Microsoft Surface Pro 3 as main driver

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MikeB4

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#169621 20-Mar-2015 14:37

Hi Folks, is anyone here using the MS Surface Pro3 as their main driver, if so how has it been for you?

Secondly has anyone with a Pro3 used the Port replicator and if so how has that been.

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#1264088 20-Mar-2015 14:50

If you can wait, I would hold off for 3 more months for the rumoured SP4. With Windows 10 being released in the American summer, they are likely to release a new SP4 with the new OS.

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sidefx

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#1264089 20-Mar-2015 14:52

I've been using a SP1 with Windows 10 preview on it as my main driver for the last 5 months or so. A few niggles\bugs aside, it's been great. I think the SP3 improves on the SP2 which improves on the SP1 in almost every way so I'd probably recommend it.

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BTR

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#1264092 20-Mar-2015 14:54

Partner uses one for work and seems to be happy with it.

MikeB4

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#1264110 20-Mar-2015 15:00

How has folks found connecting to other devices such as HDD's, Monitors, Printers etc ? does it work in the usual Windows way without drama ?
Has anyone used it for streaming to a TV etc ?

Lias

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#1264111 20-Mar-2015 15:00

Havn't used one myself, but various people I know who have used S RT, SP, SP2 and now SP3 say they are a huge leap up and are really good as a daily driver.

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mdooher

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#1264117 20-Mar-2015 15:15

yep I find it very good,

negatives
I have a hate of Windows 8.1 so will be upgrading that when possible
The screen really is far to small to use the "desktop" mode of 8.1

I use a port replicator on my desk and works quite well. It would be great if you had a true docking station...but I can manage one usb cable and one power cable
I just got a car charger for it (I thought you couldn't get them) and that seems to work fine

Matthew

mdooher

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#1264130 20-Mar-2015 15:29

I haven't used it for streaming .. even though its the top of the line one and the fastest computer I own

But as for everything else, it works exactly like any other window 8.1 Machine... but you can swipe it

and it comes with a cool Pen thingy for OneNote ...that I don't use

Matthew

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MikeB4

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#1264135 20-Mar-2015 15:34

mdooher: yep I find it very good,

negatives
I have a hate of Windows 8.1 so will be upgrading that when possible
The screen really is far to small to use the "desktop" mode of 8.1

I use a port replicator on my desk and works quite well. It would be great if you had a true docking station...but I can manage one usb cable and one power cable
I just got a car charger for it (I thought you couldn't get them) and that seems to work fine

MS has a Dock/port replicator is this the one you are using, I see it costs circa $300. Also do you use the Keyboard/cover or a third party KB. I have heard mixed feeling regarding the MS Cover keyboard.

I am using Windows 10 on my Laptop and its great and I think it would work very well on the Surface

mdooher

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#1264143 20-Mar-2015 15:41

KiwiNZ:
mdooher: yep I find it very good,

negatives
I have a hate of Windows 8.1 so will be upgrading that when possible
The screen really is far to small to use the "desktop" mode of 8.1

I use a port replicator on my desk and works quite well. It would be great if you had a true docking station...but I can manage one usb cable and one power cable
I just got a car charger for it (I thought you couldn't get them) and that seems to work fine

MS has a Dock/port replicator is this the one you are using, I see it costs circa $300. Also do you use the Keyboard/cover or a third party KB. I have heard mixed feeling regarding the MS Cover keyboard.

I am using Windows 10 on my Laptop and its great and I think it would work very well on the Surface

The MS dock was a little on the steep side for me so I have the Dynadock. (it works ok)

As for the keyboard/cover I quite like the MS one. Its even usable in your lap or sort of folded up by your stomach if you know what I mean. It has quite good feedback and the backlighting is great in front of the telly.

I also have a Targus cover but its sort of like putting an otter case on a iPhone (makes it bulky and you sort of lose the esthetic).

Matthew

MikeB4

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#1264146 20-Mar-2015 15:44

I thought the MS dock was pricey. Interesting that you say its ok on the lap some of the reviews I have read say the Cover Keyboard is not usable on the lap, great to get some real life use feedback so thanks heaps for that.

mdooher

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#1264150 20-Mar-2015 15:49

KiwiNZ: I thought the MS dock was pricey. Interesting that you say its ok on the lap some of the reviews I have read say the Cover Keyboard is not usable on the lap, great to get some real life use feedback so thanks heaps for that.

When using it on your lap you basically have it folded out flat, its plenty small enough for that. The flip out stand on the back wouldn't really work to hold it up on your lap.

Matthew

MikeB4

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#1264159 20-Mar-2015 15:56

An issue I have is when using it in my Wheelchair I a small table that attaches to the chair, with the cover KB on I think it would not fit. I do how ever have a small HP bluetooth keyboard I think would work well.

I may have to ask around to see if anyone has Demo Stock so I can have an extended play with one

mdooher

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#1264167 20-Mar-2015 16:08

KiwiNZ: An issue I have is when using it in my Wheelchair I a small table that attaches to the chair, with the cover KB on I think it would not fit. I do how ever have a small HP bluetooth keyboard I think would work well.

I may have to ask around to see if anyone has Demo Stock so I can have an extended play with one

I suspect you might be right. If you pushed it so that the stand dropped off the back of the table there is no way you would catch it in time.

My Targus cover while not perfect for your application either, sort of pushes out at the back and leaves a flat surface all the way from the back of the "stand" to the front of the keyboard. You can then sort of stick the front to the front of the MS keyboard. Its like sitting the whole thing on a placemat.

I know a picture would help but i'm not with it at the moment

anyway possibly looking for keyboard/ cover that works the same but doesn't also have the added expense of the MS keyboard might be the way to go.

because the "guts" of the machine is behind the screen it makes the C of G right at the back so it is quite prone to falling over, If you can find a good weighty keyboard it might help.

Matthew