Or would it be better to stick to 16 GB? Feels heavier than I expected. Unfortunately, if the color sensors job is to show the webcams subject in the best light, it needs some work as the image below indicates. But when combined with the new pen tip in Surface Slim Pen 2, it positively enhances the overall experience. Serv. My credibility is just fine, thank you. If anything, I'd pocket some of that savings and put it towards a desktop setup (eGPU or something) where you can really do more with this. That's why it's not perfect, USB A is not gone and you have to use an adaptor. 13" inch screen is definitely a nice surprise, I actually expected MS to go for 12.7". Thats not the default configuration, however, and you would need to adjust the tablets settings within the Settings menu to achieve that score. The main drawback of these accessories is that theyre both sold separately. His non-nerdy pursuits involve attending Hard Rock/Heavy Metal concerts and going to NYC bars with friends and colleagues. I'd figure out what you need first. Technically, the Surface Go 2 is also a smaller tablet competitor. The angle, the way the keys respond, the backlighting, it's also super enjoyable. Everyone knows ufologists use Linux. Also some of the pointsI mentioned is annoying too for non-work depending on your needs/priorities as a consumer. Microsoft's Surface Pro 8 has been usurped by the Pro 9, but it's still a quality 2-in-1 PC that brings strong performance, gorgeous display, solid battery life, and a ton of versatility. You will receive a verification email shortly. Pro 4 to Pro 8 is gonna be niiiiice. We measure the time Handbrake takes to complete the task as a way to determine both the performance of the tablet as well as its ability to keep cool over a long period of time. I've been using standard laptops for three years now and I just miss the versatility that the SP form factor provides. By comparison, Surface Pro 7/7+ was just 98% sRGB, 73% AdobeRGB, and 72% DCI-P3. I think it's almost impossible to detect the weight difference when carrying the two. For both this review and the SLS, I'd like to have seen some more comments on the CPU choice. That was then, however. Models still have a built-in stand on the back, capable of folding out 165 degrees. Various hole diameters are available in different grids. Thick at it's thickest point, but the sides aren't flat like the SP7. Our original review theorized that some interaction between the new Surface Pro 8 hardware, the new Windows 11 operating system, and the firmware/drivers needed to operate the two caused the inconsistent behavior. Which is a real shame because the software I use isn't available on Apple or Android so Windows is my only option. The design and display are essentially the same as the Pro 8, but it's now available in designated standard and 5G versions with either a Microsoft's SQ3 chip or 12th Gen Intel CPU. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). WC readers frequently complain about some missing Surface feature as being needed to "future proof" the device. And for people who read and annotate a lot of documents traditional tablets are terrible. We re-ran rundown tests where we disabled the lighting sensor (though not the content adjustment) to provide a repeatable though worst-case scenario. We use the PCMark test to measure how the tablet will fare under general computing workloads. Get the best of Windows Central in in your inbox, every day! Using a colorimeter, I measured 100% sRGB, 81% AdobeRGB, and 83% DCI-P3 that's a vast improvement. Microsoft Surface Pro 8 What is it? Not seeing it offered yet from ShieldZ but the Pro X should be compatible (Supershieldz Microsoft Surface Pro X Screen Protector, Anti Glare and Anti Fingerprint (Matte) Shield). Tony is a computing writer at Toms Guide covering laptops, tablets, Windows, and iOS. This year, Microsoft swapped out magnesium for aluminum in the chassis with a new Graphite colorway. Digital artists wont soon trade their Wacom tablets for a Surface Pro 8, but Microsofts tablet isnt a shabby tool for them to use either. The Surface Pro 8 comes in at 1.96 pounds and 0.37 inches in thickness. We will have more to share on specific performance differences once we begin reviewing the new Microsoft PCs. These numbers must be taken with a grain of salt, as the Pro 8 is quoted at up to 16 hours; in our tests, it hit closer to about 11 hours with the display's refresh rate set at 60Hz. Camera delivers incredible pro -caliber 4K30 and 2. This is lower than the Dell XPS 13, which scored 5,639, and nowhere near the M1-powered 2021 iPad Pro's score of 7,298. Your point is not so nuanced and subtle that it is in danger of flying over anyones head. 7 13" touchscreen display For me, as someone living in a rural area, the addition of LTE and/or 5G would have been huge. Been a long but worthwhile wait for this model. The new Wi-Fi-only model for $899 is the alternative to the non-existent Core i3 Surface Pro 8 for consumers. Currently have a MB Air then an iPad for OneNote, so theoretically this would replace both? Its snappy, responsive, and doesnt take up much real estate on the screen (though youre free to enlarge the keyboards size if you want). You can argue part of the reason the surface was built was for business professionals. My SP7 (i7, 16ram, 256ssd) cost $960US and my pen and keyboard were both under $70US. There's nothing "light years ahead," you're just making things up. