Those with the Surface 3 or Surface Pro 3

[pcslookout]

Do you need the Microsoft keyboard ? Also what mode do you use the most ? Desktop or Metro ?

 

[Commodus]

Do you need the Microsoft keyboard ? Also what mode do you use the most ? Desktop or Metro ?

I wouldn't dream of using a Surface without one of Microsoft's keyboards. It's really the reason you get one in the first place.

Metro is really what the Surface is meant for, but desktop works as long as you're using the keyboard.

 

[Demo24]

I basically only use mine in desktop mode. Problem with desktop mode is the onscreen keyboard does not adjust the screen so its an overlay. Also annoying is that it won't pop out without specifically clicking the keyboard icon. However, onscreen keyboard works well and is actually large enough for me to type like a on a regular, you'd just have to find some way to place it to do so.

Metro is where it makes more sense to use it in tablet mode, but I mostly only use mine like that with one note. Also mine seems to have a bug where 5ghz WiFi doesn't work in metro, but I can't seem to find anyone else having that problem.

It probably would have made more sense for me to have gotten an ultra book, but I do quite enjoy the surface lineup. However, don't get the i7, it gets too hot so performance takes a hit as does battery life which can be very inconsistent.

Also if you don't need one for awhile may want to consider waiting a bit and seeing if Microsoft unveils sp4, which should have a broadwell chip and be cooler.

Only thing I don't like on the sp3 is the pen, I feel its a huge downgrade from 2 and I have trouble making it work reliably.

 

[v-600]

I tend to use chrome for lots of our work apps in desktop mode. Most of the rest of the time I tend to use the metro apps for things like mail, browsing, FB, news etc.

If you intend on doing any significant work (and if not, why are you buying a surface) then yeah, you really need the keyboard.

 

[GarfieldtheCat]

Depends. For websurfing and just checking my personal email, I stay in metro mode and don't use a keyboard.

For more "real" work, like work email, or using MS office, then I click in the keyboard and am go to the old-school desktop look.

 

[mmntech]

You can use any Bluetooth or USB keyboard with the Surface. There's small folding ones designed for tablet use. However, you don't get the seamless integration and portability you do with the touch cover. $130 is still a steep asking price though.

If you're mostly using desktop mode at the same desk all the time, just get a cheap bluetooth K&M. Otherwise the touch cover will probably be worth it.

 

[IamDavid]

I couldn't like without the keyboard, coworkers never use so I guess its possible.

I use 50/50 Metro\DT.

 

[bonkers325]

Surface Pro 3. I use the MS keyboard/cover, I can't imagine using it without this accessory. I downloaded Classic Shell and force it into desktop mode when I boot up. I never go into Metro mode unless I'm using a Metro app, which is almost never.