I noted that Amazon has a "Deal of the Day" for the excellent Surface Pro X - the one with 8GB RAM and 128 GB SSD is discounted by $249 and is on sale for $749.99. If you want more SSD, the one with a 256 GB SSD is discounted more (-$449) and is on sale for $849.99. While I believe that the 128 GB is enough since you can use a high capacity mSD card, I think the 256 GB model is clearly the better buy. While a 128 GB mSD card is cheap, having an additional 128 GB of super fast SSD is worth the very small premium IMHO for the massive performance gain if you are using the device as I think some of you might envision. Note that the SPX does not have a mSD slot. You can, however, swap out the SSD if your really need more in the field. (One thing a lot of people miss is that all Surface Pro power supplies have a built-in USB slot. I used to use those for a mouse when in "desktop" mode, but these days I keep a "stubbie" USB drive in mine and I find that I rarely remove it (and it's rarely used except for pics when on lengthy drips...) Of course, all models of the SPX come with 4G LTE capability, so if you want/need something with a larger screen than the SG2, and with more oomph (some say it is on par, or better, than an SP6 with Core i5), this may be your opportunity to score a deal.
As readers here know, I own and use both. Summarily, for most residential appraisers, I still believe that the SG2 is the more appropriate device when used as a "mainly field device as a 'companion device' to your main rig" due to ergonomic factors (smaller, lighter, etc.) That is, if you routinely do your "heavy lifting" on your desktop or laptop but want to use something in the field which also run your traditional desktop software when needed - kind of an "80/20" thing... Conversely, if you want something with more screen real estate and more oomph - say, something that fits more of a "20/80: profile, maybe the SPX fits the bill better. Note that from what I know about the use case scenarios of readers here, I'm not suggesting that either device will replace your traditional "main daily driver" for most of you. You can beef up the SPX with up to 16 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD, but it is expensive and really designed for a niche user... Still, if you have considered something like the SG2 with 4G LTE but were wanting more oomph and don't mind (or even prefer) a 13" screen, the SPX might be the ticket. This isn't likely the best analogy, but the SPX is to the SPG as the iPad Pro 12.9 to the iPad 10.5... Again, iPads are very popular devices, etc. but if you need to run Windows software products, the SPX is much less expensive than the iPad Pro 12.9 with similar RAM & SSD, and the SPX even comes with 4G LTE capability & storage memory can be expanded very inexpensively. Both Apple and MS charge extra for keyboards and pens, and they are similarly prices (both also have generic 3rd Party accessories, also at similar prices, though the Surface items tend to be a little less.) Both products are class leaders with respect to build and warranties, etc. IFWIW, I am using rugged cases on both devices, so they are available, and I always recommend an accidental damage protection coverage on field devices - usually ~$99 well spent IMHO. Again, there real main issue at hand here is "Do you want/need to Run Windows in the field, and what size screen do you want?"
I am pleased with the examples I own of both products. One personal observation is that I am not a fan of black tablets (or any other devices except monitors, TVs, etc.) since they show fingerprints more easily. I have purchased a "skin" for my SPX (like I used to do with my Android tablets) but due to my own procrastination. I have not applied it yet, but past experience tells me that the "skin will fix 99% of the fingerprint problem. Also, keeping in mind my age and "ex-appraiser" status, MY use case scenarios do not likely mirror most readers here. Beyond fond memories of my youth (LOL), the only real field inspection activities I do these days are practicing on a few buildings when testing new/existing software, training sessions with a (very) few clients, etc. Outside of some specific valuation-related software, most of the applications I use are "regular business type suites." That said, I know from my experiences (past and present) as well as from feedback from real world users across a pretty wide spectrum of valuation-related users, most look for something in the "Goldilocks" range for size/weight/performance vs. price. So again, as for which one works better for you, think seriously about whether you see yourself mainly in the80/20 or 20/80 camp. Really, with this "Deal of the Day" price on the SPX, there is
only about $20 difference between the SG2-4G & SPX and the SG2 with 256 GB is actually $30
more than the 256 GB SPX!
Here is the Amazon link where you can select between the different models:
And a couple of articles (with media) on the SPX:
Also, please note that the "64-bit compatibility issues" with the ARM processor as mentioned in the last article above are as of 02/2020 and that MS has announced further ARM 64 this year. I am not personally running into compatibility issues, but then I'm not trying to run Photoshop 64-bit nor a host of blogging apps on my field tablet, LOL. That said, keep in mind that most reputable dealers (including Amazon) have a return period is you don't think the device works for you. Hence
IF you think you MIGHT really be able to use a device like this, you should consider the sale price today IMHO.
[Edit] - I re-read the review article above and thought that the author summed up what I've been trying to say much better than I have been able to do, so I am quoting him here:
"Microsoft Surface hardware chief Panos Panay said the Surface Pro X is for "a tech-forward, mobile professional". That sounds like corporate marketing jargon, but there is some truth to it. Much of today's workforce is increasingly mobile, relying on a few core productivity-based apps like Microsoft Office, OneDrive, Outlook, web, PDF readers, remote access, VPN, and custom line-of-business (LOB) apps. These workers need something very portable, long battery life, 4G LTE, and instant-on abilities with inking for document management."
If you can't find any comparison screen shots between the SG2 and the SPX, note that the review link above has a side-by-side shot of a Surface Pro 7 and a Surface Pro X embedded. If I get done with my "Honey-Do's" today I will see about shooting a shot of my SPX next to my SG2.
Hope this helps!
-Randall Garrett-
+Apex Software+
/end/
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powered Surface 3, to Pentium
powered and finally to the M3-8100Y
. Although not the greatest CPU, it is a vast improvement over what has come before. I am left to wonder ... what the hell took you so long Microsoft?"
