Microsoft Surface

[Chris Elwood]

Hi, Does anyone own a Microsoft Surface? I was just wondering how much drive space you get left after you have had it for a while and Windows has updated a few times? I personally run an SSD drive in my machine for Windows so it is super fast but I have to watch what I am doing a bit making sure all huge files are saved elsewhere.

I'd be interested to hear about anyone else's experiences.

 

[Deggle]

I have been though most of the Surface hardware since it's original launch, from the first model to my latest Surface Pro 3 (I'm a software developer and big MS fan). While I'd not recommend the earlier 'Windows RT' models (they were good at the time), the 'Pro' versions are awesome bits of kit. If you work in IT you'll love them.

Regards the SSD capacity - this depends on the model you buy. My current Surface Pro 3 is the top spec option, with 512GB however they start at 64GB. Given the device runs full Windows and you'll likely want to install software, I'd recommend looking at 265GB upwards. There are also variations on the processor - i3, i5 and i7 (the i3 is only for the 64GB model - skip that).

They are not cheap, but when you consider that you've a device more powerful than many modern desktops in the form factor of a tablet you realise it's actually great value (especially if you compare to other high-end hardware, such as Apple laptops which have a fraction of the features).

The Surface 3 (not 'Pro') also runs full windows and is cheaper. I'm tempted to get one as a slightly smaller option for traveling light and to pack with a bit less software (64/128GB). It's a little less powerful as it's an Intel Atom processor (more of a tablet than a full PC) but would be great for remote admin, web and email plus some bits of simple software etc. The 3 also has an option for GSM as well as WiFi which may be useful on the go.

Hope that's helpful!

 

[That Guy]

Also I believe if you get a Surface Tablet you will get a free Windows 10 upgrade in a few weeks which makes the deal a whole lot sweeter

 

[Paul_Rosser]

If you don't fancy the price of the Surface Linx do a range of tablets running full windows 8.1 (only 32bit though).

You can get them in 32gig and 64gig versions but they also have an sdcard slot so you can stick a memory card into one to increase the capacity.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Linx-Tablet-Z3735F-storage-Windows/dp/B00O636WPY/

Add an Origami case and you have a notebook running full windows for under £200.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Linx-Origami-Case-Keyboard-Tablet/dp/B00P17GCAE/

We have a few in the office as whilst the 2gig of ram doesn't make them suitable for heavy use for using when out of the office, on holiday, for presentations etc. they are really good value.

 

[Paul_Rosser]

Also I believe if you get a Surface Tablet you will get a free Windows 10 upgrade in a few weeks which makes the deal a whole lot sweeter

Any device running windows 7 or 8 will be able to upgrade to windows 10 for free, not just surface users.

http://www.pcworld.com/article/2873...a-free-upgrade-for-windows-7-and-8-users.html

 

[Chris Elwood]

Thank you all for your comments - I only really want the device for meetings and a bit of remote admin. I think it would be nice for a web meeting for everyone to be able to draw on the screen etc. Move this here, change this font etc. Although one may get a bit precious with grubby mits all over your shiny kit...!

 

[PipeTen-Carl]

I have a retail Surface Pro 3 i5/8GB/256GB model for the last ~6 weeks and currently 191GB free of 232GB (rounding), latest firmware, excluding last Tuesdays releases. Quite a bit of that will be virtual machine images.

Great device, shame it doesn't run Linux very well natively due to imature pen and power support. Running Ubuntu in virtualbox works, but wish I'd gone the i7 route. Waiting out for the free Win10 update coming ~29th July to see what I do next with it.

 

[estwig]

I got one and love it, i5, 512gb and 8gb ram, stunning piece of kit. As to your question about memory size, too techy for me I have no idea, it's all in the cloud!!

 

[Deggle]

I must say, it's really great to hear some positive feedback from others who are also loving their Surfaces. I'm pretty biased being a bit of a Microsoft evangelist (often accused of being a fanboy), but I do think that MS have made some really great hardware of the years and the Surface is a brilliant example. Has anyone got the bendy Surface mouse, that's pretty cool too!

 

[toastking]

I have only played around with the pro ones but they seem excellent. However as a sign of their quality our CTO of a large national IT company has replaced his laptop with one, so I'd guess thats one reasonably well informed vote in support of them. They seem expensive to me especially as I can use my cloud bases apps, word and do all my writing using an iPad mini and a keyboard now.