In 2017, Microsoft introduced the fifth generation of 2-in-1 hybrid devices, the functionality of which goes far beyond the capabilities of a classic tablet. Unlike previous models, the name of the transformer remained without a serial number. Consequently, there is reason to believe that the manufacturer foresees further successful development of the line of multifunctional portable computers.
Microsoft Surface Pro 2017 is available in several configurations, differing in processor, memory capacity, and, accordingly, price. This review examines the features and capabilities of the Core i5-based version, reveals the advantages and disadvantages of the model, and also describes its key differences from its predecessor (Surface Pro 4).
Contents, additional accessories
The standard delivery package includes a box with a tablet PC, a power adapter and a user manual. Despite the fact that the company positions the product as a multifunctional laptop and not as a transformer, the keyboard and stylus are not included in the package. The decision is quite controversial, since the peripherals will have to be purchased separately. On the other hand, the user does not overpay, choosing only those components that are really necessary to solve his problems.
Along with the tablet, an improved Signature Type Cover was introduced, featuring an Alcantara surface finish with a pleasant-to-touch texture. When folded, the cover acts as a cover that protects the case and screen during transportation. Thanks to the optimal travel of full-size keys, increased feedback and adjustable backlighting, the keyboard is ideal for comfortable typing.
The Surface Pen stylus, which magnetically attaches to the side of the tablet, has also undergone a noticeable upgrade. It now recognizes up to 4096 pressure levels instead of 1024, is tilt-sensitive, and has a faster response time from 45 ms to 21 ms, due to which the delay between stylus movement and reaction while drawing is significantly reduced screen. At the same time, the length of the digital pen body has been increased, and together all these factors have a positive effect on the ease of use.
It is noteworthy that the tablet screen is compatible with a new type of Surface Dial, which is aimed at use by creative people and is designed to simplify interaction with various programs. The controller in the form of a control wheel is great as an alternative to a classic mouse for quick turning and zooming pages, adjusting sound volume, screen brightness, changing color and size brushes
Appearance, design features
Microsoft refrained from radical changes in the appearance of the transformer, compared to predecessor, thanks to which the new model can easily fit covers and keyboards from the previous one generations. And this makes sense, since the carefully thought-out design of the Surface Pro 4 has proven itself in practice, both in terms of design and in terms of reliability.
The manufacturer only slightly “refreshed” the body, making the corners less sharp, and improved the footrest (stand). The footrest hinge, which is now entirely made of metal, provides a tilt angle of up to 165°. This feature allows you to use the device in Studio mode, placing it in the most convenient position for drawing.
The transformer body is made of aluminum-magnesium alloy, and the build quality is admirable. The device turned out to be quite compact: the weight without the cover is 770 g, and the thickness is 8.5 mm. The keyboard unit and stand provide a sufficient level of structural stability for comfortable work not only on a flat and hard surface, but also in transport, on a sofa, etc.
Connectors and network connections
On the right side there is a place for a full-size USB 3.0 (Type-A), Mini DisplayPort v1.2, designed for connecting an external monitor and a Surface Connect connector. The latter can be used to connect a power supply or a Surface Dock.
The docking station expands the standard set of connectors by adding an additional four USB 3.0 ports, two Mini DisplayPorts, a Gigabit Ethernet port and a headset jack. To compensate for the lack of USB Type-C with Thunderbolt interface, Microsoft representatives announced their intention to release a special adapter that connects to the Surface Connect connector with a USB port Type-C.
A card reader for installing microSDXC drives can be found under the hinged cover on the right side. The 3.5 mm jack for connecting headphones and an external microphone is located on the edge on the left. The space on the top edge is occupied by the power button and volume rocker. At the bottom there is a magnetic connector to which the keyboard unit is connected.
High-speed Internet access is provided using an integrated Wi-Fi 802.11ac module that supports operation in the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands. Bluetooth 4.0 technology is responsible for connecting to other wireless devices. LTE is not available in this configuration.
Sound and cameras
The transformer is equipped with two powerful 1.6W stereo speakers with support for Dolby Audio Premium. Their sound is distinguished by a high volume level, pronounced volume, and the absence of distortion and extraneous noise. The location of the speakers is no less important: their grilles are placed at the edges of the front panel, so the sound is directed directly towards the user.
The rear 8-megapixel camera is complemented by autofocus, but lacks a flash. For a tablet, the shooting quality is quite decent; it supports recording videos in 1080p resolution. The front 5-megapixel camera is designed for participation in video conferencing and is capable of shooting video with FullHD resolution. High-quality sound recording is carried out using two built-in microphones.
When you turn on the device, it launches an infrared camera that uses Windows Hello technology for biometric authentication into the system. The technology has been honed to almost perfection: scanning and facial recognition occurs quickly and without errors.
Display
The tablet is equipped, without exaggeration, with a gorgeous PixelSense display, with a diagonal of 12.3 inches and a resolution of 2736 x 1824. The capacitive screen with support for Multi-touch technology recognizes up to 10 simultaneous touches. In addition, an effective oleophobic layer on the glass allows fingers and stylus to glide easily across the touchpad. Excellent visibility of screen content is maintained even at extreme viewing angles, and due to the high reserve brightness and anti-glare properties of the front panel, even direct sunlight will not interfere with work.
