Should I buy a Microsoft Surface tablet? – ABC4.com

Should I buy a Microsoft Surface tablet? – ABC4.com

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by: Chris Thomas, BestReviews Staff
Posted: May 12, 2022 / 02:19 PM MDT
Updated: May 12, 2022 / 02:19 PM MDT
by: Chris Thomas, BestReviews Staff
Posted: May 12, 2022 / 02:19 PM MDT
Updated: May 12, 2022 / 02:19 PM MDT
A decent number of manufacturers have released Windows tablets over the last decade, most in the form of detachable two-in-one laptops. Only one family of tablet PCs has survived throughout that time and continues to offer updated releases with impressive performance.
Somewhat unsurprisingly, that family is the Microsoft Surface lineup. Since Microsoft is responsible for the ubiquitous Windows operating system, it makes sense that their in-house designed laptops run it so efficiently.
There are currently two active members of the Surface lineup, the Surface Pro and Surface Go. While at first glance they look just like small and large versions of the same tablet, in many ways, they couldn’t be more different. Either one is worth considering, depending on your needs, although there’s another Windows tablet that also deserves a look, the Lenovo ThinkPad X12 Detachable.
It takes the form of a tablet, but make no mistake — the Surface Pro 8 is a full-featured laptop packed with powerful hardware. It’s built to meet the requirements of the Intel Evo certification, which designates modern laptops with a certain level of power, convenience, connectivity and usability.
It’s a relatively strict standard to adhere to, which makes it a good barometer of how efficient and easy to use a laptop is. The Surface Pro earns the Intel Evo badge, but the Surface Go does not.
There are a few important ways the Surface Pro stands out among Windows tablets.
In short, the Microsoft Surface Go is the smallest and most portable tablet that you can rely on running Windows dependably. It doesn’t have the firepower for most resource-intensive tasks, and even some multitasking can slow it down. But, if you need to take notes in class, entertain yourself during a commute or put together the ultimate minimalist digital nomad setup, it’s worth a look.
To minimize the performance issue, the Surface Go ships with Windows 11 in S Mode. S Mode limits the programs you can install and the settings you can tweak. This delivers an especially secure experience that’s light on resources and keeps you from noticing that the components are a bit underpowered.
If you value display quality and convenience in a highly portable and full-featured laptop, the Surface Pro 8 is definitely worth a look.

Surface Pro Signature Keyboard
It’s arguably the best two-in-one keyboard available, with a surprisingly good typing experience. However, it’s also pretty costly.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon

Surface Pro Signature Keyboard with Fingerprint Reader
It’s identical to the standard keyboard but sports a fingerprint reader that confers complete Intel Evo certification on the Surface Pro 8.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon

Surface Go Keyboard
Though not as premium as the Surface Pro type cover, it’s still a touch better than most other laptop keyboards.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon

Fintie Rechargeable Surface Go Keyboard
Keyboards use up a surprising amount of a detachable laptop’s battery power, and the Fintie’s internal battery helps to take some of that load off the tablet itself. The drawbacks are that it’s slightly thicker and heavier than the official model.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon

Lenovo ThinkPad X12 Detachable
This highly capable tablet is the first in a while to rival the Surface Pro series. If you want peak performance plus portability and aren’t concerned with ultra-high resolution or near-perfect color accuracy, take a good look at the X12 Detachable.
Where to buy: Sold by Lenovo and Amazon

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Chris Thomas writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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Avoid the Surface Pro X, which uses an ARM processor similar to the ones found in smartphones and can’t run Windows smoothly.