The Microsoft Surface Pro has been a game-changer in the world of tablets, offering a unique blend of portability, power, and productivity. However, like any device, it’s not perfect, and there are several cons that users should be aware of before making a purchase. In this article, we’ll delve into the drawbacks of the Surface Pro, exploring the limitations and frustrations that users may encounter.
Design and Build Quality
While the Surface Pro is undoubtedly a sleek and stylish device, its design and build quality are not without their flaws. One of the most significant concerns is the device’s fragility. The Surface Pro’s body is made of magnesium, which is a lightweight yet durable material. However, the device’s thinness and lack of ruggedization make it prone to scratches, dents, and cracks.
The Kickstand: A Double-Edged Sword
The Surface Pro’s kickstand is a clever design feature that allows users to prop up the device at various angles. However, it’s also a weak point in the device’s design. The kickstand is made of a thin metal strip that can be prone to bending or breaking if not handled carefully. Additionally, the kickstand’s hinge can be stiff and difficult to adjust, making it frustrating to use.
Performance and Battery Life
The Surface Pro is available with a range of processor options, from the dual-core Intel Core i3 to the quad-core Intel Core i7. While these processors provide more than enough power for general productivity tasks, they can struggle with more demanding applications such as video editing and 3D modeling.
Battery Life: A Major Concern
One of the biggest cons of the Surface Pro is its battery life. The device’s battery is relatively small, and it can struggle to last a full day with heavy use. According to Microsoft’s estimates, the Surface Pro can last up to 13.5 hours on a single charge. However, in real-world use, the battery life is often significantly shorter.
Display and Graphics
The Surface Pro’s display is one of its standout features, offering a crisp and vibrant picture with excellent color accuracy. However, the display is not without its flaws. One of the most significant concerns is the display’s brightness, which can be lacking in certain lighting conditions.
Graphics Performance: A Mixed Bag
The Surface Pro’s graphics performance is a mixed bag. The device’s integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics provide more than enough power for general productivity tasks and casual gaming. However, they can struggle with more demanding games and applications.
Ports and Connectivity
The Surface Pro has a limited selection of ports, which can be a major concern for users who need to connect multiple devices. The device has a single USB-A port, a USB-C port, and a Surface Connect port. While the USB-C port provides faster data transfer speeds, it’s not compatible with all devices.
Wireless Connectivity: A Potential Weak Point
The Surface Pro’s wireless connectivity is a potential weak point. The device’s Wi-Fi 6 adapter provides fast and reliable connectivity, but it can be prone to dropped connections and slow speeds in certain environments.
Software and Compatibility
The Surface Pro runs on Windows 11, which provides a familiar and intuitive user interface. However, the device’s software compatibility can be a major concern. The Surface Pro is not compatible with all Windows applications, and some apps may not be optimized for the device’s touchscreen interface.
Microsoft Office: A Major Selling Point
One of the Surface Pro’s major selling points is its compatibility with Microsoft Office. The device comes with a free trial of Microsoft Office, and users can purchase a subscription to the software for a low monthly fee.
Price and Value
The Surface Pro is a premium device with a premium price tag. The device starts at around $900 for the base model, and it can cost upwards of $2,000 for the top-of-the-line model.
Is the Surface Pro Worth the Money?
Whether or not the Surface Pro is worth the money depends on the user’s specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a powerful and portable device that can handle general productivity tasks, the Surface Pro may be a good choice. However, if you’re looking for a device that can handle more demanding applications, you may want to consider other options.
| Model | Processor | RAM | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Pro 7 | Intel Core i3 | 4GB | 128GB | $900 |
| Surface Pro 7 | Intel Core i5 | 8GB | 256GB | $1,200 |
| Surface Pro 7 | Intel Core i7 | 16GB | 512GB | $1,800 |
In conclusion, the Surface Pro is a powerful and portable device that offers a unique blend of productivity and portability. However, it’s not without its flaws, and users should be aware of the device’s limitations and frustrations before making a purchase. Whether or not the Surface Pro is worth the money depends on the user’s specific needs and preferences.
