Reddit reviews Microsoft Surface Pro 4 (128 GB, 4 GB RAM, Intel Core i5)

$796 shipped, I had some gift card balance but the original total was $800 and change.

here was the listing:

https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Surface-Pro-Intel-Core/dp/B01606KJ6C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1484290575&sr=8-1&keywords=surface+pro+4

Edit: For those viewing the thread late -

For an entry level Surface tablet I'd currently recommend the Surface 3 64GB/2GB model + external monitor over the Surface Pro 3 i3 model since the performance is so similar - just don't expect to be able to play more than basic games or the ability to watch high bit-rate HD video.

If you want to splurge on a mid-range Surface tablet then I'd go for the Surface Pro 4 i5 128GB/4GB model - the CPU performs twice as fast as the low end tablets, and the graphics performance is about 70% better than all the others. The display is also higher quality and slightly larger, pressure sensitivity is increased x4, better camera, and it comes with a pen. The extra RAM and storage space will really help stave off any headaches you may experience with the entry models.

---

I think the main decision here is how much money you are willing to spend on it. Objectively, more money gets you a better device, so setting a price point pretty much establishes which one you are going to get:

• Low-end: ~$400 - Surface 3 Atom 64GB | 2GB | 1.6 - 2.4 GHz | 2MB Cache | 600 MHz
  
• Low-end: ~$500 - Surface Pro 3 i3 64GB | 2GB | 1.5 GHz | 3MB Cache | 850 MHz
  
• Mid-range: ~$700 - Surface Pro 3 i5 s4 128GB | 4GB | 1.9 - 2.9 GHz | 3MB Cache | 1100 MHz
  
• Mid-range: ~$800 - Surface Pro 4 i5 s6 128GB | 4GB | 2.4 - 3.0 GHz | 3MB Cache | 1000 MHz
  
• High-end: ~$1000 - Surface Pro 3 i7 256GB | 8GB | 1.7 - 3.3 GHz | 4MB Cache | 1100 MHz
  
  * Image comparison
  
  The 10.8" devices are actually a Surface 3's with a Atom x7-Z8700 processors. The 12" devices are the Surface Pro 3's with core i3/i5/i7 processors. The i5/i7 CPU's generally perform twice as well as the Atom/i3 in benchmarks. The Surface Pro 4 also performs about 70% better than the Pro 3's in graphics benchmarks (+7-15% better in CPU tests).
  
  Since you are unlikely be using it for anything super demanding, I'd recommend you go for the mid-range Surface Pro 3 (see my note at the bottom about the Pro 4 though, which is a decent upgrade for +$80). Both screens have the same DPI (detail level), so you are getting roughly 25% more screen real estate with the bigger one (no quality improvement). Draw two rectangles with the following dimensions to get an idea of the difference in viewing area:
  
  9" x 6" vs. 10" x 6.7"
  
  Otherwise, the core i5/i7 processors have TurboBoost to add another 1 GHz of processing power (the i3 apparently does not, Atom has Boost for +800 MHz). 4GB of ram is much better than 2GB, and 128GB storage space would be much better than 64 as you could easily bump into the later's limit. 8GB Ram, 256GB storage, and a Core i7 are the top-end luxury options which have diminishing returns over the mid-range options.
  
  Keep in mind the following things:
  
  
• You may want to invest in a Type Cover in order to have a physical keyboard
  
• Similarly, you may want a USB or bluetooth mouse
  
• Try to get one which comes with Windows 10 instead of 8
  
• A larger investment, but potentially worthwhile one, would be an external monitor with a DisplayPort connector - both devices have Mini DisplayPorts for hooking up to monitors for lots more screen real estate
  
• There are Surface Pro 4 devices available which cost roughly $100 more for the same system specs as the Pro 3 versions, but with better DPI and .3" larger screen

Esta en especifica

Las surface en general estan a arriba de 200k.

Two come to mind, the first is the Surface Pro 4, its just over 2lbs with the keyboard and has an i5 or i7 processor.

Another good choice would be the Lenovo Lavie 360 its also very light and powerful.

So this might be a bit of a stretch to setup, but a Windows tablet with EmulationStation. It's basically a RetroPi (well the front end it uses), but since it's on a beefer Windows tablet you have a larger array of games (and storage) to work with, plus built in screen so it's portable. And since it runs full Windows you can connect any controller of your choice, and any other games or programs of your choice (Netflix, Hulu, Youtube, Twitch, Steam, Origin, GoG, etc).

I'm a personal fan of the Surface Pro 4, though I understand if you want something cheaper to lug around like that. I think the SP3's still hold up well.

Also I believe the latest iteration of the XB1 controller supports bluetooth (and audio passthrough for 3.5mm headphones)

No, bad deal. Yesterday I bought an SP4 i7 8GB 256GB for $1090.

