I can't imagine performance being an issue at all for the tasks you mentioned. As I said in the review, I edited and rendered this video (AVCHD directly from a DSLR) on the Surface Pro.
It is called "5 Centimetres Per Second" and is one of two movies produced by Makoto Shinkai in this visual style, with the other being "The Place Promised In Our Early Days". They are both excellent. :3
Great review, Troy! Really clear and concise. Ignore the snarky robot comment. Other reviewers waste time trying to entertain instead of enlighten. I subscribed to your channel because you deliver informative, unbiased evaluations in a short amount of time.
That depends on how you intend to use it. The Surface Pro and iPad 4 are not really comparable as they are aimed at different markets. The Pro is designed for those who would like to replace both their ultrabook and tablet with one device. Do you think you have need of a tablet which doubles as a standard Windows PC?
Performance in Photoshop is very reasonable and as I said, this video was produced entirely on the Surface Pro to serve as a demonstration, however I would not recommend the Pro specifically for the purpose of video editing. Ideally, you would want something with a dedicated CUDA-enabled GPU for this purpose.
The upcoming update will only address the lack of pressure sensitivity in desktop applications (Photoshop, Sai, etc). Whether mobility is important is dependent on how and where you intend to use your chosen devices, so I'm afraid I can't really answer that.
One of the primary purposes of the Surface Pro is to act as a full desktop PC (this made for a far less cramped space while shooting too). Both the Pro's display and the external display which I used have the same native resolution, so the only difference would have been the keyboard anyways. :P
Hi, I love my original iPad but it does have limitations, namely writing documents on Pages when Microsoft Word would be miles better. However, I have an iMac and I love the fact the ipad and iMac link up seamlessly.
If your primary intention is to use the device as a tablet, I would definitely recommend the Cintiq over the Surface Pro. The Surface does not support Wacom pens, nor can it detect the angle of the pen. A Cintiq would also offer far more accurate tracking.
The Surface RT is an ARM-based tablet and is only capable of running Microsoft-approved software built for the ARM architecture. Hardware-wise, it is identical to any Android tablet. The Surface Pro is essentially an ultrabook in tablet form with standard x86 hardware. Any application or game which you can run on your desktop PC can be run on the Surface Pro. You could even install a different operating system such as Windows 7, Ubuntu or Mac OS X if you so wished.
I won't speculate based on rumors, however I do recommend that you hold off purchasing until the 29th. Microsoft will be reducing the price of the 128GB Surface Pro to $899 on that date.
awesome review .. I'm a computer engineer and a digital illustrator I was thinking of getting a razer edge pro because of it's performance and for gaming but i saw some reviews saying that the battery is irritable and its quite expensive, and there are some other problem as well.. thats way am watching reviews of the Surface pro which kinda interesting, and I can do some digital doodles and play warframe thank you for the review and am gonna get one :D
Yes, I would recommend the 128GB (102GB usable) version. While you could purchase the 64GB version for $799 and add a 64GB MicroSD card, that card is going to cost about $50 and it will not be half as fast as the Surface Pro's SSD. In purchasing the 128GB version, you are effectively only spending $50 more. The benefits are overall faster storage and a MicroSD card slot available for future expansion.
great unboxing/review, and vid overall.. funny how this is the only vid i've seen so far that has been able to effectively show the pointer for the pen works when hoverying near the screen lol every other demo never though of using a black background
Realy like that you can use this as a normal pc. Atleast that is the feeling i get when watching the video. To be able to use the software i use on my normal desktop pc sounds great. Nice review and thanks for showing us Surface Pro
I do not have a negative impression of the Surface RT; it simply does not pique my interest. This is due to the fact that the range of software currently available for it is rather small and Microsoft's attempt to block unsigned third-party software altogether has certainly not helped that situation.
Damn there's a sale that ends on the 15th here in Canada, that already places the 128GB for 899.99. Paycheques won't be here in time for that haha. You don't think the 128GB is necessary though do you? I've heard of some people using a 64GB microSD and transferring the recovery partitions onto it reserving more internal space on the tablet. Thanks again for the fast response~
Yeah I'm interested in getting one as well, especially for my upcoming school year. I'm going to be a college freshman and so I'm hoping to find something that I can take notes with both a keyboard and stylus. I don't know if I should wait out for the next Surface Pro rumored to release in October or if I should just get this to start out the fall semester. I'd appreciate anyone's input, thanks!
