picture of the differences between them.
I want a Book, reviews state it's keyboard is better, and Tested indicated its better for stylus use (though I don't know which models they compared).
Now the Book Isn't available in Sweden, which means I lose out on special characters on the keyboard (though I'm a touch typist) and probably need to get a power adapter.
Is it worth the hassle? The components seem to be literally the same in similar price ranges.
Are there any more noticeable disadvantages to the Sruface Pro 4, or the Book For that matter,that I should be aware of?
GPU is a complete non-issue.
I'm torn between a surface pro 4 and a surface book. I hate these devices, and I hate how I can't get a clear picture of the differences between them.
I want a Book, reviews state it's keyboard is better, and Tested indicated its better for stylus use (though I don't know which models they compared).
Now the Book Isn't available in Sweden, which means I lose out on special characters on the keyboard (though I'm a touch typist) and probably need to get a power adapter.
Is it worth the hassle? The components seem to be literally the same in similar price ranges.
Are there any more noticeable disadvantages to the Sruface Pro 4, or the Book For that matter,that I should be aware of?
GPU is a complete non-issue.
Kaneda Shotaro
Member
Do these run regular windows programs? What I mean is, can I download a program off the windows store on my PC and use it on this as well?
Do these run regular windows programs? What I mean is, can I download a program off the windows store on my PC and use it on this as well?
Yes they're a proper PC
Am currently thinking about a tablet, which I've never owned before - is there any significant advantage to having a tablet with no moving parts versus the i5/7? I'm aware there's a real power differential based on notebookcheck but I don't do a ton of power-intensive things with my laptop as it is. I mostly use it for note taking and surfing, maybe occasionally playing a game like VA-11 Hall-A. Also do minor video and photoshop editing/design work.
Am currently thinking about a tablet, which I've never owned before - is there any significant advantage to having a tablet with no moving parts versus the i5/7? I'm aware there's a real power differential based on notebookcheck but I don't do a ton of power-intensive things with my laptop as it is. I mostly use it for note taking and surfing, maybe occasionally playing a game like VA-11 Hall-A. Also do minor video and photoshop editing/design work.
... get the i5 or i7 version.
Thanks.... get the i5 or i7 version.
Any other tablet recommendations or should I just continue to peruse notebookcheck and base my decision on their info?
Thanks.
Any other tablet recommendations or should I just continue to peruse notebookcheck and base my decision on their info?
If you want to do anything with photoshop/video/design, your options are an i5/i7 surface pro, or a laptop, no other tablets can operate in this area including and especially the iPad Pro.
Help!
I'm torn between a surface pro 4 and a surface book. I hate these devices, and I hate how I can't get a clear picture of the differences between them.
I want a Book, reviews state it's keyboard is better, and Tested indicated its better for stylus use (though I don't know which models they compared).
Now the Book Isn't available in Sweden, which means I lose out on special characters on the keyboard (though I'm a touch typist) and probably need to get a power adapter.
Is it worth the hassle? The components seem to be literally the same in similar price ranges.
Are there any more noticeable disadvantages to the Sruface Pro 4, or the Book For that matter,that I should be aware of?
GPU is a complete non-issue.
Disclaimer: I work for Microsoft so take my opinions with that in mind. Though all the devices I've owned, I've paid for with my own money at full price.
In my opinion, the Surface Pro 4 is an overall better and more versatile device. I used a Surface Pro 3 for ~18 months as my primary work and home computer, and the Pro 4 is a lot better. The trackpad in the Pro 4 is bigger and much more responsive than the 3. The keyboard is incredible especially considering how it's in a thin cover.
Don't get me wrong - the Book is an awesome device - but its keyboard really is not any better than the Pro 4. Both have excellent keyboards that just feel great to type on.
Surprisingly to me, the Pro 4 has a better trackpad than the Book. The Book's trackpad is coated in the same metallic surface as the rest of the device, while the Pro 4's coating on the trackpad is buttery smooth. I wish the Book had the Pro 4's trackpad.
The Book has a larger screen, but the Pro 4's is big enough for me as well. Since both are 3:2, they're taller than most bigger laptops, which also makes them great to read and edit documents on.
And finally, the Pro 4 is simply more practical when using it as a tablet. I do love how light the Book's screen is when detached - lighter than the Pro 4 despite it being larger, since there's less battery in there - but the fact that you then have a heavy base from the Book sitting around makes it a bit unwieldy.
The Book is definitely a more powerful device if you have the dedicated GPU, but I game so little on the device anyway it doesn't really matter much to me. And Intel's integrated graphics on Skylake are pretty good for more casual gaming these days..
If a new Pro 5 comes out next year, I'd probably choose that instead of a new Surface Book whenever I decide to upgrade.
Steelyuhas
Member
As someone that's used a Pro 4 as my primary personal device for the last year, I concur with the keyboard and trackpad, it's seriously impressive. I think it's vastly superior to my work laptop and another personal laptop that I mess around with to throw test builds on. (I haven't used the Book though, so I can't compare to that)
Would anyone have takes on the Pro 4 vs Book specific to using one at work? I assume my next work machine will be either one of those two devices, I'm kindly sick of lugging around my Lenovo that is stacked for performance, but is bulky and heavy. They both use the port hub style "dock", right?