That's $90 more for an improved CPU, 4 more GB of ram, and 128 more GB of storage. Check Amazon, prices may still be low. I'm taking mine to the Microsoft store 30 minutes from me when it arrives tomorrow and adding on Microsoft Complete for another $150.

Check the prices here for better deals and get a typecover then add on the Microsoft complete warranty within 45 days: https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Surface-Pro-Intel-Core/dp/B01606KJ6C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1496842444&sr=8-1&keywords=surface+pro+4

I meant the laptop in the background that I'm currently too poor to afford. :)

Sure. This was the one that I saw, although now that I look again, I noticed that it's certified refurbished.

Here is the brand new one, for $738.

I would probably suggest the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 if you're looking to take notes, as it has excellent pen support for taking notes. Many other touchscreen laptops don't have as good of taptic feedback and taking notes would be miserable.

Keep in mind you must buy the keyboard and pen separately.

The technology is somewhat similar to an Ipad, although it is not capacitive touch. Tell them its a digital art tablet with pen pressure, like a Microsoft surface tablet(Its the same technology as that).

You should ask repair shops that typically do tablets and if possible just "General electronic" repair shops.

Its gonna be a gamble if they know about the tech or not, these guys tend to REALLY know their stuff, so i will certainly bet there is no way they could confuse the technology.

I would suggest making sure there is some sort of guarantee that states something along the lines of "Hey, if we screw up your device we'll refund you" but to be honest, you may have trouble finding such a place.

If they are unfamiliar, they will tell you. If they have questions, you can tell them "Its a monitor for a normal PC, but this screen is a touchscreen with a pen. It has pressure sensitivity."

If its also touchscreen, tell them its capacitive touch like a phone, but ALSO has the pen that uses non capacative tech.

But as a TLDR for them, just tell them its like a microsoft surface pro 4 but it has to be hooked up to a computer.

You might want to look at the Surface pro 4, its a really solid choice - under budget and has a lot of utility.
https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Surface-Pro-Intel-Core/dp/B01606KJ6C/ref=sr_1_3?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1495038116&sr=1-3&keywords=surface+pro

FWIW, it looks like you can get it cheaper on Amazon.

Microsoft Surface Pro 4 (128 GB, 4 GB RAM, Intel Core i5) - $959

http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Surface-Pro-Intel-Core/dp/B01606KJ6C/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1462475700&sr=8-4&keywords=surface+pro+4

Surface Pro 3... not exactly a standard tablet.

But the SP3 does runs full Windows, mine replaces both a tablet and laptop. Though I think it's since been discontinued with the introduction of the Surface Pro 4 and Surface Book. For a more reasonably priced (comparatively speaking) Windows tablet, the Surface 3 (non-Pro) is a popular option.

I also have a Dell Venue 8 Pro 3000 Windows 8.1 tablet, much smaller than a Surface device and much more cheaper but lacks the computing power. There are also many comparable tablets from HP and LG to name a few.

For Android tablets I have the 2013 Nexus 7 but the USB charging/data port broke on mine so I stopped using it (My Android smartphone and Windows tablets makes having an Android tablet redundant). The Nexus 7 and Nexus 9 tablets are fairly affordable and great bang for your buck but they lack MicroSD card slots as they're Nexus devices.

If all you're doing is reading I recommend one of the Amazon Fire tablets, they have various models though the resolution is a bit on the low side they're rather affordable with the cheapest model being damn near disposable as far as electronics go.

IDK enough to make an iOS recommendation but they're all of solid build quality from what I've seen.

Also OP if you're looking for 2nd hand devices check out https://swappa.com/buy/tablets

I agree with a Surface. I am not sure for Android tablets, but Drawboard PDF is available on Windows and is fantastic. I speak from experience, as just about every college professor I've had posts their lecture slides online as a PDF. My Pro 4 has been a great device. I'd suggest looking into Drawboard if you haven't already to see if it fits your demands.

Additionally, although an Android based tablet would be cheaper, having access to desktop versions of Office apps and compatibility with other applications you might need for class is great.

You don't have to get a Pro 4. But I'd suggest a Windows tablet computer with a stylus. I'd also highly suggest getting a typecover/keyboard folio. That way, your device is a tablet when convenient and a full laptop when you need it.

