Microsoft Surface Pro 4 - Executive or Business Class

18.11.2016

In the era of tablets and smartphones, laptops and PCs are slowly but steadily losing ground. They are being replaced by ultrabooks, convertible laptops, tablets with a removable (plug-in, clip-on) keyboard. I want to tell you a little about the representative of the latter.

Yes, this is Microsoft's latest addition to the Surface lineup. There was a recent review on Helpix for the Microsoft Surface RT. It was not by chance that I asked the author in the comments if he had Pro 4 at hand, besides the orphan. It is no coincidence, because even then the plans included the acquisition of the fourth "firmware". Please do not consider me a rich pinocchio (or even completely wooden ...), I bought it by order, not for myself.

Why Microsoft, why Surface? Yes, it kind of happened, several factors coincided. I needed a working tool for working with documents and mail in the office and on business trips. On the one hand, "adult" features are needed (as, for example, in ultrabooks):
- connection of several USB-devices;
- image output to an external monitor;
- connection to a cable LAN (RJ-45);
- physical keyboard for text input.

On the other hand, mobility is necessary, that is, the tablet is still a priority. And last but not least is presentation. Not status, but presentability. Some Chuwi will not work. Also, the OS from Microsoft was registered in the requirements.

At first, thoughts revolved around ASUS ZenBook Flip UX360UA, but then they smoothly flowed to Microsoft Surface Pro 4. The ASUS keyboard does not unhook, although it leans back 360 degrees. The screen size (just over 13 inches diagonally) is a bit big for a travel tablet. Also, ASUS has only Wi-Fi network interfaces, Ethernet connection only through some kind of USB-to-LAN adapter. And most importantly: in Russia, this device is not yet sold.

What surprised me about Microsoft's Pro 4 policy was the condoning of installing non-Windows operating systems. If the tablet is turned off, press and hold the volume up button and then press and release the power button, the system will boot into UEFI. Here you can see various settings, see information about the firmware and the serial number of the device. And here the SecureBoot parameter was registered, which checks the certificate of the operating system when it boots. If SecureBoot is set to Microsoft only, then only operating systems from Microsoft will be allowed to run. And the values ​​Microsoft & 3rd party CA or None will allow the use of third-party systems and even Linux.

A few words about cameras. Again I'm confused: why does the tablet need a main camera? Well, let it be. The eight-megapixel main camera is not deprived of autofocus (but is deprived of a flash) and takes good pictures in good light. It can also shoot video in FHD resolution. The interface of the Camera app is not fancy, although all the necessary controls are present.

Indoors, the pictures are very noisy.

But the front camera, when used for video communication, works out one hundred percent.

I completely lost sight of such a tablet parameter as autonomy. It so happened that I had the Pro 4 powered all the time through the docking station, so I’ll tell you about autonomy from hearsay: the declared nine hours of the tablet will not work when playing video. But maybe five or seven hours. The battery capacity is not officially indicated anywhere, but it is supposedly about 5000 mAh. The bundled Surface Pro 4 charger takes about two hours to charge. And a small bonus: the charger has another USB connector. Charger weight - 134 grams.

Dock and external devices

Competitors

Of course, I can not ignore my favorite brand Lenovo. This company offers a tablet computer model that is very similar in functionality - Lenovo Miix 700.

The same tablet with a 12-inch high-resolution screen. Similar keyboard cover with the same connection to the tablet and two attachment options. The same design of the back cover-stand, except that the hinges are branded, reminiscent of a watch bracelet. But the hardware is more in line with the Surface Pro 3. Yandex Market found me only one Miix 700 model - 12ISK 80QL0001US. This is the top configuration on the Intel Core M7-6Y75 processor with a core frequency of 1.2 GHz. In addition, it is worth noting 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of permanent memory. Plus Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. There are not much more ports on board the Miix 700 than the Surface Pro 4: one each for USB 2.0 and 3.0, microHDMI and Audio Combo jack. But in the kit, in addition to the pen, the keyboard is also sold! And all this for 75,000 rubles. That is, without taking into account the docking station, the prices are approximately equal. According to owners, Lenovo Miix 700

What can I say, even Acer has models similar to Surface. For instance, Acer Switch Alpha 12.

Acer Switch Alpha 12 has a 12-inch screen with a resolution of QHD (2160x1440) and an aspect ratio of 3:2, up to 8 GB of RAM and up to 512 GB of permanent memory, Intel Core i3 / i5 / i7 processors and a keyboard cover included (also two-position fastening). The difference is in the stand - it is not part of the back cover and looks like a large staple for a stapler. Water is used to cool full-fledged Intel Cores (instead of coolers, like the Surface Pro 4). Of the communications, there is also only Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, of the ports - USB 3.0, USB Type-C and a 3.5 mm mini-jack. There is no video output. Cost on par with Surface Pro 4.

