I was a mac user for 8 years, then moved to the hp spectre x360 for 5 years, then when i switched to the surface pro 8, i was so happy. Now i habe the surface pro 11 with the new flex keyboard. So happy with the surface devices so far. The hardware quality really stands out as compared to the other windows competitors
100% agree! Was on Mac/iPhone til surface pro 4, switched at surface pro 6 to surface book then Hp Spectre, then Lenovo Yoga, but they just never felt right. Back to my favourite form factor with 9 and now this is such a nice upgrade that I can't imagine not continuing
The last surface I had was a surface pro 4. I’ve used an iPad Pro since then. But the surface pro 11 is finally bringing me back! Can’t wait to get one
@@RaffyHalim eh, tbh when it comes to my iPad, the only thing I do without a keyboard is draw, search the web and consume media. And I’m pretty sure those should be fine without a keyboard on the surface. Any serious stuff like typing would definitely need a keyboard anyway
@@christianr.5868 yeah agreed- I think some people think of the surface as a tablet first and laptop second. Where as I think of it mainly as a laptop with the ability to use as a tablet. Then it makes perfect sense for the tradeoffs the device has
One of my favourite form factors/devices. Tried to switch away a few years ago, but missed it too much. This generation really does feel like the OG vision IMO!
@@RaffyHalim I plan to replace my SP7 with this, even after looking around for better value/performing alternatives. For lovers of the form factor, the only real replacement for a Surface Pro is another Surface Pro.
@@calculatedart totally agree! I've noticed such a big difference even from the Pro 9 that you'll absolutely LOVE the performance and battery life. Just the occasional software compatibility issue mars an otherwise great experience
I did too for the same reason- have not regretted at all. Few little software quirks and as I'm learning, Python modules don't seem to work with new PWA versions of Outlook etc, but the trade offs are so worth it
@@RaffyHalim which version did you get? I have Pro 9 with 16GB RAM which is plenty enough for me, but I am thinking on investing big with the Elite + 32GB RAM and 1 TB Storage, but it seems overkill haha
I have the over kill version 🤣 Only bad thing is the screen is SO reflective. The IPS panel I think is a bit more manageable. I have a couple of matte screen protectors that are meant to be paperlike that I'm testing out in the next few days to see if that helps
And then you get access to the nice Matte black version too. It was a hard toss up for me since I use the device for everything, decided slight increase on performance was worth colour of device and screen (the OLED *is* nice, but glare is very noticeable)
my surface pro 11's battery life is much different to yours.... lost 5% just watching this video :( Finding that I need to plug it into charge 6 hours in, I do use mine quite a bit i guess, being in an office desk job and in I.T, but I was expecting at least 1 solid day of use. But even on Battery saver enabled at 100% battery, it struggles by 1-2pm if I started my day at 9am. My tasks usually revolve around answering emails, researching solutions on the web via Edge, 1-2 TH-cam videos every 2 or so hours and some tools to troubleshoot customer's PC. Its not that much better than other laptops in my experience so far. The battery percent just keeps ticking down. 2% since typing this message... so after watching a 10min clip and spending another 5 min typing, i'm down 7% But great video, liked and subbed.
That's very surprising. My tasks currently are pretty similar I have to day. My guess is that you probably need to use more applications that are currently emulated rather than native? Biggest difference to battery happened if I changed the power plan from anything other than the recommended. Otherwise heavy apps running on emulation made an impact, but so far it's still held up as per the video. I did try and specifocally search for arm64 version of apps when I set up the device (ie dropbox I had to search for the arm64 version on their site)
I want to buy a window's device BUT I have ALL apple devices and it's very convenient and functional (the hand-off system). How do I merge these two together?
Well, there are options that replicate most of Apples features, but beyond my scope to answer since I haven't used Apple products in about 5 years. Windows and android play fairly well together these days. As far as I'm aware, you won't have ALL the functions because that requires you to buy into another ecosystem. Samsung for example has a very similar ecosystem to Apple, but Surface isn't as seamless
It’s bad, reasons: I was unable to share vpn over the hotspot because there is NO visible hotspot adapter under network adapters (it does however share normal internet connection). Unable to install external TP link WiFi adapter (drivers do not work). Unable to run OpenGL as I implement a lot of OpenGL graphics and Java. Furthermore I was unable to run HyperV to emulate Windows x86 because it’s not supported (it only supports ARM). It’s really really bad. So much in fact that I will get surface 10 for business with Intel and x86 instruction set.
Yeah sounds like your specific use case requires a lot of things a RISC processor like the X elite doesn't support. I had some issues installing just Python on here even though there is an arm64 version. Again, I'm not doing anything that technical, so just running the x86 version on Pycharm fixed my issue. There are still some software quirks/incompatibilities that are annoying, but by and large, for me, it was worth the trade off. I hope surface for business fits your needs!