Would anyone have takes on the Pro 4 vs Book specific to using one at work? I assume my next work machine will be either one of those two devices, I'm kindly sick of lugging around my Lenovo that is stacked for performance, but is bulky and heavy. They both use the port hub style "dock", right?
SCULLIBUNDO
Banned
I can't go back to a Pro keyboard after using the Book.
So I'm considering getting a refurbished Surface Book i5 with the dGPU (I want to play PC indie games basically, along with having it as a work replacement laptop for my macbook and a tablet to use in bed.
1. Would I be able to play indie games on the Surface Pro 4?
2. I should be good getting a refurbished item from the Microsoft Store right?
1. Would I be able to play indie games on the Surface Pro 4?
2. I should be good getting a refurbished item from the Microsoft Store right?
Poodlestrike
Banned
So I'm considering getting a refurbished Surface Book i5 with the dGPU (I want to play PC indie games basically, along with having it as a work replacement laptop for my macbook and a tablet to use in bed.
1. Would I be able to play indie games on the Surface Pro 4?
2. I should be good getting a refurbished item from the Microsoft Store right?
I mean... define "indie games?" Some of those mothers are intensive, lol.
If all you're looking for is Minecraft, Shovel Knight, that sorta tier, SP4 should do you handily. SB has a 960M, which is actually reasonably powerful for a mobile chip. Might even be overkill.
I'm looking for an SB or SB-alike so I can do all my schoolwork on one device (including some 3D CAD modeling), but for your needs SP4 sounds fine. Refurbished should be okay as well, I think they've got a pretty reasonable return policy on stuff like that.
I mean... define "indie games?" Some of those mothers are intensive, lol.
If all you're looking for is Minecraft, Shovel Knight, that sorta tier, SP4 should do you handily. SB has a 960M, which is actually reasonably powerful for a mobile chip. Might even be overkill.
I'm looking for an SB or SB-alike so I can do all my schoolwork on one device (including some 3D CAD modeling), but for your needs SP4 sounds fine. Refurbished should be okay as well, I think they've got a pretty reasonable return policy on stuff like that.
965M actually.
I mean... define "indie games?" Some of those mothers are intensive, lol.
If all you're looking for is Minecraft, Shovel Knight, that sorta tier, SP4 should do you handily. SB has a 960M, which is actually reasonably powerful for a mobile chip. Might even be overkill.
I'm looking for an SB or SB-alike so I can do all my schoolwork on one device (including some 3D CAD modeling), but for your needs SP4 sounds fine. Refurbished should be okay as well, I think they've got a pretty reasonable return policy on stuff like that.
Yea basically stuff like platformers. Shovel Night is a good example. I could see myself playing Cities Skyline on it. Stardew Valley. Upcoming Owlboy.
Does the SB have the 960M even on the lowest tier? Because, if it does, the slight price difference might be worth.
Edit: I guess not, did some digging myself.
I'm not super good with tech. Would the amount of RAM (between 4 and 8) be that much of a difference?
Poodlestrike
Banned
965M actually.
Whoops, right.
Yea basically stuff like platformers. Shovel Night is a good example. I could see myself playing Cities Skyline on it. Stardew Valley. Upcoming Owlboy.
Does the SB have the 960M even on the lowest tier? Because, if it does, the slight price difference might be worth.
Edit: I guess not, did some digging myself.
I'm not super good with tech. Would the amount of RAM (between 4 and 8) be that much of a difference?
8 vs 4 gigs of RAM is a *massive* difference, especially if you want to run something like Cities.
Help!
I'm torn between a surface pro 4 and a surface book. I hate these devices, and I hate how I can't get a clear picture of the differences between them.
I want a Book, reviews state it's keyboard is better, and Tested indicated its better for stylus use (though I don't know which models they compared).
Now the Book Isn't available in Sweden, which means I lose out on special characters on the keyboard (though I'm a touch typist) and probably need to get a power adapter.
Is it worth the hassle? The components seem to be literally the same in similar price ranges.
Are there any more noticeable disadvantages to the Sruface Pro 4, or the Book For that matter,that I should be aware of?
GPU is a complete non-issue.
I have he pro 3 so not a direct comparison. But it comes down to tablet usage IMO. If you think you are laptop first then I'm sure the battery life alone makes the book a little more convenient. he pro blend between tablet and laptop is perfect for me though. I used to have a giant laptop and an iPad. Loved the iPad but it just wasn't productive enough for me. Surface Pro is the perfect blend for my style since I remove the keyboard and use it as a tablet a lot. Browsing with a real full featured browser in tablet form alone is worth it to me
Only thing that gets me about the pro is the abysmal battery life. Microsofts refusal to give me convenient battery accessories really means that if I want to take this out and use it as a laptop all day, I have to make sure I am thinking about battery every step of the way. Gotta make sure I'm at desk with an outlet. Or be at 25% brightness with all apps closed besides my main shit. Gotta use battery efficient software as much as I can. And if the computer doesn't sleep right away, does an update, or has some rogue hidden app running I forgot about then I am done for the day since my battery will be dead
It gets me through the day, but honestly it's headache enough that I was actually was considering getting the book this year. If the surface 4 (non pro) next year is great, I might go surface book for on the go work and the cheapest surface 4 for a basic tablet.
