Anyone have a Surface Pro 2? Any reason not to get it?

[vi edit]

What I can't do, however, is download an application from the windows store and have it be accessible to everyone that signs in to the computer. If I hand the Lumia 2520 to the wife, even though she' signing in with my Microsoft Store account under her profile, she has to have her own copy of Netflix. Her own copy of Hulu. Her own copy of Zillow. Even though I've already downloaded them using my profile. Those apps should be accessible across profiles without having to redownload and maintain them separately.

Exactly. That's unique to Store applications. Desktop apps don't work that way. Or at least none of them that I've worked with require a dual install.

 

[bearxor]

Correct, regular apps you install work like normal.

The store app behavior with having to have multiple copies is just silly, especially because some of these devices are only shipping with 32GB of storage.

 

[sgrinavi]

I have to give MS credit for replacing mine quickly. Called them up with a bad USB port, ran through a couple of check with support and, without hesitation, they replaced my unit (purchased through ebay)

 

[Imaginer]

she has to have her own copy of Netflix. Her own copy of Hulu. Her own copy of Zillow. Even though I've already downloaded them using my profile. Those apps should be accessible across profiles without having to redownload and maintain them separately.

It is the current implementation of the app system. Each copy is isolated, thus needing to have a separate copy. This was most likely the QUICKEST design implementation that was carried over from Windows Phone of things, but needs to be treated like desktop applications in user permissions and user access (having a user folder section of local and roaming settings, instead of having each copy of the app).

More than likely, this would be addressed in this manner. I like to see that. Windows 8 'apps' however at the time, are not as relevant to me, for I made use of the internet browser (Opera and IE) for those things like Netflix and Youtube. I can see this pain on the RT end, being limited in space.

I also have not a need to share my device with another person, thus needing a separate account. But I see where some may do. Again, if apps are treated in that manner of segregating user profiles, settings, and data (like desktop apps) and have the core app files in a manner like "Program Files" folder, that makes perfect sense.

 

[Darknite39]

My workplace just denied purchasing a SP2 for me ("but you can demo [the inferior Dell alternative]!"). Sigh. Is there any wacom-equipped alternative to the SP2 that's coming out soon? I'm looking at the 256GB version, but balking at the price.

Any clue when an SP3 might be forthcoming?

(I've googled but my findings were inconclusive.)

 

[quikah]

My workplace just denied purchasing a SP2 for me ("but you can demo [the inferior Dell alternative]!"). Sigh. Is there any wacom-equipped alternative to the SP2 that's coming out soon? I'm looking at the 256GB version, but balking at the price.

Any clue when an SP3 might be forthcoming?

(I've googled but my findings were inconclusive.)

The only other 10" that I know of with Wacom is Fujitsu Q584, but I think it is almost the same price or even more than the SP2. Baytrail only. No 256GB version either.

 

[Darknite39]

Bummer. I guess I'll hold out for another month or so and see if anything is announced and then just go ahead with it. Thanks for the info, though!

 

[desura]

I used a surface pro for a few days.

I actually ended up going back to the RT.

First impressions was that the pro was very good, due to the speed, quality of the screen, and x86 compatibility.

But...

it felt awkwardly in-between for a tablet. Way too big and heavy, way too short battery life, screen too small to do serious work requiring x86, only use for x86 really was VLC and some steam games, both of which I used far less than I thought I would.

I also discovered that the type cover doesn't flip very well on a Surface Pro due to the sheer thickness of it. It flips fine on a Surface RT with its thinness.

And it's really weird with the type cover when it is flipped over the keys are facing outwards. Since they're mechanical keys, it seems like there's a good chance of them being knocked out.

beyond that, the full-size usb port makes the type cover needless.

Compared to the RT, the extra speed was really only noticeable when going to flash video sites. The RT managed to improve in speed a great deal with updates.

edit: I did like the wacom pen a lot, and I do wish that MS would implement it in the RT. I don't see why they don't put more resources into making solid apps, similar to iLife.

 

[zerogear]

I also discovered that the type cover doesn't flip very well on a Surface Pro due to the sheer thickness of it. It flips fine on a Surface RT with its thinness.

And it's really weird with the type cover when it is flipped over the keys are facing outwards. Since they're mechanical keys, it seems like there's a good chance of them being knocked out.

The type cover needs a bit of 'wear' on the hinges in order for it to flip well. (I would say it flips with no problems after 2 weeks of use). As for keyboard facing outward, you can flip that cover backwards if you don't like the keys facing outward.

I've had my SP2/Type Cover 2 since October, I've never even seen my keys go out of place, much less "knocked out", nor have I heard of anyone who have had that issue.

 

[desura]

there are a lot of type keyboards on ebay missing keys.

I actually tried the gen 2 type keyboard on my RT and it flipped fine, same as the old 1st gen touch cover. So it really is the thickness of the device.

Also, the screen is a little better than the RT, but not by much, really. The only noticeable thing is the sharpness from extra resolution. Color and everything else looked similar. There's also noticeable backlight bleed.

 

[Darknite39]

Re: an alternative with a Wacom digitizer, I just stumbled upon this that looks decent, although not big enough for me: http://www.phonearena.com/news/ASUS...m-digitizer-stylus-eight-hour-battery_id51016

 

[quikah]

Re: an alternative with a Wacom digitizer, I just stumbled upon this that looks decent, although not big enough for me: http://www.phonearena.com/news/ASUS...m-digitizer-stylus-eight-hour-battery_id51016

Yeah, they have had these at Microsoft store for about a month. Pretty nice. Think it was $329 intially, but they have it on sale or lowered the price to $299 when I was there last weekend.

Price is a little steep compared to DVP8.

 

[ozymandius42]

So it appears that the power cover is now up for preorder on the microsoft store

Anyone getting it? Any info on tech specs or battery life?

 

[Canbacon]

For 200, it is going to be a hard sell. For 150-170 I would get it. Unfortunately they are using the Type 2 keyboard and with that trackpad, they got rid of the clicking buttons.

No full reviews are out, however they said that it should extend the battery life for at least another 70% for the Surface 2 Pro and 60% for the Surface Pro.

 

[Imaginer]

The power cover is nice for extended working time. But it is a shame that the power cover does not sport the option of lighted keys like the type cover 2.

Currently, I have no problems with unplugged operation times as it is long enough for me to be able as needed. I will get a power cover if the back light keys are an option.

 

[vi edit]

The power cover is nice for extended working time. But it is a shame that the power cover does not sport the option of lighted keys like the type cover 2.

Whaaaat? No lighted keys? Boo on that. That's one of the coolest functions of the type cover.

 

[zerogear]

I think the Power Cover is a very good option for Surface Pro users, especially if you snagged one at 399 or 499. It basically makes the Surface Pro a Surface Pro 2 (although a bit heavier)

 

[bearxor]

Yeah, but the. What does that make the Surface Pro 2? A Surface Pro 2.25?