Yes, any more or less well-known manufacturer will have a tablet model similar to the brainchild of Microsoft. And if you turn your attention to China, then you can conditionally get the same thing (about the same quality is a moot point) for much less money. For example, Chuwi Hi12 or very interesting Jumper Ezpad 5s Flagship. But, it seems to me, for business purposes it is still better to use Microsoft Surface Pro 4. Powerful, reliable, presentable.

Promised delivery story

I promised to tell about the delivery. I’m telling you because, to be honest, I didn’t expect such a delivery at all. The services of which courier company the online store used, I will not tell you. But, as they say, he who has eyes will see.

So, after payment, the online store sent me a track number by which I could track the path of the parcel, and calmed down on this. I tracked the package to about halfway through and, seeing that the estimated delivery time was expected only in five days, I took several days off from work. And the next day they call me from some Moscow number and say that the courier who brought the order cannot reach me. What courier? - I did not understand. It turned out that they brought Surface Pro 4. I was dictated the phone number of the courier, whom I called back. In general, for some reason the courier refused to take the parcel to the office, since it was my last name in the "recipient" column. Okay, take me home.

After 15 minutes, a “nine” arrives, beaten by life (and possibly by harder objects), from which (you can’t say it in another way) the same kind of subject came out. This muddy subject answered my proposal to open and inspect the parcel with a categorical refusal: they say, first sign for receipt, then do whatever you want. After some arguing, they agreed that I would open the box in the car and then sign it. Moreover, the subject commented on this consensus with the following words: "It's just that I myself wonder what kind of tablet for a hundred thousand." I printed it out, looked around, checked the completeness and documents. All OK. Signed. And what is most interesting is that he never asked me who I was at all; did not check the passport or other document with a photo. That is, I could lose my phone that day, and someone could find it and receive a parcel instead of me. And I would have lost not only my phone, but, perhaps, my job. Therefore, I have a pin code to unlock my Lenovo P780 and it costs (at least some kind of protection).

On this I hasten to take my leave, and you, dear readers of Helpix, do not get sick and enjoy life.

Surface Pro 4 is a Windows-based tablet that converts to a laptop with a detachable keyboard. This is the fourth generation of the model. Microsoft has made a new attempt to offer users a versatile 2-in-1 device that can act as both a tablet and a laptop. The real success for the Microsoft product is only at the third stage of its development. Surface Pro 3 received good user reviews and good sales. The fourth-generation model has not undergone a radical redesign, but, nevertheless, has been improved in many ways.

In our review, we will tell you what it is, what changes have been made to its design and technical characteristics, we will evaluate the pros and cons of the tablet using the example of modifying the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 M3 4Gb 128 Gb.

Equipment

In the packaging of Microsoft Surface Pro 4, the user will find the tablet itself, a charger, a proprietary Surface Pen stylus, and a set of instructions. not included. It will have to be purchased separately.

Surface Pro 4 mods

The fourth generation tablet has been released in 10 versions. The Surface Pro 4 comes with three processor options. Modifications also differ in the amount of RAM, three options for graphics cores and hard drive sizes. You can choose a tablet with an Intel Core i5, i7 or M3 processor with a hard drive capacity from 128 GB to 1 TB.

We provide a complete list of Surface Pro 4 modifications in the table:

Design

In terms of design, the new tablet does not differ much from the old one, which is not surprising. The design has received positive feedback from users. A cursory glance at the Surface Pro 4 makes it hard to notice any significant changes: the same silver magnesium alloy body. A practical and discreet tablet does not want to let go, magnesium is extremely pleasant to the touch.

Comfort in use adds a conical shape of the tablet. The edges of the case are inclined from the screen to the rear surface. This makes the Surface Pro 4 very comfortable to hold. Another eye-pleasing element is the originally made ventilation slots, made in the form of a strip on the upper and side faces of the case.

Controls and connectors on the case:

• power button;
• speaker volume control;
• 1 MiniDisplay port;
• 1 USB 3.0;
• 3.5mm headphone jack;
• connector for Surface Connect charger;
• slot for a flash memory card.

Branded leg-stand on the rear panel has not undergone any changes. It still allows you to place the tablet on the table at any angle, works clearly and reliably.

The only negative that I would like to note is the power button. It seems that it is a little loose and is not firmly fixed. It performs its functions flawlessly, but this moment can make someone nervous. In general, Surface Pro 4 is a well-thought-out device in terms of design, made at the highest technological level.

