Windows Tablets For Fieldwork

[Bill S]

I found good prices on used newer Surface Pro's. Way less than new. Last one I bought was close to 2 years ago I think and its working perfectly. I think I paid $600 and it was basically new.

Thanks Leon. It's good to hear you had a good experience buying used. I'll start looking into used SP6 and SP7's. The fanless option is interesting. I don't use appraisal software so I'm not sure how much I'd use the laptop on an inspection of commercial property. With my old one I used it mainly in the car to make notes and access data portals.

 

[Bill S]

Bill, Leon makes a good point. I don't mind a certified refurb unit

FWIW, we expect to see new Surface devices announced tomorrow. That generally means that the previous year models will go on sale, and with some places offering trade-ins, some used (and certified refurb) units are sure to start being advertised pretty soon.

My main question revolving around a recommendation involves how much performance do you want/need? The answer usually involves ranking your features/functionality priorities vs. price. As an example, for MY needs, I have found that I rarely do any "heavy lifting" on my Surface devices anymore. I generally do things in a browser but I still need occasional access to some necessary/cherished legacy Windows applications, and it is a major convenience to have 4G capability. Hence, for ME, I can do very well using my Surface Go Business Edition (Core m3, 8GB RAM, 256 GB SSD and 4G. It outperforms a Surface 3 for grunt work unless it had 16GB of RAM (legacy Appraisal Suites are memory hogs.) It has a ~2" smaller screen but works well for my field where size/weight are a major factor to me. Look back at some posts a couple of years ago and you'll see some pics I posted showing the lowest powered Gen 1 device running a 30" monitor and a 4K Monitor with several apps running. My much newer SG2 Business version totally smokes the previous generation devices. FWIW, the update to the Surface Go line is not expected to provide a major performance boost, so if a SG2 Business version will suffice, I would at least give that device (new or used) some consideration...

Failing that, and assuming you really want/need something in the traditional tablet form factor, I would look into what Leon suggests - a good, certified used SP7. I also carry an Surface Pro X (Gen 1) and it is more "svelte" than the regular Surface Pro. That said, I'm not convinced that this device is superior to a regular Surface Pro. I looked at getting a Gen 2 SPX (speed bump and available in silver, which is better than black IMHO) but it ended up going to a developer. We should see a minor bump to an SPX G3, but I am still not sure it beats out a regular SP6 or SP7 in good condition with an available warranty.

I no longer get direct info on upcoming MS stuff and have to rely on a small group of insiders I've known for 20 years, so all I can report on today are what is likely to be announced tomorrow. What IS virtually certain due to history, however, is that we should see some compelling deals on SP6 and SP7 devices as soon as the new (SP8?) is announced, so stay tuned

Hope this helps!

-Randall Garrett-
+Apex Software+
/end/

Thanks Randall. I limit my practice to commercial properties so I don't use traditional appraisal software. I'm still using word for the narrative and a software package for comp development and analysis but that is limited to one license and resides on my office computer. My needs are mostly for field access to data portals, office suite products, and browsing. I hadn't given the SG line much thought because I had heard of performance issues. However, I wasn't aware of the business edition which sounds beefier. I'll start giving those a look. I think the SP3 was more than enough for my uses and would be still be using it if it hadn't died. I just saw a review of SP8 and it sounds pretty great. The price, not so much and it is more than I need. I really appreciate all the work you do keeping us advised of the current selection.

 

[Bill S]

Early "hands on" reports from people I trust are saying that the Core m3 CPU upgrade on the SG3 has very noticeable performance bump for most (if not all?) applications and adds about an hour to the battery life. I'm noting, however that there is no business version available as of today, so I am waiting for that to happen before I get one because the built-in LTE and 256GB SSD is important to me. It would be fair to remark, however, that I've never even come close to needing the more "pedestrian" 128 GB in the consumer level and that I've never had a real issue with using my phone as a secure hot spot, so the word "need" in my case is really questionable, LOL. As far as I can tell, the pricing for "consumer" SG2 and SG3 is virtually identical. On the MS business site, the SG2 w/128GB and LTE is about $775 but the 256GB version is on sale for the same price. I would expect that the business version of the SG3 will be about $775 and $875 depending on 128GB vs 256GB. For me the size/weight with adequate performance of the SG2 was a compelling reason to pay a little extra per sq. inch of screen real estate vs. the bulkier but higher spec SP7. YMMV on that. Maybe Mike Ault or someone else here can comment on the performance of his SG2 running his appraisal suite and note how often he needs to do that, why, etc.