What are some of the main drawbacks of the Surface Pro?
The Surface Pro has several drawbacks, including its high price point, limited battery life, and lack of ports. The device can be quite expensive, especially when compared to other tablets on the market. Additionally, the battery life of the Surface Pro can be a concern for users who need a device that can last all day. The limited number of ports can also be a problem for users who need to connect multiple devices to their tablet.
Furthermore, the Surface Pro’s high price point can be a barrier for many users. The device’s cost can be prohibitively expensive for some, especially when compared to other tablets that offer similar features at a lower price. The limited battery life can also be a concern for users who need a device that can keep up with their busy lifestyle. The lack of ports can also limit the device’s functionality and make it less convenient to use.
Is the Surface Pro’s keyboard worth the extra cost?
The Surface Pro’s keyboard is a highly debated topic, with some users swearing by its quality and others feeling that it’s not worth the extra cost. The keyboard is designed to be compact and lightweight, making it easy to take on the go. However, some users have reported that the keyboard can be cramped and uncomfortable to type on for extended periods.
Ultimately, whether or not the Surface Pro’s keyboard is worth the extra cost depends on the individual user’s needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a high-quality keyboard that can keep up with your typing needs, the Surface Pro’s keyboard may be worth the investment. However, if you’re on a budget or prefer to use a different keyboard, you may want to consider other options.
Can the Surface Pro replace a traditional laptop?
The Surface Pro is designed to be a versatile device that can be used in a variety of settings, from work to play. However, whether or not it can replace a traditional laptop depends on the individual user’s needs. The Surface Pro has a powerful processor and plenty of storage, making it well-suited for tasks such as browsing the web, checking email, and working on documents.
However, the Surface Pro may not be the best choice for users who need a device that can handle more demanding tasks, such as video editing or gaming. The device’s limited battery life and lack of ports can also make it less convenient to use than a traditional laptop. Ultimately, whether or not the Surface Pro can replace a traditional laptop depends on the individual user’s needs and preferences.
How does the Surface Pro’s display compare to other tablets?
The Surface Pro’s display is one of its standout features, with a high-resolution touchscreen that is perfect for browsing the web, watching videos, and working on documents. The display is also highly responsive, making it easy to navigate and interact with the device.
However, the Surface Pro’s display may not be the best choice for users who need a device that can be used in bright sunlight. The display can be prone to glare, which can make it difficult to see in certain lighting conditions. Additionally, the display’s color accuracy may not be as good as some other tablets on the market.
Is the Surface Pro’s camera any good?
The Surface Pro’s camera is a decent feature, but it’s not the best camera on the market. The camera is capable of taking high-quality photos and videos, but it may not be the best choice for users who need a device that can take professional-grade photos.
The camera’s low-light performance can be a concern, and the lack of optical zoom can limit its functionality. However, the camera is still a useful feature for users who need to take photos or videos on the go.
Can the Surface Pro be used for gaming?
The Surface Pro is not the best device for gaming, due to its limited processing power and lack of dedicated graphics card. While the device can handle casual games and puzzles, it may not be able to handle more demanding games.
However, the Surface Pro can still be used for gaming, especially with the help of cloud gaming services. The device’s high-resolution display and responsive touchscreen make it well-suited for games that don’t require a lot of processing power.
Is the Surface Pro worth the investment?
Whether or not the Surface Pro is worth the investment depends on the individual user’s needs and preferences. The device is a powerful and versatile tool that can be used in a variety of settings, from work to play.
However, the device’s high price point and limited battery life may be a concern for some users. Additionally, the lack of ports and limited camera functionality may limit the device’s usefulness for certain users. Ultimately, whether or not the Surface Pro is worth the investment depends on the individual user’s needs and preferences.