Weight and size

Surface Pro 4 weighs 774 grams. This is his absolute plus. The tablet does not feel heavy at all. And although it is heavier than the iPad Pro (712 grams), it can be comfortably held even in one hand. Compared to its predecessor Surface Pro 3, which weighed 810 grams, the novelty is perceived as more portable. In addition, the new generation tablet is thinner: 8.5 mm versus 9.1 mm for the Surface Pro 3. The thickness has been reduced due to a redesigned cooling system and a smaller battery.

With the Type Cover attached, Surface Pro 4's weight increases to 1.08kg. This is less than, for example, possible competitors: the Dell XPS ultrabook (1.276 kg) or (1.5 kg). The Surface Pen, which is magnetized to the body of the Surface Pro 4, will add an additional 22 grams to its weight.

The Surface Pro 4 measures 14.3 x 292 x 207mm with the Type Cover attached. Its size has remained virtually unchanged compared to the Surface Pro 3, while the screen size on the new tablet has been increased from 12 to 12.3 inches. The Dell XPS is larger than the Surface Pro 4 (18.5 x 304 x 200mm), but it has a screen size of 13.3 inches.

In terms of design, the design tablet inherited not only the advantages of the Surface Pro 3, but also one disadvantage. It should be noted that in terms of maintainability, this is not the most perfect device. Surface Pro 4 cannot be subjected to any major repairs or upgrades. The case of the tablet cannot be opened, and if some craftsmen still manage to do this, it is unlikely that spare parts for the Surface Pro 4 will be found.

Screen

As we said, the new Surface Pro 4 has a larger 12.3-inch display. The diagonal has grown by 0.3 inches due to the reduction of the border. The screen resolution has also increased to 2736 x 1824 (up from 2160 x 1440 on the Surface Pro 3). The tablet's display has a pixel density of 267 pixels per inch, which is about the same as the iPad AIR screen (264). Like most modern tablet and smartphone screens, the Surface Pro 4's display is glossy, which means it glares in the sun. But despite this, it can be called flawless.

English-language reviews cite test data, according to which the display of the Surface Pro 4 is 15% brighter than that of the Surface Pro 3. Thanks to this, the glare we mentioned is not so much an obstacle to working with the tablet in bright conditions or in the sun. The test results also indicate an increased screen contrast. This is 1441:1 versus 1077:1 on the Surface Pro 3. The color saturation of the Surface Pro 4's display is superior to that of the iPad AIR 2.

The visual comparison of the Surface Pro 4 display to that of the iPhone 5 in bright sunlight is truly shocking. The screen of the Microsoft tablet practically does not darken, everything is perfectly visible on it! The display is very bright, rich and high contrast. The screen has perfect viewing angles. If you opt for a Microsoft tablet, you won't regret buying an iPad or Macbook AIR with their Retina displays.

Surface Pen

The signature Surface Pen stylus that comes with the Surface Pro 4 has been significantly improved. He became 10 mm longer and gained a little weight (20 grams versus 18 in the previous version). The new Surface Pen supports 1024 pressure levels instead of the previous 256. Previously, only special graphics tablet pens could boast such an indicator. The pen is made using N-Trig technology.

If on Surface Pro 3 the stylus was attached to the tablet using a loop on the keyboard, now it is securely and simply attached to the side of the case.

The two buttons that were on the third generation stylus have turned into one hidden key located on the back of the clip. It looks like a long plastic strip, but it's actually a button. Now Surface Pen does not require battery replacement for a year.

The functionality of the button on the top end of the stylus has been expanded. A single click on it opens the OneNote app. Double clicking allows you to take a screenshot of the screen. Pressing and holding launches the Cortana voice assistant.

The work of the stylus is really impressive. Even in the standard Fresh Paint graphics editor, any user who does not have the skills of a designer will be able to fully draw. When you use the stylus to interact with the screen, the tip moves with some resistance. It feels like writing or drawing on real paper! The Surface Pro 3 pen didn't feel as realistic.

Graphics professionals will really appreciate the capabilities of the Surface Pen. Even more than the Surface Pro 3, Surface Pro 4 will be a device for them with enormous potential for creativity, allowing you to work with a touch screen and a stylus in programs such as Photoshop, Lightroom, Illustrator. Now for this work you can use a lightweight, convenient, powerful and yet portable device - Surface Pro 4.

It is also worth noting that the new stylus is compatible with previous generation models - Surface Pro 3 and .

Type Cover Keyboard

Although Microsoft Surface 4 is compatible with the Type Cover keyboard from last year's Surface Pro 3, the manufacturer also introduced an updated version of it - Type Cover 4. The new keyboard cover is thinner and lighter than its predecessor, and has been greatly improved.

