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Microsoft Surface Book : A laptop being made - $1499, Oct 26th
- Thread starter wachie
- Start date
- Status
I'm on my third Surface book.
My first had a couple of issues. Returned.
My second - LOTS of issues. Returned.
"Third time's a charm," I thought. "If not - I'm returning for good."
This device has had literally zero issues. No lightbleed. Great battery performance. No crashes. Only issue (which every SB seemingly had) was sleep issue.
And now with the new update, I can actually sleep my computer and have it wake properly. Some batt drain but not NEARLY as bad as before.
I am loving my Surface Book.
My first had a couple of issues. Returned.
My second - LOTS of issues. Returned.
"Third time's a charm," I thought. "If not - I'm returning for good."
This device has had literally zero issues. No lightbleed. Great battery performance. No crashes. Only issue (which every SB seemingly had) was sleep issue.
And now with the new update, I can actually sleep my computer and have it wake properly. Some batt drain but not NEARLY as bad as before.
I am loving my Surface Book.
BeforeU
Oft hope is born when all is forlorn.
That's good to hear.
EvilAlPacino
Banned
I currently have the Surface Pro 3. I skipped Pro 2 and Pro 4. When the Surface Book was announced, I was hyped, but I held back and didnt get it.
I'm going to wait for Surface Book 2, then I'll give my wife my Pro 3.
I'm going to wait for Surface Book 2, then I'll give my wife my Pro 3.
Really, I wanted so bad to get away from the iEcosystem. Had some so with my phone years ago but just couldn't find something that compared to the MacBook I was using.
Maybe I was really grasping for straws... and I totally get how people might not go for try #2 or even #3.
Glad it paid off (knock on wood).
wsoxfan1214
Banned
Hey, does anyone in here happen to play FFXIV?
If so, how does Heavensward run on the i5/Nvidia model?
If so, how does Heavensward run on the i5/Nvidia model?
Hey guys so I am currently in the market for a notebook and I have pretty much used PCs all my life. Recently my cousin lent me his MacBook Air and I have to say I was really impressed with the build quality, the keyboard, and the trackpad. I know the build quality on Surface products is good because I used to own a Surface Pro 3 but I wanted to know how does the trackpad and the keyboard compare to the MacBook Pro Retina 13? I am not in a rush to purchase anything just yet because I want to see if Apple will update their laptops in the March event but I am gearing up to make a purchase by the end of the month.
Thanks.
Thanks.
If you have the opportunity to go to a Microsoft Store, Best Buy, or other place with Surfaces on display, you should try it and will likely be pleasantly surprised.
The trackpad on both the Pro 4 Type Cover and the Book are easily on par with the latest Macbook Pros, but IMO better in some ways. For example, I think the clickiness is better on the Surfaces, the Macbooks are just too mushy.
The biggest problem with the trackpads on Surfaces right now is in software - primarily older desktop applications which haven't been updated to make use of the new precision trackpads like what Surfaces use. For modern apps, Edge, etc. the trackpad is utterly perfect. For other web browsers, other desktop apps, etc. the trackpads are great, but probably not as great as a Macbook.
The keyboards, though, are no question better on the Surfaces. They simply feel better IMO. The keys on Macbooks are just too shallow and don't have the right resistance.
And that's on the Pros. Don't get me started on how despicably godawful the new Macbook is (the shitty one with a single USB C port). That keyboard is a thorough abomination and should have never been allowed to exist.
The trackpad on both the Pro 4 Type Cover and the Book are easily on par with the latest Macbook Pros, but IMO better in some ways. For example, I think the clickiness is better on the Surfaces, the Macbooks are just too mushy.
The biggest problem with the trackpads on Surfaces right now is in software - primarily older desktop applications which haven't been updated to make use of the new precision trackpads like what Surfaces use. For modern apps, Edge, etc. the trackpad is utterly perfect. For other web browsers, other desktop apps, etc. the trackpads are great, but probably not as great as a Macbook.
The keyboards, though, are no question better on the Surfaces. They simply feel better IMO. The keys on Macbooks are just too shallow and don't have the right resistance.
