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Windows Tablets For Fieldwork

Not exactly tablet-related, but there is a connection...

Earlier, I was at a MS location (not today's NY reveal site) and was able to be behind the scenes in "the bowels" by invitation. There, I was able to go through three examples of the Microsoft Surface Studio - one of each model. With the help of a good friend, I was able to take a couple of pictures which I am confident are OK to publish since the devices were formally revealed today. I also got to see the update to the Surface Book, but the Surface Studio clearly stole the day. My pictures are not of high quality - I simply could not whip out a camera, and I felt sort of like James Bond taking these surreptitiously - but I would imagine there are already scores of pictures by journalists, reviewers, etc. Nevertheless, I thought you might be interested to my "spy" shots, LOL.

My impressions of the Surface Studio are that you just can't imagine how slim it is - pretty much like a giant tablet section of a Surface book, but with a higher resolution screen that is over 4 times bigger. It makes the iMac look positively portly. And the quality of the screen is stunning! Of course, the active pen capabilities put it in a class by itself by a long way, not to mention the ability to lay down to an extreme angle (like a drafting board.) I was also very impressed by the Surface Dial device and the two new keyboards (though I prefer wired keyboards.) The accompanying mouse is OK, but for me it is not something I would purchase (but it is included with the purchase.) The device was nearly silent (I was in a back "lab" room where they were being imaged for presentation) and I was surprised how snappy the graphics were since they are not using 10-series cards (hinted for "maybe Spring.") Make no mistake, I don't think these are for average appraisers, but they are absolutely well suited for some of our enterprise type customers who do detailed drawings on complicated buildings, etc. I could see some of our production people using these - as expensive as they are, if they increase their productivity by only a few percentage points, they would pay for themselves quickly IMHO. On the other hand, if you are a regular user and just appreciate (and can afford) the thinness of an iMac, but want/need a Windows machine that is thinner, more capable, faster and just plain "awesomer" (LOL), the Surface Studio might be for you. If you just like some of that mix, then you would probably prefer a regular 2-in-1. :)

As I mentioned, I also got to fondle the new upper-end Surface Book. I had already seen the pictures and did not realize how it actually looks a bitt different in person. If you are familiar with the SB, you will notice the slightly raised portion around, but more so behind the keyboard which has some air slots in it to accommodate the increased airflow when the CPU and new GPU are under load/boost. This is a Surface Book for graphics and CAD type professionals, not your average user IMHO. Though we will likely see one of these pass through the office, I will personally skip this model and wait for the expected Kaby Lake upgrade next Spring...

I'll write more on both of these once ours come in and I can spend some time with them...

Hope this helps!


-Randall Garrett-
+Apex Software+

3 Surface Studio reduced.jpg 3 Surface Studio screen thickness.jpg


[Edit] - Here is a promo thing on the Surface Studio

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Awesome tech, but expensive.
 
Ahhh, and the beginning portions are the things the geek crowd will love :)


OK, so I'll stop with the Surface Studio stuff for now - there will be enough pro (and con) stuff in the press to come, I'm sure... I'll try to hold off until I have ours and can give real world usage feedback. The small amount of time I was able to spend with it in relative obscurity was not enough to tell you much more than what the various on-line reviewers will likely focus on in their rush to get out a set of pictures/video ASAP. Usually, the things they cover are not particularly well suited to the main tasks of my customers... As far as it being a general PC replacement, that is all well and good, but I like to concentrate on whatever unique or just well executed aspects a device brings which would help a segment of my customers.