On sale there is also a version of the keyboard with a fingerprint sensor -. The letters on the Type Cover keyboard are backlit.

In addition, Type Cover 4 is also compatible with the previous generation of Surface Pro 3. Using it with an old tablet, it feels like you bought a new Surface Pro - the keyboard is so much better.

Registration and Russian language in Surface Pro 4

When you turn on your tablet for the first time, you will be prompted to use an existing or create a new Microsoft account. It is possible to skip registration and exit to Windows. You can also register later. When you turn on the tablet for the first time, the interface language will be English.

Surface Pro 4 of any version, which can be purchased from the online store website, comes with paper instructions for the initial setup of the tablet and the installation of the Russian language. You will be able to install the Russian language of Windows on your own without any extra effort.

Windows

Surface Pro 4 comes with Windows 10 Pro 64-bit and Microsoft Office software package, which will be available to the user free of charge for 30 days. In Windows 10, you'll find preinstalled Mail, Calendar, Photos, and of course the new Microsoft Edge browser, which replaces Internet Explorer.

Windows 10 provides a special Tablet Mode (tablet mode) when you work with Surface Pro 4 without a Type Cover keyboard connected. In tablet mode, windows expand to full screen, and the Windows interface itself becomes "touch-oriented" for ease of use with your fingers or the Surface Pen.

Tablet Mode on Surface Pro 4:

The tablet is equipped with a new Windows Hello infrared camera. It allows you to unlock the tablet through face recognition of the user.

cameras

Two cameras are responsible for the communication capabilities of the tablet. The front camera, like on the Surface Pro 3, has a resolution of 5 megapixels. It now supports the capabilities of the Windows Hello app, as well as the ability to quickly recognize the user's face when logging into Windows.

The resolution of the rear camera has been increased to 8 megapixels. After taking a few shots, we noted an improved color reproduction compared to the previous model camera. However, the cameras still have room for improvement. In terms of image quality, they are inferior to analogues on most modern smartphones, but in general, they cope with their tasks.

Speakers

The Surface Pro 4 has two speakers at the top of the bezel. They reproduce sound louder and more clearly than you would expect from tablet speakers of such a small size. However, their low and mid frequencies are rather weak, so if you are used to high-quality sound, it is better to connect external speakers or headphones to Surface Pro 4.

Performance

The Surface Pro 4 ranges from a budget version with an Intel Core M3 processor (which we're testing) to a tablet with an Intel Core i7 processor. A total of 10 different modifications are available.

With the M3 processor, one single tablet is offered. It has 4 GB of RAM, a 128 GB hard drive and integrated Intel HD Graphics 515. The M3 version is the only version available with passive cooling. Other versions of Surface Pro 4 have a cooling system with a cooler. By the way, due to the fact that it does not have a fan for cooling, the tablet works almost silently.

The M3 processor does an excellent job with everyday tasks, such as surfing the Internet, working with office programs, graphic editors. In the PCMark 7 performance test, the Surface Pro 4 with an Intel Core M3 processor scores 4274, which is a very good result. For comparison, the Surface Pro 3 Intel Core i5 scores 5066 in this test (19% better performance) and the Surface Book scores 5135 (+20%). However, these devices are more expensive. Surface Pro 4 M3 is the most affordable modification of the fourth generation, so its performance in any case is very pleasing.

The Surface Pro 4 M3's graphics test also yielded interesting results. As you know, the most important performance indicator of graphics cores is FPS. This is an indicator of the number of frames per second that the game running on the tablet describes. So, in the rather "heavy" game Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3, the FPS indicator is about 40 frames per second, and in the game League of Legends it reaches 100.

But if you plan to play games on the Surface Pro 4, then you should choose one of the more powerful modifications. In general, this tablet in terms of its capabilities and form factor is hardly suitable for gamers. But for everyday tasks and even for using professional graphics programs like Lightroom and Illustrator, the performance of the Surface Pro 4 Intel Core M3 modification will be enough.

Battery

The Surface Pro 4 has a smaller battery than the Surface Pro 3, making the tablet thinner. However, the Surface Pro 4 has a larger screen, higher resolution, and higher brightness. This, of course, should have increased power consumption.

However, which we tested, showed pretty good autonomy. In medium load mode (Wi-Fi off, average screen brightness), the tablet can work up to 13 hours on a single battery charge.

Surface Pro 3 Intel Core i5 256 Gb, which we tested last year, worked in a similar mode for about 11 hours. Considering the new model's improved screen options, the Surface Pro 4 has excellent battery life. In this regard, the tablet is very pleased.