And that's on the Pros. Don't get me started on how despicably godawful the new Macbook is (the shitty one with a single USB C port). That keyboard is a thorough abomination and should have never been allowed to exist.
BeforeU
Oft hope is born when all is forlorn.
Let me put it this way, new dell xps 15 and Surface Book pretty much takes away the bragging rights Apple users have had all these years for their trackpad and keyboard.
XPS 15 and Surface Book, are VERY much comparable to Apple trackpads. I wouldn't say better, because Apple trackpads are as good as you can get. Gestures work just the way they should. Similar glass surface, absolutely joy to use.
I have both and outside of OS differences can't tell the difference between the trackpads. Apple is still really weird about right clicking so the overall experience on Book is better IMO.
BeforeU
Oft hope is born when all is forlorn.
Surface book wobbles a lot man, pretty much the only negative I have on that device. But may be on day to day usage you might not notice much. But because of this, I didn't buy it and bought Dell XPS 15 infinity edge instead.
Really? Thurrott new review on it:
https://www.thurrott.com/mobile/mic...rosoft-surface-book-core-i716-gb512-gb-review
I don't have any issues with the Surface Book "wobble". On a table it doesn't move at all from my experiences, and on my lap it is pretty stable as well. If I shake it, sure it will wobble but so will my son's MBP.
Haloid1177
Banned
Yeah the wobble is only bad when using the touch screen in laptop mode. I mean yeah the wobble is there, and having dealt with XPS 15s at work they definitely don't have as much wobble as the SB, it still isn't a huge deal.
This "wobble" talk sounds like something people expected to happen based on the form factor, so people paid more close attention to it happening for this particular device.
But....if you look at nearly every other laptop on the market, they all "wobble" just as much in my experience. Even Lenovos.
But....if you look at nearly every other laptop on the market, they all "wobble" just as much in my experience. Even Lenovos.
Yes, that's true... if you use the touchscreen in laptop mode then it will be more of an issue. I rarely do that though, which is probably why I don't notice it. My Surface Pro 1 was certainly more stable when using it as a touchscreen while the kickstand was out, but it was infinitely worse as a laptop than the Surface Book, due to the lack of a solid base and the small track pad.
I fit the mold of what the SB is designed for pretty well (80% laptop, 20% tablet), and it has served me really so far.
Charles Brandon
Member
Mine doesn't wobble unless I really tap it hard (harder than I would ever do naturally). I use the touchscreen in laptop mode all the time.
To the guy asking if you can pick these up in the UK in person. Last time I checked you couldn't. Call John lewis and PC World to confirm.
To the guy asking if you can pick these up in the UK in person. Last time I checked you couldn't. Call John lewis and PC World to confirm.
TheSecondSpitter
Member
Is there a decent shock proof case for the surface book ?
TurtleSnatcher
Member
I ended up just buying a sleeve that they sold at the MS store. Was a nice one. I stick it in my work bag after that.
Haloid1177
Banned
I'm carrying mine around in one of these:
https://www.sfbags.com/collections/...es/products/microsoft-surface-book-sleevecase
I've never gotten more compliments on a laptop carrying case than I have this one. It's a little on the large side, not super slim, but I think that adds to the protection it offers.
TheSecondSpitter
Member
Thanks guys. I'm just waiting on something like the brilliant URBAN ARMOR CASE for the Pro. I'm more worried about dropping in tablet mode.
Pejo
Gold Member
Well I finally pulled the trigger on buying one of these. Went middle of the road, model wise, with the i5, 256GB, dGPU model for 1699. I believe that's the standard price for the i5 without the dGPU, so I'm satisfied with the deal I got. I'm also going to see if my work will pick up part of the tab, so here's hoping.
I was really impressed with the build quality of these when I played around at Best Buy, and my coworker got a SP4 which he absolutely loves, so I'm pretty sure I'll enjoy it. I'm also cautiously optimistic that this will be able to run a few of my games at 720p with decent results for when I'm on work/personal trips.
Has the Feb patch fixed a lot of the issues (specifically with battery)? I see people in this thread excited and downloading, but not really any post-install results.