Purely from a performance and functionality standpoint, the Pro is definitely more capable, however the better tablet is the one which suits your needs best. The Pro is twice as expensive as a 16GB iPad 4, considerably heavier and offers about half of the battery life. As part of this trade-off, you gain full compatibility with x86 operating systems and software, a stylus, more storage and ultrabook-class performance. Do the benefits outweigh the hindrances?
How does the tablet handle being used like a laptop? I'd love a tablet to replace my laptop when I travel as it'd be much lighter and smaller but, it'd be annoying not having USB ports or a SD card slot, it appeared to handle well but do you think it could replace or 95% replace a laptop? Also I got them impression the stylus could kind of act like a mouse. Do you think it'd be possible to install RTS games and use the stylus like a mouse? As I think itd be cool if you could. Great review too!
i would not say it replaces a laptop, i think it is a cross between a netbook and a laptop. Its designed to be used for simple tasks such as office as well as just being a tablet, however has the ability to "stretch its legs" and give you a small amount of performance, more specifically cpu oriented. So i would only get it if you are wanting the cross between a very powerful tablet and a basic laptop. This is a compromise machine, you are getting the best for the size it is.
Troy what would you recommend: The surface or the iPad? I'm a general user, I might do some drawings or animations with flash, some browsing, some gaming. Nothing extreme.
There isn't really a comfortable way to perch the tablet on your lap while the keyboard is attached. It's really only usable with a desk or other flat surface, unfortunately.
I'm a biology student and am taking a heavy load of science bassed classes, is there any programs you recommend for chemisry, calculus, physics or biology note taking programs?
I read that twice, once with your voice and the second time with XboxAhoy's voice... It's amazing lol I just seen the price and to be honet, I don't need a tablet I just thought it would be convenient to have one... I'm most likely going to settle for the iPad or wait untill I cave into the surface by gazing at it through google images. I'll probably buy the pro, thanks Troy! ps Do you ever intend to livestream again if you get time?
Thanks, it seems like it is definitely a compromise but it seems like it'd be much more useful for real life stuff than an Ipad, which I have used a fair amount. Does the Stylus work like a mouse with the ability to left and right click or is it not capable of this?
Ugh I want this thing so bad, mainly for drawing, but I just realized even if people feel they need more pressure sensitivity or just a higher quality drawing experience in general, it's one of the only tablets with a USB port so you can just pop in an Intuos or whatever else :D I really don't understand why this is one of the only tablets (Even if it's more of a computer) out there that can do all this.
The Surface Pro was designed to compete in the ultrabook market rather than the tablet market, so it would be unfair to directly compare the two. Regardless, the matter of whether a Surface Pro, iPad or Android tablet is "better" depends on the criteria of the individual user. Some users may find the Surface Pro unfeasible due to insufficient battery and opt for an iPad or Android tablet instead, for example. Especially if they are already invested in one of those ecosystems.
Hi there, just a question regarding Photoshop/lightroom...can you install this on the tablet like on PC? and also since it has a USB port, can you connect a hard drive on it?? Thanks and great review. (y)
Troy, I do get a sadistic pleasure from blasting music from my iPad, especially that which no one wants to hear. However, I will not, in any frame of mind, subjugate anyone to the musical repression and the coma inducing quote music unquote that is Justin Bieber. Finally, in the end, blasting the Llama song or the Got any Grapes song does in fact make me happy because I know that I've done my part to get an annoying song stuck in someones head for a day :D.
Is it going to be fast enough for me? I am going to do web surfing, play minecraft and a little of tf2 and I don't need to use it all day (2 hours a day) and making word related projects.
Will this supposed update help with the tracking on the Pro or just increase capability with normal programs? Also, does the Cintiq's lack of mobility carry any weight between the two?
The word "otaku" literally means "home". Originally in Japan, an otaku was a derogatory term for somebody who obsessed over anime, manga or video games to the point of rarely leaving the house. Over the last decade or so, the definition has expanded to include people who simply love anime and watch it frequently. Generally speaking, it is no longer considered a negative term and many viewers (such as myself) will refer to themselves as otaku.
@troy2062 I am a graphic designer and video editor for my college, and i was wondering how well does the Pro handle adobe software such as Photoshop, after effects, and premier cs6! should i get the surface pro or an ultrabook to edit such things. thank you!
