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1:54 pm
November 3, 2009
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I like it.
I loaded an early consumer pre-release on a Dell laptop to learn the new user interface, called “Metro” then. That name ran afoul of someone’s trademark, so they stopped using it. I call the new stuff “Live Tiles.”
Now I am using a Microsoft Surface Pro 64. It is connected to a large external monitor, a USB hub connects a wireless keyboard and mouse, speakers, local printer, and external DVD.
When I want to be portable, I disconnect the hub, monitor cable, and power. Click in the keyboard/cover, and I am good for over 5 hours.
I installed Microsoft Street & Trips for planning our travels. We can plug in a usb GPS receiver to make it a true navigation device for going down the road.
We need to talk about how to effectively work with Windows 8.
Helping Travelers to Plan, Preserve, and Share their Travels
2:11 pm
November 3, 2009
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This from a long time reader:
Jim and Chris,
Hi! I have spoken to you in the past as the president of the Palm Creek tennis club when I was having difficulty getting access to the tennis club BlogSpot site.
You referred me to Sue and she got it fixed. I saw the offer of your free newsletter on an RV blog and subscribed. When I opened your blog today I was thrilled to see that you guys are also fans of the Surface Pro. My computer was having problems as it was getting old – it was using Vista, need I say more!
I bought an i-pad and was basically underwhelmed. I think I am the only person who returned an i-pad but basically it was just a larger version of my i-touch with a camera.
Being a full time RVer I wanted to reduce my stuff, not increase it but with an i-pad as I still needed to buy a new computer. When I saw the 128g Surface Pro I thought it might be the answer to my prayers. I did have a learning curve but most of that is Windows 8 but it has been well worth it.
I am sending this to you to add another testimonial to anyone sitting on the fence or trying to decide if the Surface Pro is worth the investment. The answer is don’t spend another minute thinking about it – it is one of the best investments I have ever made!
One quick example – the water diverter between city water and the fresh water tank got all rusted. I called the company who makes it, B and B Molders. They asked me for a photo. I took my surface to the site, took a photo, attached it to an email and hit send. What a time saver and, with the surface camera it is like the vendor is virtually present. Result – a new part is being sent to us – free of charge!
Just thought you would appreciate some thoughts from someone else on the value of the surface pro,
Kate
Helping Travelers to Plan, Preserve, and Share their Travels
1:29 pm
Hello, please tell me what is Surface Pro, how it works.
David
10:01 pm
July 2, 2010
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The Surface Pro is a tablet computer by Microsoft. It’s kind of a big deal since Microsoft doesn’t usually make the hardware … just the software.
There’s the Surface ($500) … which runs Windows RT operating system and cannot run Windows 7 programs like Picasa, Quicken, or Streets and Trips
Then theres the Surface Pro ($1,000) … which is a full-blown Windows 8 computer and CAN run Picasa, Quicken, or Streets and Trips.
Here’s our earlier article on Which Tablet to Buy which discusses the Surface Pro.
8:20 pm
I am thinking of replacing (up dating) my old DESKTOP computer running XP with a new Windows 8 desktop. The question should I buy a monitor that is touch sensitive or use the mouse with a standard monitor. Thanks.
11:02 am
November 3, 2009
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I like the touch screen, but I find myself using the mouse and keyboard when I am in my “office” configuration. The Surface Pro is my main computer. It’s the best of both worlds for me. Touch screen tablet for portability, and keyboard/mouse for the real work.
You don’t *need* a touch screen to work with Windows 8, but if you have one, you might just use it.
Helping Travelers to Plan, Preserve, and Share their Travels
1:42 pm
Now that you have been using the Surface Pro as your main computer, and you also have an iPad and a Nexus 7, do you find that you need the other tablets? If you could only have one, which one would you choose? My Kindle Fire HD does not allow me to access Google Play, and I have not been able to use SkyDrive. My computer uses are MS Office 2010, Quicken, Picasa, Internet Explorer, GMail, and various other Apps on my Droid and Kindle. My research seems to suggest that the Surface Pro will allow me to do all of my computing, but the iPad will not (although I think the iPad will do more than my Kindle which is limited by Amazon). Looking for a new tablet.
2:06 pm
November 3, 2009
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Hands down, the Surface Pro is my choice. It is a Windows computer in tablet form.
*Need* is a tricky term. I use the Nexus 7 in the bedroom for casual consumption of information. Chris uses the iPad most often. I use it in our seminars to demo smartphones and tablets.
Helping Travelers to Plan, Preserve, and Share their Travels
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