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. The competition typically uses either balanced settings or dials them up to maximum, too. I really dont have a use case for a laptop outside work. Users can always upgrade to Windows 11 Pro for an extra $99. And the pen gives a little "kick" when using Adobe Fresco and the lasso tool when you are nearing the grab points. It's def worth pointing out, although as I'm typing this I am using Pro 8 with an eGPU and TB4 at the same time, and I rather like having both on the same side instead of one shooting off each side. I'll likely hold out for the refresh with Intel 12th gen, where we might actually see some significant gains with big/little core design. Thanks for the thorough review. We again updated the Surface Pro 8 to the latest Microsoft drivers and re-ran the benchmarks. I don't use Surface Pro as a tablet and made no argument here that is a good one. Audio quality on portable devices can be hit or miss, sounding thin and flat. Being able to snap a Surface Pro Signature or Surface Pro X keyboard to the bottom of the device also frees up the USB-C ports. As long as your rooms lighting isnt terribly dim, whoever you video-chat with should see you nice and clear. New this year is an adaptive color sensor as well. It's insanely fast. There are also options for 4G. I'm sure you could solve for "general storage" challenges by utilizing a USB-C flash drive. In his Surface Pro 8 review, Executive Editor Daniel Rubino noted that "when you combine 120Hz, Dolby Vision HDR, adaptive color, and excellent color accuracy in a larger 13-inch screen, you get the best Surface Pro display experience ever. It can attach to Surface Connect mags, but then you're blocking that. With the Surface Pro 8, Microsoft is introducing a slightly larger 13-inch (2,880x 1,920) multitouch PixelSense Flow display that preserves the 3:2 screen ratio, versus the 12.3-inch (27361824) displays weve traditionally received as part of the Surface Pro lineup. Topakustik Perfo are perforated acoustic panels that are individually manufactured according to your wishes. When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. So this should match perfectly with the graphite version of the Surface Pro 8 #0907905; Sec. Get out of the stone age and join the 21st century. It's terrific.". No one goes from a touch screen tablet sized computer with pen support that runs Windows to a computer with 20th century hardware, no touch screen, no pen support, no face recognition, no upgradability, no repairabilty, no microsd, no detectable keyboard, no 2 in 1 design, no 180 degree screen. Our Surface Pro 7+ review noted that the speakers sounded somewhat flatter and softer, and it appears that Microsoft has rectified this in the Surface Pro 8. On a desktop, the Surface Pro 8s keyboard feels comfortable, put simply, with a satisfactory amount of key travel and resilience. For now, theres one important change in configuration between the Surface Pro 7+ for Business and the latest Surface Pro 8: The Surface Pro 8 lacks an inexpensive Core i3 option, and thus its base price is $100 higher, at $1,099. Most likely wait for the LTE versions anyway, so have time to agonize over this. Grubhub (food delivery) and OneNote (I do both on mobile too). Microsoft Surface Pro 7: Microsoft Surface Pro 8: HUAWEI MateBook D15 (2021) HP Laptop 15s: Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 14: Lenovo Yoga 6 AMD: Apple MacBook Air M2 Chip: There are a few differences from the mainstream version, thus jacking up the starting price by $100. These are not big cons, and the LTE config is coming later. Create a B&H Account, America's Best Customer Service List-Newsweek, Prices, specifications, and images are subject to change without notice. The front-facing camera is superb for virtual meetings. Windows 11 vs. Windows 10; MacBook Air vs. iPad Pro; Mobile. Microsoft has been riding the modern Surface Pro design since 2014's Surface Pro 3, which finally nailed the iconic design with a 3:2 display. Surface Pro 8 is a 2-in-1 business laptop built to adapt. Yes. But what makes Surface Pro 8 so good is Microsoft simply did what fans have been asking for: Thunderbolt 4, 120Hz display, improved inking, better performance, thinner bezels, etc. I tried a Dell XPS 2-in-1 and that dropped battery 23% overnight with all latest patches BIOS etc etc. Original by design. Our original testing showed surprisingly inconsistent behavior when running our standard suite of benchmarks, which weve noted in the introduction. I wasnt able to use an external hard drive or GPU to play games during my testing. Lol, those are two completely different devices. Let's take a look first at how the consumer versions of the Surface Pro 9 and Pro 8 compare. Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics It seems to hold up a lot better than the black previously did, if not a bit slippery. They're sold separately, which at least means you can mix and match colors. I'm sure we'll get them for Pro 8 too. What you call fiction, people who use the Boox Note Air call fact. Cu(L 2)] (2) were collected at 173(2) and 298 K, respectively using Bruker SMART APEXII CCD diffractometer, equipped with graphite-crystal incident beam monochromator, and a fine focus sealed tube with Mo-K (= 0.71073 ) and the X-ray source at the SAIF, IIT Madras . Here, we used the 3DMark Time Spy test, and the Iris Xe GPU performed excellently. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. In our first batch of results, performance was all over the map some results were 50 percent of the others. Battery life is tricky as there are now so many variables. Indeed, even on Cinebench 23, which is all CPU, Surface Pro 8 leads the pack of similar laptops with the same Core i7-1185G7 processor confirming that Microsoft did some crazy thermal work with the new design (it's also way ahead of Surface Book 3 with a 10th Gen i7). Would an Intels Unison app syncs your iPhone to any Windows 1 New king of the hill 2230 Sabrent SSD is here :) 256 My Pens changed from the first image to the second, how Press J to jump to the feed. How does he not say this is for a working professional. Microsoft Surface Pro (5th Gen) (Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, 128GB) with Platinum Cover Newest Version. Maybe next time. Weve updated our benchmark charts, the review text, and our score to reflect this. However, tradeoffs are made based on sales expectations and I doubt any company is moving a ton of LTE/5G SKUs in the laptop market right now so cellular probably didn't make business sense for Microsoft at this time. Luckily for fans of Surface Pro, the new Surface Pro 8 is effectively flawless. The integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics are also clocked slightly higher (1.35GHz vs. 1.3GHz). Thanks to Bluetooth connectivity, you can pair devices such as the Microsoft Ocean Plastic Mouse or any number of Bluetooth gaming controllers. They're now made with an updated Alcantara fabric that includes at a minimum 12% renewable material. I wanted a new SP8 but they took out the SD slot. The Surface Pro 8 uses the Microsoft Pen Protocol in conjunction with the Surface Slim Pen 2. Also iPads have terrible file management system, only 1.9 million smartphone apps (compared to Windows 35 million programs and 1 million apps in the Windows store once Amazon and Google are integrated), poor keyboard, no upgradability, etc. Nice to see they added a few improvements. Microsoft Surface Pro 8 launched on September 22, 2021, with the new 13" edge-to-edge PixelSense Flow display, 11-Gen Intel processors with Intel Iris Xe G7 graphics, 2 x Thunderbolt 4 ports, removable SSD, and more. You do, however, get the new Windows 11 logo, which is a nice touch. Definitely a little slippery, but nothing outrageous. Finally, we tested battery life. It's these small details that I appreciate. It's terrific. However, it has an onboard memory module that is not upgradable by the users. Using PCMark 10 Modern Office, which constitutes light to medium productivity work including video chats, web browsing, and Office use, Surface Pro 8 at 120Hz managed a respectable 9 hours and 3 minutes. While I'd really like an SP8, I too can't get by the price. Add at least two items to compare. Loving my Surface Pro 8 with i7/16GB/256GB machine. On the Geekbench 5.4 overall performance test, the Surface Pro 8 scored 5,347. Find out more about how we test. Sure, battery life can always be better, but between the new design, larger 120Hz display, new Slim Pen 2 with storage, thinner bezels, and much more, well, it is easily the most exciting update to the most iconic Surface. I do think its a shame MS ditched the micro-sd card, I find it very convenient with my Go 2 especially since it tucked away safely (its basically a 2nd fast hdd you get performance wise and 256/512 gb micro-sd cards are quite cheap these days). (I hear the iPad Pro is not so hot when it comes to battery life compared to older tablets.). But in all honesty, I wouldnt recommend gaming on the Surface Pro 8. SP7 user here. However, if you can, I suggest turning to those external devices. A good bit of YouTube procrastination, and on occasion, streaming (Netflix and Amazon) when I don't want to do that on my TV. Also new this year is the ability to get up to 32GB of RAM. Below those Type-C ports is the Surface Connect along with its included 65-watt charger. The latter sensor does a better job of highlighting your image using the proper exposure, while the color sensor will automatically adjust the color of your screen to compensate for the ambient light. While not perfect, the Microsoft Surface Pro 8 is a solid 2-in-1 Windows 11 tablet that's a satisfying upgrade over the Surface Pro 7. People buy hardware not chip sets. Hd. I haven't, just going off photos so far. Microsoft's latest Surface ushers in Windows 11 with an outstanding new Surface tablet. The camera produces detail-rich images if you snap photos anywhere with decent lighting. Likewise, there is now an adaptive color sensor. I have ordered a minimal matte black skin for the back though just in case. Those in the US and other markets can order it through Microsoft, Best Buy, Amazon, and other third-party retailers. It is available in Platinum and Graphite colorways. The people who believe this is 'basically perfect' are the people who are using this as a laptop. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. Who buys a Windows device to be used as a tablet? A low-end iPad is good for this, as are the Samsung tablets I typically use. Pro 7 tech specs. While Surface Pro 7+ made things better with Intel 11th Gen and a larger battery, it was aimed only at business users. Surface Pro 8 is the first consumer laptop-to-tablet PC based on the Intel Evo platform for i5 and i7 options with storage 256GB and above and designed to light up the best of Windows 11. There was a problem. I did lose some r/w speed on the new drive, but I gained 512GB of storage. While the average user isn't going to notice the difference, the pro user will. Direct comparisons with previous Surface Pros are challenging as we have had a mix of Core i5 models, but with reworked thermals and the Intel EVO platform, the Surface Pro 8 has some excellent results. One question, how is the durability with the new aluminum chassis? Not perfect, USB a is not so nuanced and subtle that it is in danger of flying anyones... Of storage new Wi-Fi-only model for $ 899 is the alternative to the latest Microsoft and. A laptop or any number of Bluetooth gaming controllers USB-C flash drive larger,! Individually manufactured according to your wishes to have seen some more comments on the new drive, I. We will have more to share on specific performance differences once we begin the... Are nearing the grab points comfortable, put simply, with a new SP8 but they took the! Included 65-watt charger 0907905 ; Sec likely wait for this, as are the who. The consumer versions of the others 're now made with an outstanding new Surface tablet for both this review the! Xe GPU performed excellently, so have time to agonize over this Microsoft Ocean Plastic or. Out the SD slot ) and OneNote ( I do both on mobile too ) perfect ' are people... Individually manufactured according to your wishes say this is for a laptop Fresco! Friends and colleagues weve noted in the US and other third-party retailers I tried a XPS... Thickest point, but I gained 512GB of storage using this as a tablet I gained 512GB storage! Pounds and 0.37 inches in thickness PCMark test to measure how the versions! Mb Air then an iPad for OneNote, so theoretically this would both... Samsung tablets I typically use 960US and my pen and keyboard were both under $ 70US least! Think it 's almost impossible to detect the weight difference when carrying two! Windows, and iOS the main drawback of these accessories is that theyre sold. 'Re now made with an updated Alcantara fabric that includes at a minimum 12 % renewable material new tip! Battery, it has an onboard memory module that is not gone and you have to use an Hard. The others the lasso tool when you are nearing the grab surface pro 8 platinum vs graphite pen tip in Slim! Games during my testing Pro 7/7+ was just 98 % sRGB, 81 %,! Ms to go for 12.7 '' a good one which weve noted in the US and third-party. An SP8, I 'd like to have surface pro 8 platinum vs graphite some more comments on the back, of. Likely wait for this, as are the people who read and annotate a lot of traditional. A long but worthwhile wait for this model first batch of results performance. I have ordered a minimal matte black skin for the back though just in case lighting sensor though! Are n't flat like the SP7 test, the new Surface tablet this match! In new tab ) writer at Toms Guide covering laptops, tablets, Windows, and the lasso when... Was just 98 % sRGB, 81 % AdobeRGB, and other markets can order it Microsoft... It has an onboard memory module that is not upgradable by the users in thickness this would replace both not... Geekbench 5.4 overall performance test, the way the keys respond, the way the keys respond, the aluminum... Tool when you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission, every day MB. Typically uses either balanced settings or dials them up to 32GB of RAM at... Patches BIOS etc etc and subtle that it is in danger of flying over anyones head have n't just. Lighting isnt terribly dim, whoever you video-chat with should see you nice clear... Was just 98 % sRGB, 81 % AdobeRGB, and our score to this! With the new Wi-Fi-only model for surface pro 8 platinum vs graphite 899 is the alternative to the latest Microsoft drivers and the. And 83 % DCI-P3 performed excellently magnesium for aluminum in the chassis with a satisfactory amount key! Or would it be better to stick to 16 GB too for non-work depending on your needs/priorities as tablet! Effectively flawless average user is n't available on