Did anyone else notice that when using co-pilot plus it doesn't have memory like chatgpt 4o. This is a massive issue for me as i have trained 4o with acronyms to remember entire philosophies or data sets. Maybe i am doing something wrong? Also, google Drive doesn't integrate with ARM. Any tips?
I think copilot still uses gpt4 rather than 4o hence the issue. I mainly use gpt4o desperately. Currently, little bit of a gap in some services for arm64 processors. Certain VPNs/back up software not compatible yet. You can try and see if you can run it incompatibility mode but not sure if it'll work (quick share doesn't). Dropbox/one drive already work, so not sure if you can temporarily use one of those 2 services?
Raffy, can you please describe your dota2 experience - this is a crucial factor for me, as i like to play DotA 2 in business trips. Did you play multiplayer, do this laggy environment with emulation affects your performance?
I haven't played online, just bot games. It's not actually lag per se. The easiest way I can describe it is imagine the refresh rate dynamically adjusting every second or so. Everything is smooth, but there seems to subtle change that u notice. It's pretty subtle and plenty of other people seem to play overwatch without trouble on the device so I'm beginning to think it's all in my head 😅
The bad: Another botched Surface Launch and no still 5G devices. Business clients still stuck buying Dell and Lenovo in order to get 5G in a Windows Tablet. Consumers still stuck buying iPads and Samsung Tab S Tablets to get 5G and good battery life.
Really? My surface pro 11 is getting me through the whole day using a mix of x64 and x86 apps- some light video editing and web mainly. But yeah, shame they didn't release the 5G version at the same time
I was a mac user for 8 years, then moved to the hp spectre x360 for 5 years, then when i switched to the surface pro 8, i was so happy. Now i habe the surface pro 11 with the new flex keyboard. So happy with the surface devices so far. The hardware quality really stands out as compared to the other windows competitors
100% agree! Was on Mac/iPhone til surface pro 4, switched at surface pro 6 to surface book then Hp Spectre, then Lenovo Yoga, but they just never felt right.
Back to my favourite form factor with 9 and now this is such a nice upgrade that I can't imagine not continuing
@@RaffyHalim cool. We are on the same route. Hehehe
The last surface I had was a surface pro 4. I’ve used an iPad Pro since then. But the surface pro 11 is finally bringing me back! Can’t wait to get one
Not as touch friendly as iPad pro, but for a productivity device, nothing else really hot the spot for me!
@@RaffyHalim eh, tbh when it comes to my iPad, the only thing I do without a keyboard is draw, search the web and consume media. And I’m pretty sure those should be fine without a keyboard on the surface. Any serious stuff like typing would definitely need a keyboard anyway
@@christianr.5868 yeah agreed- I think some people think of the surface as a tablet first and laptop second.
Where as I think of it mainly as a laptop with the ability to use as a tablet.
Then it makes perfect sense for the tradeoffs the device has
Always refreshing and genuinely useful to have a review from an actual Surface user. Also appreciated the shoutout to the original Surface RT.
One of my favourite form factors/devices. Tried to switch away a few years ago, but missed it too much. This generation really does feel like the OG vision IMO!
@@RaffyHalim I plan to replace my SP7 with this, even after looking around for better value/performing alternatives. For lovers of the form factor, the only real replacement for a Surface Pro is another Surface Pro.
@@calculatedart totally agree!
I've noticed such a big difference even from the Pro 9 that you'll absolutely LOVE the performance and battery life.
Just the occasional software compatibility issue mars an otherwise great experience
Surface Pro 9 user here, definitely I will be upgrading mostly for battery life
I did too for the same reason- have not regretted at all. Few little software quirks and as I'm learning, Python modules don't seem to work with new PWA versions of Outlook etc, but the trade offs are so worth it
@@RaffyHalim which version did you get? I have Pro 9 with 16GB RAM which is plenty enough for me, but I am thinking on investing big with the Elite + 32GB RAM and 1 TB Storage, but it seems overkill haha
I have the over kill version 🤣
Only bad thing is the screen is SO reflective. The IPS panel I think is a bit more manageable.
I have a couple of matte screen protectors that are meant to be paperlike that I'm testing out in the next few days to see if that helps
@@RaffyHalim oh man, my home office has big windows and a lot of natural light lol, maybe the IPS will work better for me
And then you get access to the nice Matte black version too. It was a hard toss up for me since I use the device for everything, decided slight increase on performance was worth colour of device and screen (the OLED *is* nice, but glare is very noticeable)
Excellent review! Thanks.
Thank you! Glad you liked it!
Great stuff, enjoyed this video 👍
Thanks! Much appreciated 🙏
my surface pro 11's battery life is much different to yours.... lost 5% just watching this video :(
Finding that I need to plug it into charge 6 hours in, I do use mine quite a bit i guess, being in an office desk job and in I.T, but I was expecting at least 1 solid day of use. But even on Battery saver enabled at 100% battery, it struggles by 1-2pm if I started my day at 9am.
