MS Surface: Travel Device for ‘Working On-the-Go’
MS Surface as a travel device for working ‘on-the-go’
Photo Credit: Amazon
We purchased the MS Surface Pro 3 as a ‘desktop’ device to use while traveling on vacation. We needed something more than a tablet, but we did not want to purchase a formal laptop. The MS Surface is lighter to carry and can be used as a tablet when the desktop is not needed. Add to this the options to connect to a TV and watch your own shows and this makes a great device.
My husband and I have had different experiences using the Surface. We purchased the keyboard to attach to it. I find it a bit finicky using the track pad. I need the track pad so I can select options a bit more easily than touching the screen, like in MS Word. I find many times that the charms bar on the right opens when I did not intend it to, or the available windows open on the left side when I did not intend it to. My husband has not experienced any of this. Perhaps it’s because we each type differently. He is a hunt and peck typer and I a ‘proper’ typer. Pure speculation on my part…
Photo Credit: Amazon
I did purchase a mouse built specifically for use with the Surface. It is Blue Tooth and frequently loses its connection. When it is connected and working as it should it is great. It means that I do not have to deal with the track pad. I am not sure whether it’s the mouse with the issue or the Surface, but either way it’s annoying when the connection is lost so frequently.
We have learned some new tricks as well. Like using the Alt key along with arrow keys on the attached keyboard to move back and forward with web pages. Much easier than using the track pad or the mouse.
The MS Surface is a great machine for our needs. In the past I used a Mac Book Air when we traveled. I can honestly say that I prefer the Surface over the Air. Yeah, I know. I am a Mac Girl. But for a travel machine it is hard to beat the Surface.
What about blogging from the Surface? So far it has worked out great. I find it easier than trying to blog from a regular tablet or my phone. Much easier. It even has tools built in to deal with capturing screen shots. Much easier tool to use than in past versions of Windows. The new tool is similar to using the screen capture on a Mac.
Using the Surface outside is challenging, no doubt about it. But as with all challenges I find a way around it and make it work.
What device do you use when you travel? Tablet? Laptop? Phone? Combination of devices?
Until next time…
Geek Grandma
Filed in: Technology
I really appreciate knowing your experience Cheryl! I bought a surface early on but returned it. But I have been reading so many good reviews about this later version, that I may have to give it a try. It's good to hear it from someone I "know"…LOL.
I've been looking at the Surface Pro 3 for a replacement to my old laptop. An acquaintance of mine owns a Surface Pro 2 and loves it. Your review has put more fuel on the fire. 🙂 I may need to ask Santa for one of these.
I've become so used to my iPad for traveling it will be a while before I look at upgrading to anything. I love this review Cheryl! Definitely gets my curiosity up.
My husband has used a few different versions of the Surface now. I'm used to my iPad, but I really don't like the keyboard I bought for it. The Surface has some good plus features like you mentioned. It really is more than just a tablet.
I find the surface interesting. It will never be one for me though. In my views it seems like it is trying to be too much of each thing so that it doesn't quite make it into any useful category. It is far to big to fit the needs of a tablet. 13 inches is huge, and not really meant for portability. And then when you make it into a laptop, the keyboard comes just a little too short.
I can see where some would find the trade offs worth it. For me it just doesn't seem worth the price of admission. I like my iPad mini with its decent camera and video capabilities and then I have a real keyboard that I can attach with bluetooth. The thing is, from a tablet stand point, the mini is a perfect portable size without having to consider a huge bag to carry all my accessories. You could carry this surface in your hands but it's size alone gets in the way.
I would like to see how they integrate Windows 10 into the surface. That might put a whole new spin on things.
Thx for this review, Cheryl. It's amazing how many options there now are for devices. Everyone has to find the one that best suits their specific needs. It sounds like the Surface is a terrific compromise between a tablet and a laptop, so I just might look into it.
You know me. I’m a Mac girl all the way. Nevertheless, I did find what you said about the Surface very interesting. It might be a goid option for when I need a Microsoft option. It would certainly be cheaper then a laptop. :D.
Sounds like a good idea, or maybe not, judging by Jacquline's experiences. May try it myself.
This sounds like a great solution. I opted for a Chromebook about 6 months ago. I am loving it. Its a light weight computer.