I can appreciate the increased screen size and other performance increases on the SP8 and I will take a look at them in person soon (I have an "after hours" invite to a local event) and I'll let you know my impressions. I'm sure I will be tempted to get one, but honestly, I'm more intrigued by the Surface Laptop Studio. I passed along the Surface Books I owned to project managers and developers along the way as they had more pressing need for using them in their daily lives. That said, as I slide into formal retirement this year, I believe there may be a place for a Surface Laptop Studio on my desk and in my travel gear. I fear I'll just buy one because I can imagine my "need" for such a device, LOL

Hope this helps for now!


-Randall Garrett-
+Apex Software-
/end/

I'll also take a look at the surface studio. Thanks

 

[Randall Garrett]

Glad to help, Bill

Most reviewers describing the SG were working with the lower end model(s) since the "$399-ish" price grabbed headlines. As you may note in my early posts on the SG, it actually performed quite well for what is is (price/performance ratio) when using it for reasonable tasks when away from your desk. An additional problem with most reviewers is that their typical use case scenarios don't really match up well with what we do with our machines, so their views were skewed IMHO. When the Core m3 variant came out, things improved significantly. Not only were you working with a much more competent CPU (relatively speaking) but you also had 8 GB of RAM, but you also had a true SSD vs. the pokey eMMC storage. I think the main issue for you with either the SG2, or superior SG3, might be the 10.5" screen vs. the 12.x" screen of the SP line. For me, the smaller size, lighter weight aspects are worth that trade off, even though I have 67-year old eyes, but YMMV on that so I would recommend finding one at (say) a Best Buy and fondling it a bit side-by-side with a Surface Pro.

If you prize a larger screen and still want light weight, take a look at the Surface Pro X. I still carry a Gen 1 SPX and it serves me well enough. I don't like the black finish (attracts fingerprints, gets hotter in the sun and not good for an impromptu Disto target surface, LOL), so I prefer the SPX2 which is available in a "Platinum" finish. FWIW, the SPX3 has only a negligible hardware bump, but will not support 64-bit emulation and this is much more friendly with respect to modern legacy applications. To date, all models have 4G LTE capability (a bonus for me) but they have announced that it will be available in a model without LTE, starting around $800 (retail.) While I much prefer built-in LTE capability, I must admit that it would probably make more sense for me (and others?) to forego that being built-in and just use one's phone as a hot spot... lower cost at purchase and one less cellular bill.

All that said, from your description, I wonder if you really need a Tablet-style device. There is certainly nothing wrong with using a tablet while seated in the car and I understand the benefits behind a device being convenient to use while out and about, but if you are not using it while, for example, traversing the subject then perhaps a laptop is more appropriate and would provide more bang for the buck?

Regards,

-Randall Garrett-
+Apex Software+
/end/

 

[Bill S]

Glad to help, Bill

Most reviewers describing the SG were working with the lower end model(s) since the "$399-ish" price grabbed headlines. As you may note in my early posts on the SG, it actually performed quite well for what is is (price/performance ratio) when using it for reasonable tasks when away from your desk. An additional problem with most reviewers is that their typical use case scenarios don't really match up well with what we do with our machines, so their views were skewed IMHO. When the Core m3 variant came out, things improved significantly. Not only were you working with a much more competent CPU (relatively speaking) but you also had 8 GB of RAM, but you also had a true SSD vs. the pokey eMMC storage. I think the main issue for you with either the SG2, or superior SG3, might be the 10.5" screen vs. the 12.x" screen of the SP line. For me, the smaller size, lighter weight aspects are worth that trade off, even though I have 67-year old eyes, but YMMV on that so I would recommend finding one at (say) a Best Buy and fondling it a bit side-by-side with a Surface Pro.