The quality of the transmitted image is at the highest level, and fully meets the requirements of users who are professionally involved in graphics processing. Thanks to the sRGB color profile, the display produces realistic, natural colors. Moreover, there are no even minimal highlights on the matrix. For those who prefer richer tones, there is support for the Enhanced color profile. You can quickly switch between profiles using the quick actions menu, which is located in the Notification Center.
Software
The developers have carried out serious optimization of the software. Now the transformer turns on even faster, and in sleep mode, when you press the power button, there is an almost instantaneous transition to work. Also, due to optimization, it was possible to overcome problems with hibernation. The operating system used is the desktop version of Windows 10 Pro. This means that the device is compatible with all common software solutions for this OS, which significantly expands the scope of its application.
Thanks to the software capabilities and advantages of the keyboard unit, Surface Pro can be transformed from a tablet to a portable laptop at any time. Which is suitable not only for accessing the Internet and working with office software, but also for more serious tasks (web development, programming, etc.). When paired with a digital pen, this device becomes a useful work tool for professionals such as artists, animators, photographers and designers.
Performance, memory and cooling
The update to the hardware components was the most important change compared to the previous model. The Transformer is equipped with the new seventh generation Intel Core i5-7300U processor (Kaby Lake), which features higher levels of performance and improved energy efficiency. The base clock speed of the 2-core computing component is 2.6 GHz, and in Turbo Boost mode it can reach 3.5 GHz. The CPU is complemented by an integrated graphics processing circuit Intel HD Graphics 620.
Based on the Core i5-7300U, there are 2 transformer configurations: with LPDDR3-1866 RAM (4 or 8 GB), and a Samsung SSD with high read and write speeds (128 GB or 256 GB). The device demonstrates excellent performance when working with graphic editors, office applications, a browser, and has sufficient power reserves for playing 4K video.
Overall, it's a great option for everyday tasks, media consumption, and content creation and editing. As for gaming performance, everything is not so simple: games like Watch Dogs 2 run, but even at minimum settings it is impossible to achieve a comfortable FPS level. But the Surface Pro can easily handle games from the Windows Store, as well as regular PC games at the CS: GO level.
Models with Core m3 and i5 processors use a passive cooling system without coolers. Despite this, even under prolonged intense loads, temperature readings do not exceed the permissible norm. Thanks to an energy-efficient CPU and a competent approach to organizing a passive cooling system, The manufacturer managed to achieve complete silence during operation of the device, which has a good level of productivity.
Autonomy
Since the new model used a smaller motherboard, there was free space for installing a larger (45-watt) battery, compared to the 38-watt one in the Surface Pro 4. In general, a 50% increase in autonomy is promised compared to its predecessor, due to an energy-efficient platform and increased battery capacity.
On one charge, the tablet can withstand 10 full hours of cyclic video playback, although the manufacturer stated that it can play video for 13.5 hours. However, this is still a very worthy result. In web surfing mode, the device operates for 12 hours. With moderate intensity of use, the battery can easily last an office worker the entire working day. The battery charges quite quickly: from 0 to 100% in just 2 hours, using the included adapter.
Weaknesses and strengths of the 5th generation Surface Pro
Advantages:
- high build quality;
- exquisite design;
- excellent display;
- speaker placement and sound quality;
- silent operation;
- good autonomy;
- system performance;
- good cameras;
- convenient facial recognition system;
- quick start-up, instant wake-up from sleep mode;
- support for an improved Surface Pen, a comfortable Signature Type Cover keyboard, and a Surface Dial;
- compatibility with accessories from the previous generation;
- ability to connect to external monitors.
Flaws:
- keyboard and stylus not included;
- there is no USB Type-C connector;
- there is no built-in LTE modem;
- high price.
Summarizing
Microsoft Surface Pro 2017 is a universal portable computer that successfully combines the capabilities of a tablet, laptop and digitizer. At the moment, this model is considered one of the best among transformers on the market, and can well be considered as a worthy alternative to ultrabooks.
Microsoft did not invent something radically new, and, in fact, released an improved, modified version of Pro 4, in which the shortcomings and errors inherent in predecessor. The fifth generation of Surface Pro features increased performance and longer battery life, thanks to optimized software and an updated platform. The ergonomics of the case and branded accessories have also been improved, and the functionality of the digital pen has been improved. In addition, a total of several hundred subtle, but still important changes were introduced.
The manufacturer chose a successful strategy and managed to maintain the attractiveness of the line of hybrid tablets, combining the best from previous versions with new developments previously presented in the Surface all-in-one Studio. We're talking about introducing support for the Surface Dial controller, the ability to instantly switch between color profiles, and an improved folding kickstand that provides a stronger tilt angle. As a result, the consumer is provided with a high-quality, balanced and multifunctional product that fully justifies the investment in its purchase.
There are currently several versions available on Gearbest Microsoft Surface Pro 2017:
- 4 GB RAM + 128 GB SSD with m3-7Y30 processor - $1050;
- 4 GB RAM + 128 GB SSD – $1300;
- 8 GB RAM + 256 GB SSD – $1,700;
- 8 GB RAM + 256 GB SSD with i7 processor—$2,200;
- 16 GB RAM + 512 TB SSD – $3100;
- 16 GB RAM + 1 TB SSD - $3800.
The choice is up to the buyer!