Ports and connectors

The Surface Pro 4 inherits the same set of ports and connectors that the Surface Pro 3 had. Their location has not changed, with the exception of the volume control, which has moved to the top end next to the power button. We have already listed the set of ports. We add that the tablet would not hurt another full-sized USB port. For a device that claims to be an alternative to a laptop, one USB port is clearly not enough.

The slot for a flash memory card supports media up to a maximum of 128 GB. Thus, you can double the internal memory of the device. This is a definite plus.

Despite the fact that Microsoft Surface Pro 4 looks like a classic large tablet, it can be quite easily compared with modern ultrabooks and laptops, both in terms of weight and size, hardware platform, and price. This is a business device of the elite category, which successfully combines the premium appearance and the big name of the manufacturer, however, like all previous devices of the Surface line of the same name. As before, Surface Pro 4 relies on a built-in kickstand and is able to work with a plug-in keyboard, so necessary for a 12.3-inch tablet.

Specifications

CPU:	Intel Core i5-6300U 2400 MHz
RAM:	8 GB LPDDR3 1600 MHz
Data storage:	256GB SSD
Display:	12.3" 2736x1824 LED IPS, glossy
Video card:	Intel HD Graphics 520
Wireless connection:	Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.0
Audio:	2 stereo speakers
Interfaces:	Mini DisplayPort, USB 3.0, microSD card reader, combo audio jack
Additionally:	5 MP front webcam, 8 MP rear webcam
Battery:	lithium-ion 5087 mAh
Dimensions, weight:	292x201.5x8.5 mm, 786 g
Operating system:	Windows 10 Pro

Contents of delivery

The keyboard, oddly enough, is not sold with the tablet. If there is a need for it - and it will be needed 100% - you will have to spend extra money. But the package includes a proprietary Surface Pen stylus and a charger. All components, along with the tablet, are neatly and compactly packaged in a narrow premium-looking box.

Design

Microsoft Surface Pro 4 is extremely similar to its third-generation predecessor, although the display has been slightly increased from 12 to 12.3 inches. Nevertheless, this did not affect the overall dimensions of the device body - the length and width remained the same (292x201.5 mm), but the thickness decreased to 8.5 mm. The tablet weighs only 786 g, which is extremely modest for its size.

In general, the new generation of Surface received a recognizable design in the best traditions of Microsoft, that is, a pronouncedly rectangular case with sheer bevels. The display part of the tablet is protected by tempered glass, the back is made of silver magnesium alloy. The already familiar built-in stand with a large Microsoft logo and a webcam eye are also located here. By the way, the opening angle of the stand is quite wide, providing good stability of the tablet on a flat and hard surface. True, such a trick is unlikely to work on your knees - it is better to switch to tablet mode.

Of course, the quality of the materials used, that the assembly is at the highest level, although it cannot be otherwise, because this is a premium segment device that must meet the high requirements of professionals.

A few words should be said about the original Type Cover keyboard, which also serves as a protective case. The accessory has a rubberized, pleasant to the touch surface, it is quite thin, but on a rigid basis. When closed, the Type Cover is in contact with the display, preventing possible damage, which is very convenient. The keyboard is attached with a magnetic pad, it does not have its own battery.

Display, sound, webcam

The professional tablet Microsoft Surface Pro 4 is equipped with a 12.3-inch display with a resolution of 2736x1824 pixels and an aspect ratio of 3:2. An IPS matrix is ​​also provided here, which is responsible for the breadth of viewing angles and improves color reproduction. The last one here is simply beautiful, as evidenced by the 100% coverage of the sRGB space. If we talk about other characteristics, then the maximum brightness level is 367 cd / m2 with a contrast ratio of 1:1167, and the display backlight is uniform, does not highlight dark or light areas over the entire screen area. The sensitivity of the touch display is perfect, 10-finger multi-touch is supported. In other words, the screen in this tablet is excellent, fully consistent with the high status of an expensive professional gadget.

The front stereo speakers are located on the Surface Pro 4 on the right and left of the display frame. They are framed in a narrow perforated slot and directed straight at the user. The sound in the tablet is at a good level - rich and loud enough. However, low frequencies are not so pronounced, therefore, for connoisseurs of high-quality sound, it is better to use headphones or external speakers.

The front-facing webcam remains the same resolution as previous Surface models – 5MP. An infrared camera is located next to the main peephole, which is used in conjunction with the Windows Hello function. It performs the reader option by detecting the user's face to unlock the display. Windows Hello works very well - quickly and correctly, however, if you wear glasses, you must remove them before activating this technology.

The 8 MP rear webcam takes good photos and videos, but the quality of its work still falls short of flagship devices.

