Surface Pro X – Super happy with everything

I have bought the Surface Pro X 256/16GB, understanding in advance its capabilities and limitations. I am super happy with it. It is fast and reliable. The new stylus is wonderful. Writing on it is a better experience than the iPad Pro. The keyboard is OK and does its job. More or less like previous Surface keyboards. The missing fingerprint reader is a mystery.

This is a computer that just performs. It is super quick to start and log in (Windows Hello is a couple of seconds). I know that I cannot run x64 software (yet) but software compiled for ARM64 works like a charm, e.g. the new Edge and Firefox browsers. It is a machine for Office and Web apps, and I mainly use it for work.

The reviews have been mixed, and one of the recurring complaints is that is has no headphone jack. I really don’t understand that sentiment. Why would I want to be tethered to a mobile device it is intended to be? BT devices work fine, and the world has moved on from cabled headphones.

Do you have a Surface Pro X? What’s your opinion?

Conversation 10 comments

  • rob_segal

    Premium Member
    07 February, 2020 - 3:16 pm

    <p>Interesting you mention writing on it is a better experience than the iPad Pro and 2nd generation Apple Pencil has the best latency in the market. </p><p><br></p><p>Adding a headphone jack doesn't hurt the experience for those who do not use it, but not having one hurts those who need it. It's a balancing act. The number of people who need a headphone jack is shrinking, but there are people who want it on their devices. There's nothing wrong with that.</p>

    • StevenLayton

      07 February, 2020 - 4:01 pm

      <blockquote><a href="#518995"><em>In reply to rob_segal:</em></a><em> but, but, but, it's another ugly hole in such a pretty device! ;)</em></blockquote><p><br></p>

    • Martin Sjöholm

      10 February, 2020 - 12:03 pm

      <blockquote><em><a href="#518995">In reply to rob_segal:</a></em></blockquote><p>Yes, I stick to that statement. The latency on the iPad pro and Pencil 2 (which I have) may be better, but I still like the feeling on the Surface Pro better. I have ordered PaperLike for the iPad, so I may revert my statement after that.</p><p><br></p><p>As for the headphone jack, I guess I'm just ahead of the game, with a JBL BT headset that can connect to two devices and is seamless going between them.</p>

  • illuminated

    07 February, 2020 - 4:01 pm

    <p>No headphone jack? That really sucks. Two reasons:</p><ol><li>If I have a phone and a surface at the same time then how do I pair them both to the same headset? Then how do I switch quickly if I listen to music on my surface and phone rings? That is a messy setup.</li><li>I can connect two headsets to one physical headphone jack. This way two people can enjoy a movie in a noisy place like an airplane. Is there a way to pair two headsets and have sound in both of them at the same time? </li></ol>

    • jimchamplin

      Premium Member
      08 February, 2020 - 10:30 am

      <blockquote><em><a href="#519007">In reply to illuminated:</a></em></blockquote><p>The Surface Headphones which are the companion hardware can sync with multiple devices. Right now, mine are associated with my iPhone, my Mac, and my Thinkpad. No switching, it just works.</p><p><br></p><p>There are much, much cheaper options available with the same capability. Where I work, we sell a Brookstone headphone that can do the same. It's currently under $100. Even has ANC.</p>

  • BigM72

    08 February, 2020 - 12:40 am

    <p>Hi Martin,</p><p>I am also interested in this device because most of my laptop time is spent on the web and a little bit in Office.</p><p>I am still considering iPad as a laptop replacement because there's many apps I could use on it that I can't on PC (e.g. Headspace, darkroom etc).</p><p><br></p><p>I am convinced the SPX would be great at web browsing. But not sure about my other niche use cases. I would be grateful if you could let me know if the following apps run, and run well on the SPX: Netflix, Nord VPN, Popcorn Time, Drawboard PDF, Journey.</p><p><br></p><p>You may not be able to do all these but whatever you can tell me would be really helpful!</p>

    • paradyne

      08 February, 2020 - 11:56 am

      <blockquote><em><a href="#519068">In reply to BigM72:</a></em></blockquote><p>Netflix and Drawboard are native ARM apps, so no worries with those two.</p>

    • shameermulji

      08 February, 2020 - 1:28 pm

      <blockquote><em><a href="#519068">In reply to BigM72:</a></em></blockquote><p>"I am also interested in this device because most of my laptop time is spent on the web and a little bit in Office."</p><p><br></p><p>Chances are you'll love this device.</p><p><br></p><p>"I am convinced the SPX would be great at web browsing. But not sure about my other niche use cases."</p><p><br></p><p>For the most part, I agree. If your use case is, browser, web apps, Office, note taking, this is a great device. Use cases outside of that get murky. My favorite review I've seen so far is by The Verge</p><p><br></p><p>https // www theverge com / 2020/1/28/21100071/ microsoft-surface-pro-x-edge-chromebook-chrome-browser-arm-chip-apps</p>

    • Martin Sjöholm

      10 February, 2020 - 12:10 pm

      <blockquote><em><a href="#519068">In reply to BigM72:</a></em></blockquote><p>Any 32 bit app can be installed. Not all have great performance. I think you are covered. I like the iPad, but it will not be a replacement for the PC just yet. The SPX is the closest to an iPad I have got with a PC.</p><p><br></p><p>There are a few apps available in ARM native, and more coming. Quite sure there will be 64 bit emulation in the not too distant future as well.</p><p><br></p><p>I highly recommend the SPX-</p>

  • paradyne

    08 February, 2020 - 11:53 am

    <p>I'm very happy with mine. It's not my only PC but it's the only one I need to carry around.</p><p><br></p><p>I don't understand the fingerprint reader comment. It has the face recognition (which is a top quality implementation with 3D and infra red support). And that 'seems' to have become faster after yesterdays driver updates.</p><p><br></p><p>For those who want headphone jack, you can just use a little adapter cable into one of the USB-C ports. Microsoft sell one themselves but I don't think it's a proprietary thing. Then you can use your headphone splitter or whatever.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

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