If you prize a larger screen and still want light weight, take a look at the Surface Pro X. I still carry a Gen 1 SPX and it serves me well enough. I don't like the black finish (attracts fingerprints, gets hotter in the sun and not good for an impromptu Disto target surface, LOL), so I prefer the SPX2 which is available in a "Platinum" finish. FWIW, the SPX3 has only a negligible hardware bump, but will not support 64-bit emulation and this is much more friendly with respect to modern legacy applications. To date, all models have 4G LTE capability (a bonus for me) but they have announced that it will be available in a model without LTE, starting around $800 (retail.) While I much prefer built-in LTE capability, I must admit that it would probably make more sense for me (and others?) to forego that being built-in and just use one's phone as a hot spot... lower cost at purchase and one less cellular bill.

All that said, from your description, I wonder if you really need a Tablet-style device. There is certainly nothing wrong with using a tablet while seated in the car and I understand the benefits behind a device being convenient to use while out and about, but if you are not using it while, for example, traversing the subject then perhaps a laptop is more appropriate and would provide more bang for the buck?

Regards,

-Randall Garrett-
+Apex Software+
/end/

"Need" is probably a stretch. "Want" is probably more like it but I will probably continue to use the term "Need" to help me justify the purchase. Thanks again.

 

[Randall Garrett]

Hey folks,

Maybe this isn't the BEST place to post this, but I thought it would reach the long time readership here first. Yesterday was my last day as an employee at Apex Software and today is the first day of my formal (initial?) retirement. As many of you know, my company, Starcap, did an "asset sale" of Apex Software a year ago and I took on a contract as a consultant. Throughout that period, Apex has continued to grow under the management of my former COO, Cliff Wood. The entire staff at Apex has stayed aboard and their growth under the leadership at ILA/Voxtur has been rewarding to watch. Now that Apex has successfully transitioned to an integral part of that much larger suite of valuation-centric companies, it is time for an old guy like me to step back and tend to personal agendas - family & friends, travel (now for pleasure & education, etc.) and to explore new opportunities. FWIW, I will remain here as long as what we do is something you desire and I look forward to keeping in touch!

Please keep in mind that I cannot "speak" for Apex now, but I know the entire staff remains dedicated to improving our existing products and introducing more as well. We've historically been slow (reluctant?) to announce new products and I hope that will change as many of the new products can (and should) be introduced to the average reader here. Anyway, if you have any issues, or just regular questions, feel free to reach out (preferably on a new thread so as not to "pollute" this one) and I'll do my best to bring it to the attention to Brian Marino or whomever he designates.

As always - I hope this helps!

-Randall Garrett-
/end/

 

[nauthead]

Randall, thank you so much for all of the insights, reviews and knowledge you have provided this forum. And please don't be a stranger after retirement.

 

[Randall Garrett]

Randall, thank you so much for all of the insights, reviews and knowledge you have provided this forum. And please don't be a stranger after retirement.

It has truly been my pleasure and my passion all these years.
I'm hoping that with more free time, I can actually be more active here again. I have a few short trips planned between now and EOY 2021 and then in 2022, I'm headed out for a long one, but I'll have reliable Internet all the way, so I don't imagine I'll be able to break this habit very easily, LOL. I'll probably be picking up another few devices before I head off next year, so I should be able to repost how they are functioning while away from my desk

Regards,

-Randall-
/end/

 

[Randall Garrett]

For you Surface Go and SG2 users...

I noticed this spot on alternate (mainly less $) keyboard covers for SG1 & SG2. I have not tried any of these, but I suspect they all would work well - or well enough since most don't use the keyboard all that much anyway, given the size and general parameters of the SG/keyboard/typical use case scenario...

One item that I thought was important is that these less expensive keyboard covers are not covered in Alcantara. I happen to believe that an Alcantara surface is not a plus when using a device outdoors, so the fact that these are presumably made of a more "inclement conditions friendly" material is a plus in my book.

Link to summary article: https://www.windowscentral.com/best-surface-go-keyboard-alternatives-microsoft-type-cover

Hope this helps!


-Randall Garrett-
/end/

 

[Randall Garrett]

Well, as predicted ;-)

Surface Pro 7 on sale for $550 ahead of the Surface Pro 8's launch

Microsoft's Surface Pro 7 is one generation old now, but it's still a solid 2-in-1. You can order one for as low as $550 through the Microsoft Store.

www.windowscentral.com

Hope this helps!


-Randall Garrett-
/end/