Here's a quick list to check out:

Surface Pro 4 https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Surface-Pro-Intel-Core/dp/B01606KJ6C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483998550&sr=8-1&keywords=surface+pro+4

Asus T102 https://www.amazon.com/T102HA-D4-GR-Transformer-10-1-Inch-Touchscreen-Quad-Core/dp/B01K1JW7RS/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1483998606&sr=1-1&keywords=asus+t102

Acer Alpha Switch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LZPVPC7/ref=twister_B01N1TXTWY

https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B01606KJ6C/ref=dp_olp_all_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=all

Amazon ... https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01606KJ6C/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It was $684 for the i5 4Gb model this morning. The price has gone up and down the past few days.
If something is wrong, Amazon will take care of it. Hope this helps

you could look at the surface pro 4 and the dell xps 13

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01606KJ6C/ref=s9u_simh_gw_i3?ie=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B01606KJ6C&pd_rd_r=08f9af84-c276-11e7-8cdf-51a46fae6b0a&pd_rd_w=zAY06&pd_rd_wg=ycu3E&pf_rd_m=A3DWYIK6Y9EEQB&pf_rd_s=&pf_rd_r=AM6BCDZMJS64N5WM1JZP&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=07871b8e-d32a-4963-b98f-ba712077f7f5&pf_rd_i=desktop&th=1

You need to be an Amazon Prime member. https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Surface-Pro-Intel-Core/dp/B01606KJ6C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1527131902&sr=8-1&keywords=surface+pro+4

A Microsoft Surface Pro 4 might be an option. You can get one of those with the type cover for under a grand if you look around. Very portable, and ideal for mail and web surfing on the couch (not that it has any problems running Office, videos etc either).

It's a tablet, but with the type cover it becomes essentially a very nice 12 inch laptop. They run the full normal Windows 10.

You can even buy a Surface Dock for it and plug keyboard, mouse and up to two monitors into that and have a great desktop work PC just by plugging in the combined charging/docking cable.

https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Surface-Pro-Intel-Core/dp/B01606KJ6C (without the type cover, I would presume, that's another $100-something.)

They throw in the pen for it, and since you can get Onenote for free you can even write notes longhand on it, and draw etc. There's a reason they sell well.

Here you go: https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Surface-Pro-Intel-Core/dp/B01606KJ6C

Check out this link. I bought mine from Amazon and this one works fantastic. It comes with a pen stock but no keyboard. I threw in a 64gb microsd card and it has plenty of space for me. However the price did get raised on this one by $20 since I bought it.

The [microsoft surface pro 4] (https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Surface-Pro-Intel-Core/dp/B01606KJ6C/ref=as_li_ss_tl?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1482376309&sr=1-1&keywords=microsoft+surface+pro+4&linkCode=ll1&tag=qt088-20&linkId=33f79e5e490bd64fcc81cb3c746bfd40) would be a better choice considering than the asus mini t102, it really has a sluggish performance. The mini has a 144 ghz processor which the surface pro 4 really outmatches with 2.4 ghz, with performance like that would be great to have such a tablet to operate in the business environment. Also the mini t102 has 4gb ram compare to the 4 to 16 gb ram of the surface pro 4. Overall the rating on the mini t102 isn't so good comparing to the surface pro 4. Full specs of the surface pro 4 having i5 processor is one of the best processor's out there. [Review video on the Surface pro 4] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jGSOX2-G6M)

Not sure what you got it for, but FYI this is currently on Amazon for $625. GLWS. https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Surface-Pro-Intel-Core/dp/B01606KJ6C?th=1

Hey not OP but a computer science major in need of a new laptop. Going to be spending alot more time on campus this upcoming semester and your suggestions caught my interest. Mind linking me to a similar Dell Latitude? the only ones i could find are way over 1k

Edit: Also found this Surface Pro 4 for a "decent" price, is it worth it for programming?

https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Surface-Pro-Intel-Core/dp/B01606KJ6C

Cool, so this model with the i5 and 4G RAM for $709.99 ...does it seem legit? It's $40 less than the version from Microsoft's website.

https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Surface-Pro-Intel-Core/dp/B01606KJ6C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1493991400&sr=8-1&keywords=surface%2Bpro%2B4&th=1

The i5/4GB/128GB SP4 is $699 on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Surface-Pro-Intel-Core/dp/B01606KJ6C/ref=sr_1_1

...and $849 at Microsoft's online store:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/store/d/surface/8VV4N8VBQG7C/LJ9J

FYI, you can get the Surface Pro 4 new at prices lower than that currently.

Currently $714 at Amazon : https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Surface-Pro-Intel-Core/dp/B01606KJ6C

Microsoft Surface Pro 4 (128 GB, 4 GB RAM, Intel Core i5) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01606KJ6C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_QtKqzbRK9E4AY

Microsoft Surface Pro (Intel Core M, 4GB RAM, 128GB) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072PSBZQB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_rvKqzbV9WZX7V

I have noticed that the pro 4 has gone up and down in price over the last couple days and I'm wondering if it's going to drop lower now that the pro was released today

From Amazon and Apple. Assuming for both that you get the keyboard cover.

Have you looked at the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 ?

you can get a surface pro 4 for like $799. https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Surface-Pro-Intel-Core/dp/B01606KJ6C/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1504290820&sr=8-3&keywords=surface+pro+4
Hell its cheaper on amazon. I saw one at the commissary for 799.