I was really impressed with the build quality of these when I played around at Best Buy, and my coworker got a SP4 which he absolutely loves, so I'm pretty sure I'll enjoy it. I'm also cautiously optimistic that this will be able to run a few of my games at 720p with decent results for when I'm on work/personal trips.
Has the Feb patch fixed a lot of the issues (specifically with battery)? I see people in this thread excited and downloading, but not really any post-install results.
That's the same model I have. Wish I could've get my company to pay for mine
I have not had battery issues since the update before the last. I think it was January's update. Before that update I was getting terrible battery performance and the occasional crash when disconnecting the dock.
Pejo
Gold Member
That's the same model I have. Wish I could've get my company to pay for mine
I have not had battery issues since the update before the last. I think it was January's update. Before that update I was getting terrible battery performance and the occasional crash when disconnecting the dock.
Awesome to hear, thanks! Did you buy the official dock? I'm debating between it and one of the generic ones since it doesn't really "dock" in a standard sense.
Product has been out for half a year, and Microsoft Finland still has no idea if Surface Book is even coming to the Nordic area. Pretty soon I'm not even going to want to buy one, and I think if they put it on sale today, the price should already be a bit lower than at launch. If Microsoft's yearly HW release schedule for Surface Pro is anything to go by, Surface Book 2 will show up in Fall. I'm sceptical about new generation mobile Nvidia GPUs being ready in time, but if they were, the GPU perf in the Book might get doubled.
And Microsoft is incapable of selling a UK model Surface Book (to get a usable keyboard layout) with a EU power adapter (as in the German models). The level of service and responsiveness here would be par for the course if the product was cheap shit, but for a professional level product it's just incompetent.
And Microsoft is incapable of selling a UK model Surface Book (to get a usable keyboard layout) with a EU power adapter (as in the German models). The level of service and responsiveness here would be par for the course if the product was cheap shit, but for a professional level product it's just incompetent.
This. To make things worse: Im in the UK today and I called multiple London retailers to see if I could pick one up. None of them do and to get it shipped to a store you need to buy it in advance with a uk credit card.
But it does show yet again the contempt and lack of understanding Microsoft has of the European market. We saw the same recently with the Xbox One release and the fact that they keep linking system language and (store) region for no particular reason. Microsoft needs to step up its game to ever get on par with Google and Apple.
Edit: and then I found one (tax free at that) on Gatwick airport
Just a tip for anyone here who had issues with battery draining even when computer is Shut Down, and post Feb patch issues where Windows Hello camera would not turn on after turning on the computer post shut down and having to restart the computer to get it to work AS WELL AS the random switching of tablet and non-tablet mode when first turning on the computer
I fixed all this by turning off fast boot in windows; I think this only shaved off about 5 seconds or less from my boot time anyway.
Anyhow this worked like a charm. Now when shutting down the computer is not saving a hibernate file to load, but actually reloads all drivers when you start the computer. No camera or tablet switching issues anymore. For some reason, also fixed the battery drain issue. I suppose that's what a FULL shut down is.
Love my surface book <3
I fixed all this by turning off fast boot in windows; I think this only shaved off about 5 seconds or less from my boot time anyway.
Anyhow this worked like a charm. Now when shutting down the computer is not saving a hibernate file to load, but actually reloads all drivers when you start the computer. No camera or tablet switching issues anymore. For some reason, also fixed the battery drain issue. I suppose that's what a FULL shut down is.
Love my surface book <3
After the last patch I have a weird issue. Everytime I turn on the Surface Book after it has been charging and in hibernate mode - when I try to detach the clipboard it takes upwards of 10 seconds instead of the quicker 2-4 seconds. Also when finally detached , auto rotate doesn't work. I also think my drainage rate is higher (hovering around 10 w/h with no programs on instead of a more normal 5w/h.
I quick reset fixes the issue until the next time I let it sit and sleep -> hibernate.
I tried hard reset and even re-installing all the drivers - neither issue fixed this. Also I have quick boot turned off as well already. Since I don't have Windows Hello enabled I don't know if the camera would work or not in this state either.
Anyone else having this issue (i7, 16GB, 512 version w/dgpu)?