Whoops, right.
8 vs 4 gigs of RAM is a *massive* difference, especially if you want to run something like Cities.
Awesome thanks!
Yea, I'm probably just gonna get the 128gb Surface Pro 4 8 gigs of RAM. Think that'll be good for what I wanna do. Thanks!
SCULLIBUNDO
Banned
Did somebody just say the trackpad on the Pro is better than the Book?
That shit is crazy and not true in the slightest. The trackpad on the book is also definitely not made out of the same metallic material as the rest of the device. The fuck?
That shit is crazy and not true in the slightest. The trackpad on the book is also definitely not made out of the same metallic material as the rest of the device. The fuck?
Did somebody just say the trackpad on the Pro is better than the Book?
That shit is crazy and not true in the slightest. The trackpad on the book is also definitely not made out of the same metallic material as the rest of the device. The fuck?
You're on a forum and you can clearly see my post and directly ask me a question. It's really OK to do so. It was like 6 posts back.
Yes, I think the Surface Pro 4's trackpad is better than the Surface Book, and I'm currently using a Surface Book as my main PC. I'm typing this message on the Book right now in fact.
Both are great trackpads. But I find the feel of the Pro 4's trackpad to be significantly better. My wife has a Pro 4 and every time I use it I wish it was my device instead of hers since I like the trackpad better.
How do you find performance on the M3 version? Any major hiccups?
I'm using the i5 4GB version. Performance is good for anything except games, really, and I've had some problems running an external display. I suspect I would need more than 4GB RAM to manage the external display.
Thanks, so as long as the HDMI cable I connect to that accepts a 4k signal I'm good?
I'm not sure how well it will drive a native 4k signal tbh, but that's what you need.
I've had some performance problems with a second screen and running 3D apps, but I suspect that's my 4GB RAM causing trouble.
brotkasten
Member
Dock, what do you think of the Surface Dial?
Junior Mint
Member
My issue with Surface's pricing structure is that there is no middle ground. You get megafucked the second you want to jump from 4GB of RAM to 8GB on the Pro since the only option is the 256GB SKU. That's a brutal ~500 price jump because of reasons.
Agreed. Was looking at the SP4 as the upgrade for my MBA with all the disappointment around Apple's new machines but trying to bump up to 8GB of RAM increases the price so much that I might as well just buy the new MacBook Pro.
Shogmaster
Member
For someone who wants a windows tablet for taking notes, reading, and maybe some drawing, would the m3 SP4 suffice?
More than suffice, but there are much cheaper options that does just as good of a job for those tasks (and actually better for drawing due to much light IAF via Wacom AES pens).
Lenovo Miix 700 ($550 street price for 8GB RAM), HP Pavilion X2 (much better lap typing experience for $550) are just two good options. Look into those as well if you don't have cash to burn. Keep in mind that these two come with the keyboard for the price so you onlt have to buy the pen ($40~60). With SP4, you will need to fork out around $130~160 for the KB while having pen packed in. If you need the KB, SP4 will set you back well over $900 now that the M3 deal is no more.
For someone who wants a windows tablet for taking notes, reading, and maybe some drawing, would the m3 SP4 suffice?
I do light Photoshop and Lightroom (and the performance is good) with mine so you'll be fine.
I think the Surface Dial is bad!Dock, what do you think of the Surface Dial?
It does basically nothing that couldn't be done with a touchscreen UI interface, and it doesn't have buttons, and the cost is bizarre. apparently it feels nice to turn, but I don't think it's what anyone needs.
More than anything, Microsoft need to allow you to use fingers AND pen at the same time, like the iPad + Apple Pencil.
https://www.engadget.com/2016/10/28/microsoft-surface-studio-designer-reaction/
I was one of the people that gave their impressions to Engadget (my name is Hayden Scott-Baron, hi!)
Shogmaster
Member
I think the Surface Dial is bad!
It does basically nothing that couldn't be done with a touchscreen UI interface, and it doesn't have buttons, and the cost is bizarre. apparently it feels nice to turn, but I don't think it's what anyone needs.
More than anything, Microsoft need to allow you to use fingers AND pen at the same time, like the iPad + Apple Pencil.
https://www.engadget.com/2016/10/28/microsoft-surface-studio-designer-reaction/
I was one of the people that gave their impressions to Engadget (my name is Hayden Scott-Baron, hi!)
That article was fucking TERRIBLE. So terrible that it compelled me to write a lengthy reply to it in the comments.
Also, I don't understand your comments about Apple Pencil on iPad. How exactly does the pen and finger work at the same time on that?
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