I'm writing this review from a college student's perspective:
This is the best tablet on the market right now, and for good reason.
The biggest reason why I wanted this tablet was for OneNote (which comes free and already installed, ready to go). I was curious if I would actually use it in class or if it just looked cool but I would go back to a regular notebook a week after buying it. NOPE! I can say without a doubt that OneNote is by far my favorite feature. The ease of writing on it, importing pdf's to write/ highlight on them, and exporting to word or pdf is nothing short of amazing. I have created folders for all of my classes so now instead of having a notebook for each class, it's all stored on my tablet (I do carry one notebook with me just in case we actually have to turn in something in class or if we get handouts or something). My only regret is thinking I wouldn't use it bc so many of my previous classes (calculus, theory classes, extensive pdf hand out classes) would have been so great for OneNote. The other golden thing about it is that it syncs up to my big laptop (both windows of course) so whatever I write in class instantly shows up on my big laptop, I don't have to send it manually (again if you sync it up). The only odd thing is I can't figure out how to export OneNote to say word or pdf from my tablet. From my laptop no problem, but for some reason I can't find (if there is a way) to do it on the tablet (One of my issues with Windows 8 actually but that's another story).
The other thing that wins big is its portability. It is light and compact with a decent screen size(biggest without becoming a laptop I believe). I hate lugging my big laptop to class but also knew I needed a screen bigger than a 8-10 inch. I bought a sleeve when I ordered this and I have had no problems transporting it. For trips it is GOLDEN. Don't have to remove it through security, small and compact enough to use on a tight airplane, etc.... I also am much less worried about this getting hurt than my big gaming laptop bc it's so compact.
What specs to get? I decided to get the i5 version because I have a bigger gaming laptop and decided for what I would use it for (netflix, notes, facebook, etc...). So far, I have had no problems running anything currently using the i5. I can even play less intensive games with it (Risk of Rain if you know it is the one I tested it with). I felt the i3 was a little bit too far removed from the processor capabilities I was used to. GB wise, I like the 128. Keep in mind: whatever memory size you get, a junk will be used for the OS/ apps/ etc... preinstalled.
Should this replace your current laptop? In my opinion, no, it really shouldn't. At least for me, I really need my bigger laptop for things like programming (I'm a CS major), and for working on reports/ assignments, etc... And obviously I need the gaming one, for, you know, gaming :p. The Surface is FANTASTIC if you can spend the money on it and use it as a second and more portable laptop. But, honestly, if you really just need a laptop to look at facebook and watch Netflix, buy a cheaper, normal laptop for around 400 bucks. This is an amazing toy but you pay a lot for the compactness of it. And again, screen size for assignments for me would be an issue on it. But again, that's just my opinion. Go try it out at Best Buy or something to get a feel of the screen size.
Should you get the keyboard? YES. Yes you should. If you want to use this at all like an actual laptop, the keyboard is needed. I got the surface type one (the one that's raised) because I knew I couldn't handling typing on a flat surface. I will say that the keyboard is overprices for what it is. But there isn't anything else like it on the market and to be honest, if you are buying this than throw the extra 100 into getting the keyboard.
The stylus that comes with it is great. Took me a few tries but finally got it synced up (its bluetooth enabled). The only problem is I accidentally touch the two buttons on the side since that's where I naturally rest my hand but it's not too big of a deal. I have heard the complaint that the Surface doesn't have somewhere to hold the stylus. The keyboard actually came with a little tab that you put in the keyboard that will hold the stylus in place. I always put it back there when I'm done using it and it's a great little feature.
Wrap up: If you are a tech nut that loves new shiny toys, travel a lot, and perhaps need a way to write a lot of notes, this baby is for you. It is honestly the best and most exciting new tech I've gotten in a long time. It's sleek and powerful and makes my life that much easier. It is, however, pricey, running the same amount as even some gaming laptops. You are paying a premium for its size and basically OneNote. Now, if you're like me, its worth it. I have not regretted buying this at all. My sister? Yeah, could probably just get her that 400 laptop and she'd be totally fine with it. Again, I really think this should be an addition, not a replacement, to an actual laptop (or desktop) but hey, who am I to judge, you do you :)
| Standing screen display size | 12 Inches |
|---|---|
| Screen Resolution | 2160 x 1440 |
| Max Screen Resolution | 2160 x 1440 |
| Processor | 1.9 GHz intel_atom |
| RAM | 4 GB |
| Hard Drive | 128 GB |
| Graphics Coprocessor | Intel |
| Wireless Type | 802.11n, 802.11b, 802.11g |
| Number of USB 2.0 Ports | 1 |
| Average Battery Life (in hours) | 9 Hours |