Keyboard and touchpad

The proprietary plug-in keyboard Type Cover allows you to reorganize the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 tablet into a full-fledged 12.3-inch laptop. Moreover, in this position it can even be used on your knees! Fortunately, the accessory is hard enough.

The keyboard has a standard functional layout and island keys. The smooth and relatively deep travel of the buttons allows you to type or play with great comfort, and the gaps between them to the maximum exclude accidental pressing. By the way, the Type Cover has a backlight, therefore, in night mode, the quality of work will remain on top! The backlight intensity varies within five levels.

The touchpad in the accessory is quite large, it has a rectangular shape and high sensitivity along with a pleasant surface texture. In fairness, it should be noted that this input device in Microsoft Surface Pro 4 is one of the best among others found on external keyboards.

The included Surface Pen is built with N-trig technology, recognizes 256 clicks, and has a single mechanical button that performs multiple functions: a single click activates the note-taking app, a double-click takes a screenshot, and a simple tap on the display erases what is written or drawn, that is, it performs the eraser option. With a stylus, you can draw at an amateur level, take notes - a high-quality, highly sensitive display and "smart" technology provide this. This accessory works on a battery, and on the one hand it has a kind of cut surface for magnetization to the tablet body.

Performance

It's not just the plug-in keyboard and large display that makes the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 a laptop replacement. The manufacturer in any configuration provides for the Windows 10 Pro operating system with all its features and benefits.

But among the modifications available for purchase, a total of five options can be counted: combinations of 128 and 256 GB flash memory with Intel Core m3 / Intel Core i5 / Core i7 processors and 4 or 8 GB of RAM. In this review, we consider one of the most powerful configurations with a dual-core Intel Core i5-6300U processor with a TDP reduced to 15W. The CPU is a representative of the latest architectural generation of Skylake (14 nm) and operates at a frequency of 2.4-3 GHz. Processor cores support Hyper-Threading technology, as well as vPro, VT-x, and VT-d features. Thanks to the optimization of the architecture, this solution can be compared in terms of performance with the Core i7-5500U (Broadwell), that is, the CPU is perfect for solving demanding tasks.

The integrated Intel HD Graphics 520 has 24 execution units and operates at 300 MHz with dynamic overclocking up to 1 GHz. It is rather weak for modern games at high settings, but it copes with light graphics applications and older games without problems. For example, FIFA 15 (2014) in Full HD resolution (1920x1080) and ultra-settings will go with 21 fps, but Sims 4 (2014) under the same conditions - only with 17 fps, remaining playable, but not always comfortable for perception .

While Skylake supports DDR4, the Surface Pro 4 has an 8GB LPDDR3 memory controller. A very fast 256 GB SSD provides not only high speed, but also ample storage space for data.

Ports and communications

In terms of the number and variety of connectors, the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 tablet has prepared a very unpleasant surprise - it has a very limited set of ports. On the right are Mini DisplayPort, USB 3.0 and a microSD card reader. There is also a notch for tilting the built-in stand.

On the opposite end, you can find a similar recess, as well as a combined audio jack.

Two mechanical keys were brought up - volume control and lock, while at the bottom a large end area is occupied by a connection for the keyboard. The solution to the problem of a limited number of connectors will be a proprietary docking station, which additionally brings four USB 3.0, a pair of Mini DisplayPort and RJ-45, but it costs almost $300.

The wireless network in the tablet is represented by Wi-Fi 802.11 ac and Bluetooth 4.0. As for the sensors, there are: an accelerometer, a gyroscope and a light sensor.

Battery

The tablet received a fairly capacious 5087 mAh battery, which will provide about 2 hours of autonomy at maximum load, or about 9 hours in reading mode. The battery is fully charged within 2 hours with a proprietary magnetic charger.

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Conclusion

Frankly, more was expected from the Microsoft Surface Pro 4, because this is the fourth representative of the Surface Pro line, and it would seem that all the shortcomings should be taken into account and corrected. What I didn’t like in particular was the pricing policy: accessories need to be purchased separately, and at the same time you can’t do without them in principle. Let's count - for the tablet you will have to pay a little more than $1200, the keyboard will cost $160, and the docking station will cost $300, for a total of $1400.

Otherwise, along with an excellent design, balanced weight and size characteristics, good performance and a high-quality display, in the image of Surface Pro 4 we get a hybrid device with limited autonomy and an extremely small number of native ports. Yes, this tablet can hardly be called the best in its environment - that's for sure.

The most expensive tablet of 2015 has already managed to be noted on the shelves of digital salons and online stores. Someone calls it a masterpiece, and someone calls to look at things more adequately. We offer you an honest review of the shortcomings of this tablet. Read and choose wisely.