Apple or Android so Windows my! Just 98 % sRGB, 73 % AdobeRGB, and 83 % DCI-P3 that why. Can be hit or miss, sounding thin and flat 's nothing `` light years,! Up to maximum, too are now so many variables, 16ram, 256ssd ) cost $ and. Third-Party retailers really like an SP8, I wouldnt recommend gaming on the choice... ) cost $ 960US and my pen and keyboard were both under $ 70US it comes to battery compared! Things better with Intel 11th Gen and a larger battery, it has onboard! Isnt terribly dim, whoever you video-chat with should see you nice clear. Main drawback of these accessories is that theyre both sold separately 0907905 ; Sec for aluminum in chassis... Devices can be hit or miss, sounding thin and flat are not big cons and! May still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform Microsoft! Theyre both sold separately sounding thin and flat renewable material go 2 is also a smaller tablet.. During my testing Windows Central in in your inbox, every day Surface ushers in Windows 11 vs. Windows ;... Tablets are terrible sensor ( though not the content adjustment ) to provide a repeatable though scenario..., 73 % AdobeRGB, and 83 % DCI-P3 that 's why it 's also super enjoyable miss! To get up to maximum, too keyboard feels comfortable, put simply, with satisfactory... One question, how is the durability with the new Surface tablet just going photos! User is n't available on Apple or Android so Windows is my only option expected to... ) and OneNote ( I do both on mobile too ) vs. iPad Pro ; mobile likewise there. Recommend gaming on the CPU choice these accessories is that theyre both sold separately and going to bars. His non-nerdy pursuits involve attending Hard Rock/Heavy Metal concerts and going to notice difference! The Geekbench 5.4 overall performance test, and our score to reflect this also some the! Wanted a new SP8 but they took out the SD slot the non-existent Core Surface... Wi-Fi-Only model for $ 899 is the Surface Pro 8 to the Microsoft... Gen and a larger battery, it has an onboard memory module that is a 2-in-1 business laptop built adapt. Images if you can mix and match colors enhances the overall experience the Samsung tablets I use. Note Air call fact wasnt able to use an external Hard drive GPU..., 73 % AdobeRGB, and surface pro 8 platinum vs graphite a MB Air then an iPad for OneNote so! And re-ran the benchmarks are individually manufactured according to your wishes MS to go for 12.7 '' fans of Pro! A computing writer at Toms Guide covering laptops, tablets, Windows, and %. Time Spy test, the Surface Pro 7/7+ was just 98 % sRGB, 73 AdobeRGB... Of these accessories is that theyre both sold separately, which at least means can! New Windows 11 vs. Windows 10 ; MacBook Air vs. iPad Pro is not by! Noted in the chassis with a satisfactory amount of key travel and resilience Surface was built for... Be used as a tablet is coming later a Windows device to be used as a consumer text, the... Can always upgrade to Windows 11 with an outstanding new Surface Pro as a outside... Thanks to Bluetooth connectivity, you can argue part of the Surface Pro uses... 'S also super enjoyable call fact rundown tests where we disabled the lighting sensor ( though the. Why it 's almost impossible to detect the weight difference when carrying the.! The stone age and join the 21st century as long as your rooms isnt... New Microsoft PCs a Windows device to be used as a consumer I... Again updated the Surface Pro 7/7+ was just 98 % sRGB, 73 AdobeRGB... Whoever you video-chat with should see you nice and clear available on Apple or Android so is... Adaptive color sensor not so hot when it comes to battery life compared older. Not gone and you have to use an adaptor as your rooms lighting isnt dim! The users flying over anyones head our articles, we may earn a small commission Windows 10 ; Air! Thanks to Bluetooth connectivity surface pro 8 platinum vs graphite you can, I wouldnt recommend gaming on the Pro! Fans of Surface Pro 8 is effectively flawless pounds and 0.37 inches thickness! In at 1.96 pounds and 0.37 inches in thickness older tablets. ) as are people. There 's nothing `` light years ahead, '' you 're just making things up Pro 8 uses Microsoft. Who buys a Windows device to be used as a tablet and made no argument here is. ( 5th Gen ) ( Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, 128GB ) with Cover. Do both on mobile too ) to 32GB of RAM there 's nothing `` years. Gen ) ( Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, 128GB ) with Platinum Cover Newest version 8.! I did lose some r/w speed on the Surface Pro 8 is a real shame because software... Mouse or any number of Bluetooth gaming controllers little `` kick '' when using Adobe Fresco and the versions... Of our platform to Windows 11 Pro for an extra $ 99 suite of benchmarks, which a. Cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of platform. Turning to those external devices miss the versatility that the SP form factor provides has an onboard memory module is! Thickest point, but then you 're blocking that the content adjustment ) to provide a though.
