General Consultant Discussion

Just finished a review of the Microsoft Surface Pro for Accounting Technology. It's not a bad machine though definitely on the high side in terms of $$ vs what you could buy elsewhere. Clearly a version 1.0 attempt by Microsoft to move Windows to a touch UI. I didn't run Sage 100 on it as the screen real estate is small and I did not think I'd be able to see much. Also it lacks an Ethernet port so in a network environment you'd have to run via WiFi or a remote connection. Probably a good machine for people who travel a lot and where space is usually at a premium (airlines) though battery life is still only in the 4.5 hour range so long flights or trips away from a power source could be problematic. Really solid feeling hardware though.

I use a Surface Pro 128 for my everyday work computer. There is definitely room for improvement. One improvement I would like to see is more than one USB port. Currently there is 1 USB 3 port. Even though this is a touch screen I still like to use a mouse for most work. Also since the hard drive space is limited an external disk drive is essential. My solutions include: using a 4 port USB 3 hub. I use a Mini display port to HDMI and Mini display to VGA adapters. Although I use wireless most of the time I carry a USB 3 to Ethernet adapter for fast downloads or when wireless is unavailable. I always ""plug in"" to a large monitor when at home, in the office, and most of the time when I am on site. For me, battery life is a low priority. Rarely do I use the Surface without it being plugged in so battery life hasn't been an issue. Yes, I have used it on airplanes but I haven't used it for 4.5 hours on a flight yet. It is small and light which is great. Windows 8 has a learning curve, and getting used to, but so did Windows 3.1 after using DOS for several years. We're in IT... you have to adapt. I beat on this machine a lot. I have used it all day, every day since February and it is still as good as new.

Doug, by the time you add all those extras, you seem like you'd be better off with an ultrabook and maybe an ipad mini or nexus 7 for light use. Maybe the 2.0 version will solve some of the issues

If they added 2 more USB 3 ports and an Ethernet port it would eliminate lot of the peripherals I have to schlep around. To add some fuel to the fire.... I have 3 sets of everything so I don't have to dismantle and re-assemble all of the time. I have redundant combo USB hub/Mini Display to HDMI/USB Mouse at home, work, and in my laptop bag.

BTW Mark... If I didn't have the Surface I would have bought the xps 12. Overall, for a couple hundred bucks one way or the other I am happy with what I have. It works well for my purpose.

The Surface is definitely some solid hardware. I'm a bit surprised (in a good way) that you are able to use it as your main machine. If I was more Microsoft centric (ie MS Office) I'd look more seriously at carrying one. Since most of my work is via Google Apps the computer I use is less and less important.

Wayne - I am tied to Microsoft in many ways. I have a Hyper-V server in my office. Win 8 comes with Hyper-V manager so managing the server is simple. My clients all use Windows servers and workstations. Many use SQL, Access, Office, etc. I love the efficiencies of Android and I appreciate the functionality and popularity of iOS, however, good or bad, Sage, and I, DO live in a Microsoft world!

Speaking of Ultrabooks. Nice deal while they last: http://goo.gl/tob5IQ

@WayneSchulz, I purchased a Surface Pro in February as a way to get indoctrinated with Windows 8. I wanted something I could carry along with my notebook as I wasn't (and still am not) ready to use it as a replacement to my laptop. The tools needed to be small and lite like an iPad to keep weight and bulk down. It definitely accomplishes that. I recently left my laptop at home and went solely with the Surface Pro on a road trip recently. It worked well but I was happy to get back with my notebook when finished. I have been really impressed with the box. I bought an HDMI dongle so I can connect to a TV or monitor for a larger video experience when needed. I find that I use OneNote as much if not more than Evernote now as I can take hand-written notes with the Surface and stylus in the same way I do with paper and pen. Regarding storage space, I use both Dropbox and Skydrive to store files and only copy those I think I will need when away from a wireless network and that has really worked well. I also use my phone as a portable hot-spot when necessary if I find I overlooked a file and need to retrieve it in an emergency. I did deploy a wireless LAN at the office so I could connect the Surface to the domain. That worked seamlessly. I don't think I can use the box for daily use like @DougHiggs did. My eyes are too old for that now. However, as an iPad replacement, it is over the top. Power is one of my biggest complaints. I wish the battery lasted longer, I hate how short the power cord is, I don't like the connector, the brick is still too big, I wish the power connector could drive from a USB port, I want a car/plane charger, etc, etc, etc. Regardless of the above, I am very happy with my Pro.

Microsoft's power Cover Doubles the Surface Battery Life http://www.engadget.com/2014/03/10/microsoft-power-cover/ Available March 19th

I have had the Surface Pro since the day it came out. I have a couple WIN 8 machines and like the fact my information is the same regardless which one I am using. I too would like additional ports, but use an additional hub for the mouse and external hard drive. I have even been able to share files(drag/drop) across client network computers as long as I have the right login info, which eliminates moving externally. MOTM was the first time I used on a trip. A little scary at first to think I wasn't taking my laptop, but found for what I needed it was adequate. Besides Evernote I use SugarSync for most of my files since they sync across what ever computer I have it installed on, plus accessible online. Not sure I would pay $200 for the power cover though for longer battery life.

@KellySappington check out the Asus MB168B+ monitor. It makes a great second screen to carry with you if you plan to work away from a second monitor for very long. I find it also helpful when doing small demo's in person or sharing a screen with a client, also when on-site. It's light, small, and cheap. Nice addition to my away from home travel kit.