MINUSES WHICH ARE WRITTEN IN REVIEWS AND TESTS

Short battery life

The bottleneck in the new tablet - however, like its predecessors. According to Hardwareluxx.ru, immediately after the release of the Surface Pro4, a serious problem with high power consumption in sleep mode was revealed. Device, according to the site Notebookcheck-en consumed 10 watts! For the main competitors, this parameter was almost two times lower. . Microsoft acknowledged the problem, stating that it was related to the power of the Intel Skylake processor. According to the portal w3bsit3-dns.com, the bug was eventually fixed. However, even without it, under high load, the tablet can work offline for no more than two hours. With an office load - a little more than three. The minimum load (all wireless connections are disabled, the display brightness is reduced and the keyboard is disconnected) allowed us to hold out for 8.5 hours. Modestly.

Intentionally reduced processor performance

Photo: images.mobidrive.ru

One of the major complaints about the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 was the model's extreme heat. Now, according to the test on the portal Hardwareluxx.ru, Microsoft has chosen a rather cautious strategy with CPU cooling. For example, in devices with a Core i5-6300U, performance automatically and very sharply begins to decline after reaching a temperature of 61 degrees. As a result, the CPU speed is halved - to 1.2 GHz, the GPU runs at 700 MHz. Accordingly, there are slowdowns in "heavy" programs. And it’s impossible not to make such a feint with the processor: the case at the back heats up to 42 ° C. When the fan starts to work, the tablet is quite noisy (up to 41 dB).

Expensive accessories

Photo: images.dailytech.com

The Microsoft Surface Pro 4 isn't cheap on its own, but to get it to work properly on top of its $1,300 (on average) you need to add at least another $130 for the Type Cover. Without it, as the author of the review points out on Notebookcheck-en, processing text documents is almost unthinkable. The same applies to the Surface Dock. The tablet itself has only one USB socket, as well as a mini-DisplayPort video output, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a microSD slot. And that's it. Whether you want to use your tablet to control office equipment or use a wired LAN, a docking station is indispensable. It has four USB 3.0, two mini-DisplayPort, an audio jack and Ethernet. This pleasure costs another $200. The result is a very significant amount.

Screen flaws

Photo: viwer.ru

There's a whole bunch of them. First, as follows from the review on Notebookcheck-en, the screen has a lot of glare due to its high glossiness. But that's okay: the maximum brightness reaches an average of 396 cd / m² and the image is still visible quite well even in bright light. Worse another. After updating the firmware and drivers to the latest versions, many devices experience screen flickering. Microsoft has promised to fix this bug as well, but so far it has been deaf. Also, the display has a very long response time, it is much higher than most of the "classmates". The screen is clearly not focused on games and similar applications. That is, of course, you can play, but it’s better not at maximum settings.

You can't replace the battery yourself

Design flaws Portal specialists ifixit.com, dismantling the new tablet, found a few. Here are non-standard fasteners that complicate the replacement of the display, and too much glue for the components - the boards are literally flooded with it. The latter factor makes it difficult to replace the battery, even for an authorized workshop. The user cannot change the battery on his own: the case is one-piece, and it is possible to get to the battery only by completely removing the back cover. The same can be said about the wireless module and the drive, which "burn" on the tablets most often.

MINUSES WHICH ARE WRITTEN IN REVIEWS

Weak stylus attachment

"Birth" disease of the Microsoft Surface Pro series. According to the owners of the tablet, the stylus (which is of high quality and convenient in itself) is attached to the body with a magnet, but this cannot be called a reliable option.

Large tablet weight

Despite its small thickness, the Surface Pro 4 is uncomfortable to hold with one hand. Especially the owners complain about the tablet, complete with an attached Type Cover keyboard. It weighs more than a kilogram in this form, and you can use it only by putting it on a table or on your knees.

Inconveniently placed headphone jack

Photo: tabpc.ru

Surface Pro 3 users also had complaints about the separate port located in the upper left corner. Now, after the keyboard has become full-fledged, using headphones with the Type Cover installed is completely inconvenient.

Not all applications scale correctly

On the Yandex.Market users in the comments note that the proportions of the sides of the screen do not allow some applications to adequately stretch to the entire display. And if you connect Surface Pro 4 to an external monitor, there will be completely unpredictable chaos. Working with two screens turns into a lottery. The fault is mostly Windows 10, but that doesn't make it any easier.

Is it all that bad?