I quick reset fixes the issue until the next time I let it sit and sleep -> hibernate.
I tried hard reset and even re-installing all the drivers - neither issue fixed this. Also I have quick boot turned off as well already. Since I don't have Windows Hello enabled I don't know if the camera would work or not in this state either.
Anyone else having this issue (i7, 16GB, 512 version w/dgpu)?
I'm getting a yellowing around the edges of the screen when the surface book gets warm. It wasn't a big deal, but now the yellowing is starting to stay even when it's cool and it gets worse the warmer it gets. :/
I can't put in a ticket to return it right now as I'm in the middle of a semester, but I'm glad this thing has a year warranty. I've had nothing but problems. Kind of regret purchasing it.
All of these little things add up to a very frustrating user experience.
I can't put in a ticket to return it right now as I'm in the middle of a semester, but I'm glad this thing has a year warranty. I've had nothing but problems. Kind of regret purchasing it.
All of these little things add up to a very frustrating user experience.
Has there been any confirmation if the Surface Book is a permanent new addition to the Surface family?
If so, how likely is it that the next version will be compatible with today's version, in a way that you keep the tablet and just switch to a more powerful/newer keyboard-section?
If so, how likely is it that the next version will be compatible with today's version, in a way that you keep the tablet and just switch to a more powerful/newer keyboard-section?
I am hoping(since I couldn't afford this version) that the next version merges surface and surface book and the only difference is the keyboard you buy.
Haloid1177
Banned
Why not? Ask for an advanced exchange where they ship you a new device first and put a hold on your card. Just had to do this for mine, keyboard battery stopped charging for no reason. Getting my new one tomorrow.
How do they handle ms office licenses?
Edit: I guess they're tied to my account now, so that's cool. New Surface Book will be here in 3-5 days.
LukasTaves
Member
I would love that too, but the clipboard is significantly lighter than the sp4 due the less battery, and also thinner for not having usb slots (which could be solved with mini usb type c)
Haloid1177
Banned
It'll probably be closer to two days since they overnight your replacement.
Looks like Monday. Thanks for the heads up. I didn't know this was an option.
Since I use MS Word so much, the yellow tint is super noticeable. Hopefully this one doesn't have it.
I think it might have started when I shut the tablet and put it in its sleeve, but it didn't go into hibernation and was still running for hours, so it got ridiculously hot. When I turned it on, the entire screen was framed in yellow.
Oh well. Looking forward to the new one, and getting this 2000 dollar hold off of my card, lol.
So I got my new surface, and I think something was just wrong with my old one. It would get warm for no reason just browsing the web and reading comics. The fans would come on after 20-25 minutes. The screen would get warm to the touch, which sucked for when I wanted to draw. MS Word constantly closed and I would get random BSODs.
I knew people online were having problems, so I thought it was just normal and I should wait for updates.
Well, I got my new surface and spent several hours getting it set up and it never got warm, the fans never came on. Can't comment on things crashing yet as I haven't used it to work very much.
Best part is while wiping my old surface, I got a BSOD when it went to install windows, and now it's in this loop of saying the computer crashed while installing and please restart. Going to contact customer service to see if it's okay to send in like this.
I knew people online were having problems, so I thought it was just normal and I should wait for updates.
Well, I got my new surface and spent several hours getting it set up and it never got warm, the fans never came on. Can't comment on things crashing yet as I haven't used it to work very much.
Best part is while wiping my old surface, I got a BSOD when it went to install windows, and now it's in this loop of saying the computer crashed while installing and please restart. Going to contact customer service to see if it's okay to send in like this.
brotkasten
Member
Finally got to check out the Book in person. I really like it. I still don't think I'll ever get one, because of my stance against gen1 products, but overall it seems like a better solution for me, than a Surface Pro. But with the price difference being 600 (Pro 4 m3 + Type Cover around 1,000, SB starting at 1600), it would be a really tough call.
Crazyorloco
Member
Just got a surface book. Loving this thing. The build quality is great and it's pretty speedy. I did notice the fan goes crazy when playing starcraft 2 (lowest settings) I feel like uninstalling it. Im pretty new to laptop gaming, but im guessing this is normal?
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