I would just like to say that you have been very helpful indeed, and your humour is brilliant. I laughed out loud numerous times... But that's probably because I have a very bad sense of humour...
Can you please do a tutorial on how to mod a forza 4 game with jtag or how to mod any game with jtag as I'm buying a jtag console off my mate and need to know how to use it
Every few years I come back to this video because of the quality of it. Great Work!
This is probably the best review I've seen of the Surface Pro. Good job, man.
Glad I could help. Yes, I do plan to stream at some point in the near future (assuming my connection is up to the task).
I can't imagine performance being an issue at all for the tasks you mentioned. As I said in the review, I edited and rendered this video (AVCHD directly from a DSLR) on the Surface Pro.
It is called "5 Centimetres Per Second" and is one of two movies produced by Makoto Shinkai in this visual style, with the other being "The Place Promised In Our Early Days". They are both excellent. :3
The Wacom Cintiq Companion may also be an option for you to consider, granted it is more expensive at $1,900 for the base model.
Great review, Troy! Really clear and concise. Ignore the snarky robot comment. Other reviewers waste time trying to entertain instead of enlighten. I subscribed to your channel because you deliver informative, unbiased evaluations in a short amount of time.
That depends on how you intend to use it. The Surface Pro and iPad 4 are not really comparable as they are aimed at different markets. The Pro is designed for those who would like to replace both their ultrabook and tablet with one device.
Do you think you have need of a tablet which doubles as a standard Windows PC?
The supercell posters all came free with first-press singles pre-ordered from CDJapan. The Horo wall scrolls were purchased from Amazon.
quality edit, camera work, voice and review
This is the best surface pro review ever! (I have seen at least 20)
Performance in Photoshop is very reasonable and as I said, this video was produced entirely on the Surface Pro to serve as a demonstration, however I would not recommend the Pro specifically for the purpose of video editing. Ideally, you would want something with a dedicated CUDA-enabled GPU for this purpose.
Wow, I watched the whole video and I'm jealous of all your technology and your otaku merchandise.
The upcoming update will only address the lack of pressure sensitivity in desktop applications (Photoshop, Sai, etc).
Whether mobility is important is dependent on how and where you intend to use your chosen devices, so I'm afraid I can't really answer that.
Very good and informative video.
Yes, both the 64GB and 128GB versions include a stylus.
Great review. Good camera angles, lighting and coverage.
Admittedly the stylus section was somewhat rushed; I will be giving it more attention in a follow-up video.
Really great review! Very informative and unbiased, and rather streamlined, which I liked a lot.
One of the primary purposes of the Surface Pro is to act as a full desktop PC (this made for a far less cramped space while shooting too). Both the Pro's display and the external display which I used have the same native resolution, so the only difference would have been the keyboard anyways. :P
Hi, I love my original iPad but it does have limitations, namely writing documents on Pages when Microsoft Word would be miles better. However, I have an iMac and I love the fact the ipad and iMac link up seamlessly.
If your primary intention is to use the device as a tablet, I would definitely recommend the Cintiq over the Surface Pro. The Surface does not support Wacom pens, nor can it detect the angle of the pen. A Cintiq would also offer far more accurate tracking.
The Surface RT is an ARM-based tablet and is only capable of running Microsoft-approved software built for the ARM architecture. Hardware-wise, it is identical to any Android tablet.
The Surface Pro is essentially an ultrabook in tablet form with standard x86 hardware. Any application or game which you can run on your desktop PC can be run on the Surface Pro. You could even install a different operating system such as Windows 7, Ubuntu or Mac OS X if you so wished.
I won't speculate based on rumors, however I do recommend that you hold off purchasing until the 29th. Microsoft will be reducing the price of the 128GB Surface Pro to $899 on that date.
Great review I've seen people who only talk about a specific feature but you covered everthing :)
awesome review .. I'm a computer engineer and a digital illustrator I was thinking of getting a razer edge pro because of it's performance and for gaming but i saw some reviews saying that the battery is irritable and its quite expensive, and there are some other problem as well.. thats way am watching reviews of the Surface pro which kinda interesting, and I can do some digital doodles and play warframe
thank you for the review and am gonna get one :D
Yes, I would recommend the 128GB (102GB usable) version. While you could purchase the 64GB version for $799 and add a 64GB MicroSD card, that card is going to cost about $50 and it will not be half as fast as the Surface Pro's SSD.