My tasks usually revolve around answering emails, researching solutions on the web via Edge, 1-2 TH-cam videos every 2 or so hours and some tools to troubleshoot customer's PC.
Its not that much better than other laptops in my experience so far. The battery percent just keeps ticking down. 2% since typing this message... so after watching a 10min clip and spending another 5 min typing, i'm down 7%
But great video, liked and subbed.
That's very surprising. My tasks currently are pretty similar I have to day. My guess is that you probably need to use more applications that are currently emulated rather than native?
Biggest difference to battery happened if I changed the power plan from anything other than the recommended.
Otherwise heavy apps running on emulation made an impact, but so far it's still held up as per the video.
I did try and specifocally search for arm64 version of apps when I set up the device (ie dropbox I had to search for the arm64 version on their site)
How many Hz do you apply to the screen? Have you tried 60 Hz? Also what's the power mode?
I have at 120 dynamic and recommended power mode
Some apps in 2024 for Windows still relies on old visual studio C++ (like 6.0) this won't be able to run on ARM machines.
Yeah and the beta Pycharm for arm64 wasn't working initially either.
Hopefully it's a bit of teething issues and will get resolved quickly
I want to buy a window's device BUT I have ALL apple devices and it's very convenient and functional (the hand-off system). How do I merge these two together?
Well, there are options that replicate most of Apples features, but beyond my scope to answer since I haven't used Apple products in about 5 years.
Windows and android play fairly well together these days.
As far as I'm aware, you won't have ALL the functions because that requires you to buy into another ecosystem.
Samsung for example has a very similar ecosystem to Apple, but Surface isn't as seamless
@@RaffyHalim thank you so much!!
@@ThisLIFEisR no problems! Good luck with it all
It’s bad, reasons: I was unable to share vpn over the hotspot because there is NO visible hotspot adapter under network adapters (it does however share normal internet connection). Unable to install external TP link WiFi adapter (drivers do not work). Unable to run OpenGL as I implement a lot of OpenGL graphics and Java. Furthermore I was unable to run HyperV to emulate Windows x86 because it’s not supported (it only supports ARM). It’s really really bad. So much in fact that I will get surface 10 for business with Intel and x86 instruction set.
Yeah sounds like your specific use case requires a lot of things a RISC processor like the X elite doesn't support.
I had some issues installing just Python on here even though there is an arm64 version.
Again, I'm not doing anything that technical, so just running the x86 version on Pycharm fixed my issue.
There are still some software quirks/incompatibilities that are annoying, but by and large, for me, it was worth the trade off.
I hope surface for business fits your needs!
Did anyone else notice that when using co-pilot plus it doesn't have memory like chatgpt 4o. This is a massive issue for me as i have trained 4o with acronyms to remember entire philosophies or data sets. Maybe i am doing something wrong? Also, google Drive doesn't integrate with ARM. Any tips?
I think copilot still uses gpt4 rather than 4o hence the issue. I mainly use gpt4o desperately.
Currently, little bit of a gap in some services for arm64 processors. Certain VPNs/back up software not compatible yet. You can try and see if you can run it incompatibility mode but not sure if it'll work (quick share doesn't). Dropbox/one drive already work, so not sure if you can temporarily use one of those 2 services?
Does dual screen work on this?
I use mine with an external USB screen daily! Recently upgraded to a larger external touch panel with pen input. Both ways work great 👍
@@RaffyHalim I mean like can it pair wirelessly with my Samsung tablet? I use pro 9 to pair with a tablet when I am outside sometimes
I don't have a tablet here unfortunately to test. Once I'm back home in Melbourne, I'll try and see and report back
@@RaffyHalim thanks for your help great review btw
Great video 👍 but definitely not gaming on this 😅
Why not?! It's such a smooth gaming computer 🤣
Raffy, can you please describe your dota2 experience - this is a crucial factor for me, as i like to play DotA 2 in business trips. Did you play multiplayer, do this laggy environment with emulation affects your performance?
I haven't played online, just bot games.
It's not actually lag per se. The easiest way I can describe it is imagine the refresh rate dynamically adjusting every second or so. Everything is smooth, but there seems to subtle change that u notice.
It's pretty subtle and plenty of other people seem to play overwatch without trouble on the device so I'm beginning to think it's all in my head 😅
nice video it's a lovely machine but long term?😂
Long term in the world of tech anyway 🤣
The bad: Another botched Surface Launch and no still 5G devices.
Business clients still stuck buying Dell and Lenovo in order to get 5G in a Windows Tablet.
Consumers still stuck buying iPads and Samsung Tab S Tablets to get 5G and good battery life.
Really? My surface pro 11 is getting me through the whole day using a mix of x64 and x86 apps- some light video editing and web mainly.
But yeah, shame they didn't release the 5G version at the same time
@@RaffyHalim 5G has been a non-negotiable in every business I've worked at. Even more so after the bug.