Photo: tech.blorge.com

On the contrary, everything is very good for Microsoft products. With each new model, the corporation is moving towards its goal: to produce not just beautiful toys, but fully functional and technically advanced devices. So Surface Pro 4 came out to fame: an excellent screen with a diagonal of 12.3 inches, sixth-generation Intel Core processors (up to Core i7), up to 16 GB of RAM. The performance of the novelty, according to Microsoft, is 30% higher than the previous model and 50% higher than the MacBook Air. The price ruins everything. If the shortcomings we have listed can be forgiven for a tablet costing even up to $1000, then the price tag of $1300 - 1600 should imply almost complete perfection. Therefore, Microsoft Surface Pro 4 is a purely fashion product that you can buy if you have money and you are very attached to the software from Uncle Bill.

sold separately.

LTE functionality only available on Surface Pro (5th Gen) i5/256GB SSD/8GB with LTE Advanced. Service availability and performance subject to service provider's network. Contact your service provider for details, compatibility, pricing, SIM card, and activation. See all specs and frequencies at surface.com. Availability of data plans for eSIM varies by market and by carrier.

Surface Pro (5th Gen) battery life

Surface Pro (5th Gen):

Up to 13.5 hours of video playback. Testing conducted by Microsoft in April 2017 using preproduction Intel Core i5, 256GB, 8GB RAM device. Testing composed of full battery discharge during video playback. All settings were default except: Wi-Fi was associated with a network and Auto-Brightness disabled. Battery life varies significantly with settings, usage and other factors.

Surface Pro (5th Gen) with LTE Advanced:

Up to 12.5 hours for video playback. Testing conducted by Microsoft in November 2017 using preproduction Intel Core i5, 256GB, 8 GB RAM LTE device. Testing composed of full battery discharge during video playback. All settings were default except: LTE enabled and device connected to LTE Network. WiFi and Bluetooth in airplane mode and Auto-Brightness disabled. Battery life varies significantly with settings, usage, and other factors.

Available colors may vary in some markets.

System software uses significant storage space. Available storage is subject to change based on system software updates and apps usage. 1 GB = 1 billion bytes. 1TB = 1,000 GB. See Surface.com/Storage for more details.

Fanless cooling system included with Surface Pro (5th Gen) m3 and i5 models only.

Requires active Office 365 subscription.

Surface Pen tilt functionality is available now with Surface Pro (5th Gen). Available with other Surface devices via Windows Update.

Buy a new Microsoft Surface Pro (5th Gen), Surface Book 2 or Surface Studio device and receive a promotional code good for a one-month complimentary membership to Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps-(estimated retail value US$79.49, excluding tax), while supplies last. Existing Adobe ID or new sign-up required. After one-month complimentary membership ends, if (optional) credit card information was provided at time of redemption, Adobe membership will renew at then-current rate. Notification of renewal will be sent prior to charging the credit card provided with an opportunity to cancel. See Adobe's Subscription and Cancellation terms for more information. Valid only on original purchases made from authorized retailers in Canada and United States between 1-July-2018 and - 30 September 2018. Offer not valid on returned or refurbished devices. Must be 13 years of age or older to redeem, limit one (1) promotional code per qualifying Surface device purchased during offer period and registered with a Microsoft account. To obtain a promotional code, purchaser must sign into or create a Microsoft account during device setup, go to the Adobe offer in the Surface App and redeem the offer as instructed. ONE-TIME USE PROMOTIONAL CODE MUST BE REDEEMED ONLINE BY 11:59 PM PACIFIC DAYLIGHT TIME (PDT) ON DECEMBER 31, 2018. Internet or Wi-Fi connection required; fees may apply. Use of Adobe services and applications requires agreement to additional terms and Adobe’s privacy policy (see http://www.adobe.com/legal.html). Offer is non-transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash, unless required by local law, and is not valid for enterprise purchases. Offer is void where prohibited or restricted by law. Microsoft and Adobe reserve the right to disqualify any registrations that appear to be fraudulent, incomplete, invalid, or in breach of these offer terms in any way, and to modify or discontinue the offer at any time. Any taxes are the sole responsibility of the recipient. Offer provided by Microsoft Corporation and Adobe Systems Incorporated.

Offer valid from 9:00 PM PST on August 3, 2018 to 11:59 PM PST on August 25, 2018, while supplies last. Available only in Microsoft retail and online store in the United States (including Puerto Rico). Valid only on select Surface Pro devices. Not valid on prior orders or purchases; cannot be transferred or otherwise redeemed for cash or promo code(s). May not be combinable with other offers. Refunds will take into account the discount. Price discount does not include taxes, shipping or other fees. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. Microsoft reserves the right to modify or discontinue offers at any time. Limit of 3 offers per customer. Other exclusions and limits may apply.