In purchasing the 128GB version, you are effectively only spending $50 more. The benefits are overall faster storage and a MicroSD card slot available for future expansion.
great unboxing/review, and vid overall.. funny how this is the only vid i've seen so far that has been able to effectively show the pointer for the pen works when hoverying near the screen lol every other demo never though of using a black background
"pissing off everybody within a 5km radius" - priceless :)
Realy like that you can use this as a normal pc. Atleast that is the feeling i get when watching the video.
To be able to use the software i use on my normal desktop pc sounds great.
Nice review and thanks for showing us Surface Pro
Excellent review - Love your voice!
Grabbing one this afternoon
thinking about buying one, wanted one of these tablets for a while.
I do not have a negative impression of the Surface RT; it simply does not pique my interest. This is due to the fact that the range of software currently available for it is rather small and Microsoft's attempt to block unsigned third-party software altogether has certainly not helped that situation.
Damn there's a sale that ends on the 15th here in Canada, that already places the 128GB for 899.99. Paycheques won't be here in time for that haha. You don't think the 128GB is necessary though do you? I've heard of some people using a 64GB microSD and transferring the recovery partitions onto it reserving more internal space on the tablet. Thanks again for the fast response~
Amazing video. Great editing/ camera work!
I shall take that as a compliment, good sir.
Wow, sorry, did you ever touch to see how hot the tablet got after a while?
Yeah I'm interested in getting one as well, especially for my upcoming school year. I'm going to be a college freshman and so I'm hoping to find something that I can take notes with both a keyboard and stylus. I don't know if I should wait out for the next Surface Pro rumored to release in October or if I should just get this to start out the fall semester. I'd appreciate anyone's input, thanks!
Purely from a performance and functionality standpoint, the Pro is definitely more capable, however the better tablet is the one which suits your needs best.
The Pro is twice as expensive as a 16GB iPad 4, considerably heavier and offers about half of the battery life. As part of this trade-off, you gain full compatibility with x86 operating systems and software, a stylus, more storage and ultrabook-class performance.
Do the benefits outweigh the hindrances?
Thanks. And thank you for subscribing! :3
No problem. Glad I could help. :3
How does the tablet handle being used like a laptop?
I'd love a tablet to replace my laptop when I travel as it'd be much lighter and smaller but, it'd be annoying not having USB ports or a SD card slot, it appeared to handle well but do you think it could replace or 95% replace a laptop?
Also I got them impression the stylus could kind of act like a mouse. Do you think it'd be possible to install RTS games and use the stylus like a mouse?
As I think itd be cool if you could.
Great review too!
i would not say it replaces a laptop, i think it is a cross between a netbook and a laptop. Its designed to be used for simple tasks such as office as well as just being a tablet, however has the ability to "stretch its legs" and give you a small amount of performance, more specifically cpu oriented. So i would only get it if you are wanting the cross between a very powerful tablet and a basic laptop. This is a compromise machine, you are getting the best for the size it is.
This is the original Surface Pro; it does not have the two-stage stand found on the Surface Pro 2.
Very well done Troy!
Thank you. Glad I could help! :3
Yes, let's go with that.
Troy what would you recommend: The surface or the iPad?
I'm a general user, I might do some drawings or animations with flash, some browsing, some gaming. Nothing extreme.
Thanks so much for answering my questions, very helpful stuff. Great video too.
Great review, so thanks. Would you recommend this over an Ipad 4?
Best review of Surface Pro!
There isn't really a comfortable way to perch the tablet on your lap while the keyboard is attached. It's really only usable with a desk or other flat surface, unfortunately.
It's your accent, which we all enjoy. Great review! : )
I'm a biology student and am taking a heavy load of science bassed classes, is there any programs you recommend for chemisry, calculus, physics or biology note taking programs?
I read that twice, once with your voice and the second time with XboxAhoy's voice... It's amazing lol
I just seen the price and to be honet, I don't need a tablet I just thought it would be convenient to have one... I'm most likely going to settle for the iPad or wait untill I cave into the surface by gazing at it through google images.
I'll probably buy the pro, thanks Troy!
ps Do you ever intend to livestream again if you get time?
Thanks, it seems like it is definitely a compromise but it seems like it'd be much more useful for real life stuff than an Ipad, which I have used a fair amount.
Does the Stylus work like a mouse with the ability to left and right click or is it not capable of this?
Such A Good Review of the Product
Excellent Review mate, really enjoyed it!