In my brief time "backstage", I was somewhat hampered by the fact that 2 of the 3 units that were at my (temporary) disposal were being imaged as presentation devices and the one I played with was the lowest spec unit. Even that one, though, had no problem pushing the screen in the software I used (and most were full programs, not lightweight apps) and one should realize that at 4,500 x 3000 pixels, it was pushing over 60% more pixels than a 4K (UHD) TV - that is very impressive. I did not try any sophisticated game stuff (a single 980 is insufficient IMHO for even the "lowly" UHD screens on my desktop machines) but for work stuff, the 965m performed just fine. I'm sure I'll find the upper limit pretty quickly when I get mine (I purposely did not get the top tier model) but I'll be paying more attention to checking performance within the design limits envelope - i.e. what it was designed to do (work/creative things, not gaming, etc.) A GPU is a handy thing for some applications, but in most work-related things involving graphics, a CPU plays a larger role. That is, I generally recommend that regular users should save a little money and opt for (say) a Core i5 and put the savings toward something like more RAM (for your bloated software, too many open tabs, etc., LOL), a better monitor, and the like - stuff the average user will feel in a "seat of the pants" manner. With a device like the Surface Studio, a faster/deeper CPU often plays a larger roll since the software commonly used is not particularly optimized to take advantage of consumer GPUs. IF they leverage a GPU, they typically prefer a workstation class board like a Quadro or the AMD competitor. More compute cores, etc. are, however, something that one can feel the difference, so mostly, your money is well spent moving from a Core i5 to a Core i7. Again, while this device would look stunning on almost anyone's desk, it is designed for specialized usage, not regular stuff...

Hope this helps!

-Randall Garrett-
+Apex Software+

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FYI, as I mentioned a while back, you'll soon be hearing about updates to the Miix 700. We've seen stuff on either the Miix 710 or 720 and I'm getting word that the 720 is a definite go for reveal soon. I'll have more info once I am able to verify the specs. I mention this because some customers saw the Miix 700 as a viable alternative to the SP4 and the Miix 510 is being made available in a fan-less configuration and with 4G LTE in some areas. Since we now know there was no SP5 announcement earlier this month (we weren't really expecting that until next Spring, anyway), this may one of the only similar devices available with that mix (no pun intended, LOL) of features. Anyway, I expect to get reliable confirmation soon on specs and even pricing.

[Edit] We've already seen FCC docs on the 720, so we expect more details on it (and the 710?) soon. Since the Miix 720 will sport a Kaby Lake CPU, it'll be the more premium of the two devices and I would expect that the 710 may be the more popular if it is available with 4G LTE.


-Randall Garrett-
+Apex Software+

/end/
 
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I noted that Best Buy has an in-store only promotion: A Surface Pro 4 with Intel Core m3, 4GB RAM and 128 GB of Storage for $599. The offer includes the $160 upscale Alcantara Type Cover. This combo normally sells for $999, so that is a $400 discount! I am reading that buyers are recommending that if you see the devices in stock, you should act immediately as the promotional bundle items are becoming hard to find.

The offer does not include the pen, but I am told that there is sticker on the box which advertises a $20 combo discount. I have not verified the $20 discount for the pen myself as I am not close to a Best Buy right now. If I am close to a Best Buy later, I will check on this and report back.

More info here: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/microso...D=1&siteID=JAF5WzpxbKM-OrZ.DWXZud_IygjR7gi0kw

Hope this helps!


-Randall Garrett-
+Apex Software+

[Edit] I am getting reports that the MS Store is offering a price match on this promotion, so if you prefer shopping there like I do, you should ask about this. The m3 model is fanless, so in many ways, it is the preferred model for appraisers to use as a secondary device IMHO. Most people opted for the Core i5 model as it was only about $100 more, but with this promotion, the Core m3 model deserves strong consideration unless you plan on using it as your main device (i.e. desktop replacement.)

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Obviously, the BB deal mentioned in my foregoing post has already expired, but I am getting word the MS will be offering it again during their Black Friday sales dates (from Nov. 24th though the 28th) along with a few other deals on beefier Surface Pros and Surface Books. If I get specific links sent to me, I will post them here. Otherwise, just check at the MS Store (and/or Best Buy?) to see if any of them show up there. If you wanted that $599 deal posted earlier (or something similar), but missed it, their Black Friday sale may be your best bet this year, so don't snooze...

Hope this helps!


-Randall Garrett-
+Apex Software+

/end/
 
Back in August, I mentioned the Acer Switch 12 Alpha 2-in-1 (http://appraisersforum.com/forums/t...ets-for-fieldwork.191490/page-65#post-2703950) and that post has a link to a video review by Lisa Gade, whom I find generally does very accurate/fair reviews. She gives actual performance numbers and well thought out observations (IMHO) vs. just spouting specs and making vapid comments.

