The Microsoft Surface Pro 4 is finally here. I say finally, because this is actually the first Surface to hit the surface in India, just over three years after the first of these devices was announced. The Surface Pro 4 has come in time to take on the Apple iPad Pro, both of which will try and woo those people who want to do more with their computing devices, but will be really bothered by the extra kilo or so, a powerful PC or Mac adds to the mix. Yes, a rather small niche, especially in a price-sensitive market like India where buyers don’t mind lugging an extra kilo on their device as long as it doesn’t reduce the weight of their wallets.
I have just spend a week with the Apple iPad Pro and am pretty convinced it is the best and most powerful iPad yet, despite its size. However, I want to spend a week with the Surface Pro 4 before sticking my neck out and deciding which of the two is better for a creative, and highly mobile professional. Read on:
Watch our first look video of Apple iPad Pro
Design, unboxing and setting up
The Surface Pro 4 is a really stylish device, though not exactly a run-off-the mill tablet. I say this because there are these vents on the sides, which are not common in tablets. It is easy to grip and use. The size is not awkward, though it is large. The pull out stand at the bottom is really practical and along with the full size keyboard it works like a full computer.
Surface Pro 4 review, Microsoft Surface Pro 4 review, Surface Pro 4 vs iPad, iPad Pro, Apple vs Microsoft, Surface Pro 4 priceMicrosoft, Microsoft Surface Pro 4 The Surface Pro 4 is a really stylish device, though not exactly a run-off-the mill tablet.
I like the fact that the slim keyboard offers a trackpad too, as I can’t resist the temptation of using one with a large screen despite the touchscreen. The keyboard offers the right amount of travel making it good for those who want to write. With the keyboard, Microsoft has clearly stolen a march on Apple.
Microsoft Surface Pro 4’s Pen aka stylus.
Now, for the pen. Pairing the Surface Pen is something you do as part of the rather long Windows 10 installation process and that is good. The Surface Pen also feels like a proper pen and comes with a magnetic strip that makes it stick to the Surface thus reducing the chances of you losing it. A small feature, but something that makes it more practical. Also, the pen comes with a clicker on top that lets you open OneNote or take a screenshot. Good.
The pull out stand at the bottom is really practical and along with the full size keyboard it works like a full computer.
The setup, as I mentioned earlier, is rather long. It took me close to 30 minutes to get to the point where I was actually using the device. And that is a not a very tablety feature it have. It is very PC. Very Windows.
Helooo, Hello
This is my first stint with Hello. I have seen and tested it at IDF 15, but this is the first time I have set up one and used it. And I must tell you, it works like a charm. But, it has to be faster and less of a song and dance. I think in a year or so it will unlock computers immediately, instead of telling you it is searching, verifying etc. It is a great start nonetheless. This is how technology should be: seamless and natural.
Houston (or should I say, Redmond) we have a problem
I had issues with both OneNote and the Mail.
The Surface Pro 4 I have for review is a new device, and I installed the Windows 10 on it. So I just can’t figure out why it should have apps that are crashing. I had issues with both OneNote and the Mail. Someone suggested, I update the apps and see if there is a newer version of the OS as well. But then it took a couple of crashes for the Store to log me in.
Now, that’s not something you would expect from a flagship device from Microsoft. Certainly not one that costs close to Rs 90,000 and is running a spanking new OS.
More on this after I get the 28 app updates installed along with an OS patch. Will the apps crash again?
- The Indian Express