Can you do some anime videos playback to see how well it can handel different type of mkv endcodes such as 10bit
very creative and watchable review
How does the Surface Pro compare to the Cintiq products? The new 13HD comes out next week and I'd like to buy one or the other.
Ugh I want this thing so bad, mainly for drawing, but I just realized even if people feel they need more pressure sensitivity or just a higher quality drawing experience in general, it's one of the only tablets with a USB port so you can just pop in an Intuos or whatever else :D I really don't understand why this is one of the only tablets (Even if it's more of a computer) out there that can do all this.
The Surface Pro was designed to compete in the ultrabook market rather than the tablet market, so it would be unfair to directly compare the two.
Regardless, the matter of whether a Surface Pro, iPad or Android tablet is "better" depends on the criteria of the individual user. Some users may find the Surface Pro unfeasible due to insufficient battery and opt for an iPad or Android tablet instead, for example. Especially if they are already invested in one of those ecosystems.
The Surface Pro is compatible with all existing Windows software, so there are many applications which serve that purpose.
Can you make a another video just for the performance?
Hi there, just a question regarding Photoshop/lightroom...can you install this on the tablet like on PC? and also since it has a USB port, can you connect a hard drive on it?? Thanks and great review. (y)
Your voice sound professional and you have a nice voice.
Nice vid, does the keyboard have backlit keys?
dream tablet/pc
Troy, I do get a sadistic pleasure from blasting music from my iPad, especially that which no one wants to hear. However, I will not, in any frame of mind, subjugate anyone to the musical repression and the coma inducing quote music unquote that is Justin Bieber. Finally, in the end, blasting the Llama song or the Got any Grapes song does in fact make me happy because I know that I've done my part to get an annoying song stuck in someones head for a day :D.
where did you get it from? i dont know if i should wait for it to become available in the UK or get it from a US sight and have it shipped?
About the trackpad, did you change its settings? So make the pointer faster? I set mine to the fastest.
Is it going to be fast enough for me?
I am going to do web surfing, play minecraft and a little of tf2 and I don't need to use it all day (2 hours a day) and making word related projects.
that is a glorious mullet you have there
can't help but notice that you have a start menu in your taskbar. did you mod it to be that way, or is there a setting that i've missed?
Woah, do all of these come with a stylus? I wanted one primarily for mobile digital drawing and expected to have to buy my own stylus.
I installed the start menu myself.
Will this supposed update help with the tracking on the Pro or just increase capability with normal programs? Also, does the Cintiq's lack of mobility carry any weight between the two?
best review of this tablet thanks!
an excellent review. no trolling needed
Capacitive input is far too inaccurate for precise operations such as drawing or writing; those are the primary purposes of the stylus.
I would have loved to see the pen tested in pro drawing applications but very good review otherwise
How are you playing the games
Danger, Will Robinson!
Thank you. I prefer the term "artificial lifeform".
The word "otaku" literally means "home". Originally in Japan, an otaku was a derogatory term for somebody who obsessed over anime, manga or video games to the point of rarely leaving the house.
Over the last decade or so, the definition has expanded to include people who simply love anime and watch it frequently. Generally speaking, it is no longer considered a negative term and many viewers (such as myself) will refer to themselves as otaku.
I need to buy one ... So please, price & where in Canada ??
While playing the games on the external monitor did you
@troy2062 I am a graphic designer and video editor for my college, and i was wondering how well does the Pro handle adobe software such as Photoshop, after effects, and premier cs6! should i get the surface pro or an ultrabook to edit such things. thank you!
I would just like to say that you have been very helpful indeed, and your humour is brilliant. I laughed out loud numerous times... But that's probably because I have a very bad sense of humour...
Dude where did you buy this from, I'm from UK and don't want MTO import :(
Can you please do a tutorial on how to mod a forza 4 game with jtag or how to mod any game with jtag as I'm buying a jtag console off my mate and need to know how to use it
do you know if we can personalize the home screen with our own pictures? Thanks! :)
There is essentially no video which it will not play perfectly. I have tested 4k video and encountered no problems.
Your voice sounds like my mac's terminal reading something i copied and paste in it.
In my opinion, owning both devices, if your primary laptop is an 11.6" MacBook Air or equivalent, the Surface Pro could replace it.
Good review man!
Cheers man, I'll have a look
You will need an application called "Windows 8 Start Screen Customizer", but yes, you can.
this is one good review. Thanks!