Late yesterday I ran across a link which mentioned that the Core i3 model was available for only $449, but it was too late to mention it here. Well, lo and behold, I found an even better price! You can pick up the Core i3 model with 4GB of RAM and a 128 GB SSD for only $379 at the MS Store (physical or on-line.) That is a $220 discount on a $599 MSRP device! Note that it comes with the back-lit keyboard, but reportedly the pen is not included. I've read some commenters saying that their box had the pen inside, but others do not. In any case, you can pick up the Acer active pen (model NP.STY1A.006) for under $50 at various on-line sites (i.e. Amazon) if you need to.

I checked other sites and the price at MS seems to be far and away the best deal. Plus, it is a "Signature" device, which means it comes without bloatware so you can experience the device running as it was intended. I always recommend MS Signature devices over the same devices available at "big box" stores which typically come with loads of crapware which just drag down the performance and compromise the reliability, battery life, etc. In this case, you're getting a clean device at a lower price - what's not to like about that?

Since most of you may not find it convenient to track down one of these devices in time to take advantage of the sales price, I suggest that IF you are interested, you should at least read/watch Lisa's review linked above. At 2 lbs., this device is heavier than something like an SP4, so it is not the best choice if weight is a major factor. On the positive side, it is fan-less, which means it is more suitable to working in less than pristine conditions. The SP4 has a fan-less model, but the Core M CPU and eMMC storage system on that model is noticeably slower in many legacy software activities (i.e. like forms software.) That said, for most activities, as long as you are not expecting a sub-$500 device to operate like your monster desktop system, and you realize that this is a portable system, it should more than suffice! Also, unless you have it in a case w/strap, it may not be the best for carting around while traversing the exterior of the subject, but for the price, it makes an excellent portable device for other scenarios. That is, it may be a better device for many of you than the old behemoth laptop you have simply because of the form factor, touch/pen, etc. If the Core i3 seems to wimpy for you, but is otherwise a good fit, keep in mind that this device is available with up to a Core i7, 8 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD. albeit for nearly $900... So, while this particular model is probably not suitable as your primary "desktop replacement" class device, it is an affordable secondary device which can be a sensible choice for a variety of scenarios - yourself, an associate/assistant, a student...?

Here is the link to the sale price at the MS store. The "fine print" says the price is good "from November 28, 2016 to December 4, 2016, while supplies last." so if this is of interest, don't dally. Further, if you are going to use this in the field (or give it to a young or clumsy person), I suggest you look into the optional accidental drop protection policy. This usually runs about $99 and we always recommend getting something like this for field devices. I know several people who have had to take advantage of this sort of thing :-\

Acer Aspire Switch Alpha 12, Signature Edition
https://www.microsoftstore.com/stor...459594)(TnL5HPStwNw-kEwzsxkB97xEKdX_44j3Tw)()

Hope this helps!


-Randall Garrett-
+Apex Software+

[Edit] I just noticed that the video I linked to in the original post was a "smackdown (comparison) video featuring the Acer vs. the comparable SP4. Here is the link to Lisa's review of the Acer:

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I just picked up a Toshiba Satellite Radius 12 P25W with 4K display for $300 at Best Buy new in box.
I went there looking for a camera and in the back of the locked cabinet the sales associate opened sat the laptop. I asked how much and they said it wasn't on the floor anymore and asked their supervisor who said mark it at $300.
Right place, right time?
 
So, looks like this thread has definitely leaned to the lighter tablet side. Don't want to get off topic going to the pro series windows machines, or maybe I am not? I have a P40 yoga and am looking for a good backup and possibly a trainee machine. Lenovo still has p40 yoga and some impressive looking x1 machines, but looks like the x series gives up pen and storage and sd card slot, which i utilize heavily, for the lighter weight. My main question, does anyone know what the major differences are between p40 yoga and yoga 460. I can build them identical from the specs and the cost difference is about $300 less for 460. Cannot figure out why? Chris Wagoner
 
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